We were so, so, so excited to go sledding on New Year's Eve.
Deak and Abby both had gotten new sleds for Christmas and we were all anxious to try them out.
In fact, a new cool and slippery sled was the top item on Abby's Christmas list.
And, we all just knew Deak would love being pulled around.
Or, not.
Most of the short time we were able to spend at good old Happy Hollow was filled with ear-piercing screaming.
Deak was NOT cool with the sledding.
To his credit, it was quite literally 5 degrees outside, and he was cold.
But, man...it was quite the let-down. We had put all our eggs in the "Deak is going to have so much fun basket" and not any in the "Deak is going to think it sucks basket."
Although, she too was quite disappointed about her brother's reaction and the fact that we couldn't stay very long, Abby was awesome.
She made the best of it and had a great time.
Deak had a few momentary lapses of emotional stability, and we were able to catch a few smiles.
As I said, they were momentary.
Blair and I even got in on the action for a second or two.
I'm not going to lie, I was scared out of my mind.
As I said, they were momentary.
Blair and I even got in on the action for a second or two.
I'm not going to lie, I was scared out of my mind.
Overall, we really tried to make the best of it.
Sometimes, especially lately, the hardest part of having our cute little Ring 18 boy means we have a family that can't always go and enjoy activities together. We often have to divide and conquer, or leave early. I don't want to have to stay home all the time, but I miss Deakon so much when I know he really can't handle, or wouldn't want to come with us somewhere.
After we had packed up and were driving away, Blair and I discussed this very topic. I think Abby especially had been excited to share something she loved with her brother, and then...it didn't work out as we anticipated it would.
It's just a reality of our world, and we are okay with it. I just am so grateful for the opportunities when I get to have my entire family together, happy and enjoying an activity. Something as simple as making it to halftime at a high-school basketball game is extra special for us.
Simple can really make us happy, and that is a gift.
4 comments:
Sometimes it's helpful for me to remember that although our lives are different, they are the same too. Even without Ring 18, Deak may not have enjoyed sledding.
Often siblings have different interests. I remember Joel telling me how his brother hated amusement park and whined the whole day. So, Joel had to go on all the rides with his dad, while his bro stayed with mom.
I'm not trying to discount your post, it's just sometimes thinking this way helps me.
Simple also can just be Sweet. YOu guys are the best at making the best of everything. Thanks for sharing this simple, yet, sweet family moment.
Just so you know, I always read your posts. It makes me not miss you too much! I love the pic of you sledding!! You DO look a little freaked! But at last you went! Simple is good!
finding that balance between having them be part of our world and torturing them is the quest. You seem to be like me and error on the include them in everything" side. After 10 years we assume she's coming everywhere, but bring someone along for reinforcements or an early exit if needed. It was tough at first not being able to do just family stuff, but instead we've been blessed with people joining our family to allow us to be as normal as possible :)
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