On Getting Away

 Last weekend, we loaded up the van with two adults, three kids, one dog, three boat-and-tote bags, a suitcase, a sack of veggie straws, and a few other miscellaneous items.  Michael took a rare Friday off work, and we met my folks at a cabin a few hours north to celebrate my mom’s birthday.  It was freezing cold, but we managed to go on a few “expetitions”, and we were thrilled to enjoy one another’s company away from home.  

We dressed up like Eskimos
 

Rubbed our noses together to keep warm


Scaled towering mounts

Wore no makeup


Got muddy



Enjoyed a little technology

Made sure to keep our teeth clean

Called Gina to check in

 Ate chocolate gravy...on anything we could (Thanks, Sally!)

And had a most delightful time getting away.  It was such a treat to just do something new, to spend time together apart from the distractions of to-do lists and errands.  Although it was hard work to get us all gone, it was so absolutely worth it.  I think I’ve lately underestimated the value in getting away for a while.

On the way home, the kids all slept and Michael and I were able to talk through a few things that had been weighing on our hearts.  While we were away, I realized how badly I needed some time off.  Just a little time here and there, really... but there were things that had been left undone (it’s been almost a year since my last haircut) that were really a source of frustration for me.  We talked things out, and Michael immediately got on the phone with his folks and got me on the calendar for an every-other-week “Mommy’s Morning Out”.  I’m thrilled.  I enjoyed my first morning off a few days later, and it was absolutely wonderful for my tired heart.  Talks are also in the works with a sweet friend of mine to trade mid-week babysitting for our kids, which would work out to three mornings off a month.  Yes, getting away is good indeed.