We survived!

Ryan was in China and Taiwan all week...he left on Saturday and just got home this morning.  One of the hardest things about his travels is the schedule and tight windows of where kids need to be.  This week had a different challenge...getting Reggie ready for finals.  I quizzed him for hours and hours and he thinks he did well, but we won't find out for awhile.  The saving grace this trip was the smoke.  Unfortunately, California is on fire and it is sad to see so many losing their homes and beautiful places like Paradise leveled by fire.  The smoke has decided to settle in Livermore and particle levels have been off the chart, cancelling all outdoor activities, including swimming!  It is the most smoke we've seen since we've been here.  Thankfully, no one in our household seems to be affected.  Not having swimming was huge for my stress level and things were so much more manageable. 
Khalif is also a challenge when Ryan travels and this was no exception.  He has been so good at school, but this week he had to sit out at recess for talking in class, ugh.  He also had an accident and had to change his sheets which hasn't happened in a very long time (he finally stopped wearing pull ups a couple weeks ago!).  Not to mention his daily behavior and absentmindedness.  I finally pointed it out and asked him if he felt any different and he said yes, but had no idea why...thought maybe it was the excitement of black friday or the cousins coming next week.  It is very interesting how his mind works and the connections he makes.  I've been tracking this for awhile and when Ryan is gone for extended periods of time his behaviors and issues ramp up.  I mentioned that to him and he thought that was not correct (what a surprise!) and seemed to make no sense.  So, he started with a new therapist last week, which he absolutely loved, and maybe she can help us/him figure it out!
As far as Ryan's work/life balance, its been up and down.  When he's home, its o.k., but when he travels weekly or for extended periods, things are rough.  He goes to Mexico after Thanksgiving for almost a week, so we'll be right back in the chaos.  It is hard :(.