Thursday, August 23, 2007

Just Back

Well, we're just back from what was meant to be an idyllic retreat to a mountain cabin not too terribly far from where we live. The perfect, easy vacation. I'd like to say that it was all of that. I'd like to say that Oliver handled the change of surroundings and pace with flexibility and ease. I'd like to say that our stellar parenting shone to all those we came into contact with -- and especially those within earshot of our cabin. I'd like to say that a good time was had by all. And actually, all of that is true, in small doses and little moments scattered throughout the week. But the good, happy times were salted in between large meaty chunks of time when the complete opposite was true. So we did what any sane people would do: we called it quits. We came home a day early. We recognized that it wasn't working and called it a day. And that is A-OK. We'll try again next year. Or maybe the year after.

In the meantime, here are a couple of videos -- the first is pretty funny and the second showcases Oliver's new swimming talents. (My comment at the beginning of that video is because I didn't want Oliver climbing on the staircase because it was so slippery).





8 comments:

  1. Anonymous10:41 AM

    Oh! Thank you so much for sharing, they are so cue, look at them dancing together!!!

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  2. I left this response to your comment you left on my blog, but I wasn't sure you'd be back to see it, so I thought I would leave it here

    Christine, just today a little icon appeared on the top of my compose page for videos that was never there before. I have no idea why it suddenly appeared unless they are upgrading Blogger. Do you have one of these on your page? If so, it is just like posting a picture. I also did the you tube way for my last video and that was not as easy. See if you have the icon. If not maybe you can search blogger to find out how to get it. Like I said though, mine just suddenly appeared.

    I LOVE the video of the boys dancing!!! Oliver hugs just like Andrew does. Sami is so funny! I wasn't able to view the swimming video. It wouldn't load for me for some reason. I will be back to try again.

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  3. I love seeing everyone's movies! I'm going to have to figure out how to do it. It's so fun to see the kids move and hear their voices, and the moms' voices too!

    Did Sami say "I not finished with you yet"? And were you calling Nik over to see, or to make sure no one got knocked into the fireplace?

    I'm sorry your retreat wasn't completely idyllic. Maybe next time...

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  4. I watched it again: "I not done with you?" or "I all done with you"?

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  5. Anonymous1:44 PM

    Gretchen- He's saying "I wanna dance with you". :-)

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  6. Anonymous6:52 PM

    Ooo what a good sharer you are!
    BEst wishes

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  7. I'm bummed, I still can't view the swimming video. It won't load for me. I really wanted to see Oliver swim. I think it is so wonderful that he has accomplished learning to swim this summer! Andrew has been going through some anxiety when it comes to water. Even in his bath. He loves it, but something is freaking him out. Now more than ever I want him to learn to swim and like Oliver I don't think it is something that anyone will be able to teach him. It is something he will probably learn on his own when he is ready and comfortable.

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  8. Hey, kudos to you for attempting the get-away! And it's good there were nice moments mixed in.

    I love the videos! He looks so happy swimming. And at the end Oliver makes a little noise just like one my twins make (very cute).

    The dancing is really sweet.

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