Making a break for it
Posted under People I love
It’s taken 5 years and 8 months…and 3 aborted attempts…but me and MrSpud finally got away for a WHOLE 24 hours without our children this weekend. First attempt was thwarted by my aunt having a stroke and I had to dash up north to sort things out for her. Second attempt thwarted by snow. Third attempt thwarted by a vomiting bug. Fourth attempt was attempted very, very half heartedly to be honest but (despite a disturbed night with Diggy which threatened a Fourth Thwart) we made it.
And..oh…the..JOY! It was only 24 hours but it was just the ticket. We don’t even go out much together, and long hours and a long commute mean we really don’t spend much time together at all. Cry. We’ll have been together 10 years later this year, 5 years 8 months of those have involved children. It’s a long time not to really ‘be’ together.
“So, how’ve you been?”, I asked my husband of getting of for 7 years over lunch. “Yes, good thanks. Had a couple of kids, been pretty busy”, he replied. We agreed, kindly, that we’ve both aged a bit but that it’s been worth it. We hardly talked about the boys, though we talked about topics around the boys and parenting. I didn’t miss them, though I thought about them a bit. MrSpud missed them. But I spent EVERY minute of their non-school/nursery time with them and MrSpud has precious few hours with them.
MrSpud…carrier of heavy camera bags and {scream} bumbags/fanny packs. Oh lord.
We didn’t do a whole lot. We pottered around Stamford, a stupidly beautiful town, and had lunch.
Here I am, looking cross and very awkward in front of the camera as usual.
MrSpud, looking a bit windswept and, oh look, carrying The Camera Bag again.
Then we pootled back to our hotel
And I gave myself up to the charms of an Indian Head Massage, a much appreciated gift from my mother-in-law. The woman is a SAINT! Not only did she look after the Megaboys for the weekend, she sorted out our hotel and booked me a head massage. I’m so lucky. Though I did ‘slightly’ query whether a relaxing massage is supposed to include earlobe pulling and being repeatedly beaten around the head? Let’s move on.
Dinner, a full night’s sleep with NO CHILDREN in the bed, a swim in the spa and it was time to give up the hotel gorgeousness. We went to Uppingham for lunch and marvelled at how public schoolboys look *exactly* the same as they did in 1989 when we were at school. Then, all too soon, it was time to make our way back to collect the boys….stopping off at Eyebrook Resevoir for a blustery photoshoot.
Rather different than the last time we were here, on Christmas Day last year
And then it was done. Our first 24 hours together, no children, in many many years. I loved it. I loved talking about everything and nothing, no eye on the clock or being driven by what the boys need or want. I don’t think we’ve spent more than a very, very occasional 3 or 4 hours together and alone since Bertie was born. We love our family life and haven’t really ‘craved’ time alone because we adore our boys so, so much and the life we have together. But it was good to get away and remember how we got to be where we are today.
Sounds great. And being on your own makes you appreciate your boys even more.
Spudders? Tent carpets and bum-bags?
Glad you had a fabulous time. I still fell all warm and fuzzy when I think about the 2 nights The Husband and I spent away from the children earlier in the year. It was magical and we must do it again soon.
Tis good for the soul … as long as you don’t leave your children home alone with a can opener and a tin of beans.
I’m so glad you had a great time – looks wonderful
We’re sending the girls off for a mini holiday this weekend – can’t wait!
So glad you finally got away! It IS rejuvenating, isn’t it? My hubby and I haven’t gotten away in a while but since our 30th (!!!) anniversary is coming up, we have scheduled a four-nighter in Maine at the end of June. Our kids don’t need baby-sitters any more, but I am wondering who’s going to take my son to lacrosse practice or work (if he finds a job). He’s going to have to figure it out himself! And our youngest daughter will try to make sure there are no parties at our house that week. :-D
Hurray for you and your getaway. I always love the chance to be with my husband for a meal out when I get to eat my food hot, do not have to get up a zillion times for more of this, that and the other thing for my boys, and do not have to remind anyone about table manners. I usually do not miss my boys while I am away either but I do love seeing their faces upon return.
Harro! Never been here before but seeing as we’re friends of friends, I thought I’d pop in. What a lush weekend. And what a nice dress. If you fall out of love with it, do let me know :)
i am with you girl, it was a year before we got our first naughty weekend together (admit it that is what it’s all about naughty time without cricking your neck to make sure there is no child peeking round the door) and I hated it so several years later well I got into it and now as an empty nester well the world’s my oyster as they say. Now I love it when the kids come home for the night, and my baby granddaughter has a sleep over, as they say we go full circle. I love your language you Brits, pootled oh i love that and the wittering thing fantastic ha ha. oh and the head beting that went along with the massage, very clever you MIL …… ha ha
Well done!
I love Stamford – such a dear little place.
And I love your tunic top – nice print!
Husband and I haven’t been away together since no.2 was born but this weekend I’m going to Joburg ALL BY MYSELF to play with a friend and I don’t think I could be more excited.
You gotta leave ‘em to love ‘em!
I am from near Stamford- its a beautiful place. I am glad you had a nice time in your child free 24 hours. We have spoken on twitter but thought I’d come and check out your blog after seeing it on Brit Mums blog hop- its fab! Have now subscribed. xx
Molly…you know Stamford? From all the way Over There!
Waves at Katie, well hellooooo x
oh how lovely it all looks. What nice Mother in Law – is she for sale or rent?
The top/dress- Is it boden?
Oh I feel like a right old Fashionista for getting it right! That, or I spend too much time reading Boden Catalogues in the bath because I am too lazy to start a book.
It looks fab! And now all the commentors want one. Get you – just like Kate Middleton, wear it well and they all want one!
Sounds like you had a fabulous break away. By the way that snowy pocture is just beautiful. And love the clouds in the one above it.