Refreshed

As I've whined about said before, summers are hard for me. With my husband working long hours on the farm, it is easy to get lost in the  overwhelming tasks of being a mom and wonder why I do it all. I was worn thin physically and mentally.

Every year, we try to go away for my birthday at the end of September. It is a nice end to the summer and a much needed rest for all of us. We've always taken Emma with us and haven't actually had a night away from her since she was born. Well, we were not with her the night I was in the hospital after birthing Mandy, but I really don't count that as a restful break. When my kind husband asked me what I wanted for my birthday (tomorrow), I said, "Some time away without my children!" He made it happen and we were able to schedule time for 2 nights at the beach. Thanks to my parents for watching the girls and to Jeff's mom for finding a place at the World Mark in Ocean Park, WA.

The reason we look so ridiculously happy in the picture above is because we were (and my husband kept doing unphotographable things while the camera's timer was going). The time away was everything I needed. It was a break. It was relaxing. It was perfect. 

Ocean Park, WA isn't probably on your list of top places to visit because there isn't a lot to do there. It is at the end of the Long Beach Peninsula and has quite the strange culture. We drove passed this ornate gate and had an idea for the entrance to our driveway. What do you think? We'd be the talk of our farm community.

Just down the road was this quaint place. We were thinking about doing something like this for a guest house at our place: "Scenic Pastoral Views."

It was a lovely little resort community where some of the neighbors didn't see the need to impress the tourists. 

Laura and Hillary should recognize this guy. I exclaimed to my husband as we were driving passed, "Look, there's the Indian from the millennium!" I was in Long Beach with my friends for the 1999 New Year's Eve celebration. Some of our adventures included taking pictures with this carving and also meeting a huge crowd of real drunk Santa's handing out condoms on the beach. Some things you never forget.

Also on our trip, I enjoyed indulging in lots of calories. We ate grandly and I have no regrets. Oh, my jeans are quite snug. And I don't care.

The girls did great, by all reports. Our drive to Olympia and home had us convinced we should leave them more often. They are kids who do not like being cooped up in the car. And who would when you have Grandma and Grandpa's house at camp to enjoy?

They played hard. And wore there grandparents out.

Keeping Mandy out of the Lake was a difficult task.

The best part about the time away is that I am renewed and refreshed. I needed the time off, but I was also anxious to see them again after 2 days. They are my first priority again, instead of my a burden.

We returned home late, late last night and we were up and running (with much more energy) today. I did a photography session in Olympia and then one this morning in Dallas. I have them posted on my photography blog.