My Mini Vacation

The weekend before Mother's Day, my own Mama and I took our (almost) annual mother/daughter trip.  In years past, we've always gone to the very lovely Cliff House in Ogunquit, but this year, we decided to venture farther afield.  Charleston was a town we'd both always wanted to visit, so after just a few minutes of discussing our options, we decided Charleston it was.  As always, we had such a nice time just being together, chatting without tiny voices interrupting, walking and eating and then walking some more.  I really value this little tradition we've started, and am glad we make time for each other in our otherwise very busy lives.  And I am, of course, grateful that I have a husband who encourages me to get away, both with my mom and my friends, and who allows me to really enjoy my time away without worrying (too much) about everyone I've left behind.  My mom and I were far too busy visiting art galleries, wine tasting, touring mansions, walking along the river, taking water taxis to lunch, SHOPPING, and stuffing our faces (did I mention that Charleston has some amazing food?) to take any pictures whatsoever.  (Mom, we really must get at least one picture of ourselves next year!)  But I got many a photo text from my boys back home while I was away, which always put a smile on my face and assured me that everyone was just fine.  

"Art project", which turned out to be adorable handmade Mother's Day cards

Dora the Explorer coma

Reading books from Mommy.  Whenever I go away, I leave behind new books for the boys to read with Daddy or whomever is watching them.  It has gotten to the point that Ethan expects this to happen, so for weeks before I left for Charleston, he kept asking me when I was going to go already so he could get his new book.  I see where I stand on his priority list...

Lunch at Mr. Bagel after story hour at the library

Swinging in the sunshine

Checking the birdhouse for tenants

When I'm away, Ben and the boys always seem to like to occupy themselves with a project.  I came home from Seattle last fall to a newly installed coat rack in our "mudroom" and a reorganized garage.  This time, the project was transforming a large felled tree in our woods into benches for our firepit.  This project actually spanned two weekends (and involved using the chainsaw on some other trees too), so most of these pictures are actually from this past weekend's adventures.   

One bench made (on the right), the other a temporary skateboard

Preparing to fell tree number 2.  Please note Ethan's perfectly appropriate forestry attire.

Boys and their toys...

Ethan and Grandpa testing out their handiwork

I know that my boys miss me while I'm away.  I know that one boy in particular was pretty horrified when my flight was delayed and I missed my connection in Atlanta Sunday night, and it was looking like I wouldn't be home until Monday afternoon.  It's nice to be missed.  It's nice to get away and relax, and spend special time with my mom.  And it's always nice to come home and see those faces, gleaming with excitement that Mommy is home.