Driving in the car, with kids...

Since my big girls have been to camp this week, I have had a chance to hang out with my little ones.....and it has been quite refreshing. It is nice not having as many negotiations, or as many teen-attitude-tinged conversations. I don't have to analyze what the younger kids mean when they say something, because they still just say what's on their mind. The youngers are all in bed by 8 which has been so nice to have time to myself again. I had forgotten what that was like! Also, the littler kids enjoy the simple things like going to the library, making cookies and playing CandyLand. I taught them how to play Yahtzee and they LOVED it. It has been nice to have them learn how to work out their differences without a big sister stepping in. Don't get me wrong, I do miss all the big girl help--- They do so much for me and I love them for that. It has been strange, but is also a nice reminder of how simple life should be. Today while we drove up to meet A for lunch, we talked about silly things. We giggled about how silly words sound, and how silly our dogs are. We made plans to go swimming at the greatest swimming pool in Germany. We haven't done that in ages, since we don't have a car that fits everyone. Now with only 3 kids, it works out fine! We planned out our picnic lunch and plan to go to the park tomorrow. Ahhhh, the simple life.