A Mommy Vacation

It's still hard to believe, but I'm headed to the East Coast... BY MYSELF!

Before we cut up our credit cards we had one that we've been collecting airline miles with. After a bazillion years, we finally earned enough miles for a free plane ticket. And, since it's only one ticket, my fantastically amazing husband suggested I use it to go visit my friend SaraJane in New Jersey.

The decision has actually been made for a couple of years, but this is the first time that it's actually logical for me to go. My kids are old enough (see last  post) that they can be away from mommy for more than a few hours at a time. They are also at the age that daddy can fathom taking on mommy and daddy duties while I'm gone. Though, I am responsible for making a meal plan and childcare arrangements before I go. :0) It's the least I can do!

I originally imagined I'd take a trip for just a few days. But, last Fall Rob and I were talking about when I could plan on going. I was a bit anxious to go in October since I'd just finished 6 months of caring for four very young, very needy children. Honestly, I needed some me time, some time away, some time to breathe. 

Rob was not inclined for me to go away in the Fall because it's a really busy season for our family and we were also planning our mega Disneyland trip. He said, "I tell you what. You can go in the Fall, and be gone 48 hours, or you can go in the Spring and be gone 10 days." I thought about it for .03 seconds quickly determined that Spring sounded lovely. He thought for .03 seconds and tried to figure out how to retract those words!   

In all reality, we both agreed that a trip like this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and that I should make the most of my time and be gone for a fairly long stretch. I recently found out that SaraJane got the time off of work that she'd asked for, and I decided to book my ticket. So much of me thought that for some reason or another it wasn't actually going to end up happening. But, I HAVE MY TICKET!

So, I leave in 18 days for a 10 night stay on the East Coast!

I'm so excited, though I know it's going to be difficult to leave my family for such a long stretch of time. It will be good for them and good for me, but hard to be away none-the-less. I'm so grateful for Skype.

Do any of you have an grand ideas for what I should do in New Jersey/New York/Pennsylvania?

I'M GOING ON A MOMMYCATION!