Vacations

Dad and I celebrated our second anniversary over the course of three nights on Mt. Hood. Ashton you spent the time in Salem with Aunt Jana and Uncle C. Kaden you spent your vacation with both GG and Auntie L here at home. It seemed as though it was a much needed separation for all of us. I can’t believe the changes in each of us!

Ashton, you have been a little puzzler. It seems that the four days leading up to your adventure you sensed the separation you settled more and more. I took note of this change in personality… you were smiling and happy! I started to take offense, but instead saw the blessing in your new found happiness. I let it go. And since your return home the upbeat boy has remained.

Kaden I knew you would love the vacation. It would be all about you and for you. An one would love this kind of time! Auntie L took you shopping and to the water pad for play in Gladstone. GG probably gave you donuts and cookies for dinner. It was your Heaven.

As you two boys were smothered in great love. Dad and I were smothered in a down comforter. We found a new definition of romance: sleep. Some women call for flowers, jewels and fancy dinners to celebrate love. Not me. I need that stuff all year long (ha!ha!), but on the days that really matter I just need time with Dad. And if it is time to sleep, so be it because it is with him!

We headed out Thursday around 5:00pm and ate at Calamity Jane’s on our way to the cabin. It was immediate- the laughter began. It was almost uncontrollable. We were back to us. Once there we set up ‘camp’ and called it a day. Dad was a sleep by 8:00. I soon followed. We got up at 8:00 am! We could hardly believe it! We enjoyed a walk around Govt Camp, hike, naps and junk food. I lost umpteen times at Foose Ball. Dad elated in all his victories. So, we moved on to Ping Pong. We found fun in candy bar bingo at the recreation hall. It was off to bed early. The best part was cranking the heat to sauna temperatures. It was magnificent!

Soon it was Saturday and we pretty much lounged all day. At 2:00 in the afternoon (yes, AFTERNOON!) we went for a long walk and back for more Foose Ball and lounge time. We went to a group campfire and enjoyed a favorite: Smore’s. Yum! Again, off to bed…

We didn’t eat dinner one night over our stay. On Sunday we ate grass fed beef filet mignon cut steak and eggs. It was delish. We packed up and cuddled back on the couch until it was time to head down the hill. GG went to Salem with Kaden to bring Ashton home. We unpacked, took gear to storage and began getting ready for the first day of summer, which is our real anniversary date as well as Ashton’s First Annual Ice Cream for Dinner Party.

I was so excited to see you both. All I wanted to do was hug and love you. GG pulled in and out I ran… vacation is nice, but reality is better. I think we all agree.