Grown-up Getaway!

On August 21st, Brandon and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary. It is always hard to really "celebrate" when such great events happen mid-week, especially when B's summer calendar is filled to the brim with several youth events or meetings of some sort. But, we were able to get-away without any kiddos in tow, a monumental event for us, the Friday following our big day. We had been planning a great dinner date and then a romantic stay overnight in a Seattle area hotel.

This special grown-up night out has been looooooong overdue. While I have been away from Alex for nights here and there (Christmas shopping weekend with my mom while I was pregnant with Cade, Cade's birth--does that even count!-, youth retreat weekend after Cade's birth, a couple slumber party nights with Nana and G-pa) I have not been away from the little man overnight since his birth. Now before you rush to conclusions, it wasn't because I couldn't emotionally handle leaving him, it was just because the boy was nursing or waking up in the night and well, I didn't have many signing up for that kind of babysitting. Needless to say, sweet little busy boy sleeps like a champ and is now, in many ways, the best sleeper in our home!

It seemed so easy, so simple to carry our one small duffle bag, free of toys, diapers, wipes, sippy cups, fishy crackers, portacribs. In a strange way it was really liberating. Knowing the kids were already well into a comfortable deep sleep at Nana and G-pa's, made it all the more relaxing and enjoyable.

It was fun to have adult discussions, laugh at all the little things our kids do to make us laugh, and enjoy each others company. We also enjoyed talking about where we were exactly 8 years ago and how quickly that time has passed. How blessed we are, how beautiful our lives.

We relished being able to sleep in (can't even remember when I did that last!) all the way until 8am! It was glorious! We treasured getting ready in the morning while sipping our fresh lattes. We cruised the bookstore to finish off our trip.

On the way back home to pick up the kids, I smiled out the window at the passing trees that lined the freeway. How rested I felt, how ready to tackle a new day, how blessed I was-- for my husband and all he does to provide for our family, and for my 2 precious, and might I add adorable, kids. It's really hard to imagine life without any of them. And to think, it all started 8 years ago. I love you guys!