Flanagan Clan

This weekend our church is having their annual couples’ retreat. Every year they have it at Lake Quinault Lodge. Last year was the first year we had the opportunity to go, but I had incredibly bad morning sickness, so there was no way we were going to make it. Also, I think Andrew might have had business travel at the same time. Well, we have no more hindrances and so we’re going this year. And we’re leaving the boys with Oma and Opa Feucht. This is going to be the first time that I’ve left Sammy with someone else overnight. For the past few weeks, I’v been really looking forward to this little getaway trip. However, this afternoon I started packing the boys’ bags. And I began to miss them ALREADY, and we haven’t even left yet! It’s so strange… you get all excited about having a break from the kiddos, yet when it comes right down to it, you end up missing them terribly. Andrew always jokes with me because sometimes we’ll go on dates, and an hour after we’ve been gone I’ll start complaining that I miss my little ones. I’ll start talking about Patrick’s new words and accompishments or Sammy’s incredibly soft little head. It’s hard not to though… Most of my time is spent with them, and they bring so much joy and laughter into my life. They are a TON of work, but when it comes down to it, having them was one of the most fulfilling thing that I’ve ever done, right after to getting married to my wonderful husband, Andrew.

And so I sit here, trying to remember all the little odds and ends that the boys need for the weekend… diapers, their clothes, their pack ‘n plays, blankets, Patrick’s DuckDog (he won’t sleep without it!), Sammy’s bottles, baby food and formula, their towels and bath stuff (just in case!), teething gel and all that other stuff that kids and babies can’t seem to live without. I’m going to really miss those little guys, but I hope that Andrew and I will be able to finally have a chance to unwind and relax this weekend, and have the opportunity to get to know some of the other couples in our church better.