Haven't spoken much as of late, still following though.
I must tell you that the drama of your court date sure stirred up many unpleasant memories. Believe me, trial sucks!
My advice, choose the battles very carefully. I only went to trial because a precedent had already been in place as far as visitation and X wanted to change it when she saw $ signs.
Choose what you can live with as it is written with the courts. Yes, there is the probability she will soften as far as the kids go, but every time she gets a bee in her bonnet the kids will be how she attacks you. To this day it is still being pulled on me at times. I just laugh most of the time considering my youngest is going on 17. He listens to me better than his mother. HA!
Overnights during the week are nice but how much interaction do you have when they're asleep? If you're not there when they wake or leave for school is a whole lot gained in parenting vs. evenings spent?
Ask for the 4th week in the summer, it shouldn't hurt to ask. Also, first right of refusal ends up being very important in having the kids, bonus time!
What we do for holidays is Thanksgiving is with me because their mom leaves to spend it with her husbands family. Christmas eve is spent with her and Christmas day is with me. Other holidays are written in the court order but got muddled up fairly quickly and wasn't that big of an issue.
Get the kids involved with activities outside the home because these are ways you can be involved outside of the assigned parenting time.
I feel for you my friend. This will be extremely difficult for some time, but I promise it will lighten up with time.
You will make memories that no one can take away and they will be very special for you and your children, just "us" and Dad!!
Remember, it's only a chapter, you're not even near the end of this book.
cire
Me 48 X's vary S 27 S 18 Back with high school sweety after 30 years..
