The Joys of Summer

Where do I begin? Dodger games, Legoland, Museums, Tide Pools, Swimming Pools and it's not over yet. For the past month my cousins Andy, Liz and Paola (ages 7, 10, and 15) have been visiting from North Carolina. Add to that my own kids Emma and Sean (3 and almost 2). Topped with my niece and practically other child Rita (age 9). So, on any given day, for the last month, I have had an average of 6 kids under my care.

Today for the first time I realized that I am really tired.

I say for the first time because I have not had a minute to myself until now. What's sadder is that even as I write this I'm listening to Ed, Edd and Eddy on Cartoon Network. I have two other kids (my sister's Sam, 8 and Joe, 7) awake in my living room. They can't sleep. It's their first sleepover at my place. Steve unfortunately is working late so I'm manning this ship alone. I swear, I've been ready to send up the S.O.S. flares many a times tonight.

Oh, did I mention that most (if not all by now) are sick. Yup, they all have the nasty green snots mixed with that lovely barking cough that seems to never go away. Music to my ears. So to top off getting them fed, dressed, bathed and entertained I have also been getting them drugged. With so many antibiotics and cough suppressants floating around the house I feel like I live in SavOns.

So, why do it? Because growing up I have nothing but the best memories of spending every summer with my aunts (they were my almost my same age, we have a very crooked family tree). Now, I guess it's my turn to let Emma and Sean enjoy their cousins. And the bottom line is that they are enjoying them more than words can say. Every morning they wake up looking for them. And every night they beg to have them sleep over. Hence, Sam and Joe in my living room. It's so cute to hear little Sean calling them on the phone if they should happen to spend a couple of hours away at my mom's house.

Speaking of moms, I have a whole new respect for the woman. I can't believe she had 5 kids. Insane. I at least have a light at the end of my tunnel (they'll all go back to North Carolina or school).

I'm trying to enjoy these days because I know that they'll soon end. Before you know it Emma will be sending her kids to visit Sam's or Rita's kids.

Weird. At the same time I'm really looking forward to the days when there is nothing planned but a walk around the block followed by a little backyard time.

I've been separated from Sarah and the boys for too long now. Quarantine. The last thing she needs is a newborn and the virus that we all have. Honestly, I'm getting to the point where I'd be willing to wear a surgical mask or put the kids in a bubble just so we can see them. I need my good ol' Slurpee Fridays (I probably would have spiked mine today).