We have the kids every third day. Our exchange spot is closer to BM than us, but that is totally fine with us. Lets be honest, we would drive 1,000 miles both ways to get our princesses.
At a particular exchange, the oldest we picked up the oldest daughter on time, but the younger daughter was at a Girl Scout event with BM. When we met later to pick her up, she didnt want to leave mom. This is totally understandable. It goes both ways and I am sure some days the girls wish they could see their parents freely instead of following a schedule made by strangers. Finally, she got into the car. As we were waiting I was asking our older girl if she wanted to give her mom a hug before we headed home. She said no. So I didnt push the issue. I felt bad for BM but I was not going to force it. A few moments later, I noticed in my sideview mirror of the passenger side of the car, BM coming through the bushes, hiding. She snuck up the side of the car and blew a kiss to her daughter (the oldest girl) and then snuck back into the bushes. She didnt know I saw her. Tears ran down my cheeks as Thad got back into the car. "She is their mother. She should not have to sneak to talk to them or show them that she loves them. I dont understand." He simply told me that he can not begin to understand her behavior.

If this situation were run by the children... I honestly believe it would run so much smoother. Children just love. And they dont start out manipulating. We teach them that. Its quite sad. I dont however feel that I can have a conversation with BM about this because she twists everything I say and is always on the offense. So I just have to be the best person I can be and hope that the girls recognize the truth from the lies.