We are about to leave for another week's vacation, this time up to Sandy Island, on Lake Winnepesaukee. Long-time readers (does a year count as long?) will remember that we took the same trip this time last year. And we'll most likely continue to go to Sandy for the last week of summer -- or Week 9 as it's called up there -- for many years to come. Alastair's been going with his parents since he was four, and I've been going on and off (mostly on) since way back when A. and I were college sweethearts. (Can I get an "awww"?)
I'm feeling more relaxed going into this than I have other recent family trips, maybe because I've finally adjusted to the fact that vacationing with two babies/toddlers isn't vacationing as I've always known it, and that's OK. I am prepared. I am at peace. I have no illusions, and am determined to try enjoy it in all its chaos: dining hall meltdowns, sand-and-sunblock-sticky limbs, nights stuck in our cabin, etc. It also is going to be a lot of fun, I think, now that the girls are more person-like and observant, able to interact and explore and enjoy. And, oh yes, I will be accepting any babysitting help that is offered and begging for it if it isn't. (Julia: take note!)
I won't have internet access on the island, so I probably won't be able to post for about a week. But please don't go away! Come and read again! Here...I'll create a cliffhanger: the First-Ever Elsa and Clio Current Events Trivia Challenge. But no answers until I'm back. Oh, the suspense.
1. This past week at bedtime, Clio has been screaming her head off and refusing to go to sleep unless Alastair or I
a. Put all of her stuffed animals into the crib with her
b. Read her "Jamberry"
c. Leave the light on
d. Come back in and rub her back
2. Clio screaming her head off sounds like
a. Feedback from a microphone too close to an amp
b. A recording of a chainsaw played back at double speed
c. A duck being stepped on, repeatedly
d. All of the above, on shuffle/repeat
3. Lately, Elsa has been pitching a fit every time we
a. Change her diaper
b. Try to put a bib on her
c. Pick up Clio
d. Step on ducks repeatedly
4. Recently, Elsa and Clio have started using the word "dentoo," which we are fairly sure means
a. Thank you
b. Tissue
c. Tattoo
d. Dentyne
5. Clio has recently learned how to (Choose as many as apply)
a. Drink from a "big girl" cup
b. Flush the big toilet (aka "Robert")
c. Blow her nose when you hold a tissue up to it
d. Keep a barette in her hair for more than 5 minutes
e. Separate an egg
f. De-program our satellite TV using the remote
6. Elsa has recently learned how to (Choose as many as apply)
a. Say "please"
b. Climb up the slide (i.e. go the wrong way) at our favorite playground
c. Get guys to buy her drinks
d. Walk down stairs by herself
e. Really piss off the cat
f. Open the refrigerator
7. True or false: the other day, when Clio's feet were stinky after wearing her sneakers all day with no socks, Alastair sprayed Lysol on them. (Her feet, that is.)
8. True or false: you're not supposed to spray children's feet with Lysol, dumbass!
Have a great week.
