Yes, I remember as a kid looking forward to summer. Summer vacation (for schoolchildren) has started and summer (using June 21 as the benchmark) has almost begun. While I am looking forward to EuroDude (fashionable, well-mannered) and MilitaryDude (tattooed, well-muscled) watching and occasional interactions (I have to rescue them from DestructoGirl, who would otherwise boss them around worse than their Italian mamas/drill sergeants, and they seem helpless to stop her), my real feeling about the onset of summer is, well, dread.
We're flying out to the West Coast (on the Pacific, a bit north or south of San Francisco, give or take -- really should be lovely and I might get a surfing lesson in), changing planes in Cincinnati of all places with a little less than an hour to spare. FoilDad, a/k/a BigGrampa, wants to see his favorite (only) granddaughters and bought us the tickets. I had mentioned that changing planes with DG is, er, a challenge, but beggars can't be choosers and the direct flights were much more expensive.
Before that, I'm heading down to North Carolina on a non-custodial weekend to assist Innana in the retrieval and extraction of NiQ (mainly so that DOL will get some rest this summer). In August, I'm (at FoilMormor's behest) flying with DG, TG, and NiQ (so Innana can get some rest) to the New England coast for LOS and NSLOS's (they're twins) 50th birthday celebration. NiQ will be a mother's helper, and Innana, DOL, and I all feel NiQ needs to see a bit more of the world. Since tickets for four were a whopping $525, FoilMormor was happy to charge it and see us.
Sounds like lots of fun. However, whenever I think of this, I wonder about the possible destruction of the Cincinnati* airport (we're talking about DestructoGirl, please remember), crankiness of a four-year old and nine- then ten-year old (TG is NOT happy that her birthday is occurring on a different coast that that on which most of her friends are found), NiQ possibly being miserably adolescent**, and general exhaustion. I'm thrilled that the girls are getting three good summer vacations*** and can't sneeze at the vacations I'm getting, which will be capped off by a trip up to New England alone for the Second Mate's memorial service/gravestone unveiling.+ Nonetheless, four trips, three by plane, one by car, in one summer seems a bit much. I feel bad even complaining: my parents love me and my girls and are insisting on seeing us (on their dime) and I really want to see DOL during the NiQ extraction. Each trip will be fun. It's all just a bit much.
This weekend, I'll be doing some Dude-watching and chasing children. Then NiQ extraction the following weekend. Better take my vitamins.
*Wunelle, I seem to recall you've flown in and out of Cincinnati on occasion (or was that Louisville). Any advice? Email at foilwoman at gmail etc. etc.
**Not that there's anything wrong with that: she's an adolescent, she's had more than a few tough breaks, she deserves a little leeway for moodiness. Nonetheless, I'll be hoping for less-moody-with-a-chance-of-cheerfulness, which may well occur as she likes my girls and gets to act younger, sillier, and less dignified with them. I'll hope for the best.
***Yes, I just described two, New England and Northern California: PdeFF is taking the girls for a week to an East Coast beach with friends. I plan to sleep that entire week.
+The gravestone unveiling is a tradition in Second Mate's family. While it makes no sense to me whatsoever (he was cremated), his kids are doing it, it will mean something to them, I want to show respect, and he was such a lovely man that I want to make sure his kids realize how much FoilMormor's daughters loved him.
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6 comments:
Can you ask airline personnel for help in changing? I know they do that for elderly and disabled, and DG can make one feel both! (in a cute way, of course).
Innana
I understand the feeling of dread. It's stressful to be taken out of one's element - even if for fun. Traveling with children is tough too. So even if there will be moments of fun, dread is still an appropriate response.
I find just love all the contrasts in the weather that we get. I love winter for the long dark nights and the short sharp cold winter days when the sun shines and the snow glitters, I love spring as the weather changes its mind from one minute to the next, summer, well you can't beat getting up early and I mean early and heading off in to the Peaks and feeling the warmth of the sun and filling your mind with the insects buzzing and the birds singing, and even autumn with the wind and the rain and storms is exciting. Sorry gone on too long. Have a great summer.
Wunelle: Thanks for the email. It is Delta, so it should be fine. Thanks so much.]
Innana: Good suggestions. Thanks.
Juanita: Dread is the word, but I'll have a good summer and good summer trips,regardless of the horrendous logistics.
Birdmanof the Goyt: I will have a great summer (if exhausting) and it sounds as though you will do the same.
It sounds like you have a full summer ahead of you. I fear for the airline though with DG on board.....
Please issue a big old fashinoned cookie monster style hug to the girls for me.
CookieDear: I fear for the airline too, as well as the airport, and everyone flying at that time between the West and East Coasts and vice versa. I think it's a threat level bright scarlet actually.
How are Padme and Leia liking their new digs?
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