We took a quick weekend trip to Florida with all 4 boys and I am just glad I survived it. My two BS's, 10 and 12, were going to see their father for Thanksgiving, so we figured while we were down there, we'd take a quick trip to the beach for a day and a night. The negotiations actually began Friday night, as we discussed what time we needed to leave and what everyone needed to pack. As there were only 2 beds for 4 boys, we had to discuss the whole concept of sharing beds--FSS13 at first adamantly refused to share with anyone. I said "fine, we'll just make sure to bring enough blankets for two of you to sleep on the floor, so it's fair". Getting the grocery list together took at least another 15 minutes, mainly because we had to go into detail over and over with FSS15, who seems to feel that he has to approve anything involving him. Then FSS13 wanted to go with us to the store, but decided against it when I told him "fine, but we're only getting what's on the list". Then began the discussion of bed-time, as we wanted to get an early start. Yikes, I was already tired.

Saturday driving wasn't bad, but then, when we got to the motel, we had a set-back. We thought we had a suite with one double in one room and two doubles in the other. Nope, the second room had one double and one twin. So, we had to draw names to see who would eventually end up on the floor. And yep, as luck would have it, the last name drawn was FSS13. That brought on an attack of sobbing that I could hardly credit. I looked at my two and said "let's go outside and let them have some privacy". When I left, FDH was cradling him in his lap and trying to soothe him, although to his credit, he did NOT suggest that we re-draw or change the outcome. That is a huge step forward for him. While we were out at the pool, FSS15 volunteered to take the floor instead for his brother, which brought on more tears. Ugh! Did I mention that we get these children each weekend severely sleep deprived because they don't seem to get to bed before 11:00 at all during the week?

That mess finally straightened out, we went to the beach for a bit, then got ready to go to dinner. We get to the restaurant, and my BS12 accidentally elbows his brother, BS10. BS10 yells in surprise and complains how much it hurts (bet it did, too). FDH tells him to "toughen up", albeit in a somewhat joking manner. I took that opportunity to pull him to the side and tell him that it's really not appropriate to tell a 10 year old to toughen up when he cuddles a 13 year old for reacting more emotionally. More wheels are turning and he agrees that he should be more even-handed, but we'll see. Dinner went well, surprisingly, outside of FSS13 making comments about us deciding to have a drink. I generally ignore those comments, since they don't seem to merit any type of reply on my part.

Sunday, we had originally planned to go to the beach early but, not surprisingly, we can't get the two FSS's up. Finally get them stirring around 10, we have to leave the area by 1 to meet the BS's father in time. We had explained this to them all several times, and how we'd like to be able to have plenty of beach time. Didn't matter, we didn't leave the room until just before 11. I just sighed, at least neither FSS complained about wanting more time on the beach. Since the BS's spend loads of time at the beach, I wasn't worried as much about them, so the FSS's only hurt themselves.

We get the BS's dropped off, and then the fun return drive begins. The BS's know we don't get loads of souvenirs, the FSS's don't really understand that fact. It doesn't help that FDH actively souvenir shops with them, asking them what they like. A return trip that should have taken 4 hours took 5 1/2, due to lengthy stops.

Overall, not a bad trip.