Anniversary Getaway

This weekend was pure bliss…Like bliss times 1000. Our 16th anniversary is this December, so Steve and I decided to get away for a little overnight trip to celebrate before the passes are covered with snow and it was just what we both needed. Every time we plan a getaway, even if it’s just for a night, I always start talking myself out of it. I love being home and I love being with my kids, so sometimes I forget how important it is to get away just the two of us–as a couple AND as individuals. Now that the kids are more independent, I start to think that we have it pretty easy and don’t need to take time away, but this weekend proved me wrong.

As moms, we get so used to being in the pressure cooker of normal life, that we don’t even recognize the daily demands on our time and energy and I’m just talking about a normal schedule with three kids. I don’t know about your family, but mine needs dinner every night, lunches packed for the next school day, healthy breakfasts, stocked snacks, clean dishes, clothes, bedrooms… There are books to be read, piano to practice, homework to track, little people to homeschool, a home that continually needs to be cleaned and tidied, sports practices, music lessons, playdates…there are just so many things required on a daily basis, and while I wouldn’t have it any other way, we have found it to be so important to have breaks, even when you don’t feel like you need one or that it would be too much of a hassle to make it happen.

Celebrating 16 Years

I appreciate this man so much. He is the most intentional Daddy and he is so wise–always paying attention and keeping a pulse on the kids from every side–academics, spiritual, social, emotional, sibling relationships, physical needs… He catches things that I miss and while he is incredibly attuned to the heart and needs of each of our kids, he is also really relaxed and low key. I tend to be task driven when I’m home and he balances out my laser focus on getting things done with a mindfulness of just being in the moment and playing together. I’m not sure we would ever take a trip if it weren’t for him, because he prioritizes fun and helps me remember to take time away as a couple.

About 10 years ago, we took a trip to Bellevue, WA for an anniversary getaway and I still remember how sweet it was. What I love is how walkable everything is in that area so that if you only have a night or two, you can get so much time out and about and you spend so little time in the car driving. Bellevue is packed with gorgeous boutiques, shops, book stores, and restaurants. We especially love to go there in mid-November when everything is decked out for the holidays, but it’s still calm and the holiday rush has not yet begun. There is nothing quite like walking around with everything decorated for Christmas (and no kids!). It was the perfect place to stroll around with a coffee in hand and relax after a very full couple of months.

It gets my wheels turning with decorating ideas, advent inspiration, and ways to celebrate the season.

When we arrived in Bellevue, we stopped at Panera Bread for lunch and then checked into our hotel. After getting settled into our room, we headed out over the skybridge to meander through the stores. We browsed through Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, and then hit up American Eagle, Abercrombie, and some of the other clothes stores. I was hoping to get some Christmas shopping done for my teen daughter, but I really didn’t see much that I didn’t want her to try on first and she really has enough scrunchies, earrings, and accessories, so I’m still on the hunt for her. The past couple years, we have been trying to lean into experiences more than gifts, but after gifting our boys Dude Perfect tour tickets last Christmas and then having the tour cancelled and rescheduled when we couldn’t go, I’m a little hesitant to have a repeat situation. Ha!

I don’t need or love a lot of stuff in our home, but my kids looooove Christmas decorations, so I’ve been picking up a few new items each year to add to our collection.

I waffle a bit between a classic red and white Christmas theme and a snowy neutral Christmas palette of whites, creams, golds, and champagnes with touches of greenery…so pretty!

This was a fun whimsical-themed tree at Pottery Barn. Lovely to look at, but definitely not what we would do at our house.

Peloton

I’ve been dying to try a Peloton bike and there was a Peloton store at the mall, so that was a great opportunity to actually ride one. I was impressed! The bike is such a smooth ride and I was working up a sweat after just a few minutes. I can definitely see what all the buzz is about now. I’m not sure I’m ready to give up my gym membership, but a generic bike with the Peloton app or the Peloton itself would be a great alternative to the gym!

We also browsed around the book store, which made me excited to download some new audiobooks! Where the Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens was so darn good.

I also love a good thriller, but it can be hard to find ones worth reading. I loved What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty, so I’ll have to check this one out too.

Thai Dinner

After shopping, we relaxed in our room and then headed out to dinner at the Thai Kitchen.

Such a fun restaurant with delicious food and atmosphere! We will be back. For dessert we went back to the mall to split an Auntie Anne’s cinnamon sugar pretzel with glaze and run around a little more. It was sooooo delicious.

Check back tomorrow for Anniversary Getaway Part 2 and then later this week, I’ll be sharing my favorite Thanksgiving gingerbread recipe…yes that’s right, gingerbread for Thanksgiving–think Autumn leaves, turkeys, pumpkins, and acorns! Once Christmas rolls around we are ready for all the chocolate, peppermint and sugar cookies!

Hope you’ve had a great start to your week!