It's the Final Countdown

Less than two days to go...This week has been going by in a blur. We started with a Barratt Family Reunion on Sunday. 

The Barratt Bunch

Lindsay, Theo, John, Dave, Jill, and Kate

Monday was for an afternoon at the pond with our friends Kristy and Taia. 

You know your children had fun when you couldn't get them to stop and pose for a decent photo.

Bruce took the day off on Tuesday, so we had our final lunch at Mi Ranchito.

Wednesday I emptied out Kiki's room so that Chance and Jamie could move in yesterday.

Kiki's room looks like this...

...meaning Kate's room looks like this...

...meaning an empty coat closet has become the new "playroom."

Today was Grandparent's Day at school.  It was also Kate's last day.  Grandpa Jack and Grandma Ellie both came.

"Is Grandpa George coming?" 

"Is Grandma Kay coming?" 

I answered in the negative to both.

"Only my DIVORCED grandparents are coming?!?!?"

She worked through her dismay and put on a great show.

Kate seemed to be doing fine.  She said her good-byes to her teachers, the teacher's aide, and her friends.  She cleaned out her desk and we left the school without much ado.  By the time we were in the parking lot, she was crying a little, and by the time we were home she was sobbing.  It was the worst.  She cried and cried and could not be consoled.  I tried to comfort her but it couldn't be done.  She just can't understand that this could possibly be worth it because she can't understand what is in store for us.  It was terrible, and as hard as my own farewells have been, it was infinitely worse to watch my child hurt through hers.

Thankfully, comic relief has been provided.  Each child in Kate's class wrote her a farewell message.

Here is one:

Kid, I don't know what's going down on the plane you drew, but I'm pretty sure I don't want that to happen.   Either that or I'm going to the Philippines in an awesome rocket.