Really, really tired now.

Just back from three nights staying at DD's house looking after four GC ages 7, 5, 4, and 22months. The two in the middle are boys with aspergers, both with different difficulties. First night they couldn't cope with the change and bedtime ended up at 11.30. The house was in an uproar, it's a good job the neighbour was away for the weekend. I had help from their other grandma, but we were exhausted by Sunday evening when their parents came back from the wedding. Boys just recently diagnosed so we are having to learn all about aspergers and autism as quickly as we can in order to make their lives a bit easier. It's a lot of hard work, and hours of reading. I think I need a big

One of the MAIN REASONS I make sure we go on holiday after the school break , don"t cha know!!
& again

Quite the opposite in my case - DD finished her PGCE in June so childcare has not been needed to any great extent since then. DS has been home from uni for the summer but in all honesty he is rarely seen outside his room or the hours of darkness (though there is plenty of evidence in the kitchen that he has been active). So life at the moment is just going to work, doing housework, and cleaning up after two able bodied men

I am so looking forward to September when childcare duties start again in earnest, and when I am changing my job to more child friendly hours. The joy of having DGS here again every day will make up for the tiredness. Though I must admit I will miss DS when he goes, I just love having one of my chicks back under my roof

GA and Marmite, feeling much the same after just 8 days (more to come this w/end).
I tend to neglect basic housework, garden and allotment when guests are here, concentrating on cooking and chauffering, so there is always a backlog!
I really wish I had a dish-washer too!
Plus side is 3 'good' night's sleep tho'.
GC now teenagers therefore nocturnal.... no chance of early nights while they are here..... make the most of yours while you can Kitty

And ga I meant to add, I know what you mean, I've also had a "season" what with my daughter's wedding, and I was really happy to see the last family member depart (although did enjoy having them here). That first morning of the "oh, the joy of the house to myself" - I slept till 10 a.m. Unheard of.

marmight re the sleeping - as soon as we go on holiday and have a lot of relaxation and rest - both husband and I start struggling to sleep: we can't fall asleep and/or wake up really early no matter what time we go to bed. So we have come to the conclusion that the recipe for a good night's sleep must include some physical activity during the day (because usually we sleep like logs) - so we go for long walks!

I have been doing a huge amount of child care and there is more to come next week - 3 of them for one of the nights. We love them dearly, love having them and are privileged to be asked, but it does take it out of you, especially as I have to do it all really as OH has PD. But it is such a joy for him to have time with the children while he is able to appreciate it.

Enjoy your 'me' time both of you. The tiredness sneaks up on one doesn't it. We keep going and when the stress is all over, we flop. I'm sure all your efforts are appreciated though.

With DD1 and the children here, we are lucky if we manage to stay awake after about 9.15

Yes, I am the same. DD1 and her family left a week ago but as she had a back injury it fell to me to be chief cook, bottle washer, carer, 'nanny' to 3 and 4 year old both of whom are hard work and she also had a family of 4 friends to stay who I had to feed and house which added to the work. It has taken me a week to clear up as, every time I sit down, I go to sleep which is most unlike me. The only upside is that I am sleeping well at night and have dispensed with the sleeping tablets! Before they came I was up and down the M74/6/5 and 4 like a yoyo since early June - all this extra activity certainly takes its toll and I am realising I am not quite as strong and able as I thought I was - never thought it would come to this
Enjoy your 'me' time GA.