So today was somewhat of a test, because today I decided to accept my ex's invitation to go do something with the kids, and we all know how fantastic that turned out when we did that for my birthday in december, haha .
So I picked up my family this morning and we drove to the zoo. My kids had a wonderful day, and we laughed, smiled, and it was really a nice day. I found myself just being able to focus on what the kids wanted even though my ex was right there beside me the whole day, and that was really a good feeling. When we had seen all the animals, my ex asked if we should drive into town and have dinner since we were in the city, and d5 really wanted to so we did. In the car d5 said: (now the car is with its family again - that stung a little, but that was the only negative thing of the day for me). After having dinner, I drove them to the house, and I had time to reflect on my way home, since all 3 of them were sleeping.
I found myself having had a day, where I didn't have to pretend to be happy and content, I just was. I simply just enjoyed having an extra day with my kids, and having the possibility to take them to the zoo. I felt good, really good - My ex talked a lot, and I mostly just listened and validated and I guess that was the recipe for a good day in this new reality of not being a romantic family, but still a family .
I am going to bed tired (just hit the gym for 2 hours after dropping them off), but really happy that this trip was the complete opposite of the disaster in december .
/h
BD: Wife says "its over" 11th august 2018. EA: June 2018 PA: August 2018 - ongoing Status: Taking turns 7 days a week to be in the house w. kids WW: no regrets, seems happy with leaving.
. 
.