I can’t believe I’m admitting this, but my husband and I haven’t left our kids for more than a few nights since they were born. We’ve never taken a real vacation. Yeah, we’ve traveled quite a bit, but always with the kids or I was pregnant or we were with 20 other people and it wasn’t a vacation at all. We were scheduled to go on a business trip, and we decided that a vacation would be more beneficial. What a good decision! There are two kinds of people in this world, those who can go to Disneyland without their kids and enjoy every minute of it, and those who only go to Disneyland for the kids. My husband and I, and my whole family that matter, fall into the category of, “who cares what day or time of year it is…lets just get to Disneyland!” My sis just came back from there, she’s pregnant! She and her husband had a blast without going on one major ride, now that is a Disney freak if ever there was one!

So dh and I are going. I’m leaving my babies for a week. A week!! 6 whole nights. I swore I wouldn’t be one of “those moms” that never leave their kids. But unfortunately I have realized that I am. Sure, its because I love them and as much as I do need a break sometimes, I enjoy their company. But also, I am overprotective, sheltering, and thinking of my own insecurities more than their well being. Because the best thing for them is to NOT have their mommy 24/7/365, and don’t gasp at this please…the best thing for them is for their parents to leave…to RUN out the door…drop them off at Grammy’s house and drive far far away. They’ll grow up knowing that we took time for each other, and then when the kids are gone, off to college, whatever, dh and I won’t just sit there staring at each other because our lives were just wrapped up in the kids. Well…I’m rambling here, but I felt maybe some moms need to think about this. I sure have.

This vacation is going to be awesome for us, for our marriage, for the example we will set for our kids that daddy and mommy come first. I just keep telling myself that I will survive, because I know the kids will be fine! My dad said to me a long time ago, in reference to his grandchildren one time when I had to leave them…”they might cry…but they will not die.” LOL. I have quoted him many times since.

I’ve left Abby & Zach many times, just for a couple nights here and there, but I’ve never left Lily more than one night since she was born. She’s the one I’m holding on to a little tightly this week. I wanted my picture this week to be with her, since she’s the face I will be thinking of the most while I’m gone. I will miss my older two, but honestly, A & Z will be fine…I doubt they will miss us they’ll be having so much fun! But Lils…she’s my baby still and I will wonder about her often.

ps. Nobody better tell my kids that Mommy & Daddy are going to Disneyland without them! That wouldn’t go over well. lol.