Kids vs not kids

I visited one of my best friends last weekend and spent four days with her and her husband and two children (and also partly with her parents and sister and sister's husband and three children). Whew. It was really good to spend so much time with her--she is my oldest friend and we can talk very frankly with each other. I love her so much. And at the same time it was also overwhelming and at times I wanted to retreat and get some alone time.

I was there for her oldest kid's 4th birthday party. He actually spontaneously hugged me when I got there, which is rare for him. That was nice. Also I liked how the youngest kid, when I took her on a walk in the baby carriage to fall asleep, would start out crying for Mommy, but as soon as I started singing to her (usually starting out with Bread and Roses *g*) she would be all ears and ask for more, and then fall asleep really quickly. Go me. Overall I think I was helpful with housework and kids, or rather I know I was since my friend said so.

I really do appreciate her kids, but also I am just really glad I don't have any of my own, because wow, does it seem to absorb any semblance of alone time or time spent on other pursuits. Er, actually I had a not-quite-nightmare the other day where I was pregnant and couldn't get an abortion. *facepalm*

Also: thought-provoking question from four-year-old kid: Do you like Star Wars? Follow-up question if the answer is yes: Do you like weapons? And if you don't like weapons, why do you like Star Wars? *ponders*