The great escape!

Thank you for all the phone calls and emails asking about "the big weekend away"! I really was quite a freak about it, wasn't I? I just read my last post and had a good laugh at myself. I am sure I will do that a lot as a parent!

Here are the highlights (blogger isn't letting me post pics.. sorry):

• Leaving Friday instead of Saturday. It made a huge difference, I think, that we stayed one night/day with us together at Grandma's house before we left. Evelyn was more comfortable with her surroundings
• Evelyn saying "Gamma" for the first time when we arrived at the house!
• Grandma and Granddad's swing and their big garden.. she was outside a lot, which wore her out!
• Having some special time with Doug's mom and dad Friday night. Doug was at a "classmates only" reunion function, Evelyn was in bed, and we sat and chatted over ice cream and strawberries. Good times, very good times!
  
• Leaving Saturday with Evelyn sobbing hysterically. No, that was NOT a highlight. The highlight was Doug's mom calling me about 10 minutes after we left to tell me that Evelyn was now laughing and playing with Granddad. It was at that moment I knew everything was going to be okay and was excited to get away.
• Relaxing at the hotel in the afternoon. WOW... haven't done that in, like, FOREVER! It was so nice!
• NOT feeling the need to call and check on Evelyn. I only did because I told Doug's folks I would. That is HUGE!
  
• Having a fun time at Doug's reunion. Doug had a really good time reconnecting with old friends. I now am SO excited for mine next year (Jos.. I know you are reading this.. you and Kirk MUST be there! No excuses!).
  
• Having wonderful time with Doug. We had so much fun together doing nothing!:)
  
• Sleeping ALL night!
  
• Evelyn did AMAZING! Not too much fussing, played, ate and slept great, behaved. She also learned 2-3 new words in the 24 hours we were gone! Doug's folks were very impressed! I was too.. she is SUCH a big girl!
  
• Losing my purse for over 2 hours at the reunion BBQ Sunday. VERY stressful.. again, NOT a highlight. The highlight was finding it!
  

So, yes, I survived! I feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and know it was SO good for me and Doug to do this. First time is out of the way. I am looking forward to next time, for sure!