AWAY!

My husband goes to a conference every year. Every year it is at a different location. A couple of years ago it was in Toronto, and I REALLY wanted to go, but it did not work out. This year it did work out. So, I am in Portland Oregon, with my husband and without my babies.

I had mixed emotions about coming. I was REALLY excited but at the same time, I had to leave my babies at home. Our oldest is 12 1/2 years old. I thought this was the first time we had ever gone anywhere without kids, but I remembered that when Caleb was a baby and I was pregnant with Isaac we went to New Orleans with Paul's boss at the time for a couple of days. So, it has been over 10 years since we have gone anywhere together, overnight, without kids.

We needed to have some time alone. I needed to have some time alone! This trip was needed. But, even knowing this, it was not any easier to leave the kids. I know they are in good hands with my Mom. She came over a week early to learn the kids routines and learn her way around the area. I knew the transition would go okay. I knew things would be fine.

Then, on Wednesday night, I heard Bryce crying in his bed. I asked him what was wrong and he said he did not want us to leave. Honestly, he was not one I was expecting to react that way. I figured Andrew and maybe Mads would take it hard, but not the older kids. I got him calmed down and in bed (and there may have been some bribing about us getting the kids something from Portland - which he then coined as the "Portland Prize").

Things were okay until Friday morning. Andrew got up and came to my room and saw our luggage. Then he started crying and saying he was coming with us. He was glued to me and would cry off and on. We had already decided that we were going to put the kids down for their nap before we left, just to make it easier on everyone. So, we laid them down, explained that we were leaving and would be back in a week and gave our goodbyes. Andrew reminded me that we needed to get him some candy from Portland and that was it.

As much as WE needed the trip and as much as I needed the trip, I realized the KIDS needed us to take this trip. They have learned that Dad can leave for a trip and he will come home. But, Mom has never left on a trip. They need to learn that they can survive without me being there and that I will come home.

As for me - I had a very relaxing day yesterday. I explored downtown Portland with the wife of a friend of Paul's. We did a little shopping (there is no sales tax in Portland :)) and a lot of people watching! You can sit and watch people for HOURS here and NEVER get bored! Today has been very relaxing too. I slept until after 9 this morning. Other than going out for lunch I have stayed in the hotel room. It is cold and rainy and I have enjoyed just lying in the bed and watching tv. Paul has had an all day class both days. I am looking forward to us doing some sight-seeing between his conference this week.