Wow, just 3 weeks ago, kids were bouncing off walls as we were gearing up for Christmas. The anticipation and magic of it all kept the kids maxed out for several days leading UP to Christmas. The logic and experience of being around kids would caution that usually there is a crash at some point. (Keep that thought for a moment.) When that happens, it is best to clear the area or ask someone who is a bit more patient and understanding (ie. gets paid to do this) to watch the kids for a few hours. Anybody can endure a certain degree of abuse for a little cash. For us, the two weeks of our Christmas "break" were filled with two birthdays, four Christmas celebrations, and two visits by grandparents. Translation: the kids were inebriated, but not by alcohol. Everyday was a party and the fun was seemingly endless. Actually, we really did have a lot of fun and enjoyed spending time with our parents who drove hundreds of miles through terrible conditions like we all used to do when we were college students. You know, those days when you "started" driving on your 10 hour trip at 10p when you got off work and when all logic with road conditions and night driving did not apply to you. You can do anything with coffee, Mountain Dew, music, and an open window with cold air flowing in. The fun..... well, for us it meant sleeping past 5:45a, hanging out with the kids at length, XC skiing, sledding, good food, hanging out with friends, spending time with parents, movies "upstairs" with the kids, and playing with new toys.
Meanwhile, there was this little thought lingering for at least one person in our family....TAX SEASON. Tax season is always crazy. At this time of the year, we expect it to be and we prepare for the craziness. However, let's just say last year was intense and many of us in our family still have nightmares about it. Well, that reality hit this past Monday. That crash I was talking about earlier....insert patient, understanding DAD and the new tax season plan. Oh, and we forgot to have a family meeting to go over the new protocol. Effective Monday, Mom was heading in to work early. That meant Dad (for the next 15 weeks) was in charge of walking the kids to school. Wait...you mean Mom is not taking us anymore? Enter Christmas hangover....
With no transition, we were all off to school at 7:15a for the 'before-school' program. Kids were confused, rushed, irritated, and I was in charge. No problem I thought - I can do all of this....Where's your hat? What do you mean you forgot your hat? It is 7 degrees. Yes, I forgot your snack. You will have to wait until we get home later. You didn't go to the bathroom before we left? Deep breath..... Hmm, we want Mom back.
The hangover did last a few days, but by Friday, things were starting to settle in a bit. Check out Stimson's publishing party (his favorite part of school).
Only 14 more weeks to go.....
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