Yay's and Nay's of block leave so far

Things I have not found so exciting about block leave so far:

I got pink eye
I got an ear infection
I had a crazy allergy attack
Not being able to camp because of the fire hazards :(
The news about my second oldest child's eyes, and the heartbreak that is washing over the lobster and I about what will very likely be hers (and our) reality...
The moment, that I had this morning in church, when I started thinking about the fifty weeks that I will be sitting there alone, with our four children, broken hearted, but yet exactly where I need to be.
The cloud of sadness hanging out about a mile from my happy fortress just waiting to show up when we have to say goodbye...

Things I have loved about block leave so far:

The hilarity of packing up our vehicle, kids, and dogs, and driving to the mountains, even though the camping situation was a bust. It ended up being the most expensive ice cream cones our kids have ever gotten, and we will always be able to say "Remember when we went to go camping and there was no room for us to camp!?" and have a wonderful laugh.
Having my husband here to watch the kids while I went to the ten thousand doctor's appointments (okay, just one, plus one ER visit, but whatever!).
Making cupcakes with the lobster to surprise our kids, and being creative about how to make neat creations on top of them.
Grilling with my friend B at her house.
Staying up until 2 o'clock in the morning talking to my crazy friend who seriously cracked me up for the first time ever, and having the lobster right there with me.
Finding a church that I like and feel like I belong in.
Snuggling with the lobster as much. as. possible.
Washing the cars with the lobster and the kids. The laughter was amazing, and the sunburns hilarious (the lobster has his first sunburn that he can ever remember having).
Playing in the sprinklers in the backyard with the kids.
Taking walks with the whole family.