Cabin Get Away

This past weekend, Tony and I managed to tear ourselves away.

Away from work.

Away from stress.

Away from monetary concerns.

Away from worry over how stressful this summer will be.

Away from the crazy work that goes into keeping up a home.

And away from our two beautiful boys.

And we stole away with the Zeidlers at Kavanaugh's.

Before we left, there were some shenanigans by both boys. I definitely enjoyed Ezra's time in the basket, giggling away, much more than the whining and crying of my almost 3 year old who desperately needed to nap.

   [Ezra in the hamper :: Isaac whining through his nap ::
beginning the goodbyes with Ezra :: Sweet treats from my mama]

Matt and Gina met us at our house, where we loaded up their vehicle and then we made our way over to my parent's to drop off the boys and our vehicle for the weekend, so they didn't have to do the carseat swap. And then . . . we were on our way!

[Probably my most favorite picture of Gina and I [with Tony ducking behind me :)] :: thrifted Auto Bingo with 4 highly competitive people actually ended well [LADDER!] :: My man and I :: G & M at Happy Fiesta]

Unfortunately, the forecast was 100% accurate and it rained the majority of the day on Saturday, but I got to sleep without any body touching me solidly through the night, so it couldn't get me down! I was woken up Saturday by my insane need to pump, so even without our children with us, Tony and I weren't allowed to sleep in. The cabin was fully stocked with utensils and what not, so I made us a hearty breakfast of eggs, ham, cheese and toast before we reunited with the Zeidlers to make our way into Nisswa to shop away the day time hours.

[rainy beautiful view :: prayer over breakfast :: Nisswa! :: Cowgirl Gina 

a mug that I looooved :: Totem Pole ridiculousness :: Vibrams :: lovely husband]

After our trip into Nisswa, we made good on a run since the rain let up. It was still quite chilly, but I think we were all feeling a little stir crazy, so we set out for a 3 mile run. Matt and Gina had recently completed a 1/2 marathon, but Tony's only been putting in the odd run here or there, so we kept our mileage attainable and kept in mind that I needed to feel 100%. As it turns out, I felt 1000% percent and we kept stretching out our run from 3 to 4 to 5, until finally we reached the 10K that had been on my 1/2 training schedule all along. It was freaking fantastic. I'm so happy to have such a strong and supportive husband, who just sucked it up and ran with us, even though he hasn't run more than 3 miles in quite some time. He paid for it yesterday and today, but it meant so much to me. After getting such a great run in, we all felt good about heading out to dinner. Unfortunately, Gina's dinner was the only one that was much good, but I did love my beer and glass. After dinner, we head back for a couple drinks, what was left of my Mom's treats and to dip in the hot tub. After the hot tub, we holed up in M&G's cabin and vegged out eating amazing blue corn tortilla chips with Annie's refried beans, while watching Swamp People and Storage Wars.

*there also may or may not have been a literal sock on the door, but I'll never tell. ;)

[our running group :: Ernie's :: love this glass of advertising

Tony looked like Canadian Mountie, Polaroid's FTW, my favorite one]

Tony and I had a hard go of it this hockey season, combined with my keeping the photo biz afloat, and more often than not have been in a "get things done" mode that leaves little room for enjoyment. We holler at each other quite often from one room to the other, exasperated as we're unable to understand each other. I'm short with Tony, a lot. In fact, through out our marriage I can't tell you how many times Tony has asked me "What's wrong?" or "Why are you annoyed?" But this weekend, I can honestly say, there wasn't a single moment of annoyance, not one twinge of needing to mutter, it was everything I didn't know the weekend could be. It's like there was a huge blue "RELAX" button that was pressed as soon as we left my Mom's. And it was needed, oh so needed.

YuuuuuuuuupP!

Ezra slept great for my Mom Saturday night, so I got to wake up to his smiling face and a fantastic email from my Mom [when the email finally came through]. And Tony and I admired the sunny lake view, vowing to make a trip back up there. It was truly a fantastic weekend, but we were both antsy to see our little ones! I just teared up thinking about this trip, because it meant a ridiculous amount to me. I guess more than I even knew. Gina and I have known each other for just over 3 years now, ever since she reached out and sucked me in after our maternity mini-session. Her friendship is the second most important in my life, following Tony, and she daily encourages and demands me to grow. Walking out of our cabin Sunday morning I felt invigorated from head to toe. Tony and I were able to connect, as husband and wife, not just as parents, and we got to leave with great little inside jokes from growing equally closer to a couple, as friends.

[my mom's update re: Ezra :: lakeview :: saying goodbye :: route back :: heart full]

After the wonderful reception at my Mom's [seriously couldn't have imagined better, as Ezra nearly flew out of my Mom's arms with his excited waving and Isaac jumped into Tony's arms] we quickly fell back into routine. Naptime. Photo work. Tony with opening day for softball. My happy smiling guys warming my heart.

  

I am so glad we made time to take this trip. I'll remember it fondly forever.

And despite what some may think, including my own Mom and Stepdad, there was no intention to create a February reminder of this wonderful trip! :D