Day 1870. Sammy was up at 6:30 am, as was Tammy, but my alarm went off at 7 am. I had no choice but to get up today. I got the kids dressed and myself ready and left the house just before 7:30 am. I had a trip of nearly an hour ahead of me. I took two subways and got to the south of Vienna, at the end of the subway, then I had to walk for 15 minutes.

Day 1869. Yesterday we all needed a break. Randy took the kids downstairs to play, while I got more sleep. Then I got up to make lunch. After we'd all eaten, Randy left with Tammy at 1 pm to take her to her climbing class. The boys stayed home with me. I needed to write a newsletter. I'd had no time to do so during the week, so I was thankful for the time to do it.

Day 1867. This morning we left the house at 10 am and took the subway downtown, then walked to the kids' music school. Their piano class started at 10:30 am, and their teacher was back for their fourth and the teacher's third lesson. After last week's disaster and several parents talking to the director,...