We're Off...

We're off for a couple of days.  We're pulling the guys out of school this week and drifting on up to Chicago.  We're going to the Legoland Discovery Center so I'm sure we'll come home with more Lego.  Those of you that have been in our house----or possibly just seen all the pictures of Lego on this blog----are shaking your head in pity I know.  The boys also want to hit a Lego store even though there IS one in the Discovery Center.  And you know....that's o.k. with me.  I want to go to Superdawg and New York Bagel and Bialy.  I want to look at Lake Michigan.  I want to hang out in the hotel and swim in the pool with the guys (I actually don't know how to swim but I often dream that I have taught myself....).  I want to order in comforting food and watch the boys jump from hotel bed to hotel bed while I pity the people beneath us....  Maybe visit Millenium Park and a museum or two....

It was Judi's beloved meditation instructor Eric who, in a very kind email he sent me after Judi's death, mentioned that when he was a teen and lost his mother, his father took him and his siblings on a vacation not long after and that he had always remembered that.  It really struck me and I did feel that although the last weekend was a turning point in some ways, we weren't quite ready to jump back into daily life. 

We can't swing a full fledged vacation but I thought a couple of days away...just the four of us (er, well, just the FIVE of us Owen keeps correcting me) might do us some good.  Of course it quickly became a Lego-centric plan but that's o.k....Leo and Owen are excited and happy and I treasure that. 

I'm bringing the laptop. Often when I go away I tell myself it will be good for me to be away from the computer but since this trip is all about comfort I'm bringing it with me as I adore my sweet little laptop.  So you may hear from me.  Debbie is still in town and will be here to keep an eye on my mother and feed our beasts so we can relax about that.

Judi's (and now our) dear friend Amy has hired someone to come in and clean our house.  What incredible kindness.  And I'm taking her up on it.  I hope that I remember to pass some of this kindness that we have been shown on to others in the future.... 

Oh, and I'm still smiling every time I looks at the urn with Judi's ashes and the Obama sticker.  I love my boys.  LOVE THEM.