very carrie

 I'm pretty sure no one checks this blog any more. I'm pretty fine with that. But, if you happen to be here, welcome! I don't mind a bit if everyone on the planet comes to see my little corner of the internet, but just so I don't have to think about it, I'm turning off the comments. If you really have something to say, feel free to send me an email! I'd love to hear from you if you feel so inclined.

 Anyway.

 Ben and I have lived far away from family for most of our marriage. This, as some of you may know, does not make for a lot of parental away-time. Or any, for that matter. Luckily Ben's mom is living in Albuquerque temporarily so we have been sort of taking advantage of that (sorry! but thank you so much!) and had one night away last year. It was bliss. And so blissful in fact, that we decided to go crazy this year.

 7 days.

 Sun, turquoise water, white sand, way too much food, and no kids.

 Needless to say it was amazing.

Each night as we sailed away from the day's island, we would hold hands in the warm breeze and watch the beautiful sunset over the caribbean ocean. What an incredible gift to be able to get away from dishes, and cleaning, and laundry, and waking up too early to crying people, and just stress in general. And for two days we didn't even mention the children (having the time of their lives at home with Grammy and Uncle Steve). But then little by little we would see things they would like, or other little tots cute and smiling, and by the end of the trip we are holding strangers' too-tired toddlers and finding shells for them to make them happy, and begging to hold every baby we passed. On the plane ride home we watched videos of them, laughing at every little thing like weirdos.

 Time away is good for everyone and I feel so lucky to have had the luxury of being away from my babies long enough to miss them desperately. And to know that when the kids are all grown and gone away, Ben and I will still really really like each other, even with no kid buffer. Yeeeeeesssssssss. B.F.F!