We made it home this evening near 8pm and my body is begging me for one more day off, but sadly tomorrow is Monday. My legs are sore, no doubt from the hours of walking around yesterday.

This afternoon, before leaving, we took the kids on a walk on the trail near Naona’s house, and in the end I think we walked about two miles. Big E rode his bike and C rode her scooter.

A few years ago, when Big E was about two, we realized that C had taken several trips over to her grandparents’ house all by herself, but Big E had never done it. Thinking he would enjoy the one on one attention, we sent him over for a visit only to find out that even though he was having some fun, most of the time he just seemed lost and sad. That’s when I really realized how tight his connection with C was. He had never been that long without her and us. He kept walking around looking sad and he really didn’t know what to do with himself. Since that experience, I’ve never pushed for him to do it again, but a few weeks ago he mentioned that he wanted to give it a try. So I made arrangements for him to stay there when we next visited. I half expected him to back  out of it when it came time for us to leave, but while he seemed sad that we were leaving, he was determined to stay behind. He said he loved us and would miss us, but he couldn’t wait to spend time with Naona, GP, and Aunt Julie without us there. So that’s where he is now. And yes, I have already called multiple times to check on him. He is doing fine. But I really do miss him.

During the entire ride home, Baby E kept asking for him. About every ten minutes I would hear him pipe up from his seat and say, “Big E??” I’d remind him that he wasn’t with us but a few minutes later he would ask again. He even asked for him as we laid him down to sleep tonight. Poor guy is going to miss his big brother!

I’m so happy that we made the trip out to my parents’ house this weekend. I hate that they live so far away, but I am also very grateful that it isn’t further! My parents are amazingly generous and kind people and really do love spending time with them. It’s going to be a long wait until Thanksgiving.