A Weekend Away

 Last week at Josh's MRI appointment the oncology head nurse told us about a cancer couple retreat this weekend. Free food, hotel, and a stress free weekend was more than I could pass up. So here I sit in my hotel room, soccer on the TV in the background, my phone and computer easily accessible, and I wonder what my kiddos are doing. It's so strange being away from them. We are so thankful for good friends willing to take them for us. I had forgotten what it felt like to truly just relax. The things you take for granted I guess. Being away does give me time to catch up so here is the captured highlight reel of the week.

 My boys with their BFF's. Tate and Emily... Best memories ever. Oh the adventures these two have. Emily has taught Tate to pretend and his imagination is golden. I find him hilarious.

 Ian and Will. They are learning mutual tolerance as they play in the same vicinity with brief interaction when necessary. They both share very well; a trait that comes easier with older more powerful siblings.

 It is now cold enough in the mornings that I dug out the hat bucket. Ian was modeling them for us. The best was when Tate followed him around trying to make the monster hands flap as Ian ran for solitude.

On Wednesday we carved pumpkins with Katherine. The kiddos love her, and for good reason. We have to have wing men to even attempt doing such fun things. While we carved Ian got to explore the pan cabinet unmonitored, something I normally don't allow. It lasted all of 15 minutes.

Tate's favorite part of carving, since he wasn't allowed to wield a knife, was sticking the pieces back into the pumpkin like a puzzle. His joy was doubled when we put candles inside to make them glow. He would have gladly sat there in the dark all night fishing the battery candle in and out of the pumpkin.

Since mothering never stops I opted out of carving because I didn't want to start and have to finish after the kiddos were in bed. Instead I went with a little pinterest inspiration and melted crayons on mine with a blow dryer. I was actually a little exhilarating and therapeutic. I recommend it if you are looking for some affordable fun.

 

Tate's painting. The other side of the pumpkin is brown, due to smearing all of the colors together. He did enjoy the strange paint feeling on his hands for a while and then he would have gladly shared it with his clothes if he hadn't been relocated to the sink. 

On Thursday we went to dinner at some friends. On the way there Tate informed us that his battery was broken. In his state of ravenous hunger he insisted on snacking in the car to fix it. Though I denied him that pleasure he fixed his battery during our pasta filled dinner. He even told our friends that he might be a little weird sometimes. I don't know where he picked that phrase up.

I must admit it is a little magical to be away with the man I love for a little break. We may have to do this more than once every 4 years in the future!