We have had a lovely time in Ireland. Mostly because our families have given us many breaks by very kindly keeping our children away from us. I think one of the saddest things about living abroad is that our children see least of the people who love them most (other than us, clearly) and it is great to see them getting to know their grandparents and aunts and uncles better. My parents-in-law have borne the brunt of the child minding as we have spent most of our time in Dublin though my mother did Trojan work with the Princess in Cork, there is only one of her. I think the parents-in-law are almost burnt out. When I came back from Cork earlier in the week, my poor father-in-law who had spent the day with the boys met me in the hall and welcomed me with tears in his eyes before rushing out to the pub like a greyhound out of a trap. My mother-in-law has been tied to the house for ten days now reading stories, inventing new games and preventing fresh dangers. She only ever gets out with at least one infant in tow.
It’s probably just as well that we’re off to Chicago in the morning.
Enjoy your time in the Windy City. I remember liking the art gallery there very much, but that was 28 years ago before I became so suave, sophisticated and cosmopolitan.
Medals all round, then.
But I suspect they’re burnt out in a good way. 🙂