Fourth and RTW in 2017

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Still trying to figure out this photo thing. Something I’m doing is wrong, but at least y’all can see the photos. From the fireworks on July 3rd.

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Apparently its the “thing” now for her to flash peace signs in photos. Or something.

The festivities were good, and children well behaved. Though we learned our lesson to eat dinner BEFORE going. I’m still in sticker shock. A bacon cheese dog, smothered fries, chicken sammich, hot dog, lemonade, bottle water, and 2 regular fries cost over $40! Captive audience and all, I get it. But next time we come with full bellies and just get a treat later.

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We may try to get to a water park this week or next (as a family) before Matt goes back to work. I’ve got a groupon for someplace local, but it needs to be used on a weekday and once he’s back at work, hes really going to have no wiggle room to ask for days off for that kind of thing.

Im ready for him to be back at work, to resume what was a ‘normal’ routine. Although things will be far from normal. He works in the city, and is usually gone from the house from 8a-7p. Then factor three NA meetings and therapist appts..... I just foresee about half of a week where the kids wont see him at all. Because right now ‘staying up till daddy is home’ is fine for the summer…but I cant keep a first grader up until 930 on school nights. That just wont fly. So I guess the alternative is that there will just be days the kids dont see their dad at all?

I dont know.

I need to figure this all out. I know stressing wont help, but honestly, the positions we are in because of his addiction really suck. He has a great job (albeit a long commute) that we really cant afford for him to lose. I’ve been trying to urge him to push for earlier work hours for the past couple years, for the sake of family time. Nothing’s been available, and Im sure this last minute leave he took doesnt really put him in a position to negotiate for earlier hours. Its frustrating.