Mommy Runs Away: Part One -- Nearly Childless

I've decided to name my trip "Mommy Runs Away" even though I'm not sure it technically qualifies as "running away" when I have one of my children with me. I think it mostly does because I only have 1/6 of my children. You be the judge.

I realize I don't leave for my trip until Thursday morning but my children left me on Wednesday afternoon so Wednesday counts as the beginning. Although Gauge isn't technically staying with Grandma the entire time (just while Cody works) he was as excited about going to Grandma's as Jenna and Ryan were. From the time they woke up until the time they left all I heard was "when are we going to Grandma's?" Around lunch time I finally had Jenna call Grandma to get a definite time so I could start the official countdown. Grandma and Grandpa were coming at 3:00.

Here they are lined up with their individual suitcases. (Ryan just woke up from his nap so although he wasn't Mr. Chipper, he was really wanting to go.)

Since Gauge wanted to go so badly and kept asking where his suitcase was while I was packing, I got the okay from Cody for Gauge to go with the other kids and spend the evening. Cody and Trace picked him up just before bedtime.

Suitcases were loaded into the trunk and they scrambled into the car. I had to call them back out. "Where's my hugs and kisses goodbye guys???"

Hugs and kisses were delivered, booster seats adjusted and strapped in. They were ready to go.

And as they left I could hardly get a wave goodbye.

Emma woke up from her nap to discover she was an only child and she was the most delightful child I have ever met. She let me give her pigtails and just walked around talking and playing. She was totally reveling in being the only child.

I took advantage of being nearly small child kidless and we went out to dinner at Trace's favorite restaurant, The Salty Iguana. (Okay, I admit it, I didn't want to cook.) Emma continued in her happiness by expressing herself in dance.

Sometimes a girl just has to get her groove on. Especially when sporting sassy pigtails. The sass continues though. She should be asleep right now getting ready for our early morning wake up but she apparently doesn't want the fun to end. She's crying to get out of bed. Where's a bottle when I need one???

For her silly, not me.




Don't forget to drop by Teresa's blog Continuing the Journey. She's having a raffle to raise the rest of her money for her adoption of precious Molly. A chance is only $5 and there's some awesome prizes-- in fact there's even more now! Three more prizes have been added. In addition to the 1) autographed copy of Silent Tears by Kay Bratt, 2) the Pirate and Princess costumes and 3) 7" Sony digital picture frame there is now 4) a Swarovski crystal bracelet with a bead that says "mom" 5) a Vera Bradly tote, your choice of color and 6) an 8 pack of movie tickets to Regal cinemas.

And if that's not enough, if you tell Teresa (or me) that you got to her through me and I'll enter you in my own drawing for a There's Always Room For One More mug (and Crack bars) and a $25 gift certificate to Olive Garden.