Missing the sound of little feet.

For the past 5 nights, I've come home to the sound of crickets chirping: just complete, total silence.

No screaming, no crying, no shouting, and no fighting. The phrase "Guess what Rakes did today?" has not been uttered. Nor has "I told her to just wait until her Dad got home to find out what her punishment would be".

On the other hand, there have been no cries of "Daddy's home!" followed by all three of the little rug rats running toward me for a group hug. No kiss hello from my wife, and no laughing hysterically while Rakes drops trou and chases his sister around the house.

I've enjoyed my peace and quiet, but I think I'm about ready for a return to It's a Mad, Mad World.

No big beach stories yet: Trot managed to bust his forehead open 5 minutes after they got there, so it sounds like nothing much has changed with him.

Ciera and Rakes were having a track meet in Old Navy, where Angie thought they were going to be asked to leave the store, which sadly is par for the course.

Rakes is all excited about tomorrow night: they are going to "Medevil Times" where you eat dinner and watch knights ride horses, joust, and have sword fights, which should do wonders for his penchant for grabbing anything resembling a sword and shouting "Me donna dill you, Taptain Hook."

I guess if he doesn't end up on the floor with them and in the middle of the action, it'll be called a good night.

Writing that down, I just realized: I may need another silent night or two after all.