Vacationing with Owen is usually work. A lot of work. Even in my previous life, when we were a more traditional mom-and-dad family, I found it was just like being at home, but worse. No resources, no routine, no helpers. So this time, I decided to do something different.

Carsten and the boys and I shared a cottage with our dear friends, Vivien and Sheldon, at the end of the summer. They have 3 children, one of whom is Angus’ classmate, plus two younger boys. Needless to say, we had a full house. To provide some relief, I asked one of Owen’s caregivers, Jamie, to join us for a couple of days.

The week had a delightful, warm air of easiness, community, friendship and lightheartedness. We laughed. A lot. And co-existed together in a jumble of rowdy kids and delicious food and great music.  And Owen! He didn’t cry once. Didn’t even pull ‘sad-face’ (I’ll post one sometime. It will break your heart.). He loved (I think) the commotion and the many helping hands. I did too.

me, at the old red hen (last day)

A small handful of photos from our trip – click to enlarge: