Which leaves us with a rather empty nest at the moment, always a bittersweet experience for us.
On the one hand, we can pretty much do what we want without having to worry about being in parent mode 24/7 -- it's a nice break, because you don't realize how much thought and effort you put into that until you can let it go for a few hours or even a couple of days. It isn't that you don't worry or wonder about what they are doing, you just don't have to do so in an intense, hands-on way like you do when they are right here in the house.
But not having her here to chat with, snuggle up, and goof around with at the end of her school day?
It's an odd feeling, even with the loveliness of the break.
I find myself checking the backseat repeatedly to see why she isn't making noise, wondering if she conked out for a nap...and then realizing she isn't here. Same with looking around the house until I realize she's away.
Being a parent is like having your heart walking around outside your body. My dad said that to me once when I was first pregnant with her, and it is more true every day.
Somehow, though, I have a feeling we'll find a way to enjoy ourselves this weekend. But it's always an odd hour or two when she first loads into grandma's car and drives away.
*sniffle*
(Photo of empty nest via Robert S. Donovan. Great feel to this shot, isn't there? Or maybe it's just my mommy feelings talking.)
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