Babysitter paradise

Grandma Crawford has been here just over a month. She is obviously much, much more than a babysitter! But, a small benefit of her visit is the easy childcare situtation that has allowed Libby and I several adventures in the last few weeks. Btw, I suppose it is possible to find babysitters here...there are a few fellow Americans we could ask and a few Indians who understand our culture well enough to come over for an evening. But it is difficult and the culture generally doesn't have a tradition of babysitters...it is almost always relatives who live with you and help out (or a maid that you hire to live with you).

Anyway, I've really enjoyed: an anniversary dinner with Libby at the new, funky, five-star The Park hotel on the edge of the lake; an anniversary breakfast at a new Indian restaurant nearby (yes, we celebrated our 7th anniversary twice); going with Libby to her last doctor(s) appointments; and several other outtings.

These outings...and the fact that there have been so many of them (almost weekly) has been a huge treat for us. They couldn't have come at a better time since life has been draining with hot climate, civil unrest worries, challenges for me at work, and, in general, trying to keep up with three little kids while preparing for a fourth. So, thanks Grandma!