The End

On Friday, I took my kids to Grandma's house- about 2 hours away.

Jeff and I dated all weekend long.  We saw movie, went out to dinner, enjoyed each other's company.

I did some housework, laundry, cleaning out the kitchen.

I spent time with friends.

I got my hair done.

I lived in my PJ's for over 24 hours.

I slept in until 8 a.m.

I took bags and bags of stuff to Goodwill.

I sat on the couch with all electronics turned off, windows open, and just enjoyed the sunshine, the birds, the outside sounds.

I relaxed.

This evening, I go pick them up again.  They have spent a week doing crafts and cooking and visiting my grandparents.  This afternoon, they are going to the Reds Opening Day Parade (baseball) and then heading to our meeting point so I can bring them home.

It is the end of my time without the kids in the house.  It is the end of my vacation.

The biggest take-away from this week is figuring out how to maintain the calm, the relaxed state, the fun self once the kids and I are back.  Jeff and I both feel like we were different- less frustrated and frazzled.  I want to maintain that sense when the kids are back.  They deserve parents who are fun and relaxed and eager to enjoy their company.

It's the end of our little vacation- and I hope it is the start of a refreshed set of parents and grateful kids!