I had grandiose plans of writing on the back porch, in the early morning, while the kiddies slept in. But they didn’t sleep in. And I didn’t write.

We survived enjoyed the cottage. Once again, eight people packed enough for 20, piled into two vehicles and made the trek to Collingwood for a week of fun, sun and relaxation.

Problem was there was hardly any sun. There certainly was little relaxation. But the kids did have plenty of fun.

And that’s why we subject ourselves to doing this, right?!

We had a dip in the pool on Sunday, although it was windy and cool, followed by a little trip to Blue Mountain for a treat.

Monday we went to Wasaga Beach, even though the weather called for showers in the afternoon. Mother Nature must have listened to our wishes, because the big black cloud passed overhead, and the kids had an amazing time splashing in the water and building sand castles. My brother-in-law left Monday, and then my husband, sister-in-law and I were officially out-numbered.

Tuesday was cold! I had only packed one pair of pants for everyone, just in case, but I’m glad we did, because socks and sweaters were in the forecast for the next couple of days. We didn’t know what we were going to do with four kids, already claiming boredom. The pool was out of the question so we went to the movies. I have an upcoming post on the movie, but needless to say, everyone else in the area had the same idea, as the movie theatre was packed. Following the movie, we went home for some warm pasta and some crafts and games.

Wednesday, the forecast was pretty much the same as Tuesday, so we did a little shopping and then after dinner we decided to go back to Blue Mountain and ride the Ridge Runner. The Little Bird loved it! We rode it last year, and again, she was laughing and yelling for me to go faster! We also rode on the Open-Air Gondola, which the kids enjoyed. After some candy for the kids (and latte’s for the adults), we headed home and prayed for better weather the next day.

Thursday was warmer and sunny. So, like Monday, while it wasn’t super-hot, we decided we were going to head to the pool anyway and make the best of it. However, by the end of the day we had decided that we would leave on Friday.

Of course, that meant that Friday was the best day ever! It was hot, sunny and perfect pool weather! We cleaned and packed and then headed out to the pool for the majority of the morning. Even my Little Mouse enjoyed the water, as it was warmer and she enjoyed jumping in and splashing her cousins (and me). After lunch, we headed back to the pool for a few more hours and then decided it was time to go. We packed up the car and headed home, making it in time for dinner.

While I’m sure I could have found time to write, I was too exhausted to try. I went to bed late, woke up earlier than anyone should on vacation, and was tired trying to entertain these kids. I don’t remember my parents entertaining me when I was little…I had to entertain myself. Right?! I had to, I’m sure I did. I’m sure it’ll get easier when they get older, so I’m just going to blame it on the fact that they are young. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

Yesterday, I asked my husband for a suggestion of a theme song for the week. Without hesitation, he chose Joy and Pain by Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, and I couldn’t agree more. There was sunshine and rain and it was both joyful and painful! I guess it was everything you could ask for on a vacation with a 2, 4, 5 and 9 year old in a three-bedroom cottage, north of the city.

Until next year…

…maybe.

Joy and Pain

By: Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock

[Hook:]
Joy and pain
Like sunshine and rain
Joy and pain
Like sunshine and rain

[Verse 1:]
Well I’m the new kid, I’m just comin’ up
A lot of rappers think that I can’t tear it up
Well I’m ‘a show ’em and ignore ’em
And when they think I ain’t lookin’ I floor ’em
I mean take ’em out I keep groovin’
A slick bass line keep the beat movin’
They can’t take it they just fake it
They wonder how the Rob Base make it
I get I’ll, you know the deal
Cause this is how the Rob Base feels

[Hook:]

[Verse 2:]
I keep smokin’, hot like fire
You had the turn, now retire
Don’t talk back, I’m not a new jack
Cause I’m fresher than you, an’ you’re whacked
I keep tryin’, I’m not lyin’
Up to number 1 is where I’m flyin’
I won’t slow down cause I’m the new kid
With the devastatin’ sound that hits
In the house where I used to practice
No one knew the Rob exists, but now
I’m gettin’ greedy, don’t lead me
The wrong way cause is just might, might, might
Bring me down, I’ll have to fight to get back up
Move away cause I just won’t slack up

[Hook:]

[Verse 3:]
Now, I go to shows to watch other MCs rock
And if they’re good, I don’t knock
The way they perform cause I like to see a good show
After that, go play ceelo, y’know
Cause I’m a leader, no I’m not a follower
And MCs like you I swallow ’em
So don’t look and try to judge me
Because you think that I’m another MC, well
I’m the new kind, I just moved around
But that don’t mean I can’t rip up the town
Me an’ my boys, we make noise
I hate MCs that think they’re with toys
I’m hittin’ harder than any other MC
Who try to come up and go against me

[Hook:]

[Verse 4:]
Not from the old school or from the new
Applaud the boom, do what you want to
Talk to me then try to put me down
We used to be cool now we don’t hang around
Used to be friends but now we’re foes
Ask me why, man, no one knows
Maybe jealousy between you and me
Could be the fame, could be the money
I’m goin’ for mine and I don’t really care
Cause the spotlight Rob Base don’t share
I’m the headliner of this show
And you’re just a kid and you need to grow, because

[Hook:]