Why is it...

Why is it that children behave 100% for their grandparents, but not for their parents? If anyone has the answer, please let me know.

On Friday Todd and I headed down to Kiawah Island to spend the weekend at The Sanctuary, thanks to a Christmas gift from his parents. I took the kids to the beach on Thursday to spend some time with Steve and Gretchen so they could get to know Riley's routine (what little she has that is routine) and so I would feel more comfortable (yes, it's all me). Gretchen asked me if I was going to write anything down for her, "No," I replied. She doesn't have two days in a row that are too much alike, although she's getting better. She figured her out though and there were no problems.

The time came to leave Friday afternoon and I knew I would get teary eyed. Of course I knew the kids would be fine and probably get more attention than they do at home, but I had never left Riley, ever, and I was sad. A couple of tears were shed and we were off. We pulled up at The Sanctuary and I swear, I had never seen a hotel as beautiful as this one. I now know why it's a 5 Star hotel. To even call it a hotel isn't doing it justice. Everything was meticulously done, the grass, the pillows on the chairs, the service, everything. Everyone associated with the hotel called us Mr. and Mrs. Milligan, even the waitstaff; it was kind of funny to be called that again after being out of teaching for a few years now. We got checked in and had a drink in the lobby before eating a scrumptious dinner in their "casual" dining room, if you will.

Saturday morning we're up early. Of course we can't "sleep in." It felt like sleeping in though because I wasn't up at all during the night. Heaven. We hit the beach for a nice walk. At 7:50 I called Steve and Gretchen to check on the kids and THEY WERE STILL SLEEPING!!!! I couldn't believe it. Riley woke up at 5:30 for her usual early morning bottle and then went right back to bed. Jack woke up briefly at the same time and then fell right back to sleep. Unbelievable right? Yep. Todd and I enjoyed a day in Charleston shopping and visiting friends before eating an even better dinner at The Peninsula Grill. If you ever go to Charleston, eat there. It's top notch. And get the filet, it melts in your mouth.

Sunday morning proved even better for Riley. She slept from 6:30 to 6:30- the latest she's ever slept w/o wanting a quick fix and then returning to bed for a couple of hours. Jack didn't get up at all during the night, which he often does at home, wanting us to lay down with him or some other silly thing that wakes us up from a deep slumber.

We got back to the beach before lunch and had great reports on both kids. Jack was well mannered, didn't wine at all (WHAT??) and ate huge meals. Riley was great too, thank Goodness.

So we get home late yesterday afternoon, unpack, eat dinner and get the kids in bed. We're exhausted, hit the sack, and pray for a good night's sleep. Not. Jack woke around midnight, wanted me to lie down with him. UGH! Then wakes again at 4:45, and NEVER goes back to sleep. I tried several times, even threatening to take away cartoons for the morning, and no avail. So, we've been up since BEFORE the crack of dawn and Jack didn't watch any cartoons until lunch time. Amazing how he can sleep all night at his Gammy and Poppy's, but not here.

So, needless to say, we're tired tonight and hitting the sack early. I have already chatted w/ Jack about his sleeping habits and have contemplated locking him in his room (just kidding)!

Until next time...