Tuesday, Oct. 06, 2015 - 8:18 a.m.

Ready for the in laws to go home now. Two weeks is about right. They just don't respect our rules and the kids know to ask them, not us. They have criticized all our rules saying there are too many- But they also complain that they don't obey. J observed that they want it all to be totally arbitrary, want the kids to do what they say at any time without any idea of why or what to expect. So good for kids who need structure. They don't like whining either but they can't seem to do the math on this.

One anecdote: leading up to the birthday, there were still daily presents, any one of which would have been a fine birthday or Xmas present itself. Talking about one thing, a toy tool set, his mom said, "oh, that isn't a present. I just got that at the consignment sale. I don't think stuff that has been played with by another kid is good enough for a present. It's just for him to play with." I found that incredible.

Gotta gear up for park day now.

�