The day of the IEP meeting, Brett and I were able to get away for the weekend.  Turns out it was a much-needed weekend away!  Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for keeping the kids for us.  As I was dropping the kids off and going through the run-down of the weekend, Emma was pushing me out the door telling me to leave!  It was great. I knew they’d miss us but when the kids are pushing me to leave, it makes me happy knowing they’re happy to stay there.

So Brett and I headed up north.  My parents were in Eastern Europe, so we had the cabin to ourselves.  Oh yeah, and we also had my dad’s Nissan Z convertible.  Turns out it was the perfect weekend to have the top down!  We met my Uncle Mike for dinner that night.  Had breakfast the next morning at a place worthy of a spot on Diners Drive Ins and Dives called Miz Zips.  Um, they make their own donuts there…and they’re made to order. Hello Heaven!! After breakfast we headed up to the Grand Canyon.  In almost 10 years of being together, Brett and I had never been to the Grand Canyon together!  Seems unbelievable.  We had a great time. My brother works up there now selling and leading tours of the canyon, and he got us tickets to the IMAX.  We drove just a bit visiting various spots and we even had a drink (over-priced, of course) at the famed El Tovar Hotel. It was the perfect day.  Here are some pictures!

Brett would never get this close to the edge!

On Sunday, we stopped at Montezuma’s Castle.  As a native, I found it odd that I hadn’t ever been here!  Of course, my parents will probably correct me and tell me that I had been there when I was 2.  So, let me rephrase by saying that I don’t recall ever visiting Montezuma’s Castle.  It was sooo cool!

I think it’s so important for couple’s to get away when they can.  And I have to emphasize that it’s even more important, I think, when you have a child with special needs.  As you read earlier, Emma’s whole education consumed me.  I couldn’t think of anything else.  And the wheels in my brain just kept turning.  It was nice to have the weekend away to recharge.  And even if a weekend away isn’t doable, then even just a date night is a great way to  reconnect and recharge.  I learned this early on after Emma’s diagnosis.  I needed to trust other people when they cared for her (and of course, not just anyone).  And I needed to spend the time away enjoying the moment, and not worrying about my kids.  Not always easy, but proves beneficial in the end.

Where are some of your places to go?

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