My oldest kids are at their grandma and grandpa's house for the week and it is just too quiet around here. The little ones follow me around all day clinging to my legs, trying to sit in my lap constantly because they don't know what to do with themselves. We are all Eeyore-like without the big kids. My dd6 was going to stay at the grandparent's too, but ran and got in the car in tears at the last second saying she just couldn't do it. Poor thing. She's cried off and on all week thinking she's made the wrong decision and is missing out on big fun. I've even considered driving the 100 miles to take her back up, but hubby decided to take Friday off if he can and let her spend this coming weekend up there. In the meantime, she is not a happy camper. I decided to take the little kids to the movies tonight so that she will feel like she's having a little bit of a special time at home too. It's hard to compete with the hard-core spoiling going on at the grandparent's though. Sheesh! The big kids have been taken shopping, decorated the grandparent's house and tree, gone to a funky little tea place called the Mad Hatter where they picked out hilarious hats and had high tea, ds11 has been learning carpentry with his grandpa (they're making a Colonial trunk) and grandma is teaching dd13 how to sew and follow a pattern. Not to mention they have cousins up there and are having sleep-overs, movie nights and all manner of fun. I had grand plans for our own cool week, but car trouble, a fever (and subsequent strep culture - negative - whew!!), and tummy troubles have made this week a serious downer. I am trying to redeem the remainder of the week with dinner and movie with dad at the movies, a playdate with a favorite friend tomorrow, then we'll take off to hang out with the in-laws for the weekend and bring the kiddos back. Next week should be back to the normal (and comforting) chaos...