Swine Flu Shwine Flu

The kids are going back to school tomorrow, Thursday, instead of next Monday. This after the school district reversed their decision to close down for a week. This after the CDC re-thought the advisory for schools to close down. This in part because of the hardship on families with kids out of school.

I am happy to report that it has been a pleasure to have the girls out of school and at home these past few days. And I wish they didn't have to go back. I have made it to the other side of the fence!

You know the one, where the grass is greener?

Although I certainly haven't missed all the projects and activities, it's more than that. It's been nice having them home. I've enjoyed having them around and they seem to be enjoying each other more, too.

The other night the girls called me into Anna's room, where Katie was spending the night on the popped up trundle next to Anna. As soon as I walked in, two heads lolled to the side and began emitting obnoxious snoring sounds that quickly lapsed into helpless giggles.

It was so cute. And a bit surreal. It felt a bit like a Family First commercial.

I'm not the only one who doesn't want our Swine Break to end. Kate dug out the memo saying school was canceled until Monday and asked if attendance tomorrow is required. This while gazing into my eyes.

I tried to evade the question. Because I am pretty sure absences will be excused. She really should be in school, right? It could be that a lot will be going on to make up for 3 missed days.

Or maybe not. I mean, the standardized tests are done and the major projects have been turned in and the last month of fifth grade has the potential for being one near-continuous party.

Anyway, I tried to distract Kate by suggesting a haircut after school. She countered with a proposeal to get it tomorrow during school so she could make a splash when she shows up Friday with a new look. (She has recently been expressing an interest in getting noticed. I am pretty sure it is not boy-related. It makes me sad, though.)

The thing is, it would be a lot more fun to keep her out another day and get the haircut and be the fun Mom. And hang on to these days when she'd rather be here with me.

Instead, I told her she needed to go and promised we could get the haircut after school.

This before the email came announcing a make-up rehearsal after school.

Sigh.

Such lovely grass.