It was the fourth, so the kids all swam all day. I would have liked to swim, but when there are so many kids, it’s hard to enjoy the pool…plus the water was cold! I have a really cute swimsuit, too, and I haven’t been able to wear it much yet.
My mom and step-dad were in town by then, so they showed up at J & C’s, as did my older sister and my aunt, plus some of J & C’s relatives that I’ve known forever. We had barbecued brisket, baked beans, and potato salad. We also had the best ice cream in the world, A.K.A. Blue Bell. I couldn’t come to Texas and not have Blue Bell! Miz Lucky thought she’d died and gone to heaven with all the great food she’d never had before!
The men had gone and gotten a whole mess of fireworks (and some liquor as well), and as soon as it got dark the kids started in on them (the fireworks, that is, not the liquor!). It was fun for the kids, stressful for the parents.
Little J had a meltdown that night at bedtime because the next day was when he was going with his dad and step-mother. To say he was worried about it was an understatement. I knew I would have to let them go with their dad the next day, and was upset myself. It’s weird how you go through all these different emotions when you know the kids will be gone for a long time. There is some relief, some excitement knowing that you won’t have to worry about finding a sitter for anything, but there is a whole lot of worry and sadness, too.
I need to come to one of those hoedowns sometime!