Rome-ing and Roaming

Matt spent last week in Rome ("radiation vacation", er, I mean work conference), which meant the girls and I were roaming around here without him. It was my longest stretch as a full-time single parent of two, and I am proud to say that the worst thing that happened around here while he was gone was the destruction of our beloved book, "Kitty Up" (thanks to Adrienne who managed to get her hands on the only book in her room with paper pages). It was not easy to send my husband to Italy (or Europe, for that matter) alone without me for the first time, but timing and circumstances didn't allow for me to join him. So--we helped our best guy pack up and sent him on his way.

Passport renewed, inflatable neck pillow for overnight flight, and ridiculous-looking fanny pack to prevent pickpockets. Cards to open every day he was gone tucked safely in his suitcase.

It was Jillian's first week of school, so we were busy in our new routine. She was exhausted after each full day, which made bedtime a breeze around here. We passed the time outside of school with play dates, dinner with friends, a bit of shopping, and swimming lessons. You can see Jillian continues to make some nice progress in the pool.

Matt didn't have use of his cell phone, but we got to talk to him briefly each day via FaceTime on the iPad--usually just before he went to bed (which was post nap/school around here when you figured in the 7 hour time change). We also regularly sent video clips via e mail. This one that Jillian sent on Friday was my favorite...

Before we knew it we were preparing for his return. Jillian decided that we needed to make a "Welcome Home, Daddy" sign. She worked very hard to color inside each letter. I was happy to have found a task that occupied her for more than 2 minutes.

Matt arrived safely home late last night, bearing lots of "treasures" for the girls, and all was suddenly right in our world once again.