We got there Saturday afternoon and checked into the hotel at 3. His kids claimed one room and ds and I went to the other. We were on different floors and on the other side of the hotel from each other. After ds and I dropped all our stuff off and went to their room they were already in their bathing suits to go swim. I had wanted to walk around Helen for a while since I heard how breath taking the Alpine village is. I told SO I'd like it if we could go walk around and he said he already told the kids they could swim. I asked his kids if they wanted to go walk around and they said they wanted to swim first. Ds was excited because he really wanted to swim with them but they pretty much ignored him and ds made the mistake of jumping on So's yds back. He flung him off and splashed him and told him not to touch him. I told ds to leave him alone and I could tell ds was upset. After 2 1/2 hours I got them out and we headed into the village to window shop and have dinner.

Well So's dd had brought money to shop so instead of casually walking around just looking at things we had to go into all the stores and help her decide what she wanted. She brought $200. I asked SO if she should spend that much and he said she earned the money babysitting so she could spend it how she wanted. I was bored and ds was bored, we aren't shoppers. SO's sons bought candy from Hansel and Gretel's candy shop and shared it between themselves and So. The didn't offer any to ds and I know he wanted some. I bought ds his own and when he tried to share with them they didn't want any of his. I could tell he felt left out. By 7 I was starving and I wanted to eat in the village but his kids wanted pizza which ds chimed in on wanting. I didn't want to upset everyone so we ordered pizza and went back to the rooms. SO invited us to their room to eat and watch tv. His kids were so hyped up on candy that they gave me a headache. They were nicer to ds and included him in on their rowdiness, which was nice for ds.

Sunday his kids slept in so, So, I and ds went to breakfast and walked around waiting for them to get up. At 11 I was annoyed and told So that I was going to go ahead and take ds tubing and they could come later (the plan was we all go). He said to wait and went and got his kids up. They had to get ready and eat so they weren't ready till 12:30. By then ds was hungry and i had another headache. I got ds something to eat and we left to go tube. His boys latched their tubes together and when I suggested ds latch to them they said no and when I turned around SO and his daughter were latched. I suggested to SO that ds and his dd be latched so him and I could latch together and float down. His dd threw a fit insisting she didn't want to be latched to ds and that she asked SO first and he said yes. I floated down with ds and we were by ourselves because SO and his kids floated down faster. When we got to the bottom I wanted to go again with SO this time but his dd said she was on her period and needed to change her tampon. I couldn't believe she said that in front of her dad and brothers. I was embarrassed for her. So we had to leave. I thought we could have a snack and come back but she complained she was cramping and she needed to rest. SO told me to take ds and go back but they were going to stay and let her rest. We decided to stay with them since this is supposed to be a family vacation. After a few hours his kids started complaining they were bored and hungry so we went to dinner.

I suggested a place i had seen the night before and we went there. Once our food came the kids were cutting up and having a great time and SO was grinning from ear to ear. It felt like we could do this!!! After dinner SO wanted to try a beer so we went over to the live band area and had a beer and then next thing I know him and his dd were out there dancing together. I went out there with ds and we danced. Eventually SO cut in and then him and I danced. His dd took a ton of pictures and posted them online saying things like #relationship goals and #love. I couldn't believe it. I still can't believe it.

Sunday we got up and had breakfast and went to set up and watch the eclipse. The kids went off exploring and SO and I got some us time. When the eclipse hit totality everyone cheered and screamed. It was amazing. We packed up at soon as it peaked and tried to beat traffic. It took us 6 hours to get home. His kids whined and complained the whole time. His dd constantly needed to pee and change her tampon (I wonder if I need to talk to her about not saying that?) By the time he dropped ds and I off we were both mentally and physically exhausted. I still have a headache. His kids are great and all but this weekend was an eye opening experience.