So much to wrap my mind around

Last week was one of the most educational and enriching weeks of my life. The first night was tough for me. I was pretty homesick and knew no one. By the end, I was sad to leave Richmond, which is absolutely beautiful. I was sad to leave my new friends--all who teach history, all who chose to be there, and all who share an enjoyment and appreciation for learning. Don't worry, they were a lot of fun too! I even stayed up until 1:30am with a group of people the last night drinking a few beverages. Go me!
Returning home was great, don't get me wrong, but it's tough to switch gears so quickly. I have been away a lot this summer. I have felt tremendous guilt, but overall in the ten and a half years I have been a parent, I have hardly left. I definitely plan to apply for something next year. Thankfully Thad has been a great supporter of me.
Anyway back to switching gears. I got home late Thursday night. I couldn't sleep, so I was pretty tired on Friday. Friday/Saturday at 3am, Thad got paged out. The next day he was paged out at 12:45. Without all the details, he put in around 26 hours of overtime between Friday-Sun. What a quick way to get back into single parent mode.
This week is busy as well. My cousin Mike came to visit with his daughter Jasmine, and my Uncle John. Mike is a single father and a hell of a good one at that. Single parenting in general is a lot of work, but I give major props to him. He is a typical Ingersoll, that's for sure. I was quickly reminded where my family gets our sense of humor. My kids learned some new words too! Kate was sobbing uncontrollably tonight at the thought of not seeing her cousin Jasmine for a long time.
Tomorrow the girls begin a three day dance camp in Detroit Lakes. My sister in law is coming this weekend. Ryan has baseball. It will be busy, but I am so grateful to have our days filled with activity, family, and friends.
No pictures tonight, sorry. I have to upload them, and sometimes the thought of it makes me tired.