crash landing

We got home last Thursday night after a very nice vacation in PEI.  We left Kingston on Aug. 4 (Allison's birthday) and spent Aug. 5-25 with Mom & Dad.

Things went well.  Jonathan enjoyed playing with the Legos (he made a beeline for them the minute he walked in the door at Mom & Dad's); he liked sitting out at the picnic table doing jigsaw puzzles or playing basketball on the lawn; he slept well & long; he had fun at the beach, at the Gold Cup & Saucer Parade, etc.  Although he was challenging at times, it was not as stressful because there were always people around to fuss over him and engage with him.  Rich & I got away for a nice dinner at the PEI Preserve Co. and we had some other pleasant outings.  Best of all we had lots of good family time -- just sitting outside under the chestnut tree, relaxing and talking about the great weather!

The re-entry to Kingston has been rough.  Jonathan is glad to be home, for sure, but his screaming, demanding, and fussing have increased (and therefore so have mine).  Perhaps for him it's just a matter of coming back and not knowing what the routine is NOW -- esp after 5 consistent weeks at camp and 3 weeks at Grandpa & Grandma's.  Next Tuesday school starts so it will be wonderful to get into a steady routine.  I know I'm looking forward to it.  I didn't feel overly stressed or tired while in PEI, but now the reaction is setting in.  I didn't sleep well Saturday night (I slept upstairs because I had to get up early to go to worship team practice) and on Sunday afternoon as I went around the house putting stuff away and finishing unpacking, I kept passing by our bed and forcing myself not to lie down in it.  On Sunday night I went to bed at 8:30 and slept till 7 a.m. -- something I NEVER do unless I'm sick.  I must have needed it!

Allison goes to LCVI tomorrow for a pre-orientation day with other grade 9's.  I hope she enjoys the day and feels excited about school starting next week.  I think we all need a fresh start for the fall.