Long Awaited Weekend Away!

Bob and I are headed out for our long awaited weekend away. We haven't been away from the kids for a few years now and I am defintely looking forward to spending some time with Bob. The kids made fun of us when they saw that I had packed Skipbo cards, regular cards, two books for each of us and a few Courant articles that I cut out to read at some other point when I had time. Sounds romantic right?
Bob and I both abide by the theory that we didn't have five kids so that we could spend the next 20 years alone - we love our Saturday nights at home and planning fun family activities for the weekends but................................I also treasure the conversations that seem to happen when Bob and I are alone for a few hours together - the things I still have to learn about Bob and the dreams that we have to share with each other. I miss the kids so much I ache for them when I am not with them but I also know that they are better for the time that Bob and I spend cherishing our relationship as a couple.
That being said - the process of packing for five kids who at some point will all be in different places is a difficult one - toothbrushes, medicines for each one and appropriate clothing for whatever weather happens. The kids are so excited to spend time with their aunties and uncles. Peter, Molly and Annie will divide time between Auntie Karla and Uncle Pat's house and Papa and grammy's house. Lizzie is going with Auntie Meg and Uncle Tim or more importantly Lila and Brendan! Ellie is going with KK and is beside herself with excitement.

Bob and I are headed for the Westport Inn which is located near one of my favorite towns in CT - Norwalk! I worked there for five years running a program for CHC so I know all the best restaurants and hang outs but my hope is that we spend a great deal of time in what looks like a comfy bed - sleeping and reading! This is defintely a recovery weekend from the colds and sleep deprived nights we have experienced over the last few weeks!

This morning we were sitting around talking about manners, and being polite and all of those Mommy things you hope your kids do when you are not with them. Annie all of a sudden busts out with, "You are going to be in trouble with Auntie Beth." Uh - Oh - what did I do now I kept thinking to myself. "How come Auntie Beth doesn't get a kid for the weekend - she always wants a kid to stay with her and have a sleepover - she is going to be mad!" I politely explain to Annie that Auntie Beth is 3,000 miles away and busy with taxes - and that everyone is actually doing us a favor by caring for our children and it is not a big priveledge. She promptly says - "Okay but when Auntie Beth calls and misses me because I'm not staying with her I am not going to answer the phone!" Apparently it is totally over her head! Annie is missing Auntie Beth like crazy - she told her teacher that she is going to California next month - not true at all! May can not come soon enough for the Harding - Wheeler kids!
I am so excited for the kids to spend time with some of their favorite people on earth. Hopefully while Bob and I are aay we are going to find a really really really cheap little getaway for the family while the kids are on vacation next month!
GNM - ILY!