No Kids Now Please!!!

I've decided that I'm never having kids...okay so not really, but I'm definitely glad I didn't go into childcare. This week, I'm helping with a family's "Cousins' Camp" (where their grandkids ages 8+ come and spend the week with grandma and grandpa doing all kinds of things). There are 5 kids between 8-10 years old - WOW!!

• Monday--I was in charge of craft day and we painted hats - BAD IDEA. They loved doing it and I loved helping and seeing them play, but boy OH BOY was it a mess. When I helped one create something cool, everyone else wanted me to do the same thing on theirs and then they were comparing my work and having competitions. 
• Tuesday--We had major meltdown so no fun for anyone which meant 8 hrs of quiet time and no games. 
• Wednesday-- This day has blissfully come to an end and I've pretty much decided to spread my kids out age wise. Having so many kids so close in age is taking a toll. The whining, teasing ending in tears, loading and unloading, and forgetting things is too much. 
• Thursday-- Trip to the National Zoo and by the end of the 10 hr day I wasn't the only one who felt a little cranky. I love the kids and they're great for the most part, but if one of them gets set off, it's all downhill from then on. We took the Metro up (brought back memories of the Tube) but the way home was a nightmare.
• Friday-- "Can you come home with me?" "Do I have to go home?" "Why did he get the front seat; it's my turn." "Anne, can I call you everyday?" "Anne, you're prettier than my mom; can I live with you?" 

Overall, I've definitely played plenty of "Eye Spy", "The Quiet Game", "Name That Tune", "Are we there yet?", and "Anne can I hold your hand/sit by you now - it's my turn." It's been an adventure to say the least. I love kids, but I'm definitely glad I don't have that many of the same age. "Oh what a night!!...."  Give me time before you expect children from me. --- Tay, take note of that!