Remember those funny Southwest Airlines commercials with the tagline “want to get away”? That’s totally how we’ve been feeling since we had our kids. Well actually, probably before we had them. After trying to conceive for nearly seven years, two rounds of IVF, two premature births, a NICU stay, and my blood patch…the last few years though rewarding, have been super trying and tiring for my husband and I.
Prior to having children, we spent every NBA All-Star break skiing across the country. You name it, we’ve been there. Park City, Breckenridge, Lake Tahoe, Whistler, Vail, Beaver Creek, Deer Valley…but since kids….no snow. So we took the plunge and finally got away in January to the luxurious Ritz Carlton in Beaver Creek, Colorado. (Thanks Marriott for all the points!)
With the long travel days, we had three full days to soak up some sun, ski, relax, have nice dinners, and read! At first, I struggled with leaving the kids. I cried all the way to the airport, and several times on the plane. (yes I’m a sap and love my girls to pieces.) But once we arrived, and hit the slopes, it was absolutely amazing! Imagine waking up and not having to change a diaper, make breakfast, or fight with a toddler over which outfit to wear. Yeah, pure bliss.
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And while we talked about the kids, and missed them terribly, it was so refreshing and wonderful to have time to focus on just us, and ourselves. Time to read. Time to work out. Time to wander around and shop. And time to just be. There’s something about the mountains that calls to me. It’s where I find peace, and feel God. I’ve always been drawn to the west and the snow, and dream of living there, at least part time someday.
I urge everyone, no matter how difficult it is, to consider taking a break from parenting for a few days. I know several friends that have never left their children for more than a quick night. I was in that boat just a few weeks ago, and I can’t tell you how much it has put life into perspective. It’s so important to reconnect with your spouse, if only for a day or two. And it makes you appreciate those sweet voices and messy faces even more!
Here are some highlights from our first getaway. And if you ever have the chance to stay at the Ritz, ah, do it. So worth the extra dinero…what an unforgettable long weekend!
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| Home away from home, the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch. And favorite run “Cabin Fever”! |
The best part of the Ritz? Yeah, the Ski Concierge. They get your skis and boots, put them on you, offer you water, hot cider, hot chocolate and hand & feet warmers. So stinkin’ posh. I heart the ski concierge and have been spoiled. Putting on ski boots and schlepping my skis can never happen again!
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| I’ll take birch trees over palm trees anyday! |
“I’d rather be in the mountains thinking of God, than in church thinking of the mountains.” -John Muir
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| On top of the world…literally. |
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| In my happy place! |
Absolutely beautiful!! I love the quote about being in nature with God…..so true. I can come up with about a million reasons why I can NOT go on vacation right now….but you are absolutely right. You need it. It’s worth it. This is life, passing us by, each and every day. I am determined to make a vacation happen this year!! DETERMINED! Great post 🙂 Stopping by from SITS Sharefest 🙂
You need a vacation every year Jennifer! We all need to put ourselves first…as difficult as it may be. Thanks for your kind words!
I am absolutely a fan of getting away! Sometimes some time away with your partner is exactly what you need and sometimes, a person might need time away with themselves or with girlfriends. Just go! Stepping away from the daily grind once in a while is like therapy. Glad you finally got back to the snow! 🙂
It is like therapy — great analogy. And girls trip is next…baby steps. Literally!
I love this and I am so glad you had some time off from being a mum. ME time, and OUR time, when one is in a relationship – sooooooo important. I am sure you feel rejuvenated and more in love with both your husband and your kids than ever before. Good for you.
I needed to hear this! My kids are now 3 1/2 yrs and we have yet to take a vacation away from them. It’s time. We NEED to get away just for our sanity and some couple time. Looks like you had a gorgeous place to get away to!
I was right there with you Angela. And trust me, it’s not easy to leave them. But it’s much harder on the mommy’s to leave than the kids! And after a day or 2, you will be sooo relaxed! Be like Nike…just do it!
I love winter here in Canada. I go snowshoeing with my kids all the time. I would love for all of us to get into downhill skiing as my kids get older. I’ve never been.
Happy Monday! Visiting from The SITS Girls. Have A Great Day 🙂
Kristina
http://www.yomichaelmichael.com
Okay that looks absolutely amazing!! Glad you had so much fun!
I’m so jealous! This looks absolutely amazing. I could really use a getaway.
Wow, what an awesome break! We all need to take some time away once in awhile
Leslie – @itsacouponlife #SITSBlogging
Looks gorgeous! I’ve never actually been skiing!
You have to make time for yourself. Your pictures are beautiful!
You are exactly right! Even getting away for a few hours helps me refresh, but a couple of days is heavenly. Good for you for taking the plunge!
When your retired, you will get sick of one another and take separate get a ways, LOL Lovely photos, and you look truly happy and refreshed! #SITSBlogging
Everyone needs to get away from everything sometimes. I’m glad that you were able to do so. Your photos are breathtaking!
#SITSblogging
I love the idea of a getaway! Any suggestions for a single mom?
This is the second time we’ve been paired up in a SITS challenge! It must be fate. 🙂
I totally agree with having a healthy getaway without the kids. Ours is coming up in March- not a ski weekend, but one in a lodge on Lake Erie. Enjoy your family! #SITSGirls
As a parent of grown children I agree with the break idea. Your pics are fab. I hate snow though…or I’m so tired of it for now anyway. #sitsblogging
Adult time is so important, as hard as it is leaving the kids. I would have cried too!
Beaver Creek Colorado is my favorite place on earth. There is something so peaceful about the mountains. I think seeing things so much bigger than yourself helps put life in perspective! What gorgeous pictures! – Lauren SITS Comment Love Tribe
My husband and I try to get away for a weekend every other month or so. It’s amazing how much I look forward to it and how refreshing it is. Probably best of all is what is does for our relationship! Your trip looks like lots of fun!
Looks like a beautiful trip! I just returned home from two trips — one for 18 days, and the other was for 3 days (and was only 4 days after getting home again from the 18 day trip). While I missed my girls (and my sweet hubby), it was so great to have some me time. I think some people thought I was a terrible mom by leaving them for such a long time, but it was good for all of us. The girls had special daddy time, and I had special me time. Next time I’d like to take the hubby with me! 🙂 #SITSBlogging
I loved reading about your romantic getaway on the slopes. Love the birch trees pictures. I love skiing and cross country skiing because it helps you get outside during the winter. The views from the mountains are beautiful!
What a wonderful getaway. I admit I have been so busy with my blog that I haven’t taken the time to just enjoy. You definitely paint a picture that I need a getaway 🙂 Thanks for inspiring me. #SITSBlogging
What a beautiful vacation! My husband Na day get away each year for a snowmobile weekend with friends, but we just took our first trip alone last week. We won a trip to LA for the Biggest Loser finale and were only gone two nights, but it was amazing! #SITSblogging
Hello, I love your pictures . It looks like a great getaway! I love the snow but my husband doesn’t . We use to take trips to the mountains often for vacations until his accident now we stay close to home! Thanks for sharing your beautiful vacation. Have a great week! #SITSblogging
Kim
What beautiful pictures! I agree 100% about the importance of married couples getting away without the kids. It is essential at least once a year and more if possible. It’s been a game-changer in our marriage and keeps it stronger! Visiting today from #SITSBlogging http://www.leeanngtaylor.com
Beautiful pictures! It’s so important to get away and have some time to yourselves. Good for you for making time!
Visiting from #SITSBlogging