We’ve been struggling with a very emotional Laurel of late, and our departure from her on Saturday was pretty gnarly — complete with screaming, crying, clutching, and trying to escape from my mother’s car. And while it may seem callous to some, I know Laurel loves my mother and I was pretty confident that she would be perfectly fine after she got out of range. In short, unless Laurel was truly injured and in need, there was nothing stopping me from making Jon and my overnight getaway to celebrate our ten year anniversary a reality.
Getting away more is one of the ten intentions I set on our ten year anniversary. Because we need to get away. Because we’re awesome at sinking into vacation mode when we get away. And because we suck at getting away. I think the last time we got away on our own was when Laurel was 13 months old — and it wasn’t just for us, it was for the wedding of dear friends, where Jon was the best man and I had designed all of the paper needs (meaning, we had some responsibilities that weekend).
{Hangs head in shame.}
So off we went. From all of my Boston area spa research, I decided to book at Stonehedge Inn & Spa because I wanted something under an hour from Boston (given that we only had 24 hours) that offered spa services. And while I thought Stonehedge’s spa could stand some improvement (major point = Jon and I agreed that the spa services were good but not mind blowing-ly great; minor point = they really ought to offer the big fluffy robes available in-room at the spa) and the restaurant service was a little pokey, otherwise the staff was wonderful and friendly and the food was yummy.
But what was really special? Our room came with a big screen porch and after enjoying lunch at the inn restaurant, Jon and I ordered lattes and the fresh baked cookie dessert plate, then asked if we could take them to our room. To which the staff said yes, of course we could, and that they would bring it to us. And they did. And I think they doubled the amount of cookies so we both could try one of each. And the cookies were awesome. And it was the best latte I have had in a long time. And Jon and I proceeded to while away the hours on our porch, munching and sipping, playing cribbage, chatting, and reading magazines until the sun started to fade and we decided to bring cocktails back to the porch to relax some more. And then we enjoyed a late dinner, during which we ate slowly and mindfully and talked about food, life, dreams, fears, and everything in between, and just focused on each other in a way that was really, really lovely.
We returned back to the real world a mere 24 hours later, but the brief but blissful retreat had us spinning on a decidedly different axis. Laurel was, in fact, perfectly fine and happy with my mother, and we scooped her up and enjoyed a lovely day as a family.
Damned if I’ll wait another five years before booking another getaway. And if you’re scratching your head trying to remember the last time you took a little getaway with your partner, I highly encourage you to book time as well.
June 8th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
Oh this sounds divine! It’s so so important to get away as a couple every so often. We try to do it at least once a year (at least on our anniversary) but it takes me about a day to calm down and enjoy it. I hate that. I wish I could jump right in to the luxury of it all.
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June 8th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
That sounds WONDERFUL.
Steph
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June 9th, 2010 at 3:41 am
Sweet! I actually JUST (like 5 minutes ago) finsihed a LT post on the things Mamas need to do when they go away- the lists, the maps, the coordinations, the machinations. But I think the hardest part is then LETTING GO of the machinations once we’re actually away- I have a “Do Not Call” rule for myself. It upsets the kids, it upsets me, and if my folks need me, they have all my digits. If I HAVE to call, I do it when I figure they’ll be asleep- or I text or email. Then I don’t bust their groove.
SO GLAD you guys had some time! I’m meeting my hubs at Bonnaroo this week for his shows, and I’m excited and somewhat freaked out- Me, camping. As you can imagine, it required a good deal of shopping. Sadly, Hayden-Harnett does not make tents. >:) xoxo, L
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June 9th, 2010 at 11:21 am
That sounds so lovely! We’ve been toying with the possibility of having Jude stay the night at the grandparents’ place. He’s at a good age for it since he sleeps such a long time but the only tricky part is that he wakes up at 6am on the dot… and not everyone wants to start their Saturday morning that early.
So glad you got to enjoy the time away!!
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June 9th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Wow, that sounds wonderful. I am so jealous! We have never been away without our kids, although when we only had one, we had two nights without him when my mom took him on vacation early. (We were still working…) So it’s been almost 4 years.
I need a vacation!
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June 15th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
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July 7th, 2010 at 9:12 am
Did I hear cribbage???? We must play!!!! So glad you had a good retreat.
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December 26th, 2010 at 6:50 pm
[...] The lattes and cookie sampler that Jon enjoyed during our short retreat for our 10 year anniversary. Not only were the treats delicious, but the context in which we enjoyed them enhanced the flavor [...]
December 30th, 2010 at 9:08 am
[...] because we celebrated our ten year anniversary in 2010. I set ten intentions and we engaged in a brief but blissful retreat to celebrate this milestone. And what a gift it is that I look forward to many decades forward with [...]