She must be seeing a lawyer...what now?

[Awoken]

I got back today from our ski trip, dropped the kids off at the house and headed out to a gig (it basically paid for the trip). We had a great time. I picked up some kind of flu/fever/sorethroat but it was more than worth it!

D17's best friend was a great addition. She had never been skiing before, and was excited and exuberant the entire time. I can see why D17 loves her. She knows about our sitch, and at first I suspected that she was being extra joyful for our benefit, but D17 told me she is like this all the time (even annoyingly so sometimes). We had a lot of laughs, a lot of joy, lots of car games and inside jokes. They gave me a nickname!
On the way back we sang along to a Beatles playlist.

The best for me, was late at night in the hotel room. We were all in the same room. The three of them (S13, D17, Friend17) stayed up late talking with the lights off. Even though I was half asleep I could clearly hear them, and I'm glad they were comfortable and tired enough to be themselves with me right there. I just laid there with my eyes closed and listened to their gentle talking. They we both confident, experienced, and yet retained their innocence. I think I had a rare glimpse into their private world, and I was so comforted to know that they still have child like joy, trust, and love.