Every other weekend (EOWE), SS11 goes to BM's. This has been the arrangement now for the last 2+ years. DH and I have been together for 4 years now, living together for 3 years. DD12 lives with us full time and sees her father occasionally but not very often any more. This weekend is......the scheduled EOWE For the entire weekend starting today, I get to enjoy some peace and quiet.

No cartoonish voices from SS11, no yell/singing for the sake of hearing himself, no "Dad! Dad! DADDD! what are we doing today? Dad! come here! Dad! look at me, DAD!", no asking SS11 to pick up after himself, no reminding him to say please and thank you, no begging him to eat, no getting irritated watching SS11 practically bounce off the walls, throwing himself into the couch, pulling and tugging on the poor dog who is almost 13 year old, or whining about being bored etc. In other words, we get a much deserved break from all the work!

Instead, we get to relax and do any home improvements without SS11 constantly interrupting or asking when we'll be done etc. We get to either go out to eat or cook something fancy without having to deal with SS11 screwing up his face, not wanting to try anything that isn't chicken nuggets etc. Fortunately, DD12 is a lot like me in that she is very open minded when it comes to trying new and different foods. There are things she doesn't prefer but she'll eat what she's given and not make a tearful, whiny production out of it the way SS11 does. DD12 also is busy for hours on Saturdays at her extra curricular sport so when SS11 isn't here, DH and I get a few hours to ourselves

I don't like having to deal with SS11 after the EOWE because of the apparent lack of structure and rules at BM's house but for now, I think I'll enjoy the present time and deal with SS11's return later.

Have a great weekend!