For anyone that's read my blog or who knows me, it's obvious that my kids are everything to me. So much so, that my wife and I rarely get time for ourselves. I think since the first of my two daughters were born 7 1/2 years ago, I think we've both spent a night away from home ONCE for a wedding that we attended. Sometimes I've had to travel for business with a night or two away, my wife even less. Well, my wife made plans for a night in a hotel she's been eyeing in Santa Barbara (my old college stopping grounds). Thanks to Grandpa and Aunt, the girls would be well taken care of and we could enjoy some "silence". Leaving at noon on Saturday, and back in the car at 2pm on Sunday, didn't give us a lot of time, but the total round trip of 700 miles was certainly the most peaceful car ride we've had in some time. Lots of uninterrupted conversation. We got to enjoy a nice hotel, walk down to the beach, have a nice dinner, catch a movie (and not the Alvin and the Chimpmunks variety), and my wife even got a massage in the morning. . . wow. A little time on Sunday to walk around State Street and then back home to bathe the kids and get ready for school/work the next day. I am so grateful to my wife for being so incredibly dedicated to our children, but I think having some time for her (and us) makes doing all she does a little more do-able. Thanks Amy for a nice day.