I tried to daydream, but my mind kept wandering

[ClingingToHope]

If I felt that D9 was using XW to manipulate me I wouldn't have let her go. They try the "I want to go to mom's" from time to time if they are upset with me, and they know that doesn't fly. There was just free time in the morning and she wanted to see her mom.

The houses are so close it seems petty to say they can't go over there. At some point, it'll be different. Perhaps XW will find someone and the girls will find a surprise with these dropins? Eventually, she'll sell the house and the area she is looking at is a good 15-20 minute bike ride away.

Right now, it's just D9 on the bike riding thing to XW's.

Long fun day today. Church in the morning and then a 90 minute drive to a Renaissance Faire. Very good time -- even with the mid-day thunderstorm. I spent too much though. I am glad summer is coming to an end. I need a bit of a break.

D9 wanted to see her mom and that was fine, so D12 and D9 rode their bikes home. D12 then came back to stay with me. XW is off this week so D12 will get up here and go over there in the morning.

It'll be an interesting week. XW is taking them down to St. Louis to see her sister. XW doesn't travel all that well -- or at least she didn't with me. And her sister isn't all that into kids. They don't have any. Her husband is. He's a great guy.

They plan on taking the girls to the Six Flags down there. D12 let it slip that XW is mad at me because I'm the "fun parent."

I don't feel bad about that. It's ALWAYS been this way. Even when we were together. I'd do as much as possible with the kids during the summer and XW just wanted to go to the camp ground and sit around.

I should have been more sensitive to her concerns then. Back then I didn't know that it was just the husband and wife in the circle with everyone else -- kids included -- on the outside.

No. I always put the kids first and that contributed to where I am today. But now, hey I'm going to enjoy my time with them. She needs to step up her game.

The trip means I won't see girls from Wednesday morning until Monday. I have lots of projects -- but truthfully, I have had little energy when they aren't around. I'll probably just catch up on sleep.