Last Last Weekend

Last last weekend (I've been waiting to add pictures but wrote this a while ago), we decided to get away from distractions and spend some quality time with our boys. We picked up R a little early from work (shh...don't tell) and headed off to exotic Marlborough, MA. I know, I know, not very creative, or very far, but we didn't want to spend all of our time in the car (even though it is MUCH more enjoyable to drive around than it was a few weeks ago!).

We had made reservations at the Hampton Inn for the "Winter by the Pool Package." We checked in and received a royal welcome.

"We have a reservation for Holt."

"Holt...Holt.... Oh, Holt!!! Here is your gift basket!" (Excitedly presenting the large, wrapped, basket-o-fun. Contents included free pizza coupon, chips, popcorn, soda, coloring book, crayons, gorilla toy, Cars stamp and sticker set, and very cute stuffed animal gorilla (Mr. B was incredulous--I get to KEEP it? A new friend?)). We were wowed.

We went up to our room, which was very nice, and were grateful to learn that they had put us far away from the visiting hockey team. Mr. B, amazed again, immediately claimed his bed ("I get to sleep in a big Mommy-and-Daddy bed?"), and climbed in with Mr. Gorilla. D-man immediately found all of the buttons and plugs and harmful things within reach, and we attempted to child-proof as much as we could. He voluntarily spent more time in the crib right after we set it up than he did later on....

After pizza "in our room!", we ventured out to the pool. After a few minutes, we had the whole thing to ourselves (no, they didn't leave because of us). Unfortunately, the big pool was a little cold for D-man and I (surprise, surprise), but we had fun watching R and Mr. B from the comfort of the perfectly not-too-hot hot tub.

Mr. B slept like a champ all night, but D-man took a little more convincing since it was a strange place and a smaller crib. R finally got him to fall asleep on the floor, and rather than risk waking him up to move him, we let him sleep there.

After a great breakfast in the morning, we visited the pool once more before heading home, arriving just in time for D-man's nap. Perfect.

That night, after the boys were in bed, R and I had a fabulous Valentine's Dinner together in peace and candlelight. So great. R surprised me with tickets to the Boston Pops Film Night in May, where they will be playing songs from some of my favorite films. I'm so excited to go. One of those things you have to do at least once while you live here.

Sunday was wonderfully relaxing for a change. We did some cleaning on Monday morning, then headed to one of our favorite places--IKEA--in the afternoon. We were proud that we only spent $23. We love getting to have R home as much as we can, and had a great mix of getting out and staying in this weekend. Can't wait for the next one.