A Mother's Dream

Mother's Day arrived and I wasn't expecting much. You see, I hadn't asked for anything. And I always spell-out exactly what I want when it comes to gifts. :) I figured Alex and the girls would do something, I just never, in my wildest dreams, imagined what they'd end up doing.

Allie brought me breakfast in bed and a little computer-generated certificate which turned out to be the best gift ever!!! I received one kid-free weekend, with Alex taking the girls to a water park in the Dells. They also gave me a 1-hour massage at a wonderful spa in a nearby town. So last weekend, Alex, our friend, Paul, and all the kids, packed up and headed out for 36 hours of fun. 2 dads and 5 kids, ages 3 and under. So glad it was them and not me. I'm just tired thinking about it.

Here's a few photos of the kids saying good-bye to me.





While they were away, I enjoyed a nice, relaxing weekend. Reading, shopping, dinner and drinks at a local restaurant with my dear friend, Christy (whose husband and kids were away with Alex) and a full night of uninterrupted sleep. The next day, Christy and I met up for a relaxing brunch, sans screaming children, at the Cheesecake Factory, and then enjoyed our 1-hour massages. Loved it. Loved it. Loved ALL of it.

Meanwhile, the dads did a phenomenal job. (I think this puts them both in the running for dad of the year!)



















So, with all my free time last weekend, I had plenty of time to think and I came up with two conclusions:
1. I should become a more laid-back gift recipient. This time around, I didn't micro-manage the process and I can definitely say, without any hesitation, this present was much better than anything I ever would have thought to ask for.
2. I think they need to make these trips more often!

Love you, Alex (and Allie and Katelyn, too).