Parents vacationing ...

Earlier this week we had a wonderful opportunity to go on a mini vacation ... with out the kids! So in essence, the 2 day vacation that we got actually felt like a full week away! I know that probably sounds terrible, right? Well it is the simple truth. Vacations with kids and vacations with out kids are polar opposites (any parent out there knows what I am trying to say!).

For example, our June vacation to the mountains ... in our minds we thought, "woohoo, a full week of fun and relaxation" and what we got was "a full week of rain, entertaining the two toddlers, meltdowns, and lots of ice cream breaks for Mommy and Daddy (as a measure of serenity)". Well that's not to say we did not enjoy our family vacation, we really did, because we got to really spend quality time together and do a lot of the family things we can not do at home most weeks (long bike rides, playing memory games on the floor, taking a big family bath together each night -- this was by far the best thing we did on our vacation with kids, it really got them calm and was so fun to all splash around in the HUGE jacuzzi tub) and we also learned that when you do plan a vacation with kids make sure there are some "stand by" activities around (e.g. arcade, movie theatre, mall) because we were very much isolated up in the mountains so the week of rain we had definitely made it much harder to entertain the kids ... and ourselves.

But, I digress, back to the wonderful wonderful little nugget of stolen peace we got to have this week. April and Timmy so graciously invited us to join them on their Martha's Vineyard getaway. Initially, I was hesitant to say "yes" to the invitation because both Rob and I knew we could only go for 2 nights (with our with out kids) so we had to make a choice -- bring the girls or go by ourselves. It took Rob 0.2 seconds to make that choice -- with out kids! I, on the other hand (and April too) had a lapse of sanity and had thought, "oh how wonderful to bring the girls back to the Vineyard a second year" ... but my logical, practical and fun loving husband said "no way, we already brought the girls on vacation this year, let's just go and have a good time".

I love how guys can just cut right through all of the "hallmark moment emotions" and just know what they want. Well, Rob was right. Our mini vacation was amazing. The girls did wonderful at Renee's for 2 nights, slept excellent and really did not notice we were gone. I guess Julia did start to get more "cranky" by the end but according to Renee that just meant she would look around and say "Momma?" and turn her hands up as if asking "where the heck is my Mom?" and then two seconds later she'd do it again but for "Dada?" ... and then she'd move on and play for hours.

So, while we were away from our girls, we got to let go of all responsibility. However, the Ferry ride showed me, again, how completely different Rob and I handle stress and freedom. Rob was so at ease, reading through his fantasy football draft materials, but I, though I trying very hard, had a few things lingering on my mind:

"I hope the girls sleep well. What if they get sick? What if they get hurt ... and then "What if this boat sinks, why is it so rocky? How long until we get to the Vineyard -- 1.5 hours?" "I don't know if I can do that". So, in order to quell my anxiety ridden mind, a glass of wine and a number of texts later we arrived on island. I got my sea legs back and we headed to Vineyard Haven via bike.

Rob and I have recently really started to enjoy biking. Rob is becoming more of an avid mountain biker than he or I had ever anticipated, so we were thrilled at the idea of taking our bikes to the island. We did ride everyday which was amazing to see the island and made us feel really accomplished too. Rob actually rode 30 miles on day alone!

We arrived to the Condo at VH and it was picturesque. An in ground pool, hydrangea bushes all flowering, and April and Timmy looking oh so Vineyard casual with beers and cheese and crackers waiting for us. Both Rob and I were a bit sweaty from our ride so what else was there to do but to JUMP into the pool! It was perfect. Something funny happened ... I jumped in and a little habit from childhood took right over, I held my nose, but not with one hand, with two hands. Now, it being MY habit I had no idea that this is actually NOT the way most people do that. I guess most people do not even hold their nose, never mind use two hands to do it! So yes, April, Timmy, and Rob got a big chuckle out of my inability to jump into the pool with out doing the 2 hand nose hold! :)

Our vacation had begun. It was surrounded by lots and lots of yummy food and drinks ~ Zapotec for Sangria and tacos, Offshore Ale for Blueberry Beer Growlers and a smorgasbord of Appetizers, including our favorite steamed mussels, a trip to MV Bakery "Back Door Donuts" for the best ever Apple Fritters.

We enjoyed 2 late nights of card games with, of course, more beer and a delicious BubbleTini. I do have to note that Timmy was quite surprised to see that once April and I were together we are like energizer bunnies and we do not miss an opportunity to stay up and play. We all had the best time and it was exactly what these parents needed to come back fully charged for the end of the summer.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention this ... we spent and entire day at the beach and did not have to chase any children!!!!! No making lunches, changing diapers and/or putting on baby sunblock while they kamikaze their way off the blanket, no building sand castles, no sand in their eyes, no jumping out of your chair 50 times to make sure they don't dart for the ocean ... Rob and I actually grinned in contentment when we saw a parent chasing after their little one with the harried flare we all have at one time or another, because for today we did not have to do any of that!

So, yes I highly recommend finding time to vacation with out kids ... just a quick little getaway is really an amazing way to relax and gain perspective. And believe me, although I had a great time, both Rob and I were so excited to get back and pick up and kiss our little ones!