8.30.2010

Scenes from The Weekend (getaway)


One of the things I've been wanting to do for ages (three years to be exact) is take the girlies on a surprise overnight trip...Something totally unexpected, where we just whisk them off, no advance notice.

The last couple of weeks, with the trip to Germany and the start of a new school year (and the unfortunate head cold and stomach bug that my family seems to be passing around), have felt especially, well, harried. So before the overscheduling juggernaut that is "fall" kicks-in, I managed to cross "impromptu adventure" off the list.

We picked both girls up from school at lunch on Friday and drove down to Austin for two days of cocooning. We swam for hours, roasted marshmallows, watched movies in bed and generally just enjoyed each other with no interruptions, no computers or blackberries or phone calls (the only time we pulled out the iPhone was to take a few snaps, as an hour into our trip we realized we'd left the camera at home...in retrospect, a good thing; we spent more time doing and less time "recording").

I have to say, the girls were kinda gobsmacked by the whole experience. They loved the trip (as we were leaving Millie was begging to "stay for a week"), but I think they loved the surprise even more -- so much of our day-to-day is planned to the nth degree, so apparently doing something utterly unplanned is completely novel to my kids. Needless to say, this is major food for thought...

and something we'll be doing again.




22 comments:

Simply Mel {Reverie} said...

I'll write it again...your girls are lucky little loves! What a fun surprise adventure!

{and you look stunning in the first image}

nicole said...

i love the idea of an impromptu getaway!

Sarah Bradley said...

Sounds like the perfect getaway and perfect right before school starts!

Sobrina Tung said...

I really love your blog -- I'm a new fan! Such a sweet surprise for your girls. When I was a kid, my favorite days were when we went and did something unexpected to break up the routine. Even if it was just tagging along to the bank after my dad picked me up from school instead of going straight home.

Danielle (elleinadspir) said...

I love that idea!!!! My mom used to take me on overnight trips to SF. This is something I need to for sure start doing. Too bad my options within driving distance are so limited....but who knows, we can still make it fun. Thanks for the inspiration and the reminder about the ones I used to take :)

onesilentwinter said...

i loved ready this as i mentioned to you once before i love your relationship with your daughters and how you document it all. to whisk them away like is that is what we all want -a car with stuff in a suitcase waiting to whisk us away for a fabulous and comforting getaway. Bravo for not just thinking it but DOING IT!

onesilentwinter said...

i meant to say "i loved reading this"

Michelle said...

AWww, how sweet! They will appreciate that so much more when they are older too .

Suzanne Anas Jurich said...

What a fun surprise that must have been!!...and what a great mom you are! I love reading your posts!

torrie said...

It is so incredibly fun turning everything 'OFF' and enjoying each other- talking, laughing, cuddling,... And you are right about the surprises. We haven't yet surprised our kids with a weekend getaway (I want to though!), but do surprise them often with other short activities/day trips and that is a big part of the fun- for them and us!

Love the picture of you with your daughters:).

Our Green Nest said...

How perfect! Such a wonderful surprise for them!! Love the shot of you with them on bed...adorable!

Kate said...

I take lots of notes from you for future motherhood as I didn't have the world's greatest childhood. This is my favorite note yet:)

Unknown said...

I love impromptu trips. And your kids are adorable :D :D I'm sure it's an awesome thing for them that you're their mom!

Callie Grayson said...

love that, impromptu trips are the best!!
glad you had fun, disconnecting electronically and connecting with loved ones
xx
callie

Melissa de la Fuente said...

How incredibly fun! And the three of you are just gorgeous hun. Just gorgeous...
xo
Melis

vane said...

You are a lovely mother and those girls are adorableness, like my 8 years old will say! Out of curiosity just because I live in Austin? Where did you stay while here and where did you go swimming? So sorry for the indiscretion!

Anonymous said...

i need write this one down...i'm a control freak and find it hard go with the flow.

Anonymous said...

How gorgeous! I am not surprised they loved this adventure and all the quality time together with you. Your iPhotos are lovely and it all looks very peaceful and happy! :)
We had a similar trip this weekend and had a blast. It wasn't a total surprise that we were going but we did a raft of fun spontaneous things whilst we were there. We all feel refreshed and recharged now!

x Charlotta

Joslyn said...

Vane -- we went to lost pines. it was a toss up between going there and just renting a room and hanging out at barton springs, but lost pines won.
the kids loved it!

rikshaw design said...

you are such a great mom..

Rachel said...

Such a wonderful idea, Jos!

vane said...

Thanks, many thanks for answering my question! It looks fantastic! Now to convince the hubby!