A Rare Weekend Away

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This past weekend my husband Paul and I had a rare weekend away without the kids. We have been married for 16 years and together for 22 years (where did the time go?) and have only been away together as a couple without the kids a few times since we had our first child 11 years ago. After such a crazy summer, filled with a ton of travel for me, a new puppy, and a chaotic schedule of camps, soccer games and playdates for the kids, we needed this time alone together as a couple more than ever before.

A weekend away along the South Shore of Lake Superior, home to the stunning Apostle Islands and quaint Bayfield, Wisconsin was the perfect antidote to a stressful, busy life. I realized how tense I have become and how incredibly important it is in life to take a step back and relax. I also realized how important it is for a marriage to have time alone together away from the kids. As much as we love our children, we rarely spend time alone together except for a nice dinner out or a walk around the lake with our dog. Getting away from it all together was the best thing we could have done!

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Sailboat Ride in the Apostle Islands

I am incredibly grateful that we had six years together before we got married and another five years before we had kids. These years were so important to building a strong, healthy loving relationship and friendship. Once the kids came, life was turned upside down and there was very little time together as a couple. Only now that the kids have reached an age where they are more independent and easy, do we have more freedom to be together.

A weekend away reconfirmed how lucky we are to have each other and how important it is to get away. As I unpack the suitcase, I take a deep breath realizing that yes there are hundreds of photos to edit, untold stories to write and share, laundry to fold, school supplies to organize and a messy house to clean. Yet, this time I stop myself from getting overwhelmed and remember how fortunate I am to have married the love of my life, be blessed with two amazing children and a wonderful array of family and friends to keep me sane. I will bottle up this peaceful calm feeling for as long as I can for it will be awhile until we have another weekend away and free babysitters thanks to my mom and dad.

This post was inspired by the Weekly Photo Challenge: Rare.

Stay tuned…the kids are back in school in one week! Where on earth did this summer go? I plan on returning to a more regular blogging schedule and look forward to sharing my stories from Romania and more. 

45 thoughts on “A Rare Weekend Away”

  1. Yes, it’s always good to take a step back, get out of the ‘rat-race,’ and enjoy what rally matters in life. The ‘rat-race’ will change you over time if you don’t make time to ‘actively intervene.’ Life is good, but it takes conscious effort. Our grand-kids go back to school next week too, and they think time flies! 😉

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      So true. I was so impressed with this part of Lake Superior and surprised I had never been there. Time goes way too fast. So nice to take a break and slow down and spend time together!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much! 😌

      Reply ↓
  3. RoarLoud – My love of nature has always drawn me outdoors. Being curious like a cat has lead to various adventures and travels. This blog highlights my travels, adventures, gear and random interesting tidbits of my life roaring loudly. The story behind my nickname (Wildcat) and my roaring can be read here. http://wp.me/p5yqsL-4m
    RoarLoud on said:

    Love the kid free time away! Looks like a relaxing, fun time!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Me too! It felt so incredibly nice. Wish we had a little more time like that but then again the kids are growing up so fast. You would absolutely love this place Cathy. It is amazing!

      Reply ↓
  4. Ocean Bream – I am a tragedy waiting to happen, and a bottle of fireflies just before they are let loose. There is very little that fazes me, yet I am an emotional waterfall. I like people, watching people, talking to people, hearing people and generally avoiding them. I have left my teens behind me very recently and am embarking solemnly, determinedly on the uphill hike that is adulthood. So far I have discovered that life requires one's full attention at all times. My trials include getting rid of the podge that has surrounded my middle, my hair and the redemption of my soul. I will also attempt to tackle the intricate complexity that is writing, the neverending cascade of words in the literary world, and to make something of myself in the time that I am alive (and also hopefully after I am dead). My Muse is Twig Blackadder. You might see flashes of him darting through the pages of this blog. Welcome, and hello to you, dear visitor. Tell me about who you are. What are your dreams and aspirations? What is something significant that makes you stand out from the masses of other human beings on this earth?
    Ocean Bream on said:

    Well your weekend away sounded amazing! It’s great to reconnect like that away from distractions 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! It was wonderful and I loved the area. Sharing more soon as it was so beautiful!

      Reply ↓
      • Ocean Bream – I am a tragedy waiting to happen, and a bottle of fireflies just before they are let loose. There is very little that fazes me, yet I am an emotional waterfall. I like people, watching people, talking to people, hearing people and generally avoiding them. I have left my teens behind me very recently and am embarking solemnly, determinedly on the uphill hike that is adulthood. So far I have discovered that life requires one's full attention at all times. My trials include getting rid of the podge that has surrounded my middle, my hair and the redemption of my soul. I will also attempt to tackle the intricate complexity that is writing, the neverending cascade of words in the literary world, and to make something of myself in the time that I am alive (and also hopefully after I am dead). My Muse is Twig Blackadder. You might see flashes of him darting through the pages of this blog. Welcome, and hello to you, dear visitor. Tell me about who you are. What are your dreams and aspirations? What is something significant that makes you stand out from the masses of other human beings on this earth?
        Ocean Bream on said:

        Looking forward to seeing it! 🙂

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        I hope to have a post up soon! I have some great pics!

  5. lexklein – I’m a restless, world-wandering, language-loving, book-devouring traveler trying to straddle the threshold between a traditional, stable family life and a free-spirited, irresistible urge to roam. Even when I was young, I always wanted to be somewhere else. I was the kid who loved camp, vacations, sleepovers, and all forms of transportation. Did my restlessness spring from a love of languages and other cultures? From a fiction fixation and all the places I’ve visited on the pages of a globeful of authors? I think it’s more primordial, though, an innate itch that demands scratching at regular intervals. I’m sure I won’t have a travel story every time I add to this blog, but I’ve got a lot! I’m a pretty happy camper (literally), but there is some angst as well as excitement in always having one foot out the door. Come along for the trip as I take the second step …
    lexklein on said:

    Lucky you … for many reasons! Glad you had a nice getaway. I looked at a kayaking trip in the Apostle Islands once but couldn’t go. It looks nice.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I loved the Apostle Islands Lexi. Wow!!! I can’t wait to go back next summer as we decided we must bring the kids. So incredible and only four hours away!!

      Reply ↓

  6. Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: Rare | stenoodie

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      It was so nice Janet. The kids and my parents had a wonderful time too. A very special weekend.

      Reply ↓
  8. Miriam – Australia – I’m a wonder lusting woman, a musician, a freelance travel writer and magazine columnist. Utterly passionate about travel and life and turning the ordinary moments into the extraordinary. My motto is “just do it”.
    Miriam on said:

    Lovely post Nicole. it’s so important to have quality time away together, and it looks as though you had a wonderful time. Good for you. xo

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes it was so wonderful Miriam and so special.

      Reply ↓
      • Miriam – Australia – I’m a wonder lusting woman, a musician, a freelance travel writer and magazine columnist. Utterly passionate about travel and life and turning the ordinary moments into the extraordinary. My motto is “just do it”.
        Miriam on said:

        I’m glad Nicole. xo

  9. Denise Ratcliffe – Denise Ratcliffe was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She currently lives near Charlotte, North Carolina. Two of her adult children live with her, and she has 4 wonderful grandchildren. Denise loves to loves worship God, spend time with family, and work on her garden.
    Earth Bound on said:

    It is wonderful to get away sometimes with your loved one. Great photos!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! Yes it was very special.

      Reply ↓

  10. Lovely family. Free babysitters do come in handy, thanks to grandpa and grandma. 😮👍. Glad you had fun.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      My parents and the kids had a wonderful time too doing all sorts of special things. It was great for us all!

      Reply ↓

  12. Good place to weekend away – you can just chill out. You will be ready for the next onslaught. Just remember not to make too many demands on yourself. Keep in the chill mode.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes so true Louise. I’m back just a few days now and life is crazy again. I hardly have a moment to even work on the blog. But that is life. Better busy than not doing anything at all I guess.

      Reply ↓

  13. We all do need to decompress and spend quality time together with our significant other. Choosing a trip to Bayfield and the Apostle Islands sounds perfect. We loved both!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes, life this summer has been way way way too busy and hectic. Although it has been fun, too much traveling and the puppy has added a whole new dimension. I feel so behind in my blogging and everything. But the kids start school Monday and once again I will have time. It is bittersweet though.

      Reply ↓
  14. Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
    Sue Slaght on said:

    Nicole I so applaud you and your husband for taking some away together. We have been together since 1979 and I can assure you these weekend getaways and even date nights are gold to a relationship.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes it is so important Sue especially given the summer we have had. I admit, it has been fun but very hectic. Too much travel, the new puppy has caused a lot of extra work and I’ve had absolutely no time to write, read blogs work on anything. The kids start school Monday. It is bittersweet because I will have time to work on my blog again yet I will be sad as summer and life just seems to go faster every single day.

      Reply ↓
      • Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
        Sue Slaght on said:

        It’s a challenge to find the balance isn’t it Nicole. As we spend time with our Grandbaby I marvel at the speed of the years. All fabulous stages which seemed to twirl by in a blink. 🙂

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Yes a challenge indeed. I have found myself so utterly busy and stressed this week trying to jam everything in that it isn’t good. I need things to slow down a bit or else that blink of the eye will truly be real! 🙂

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! I loved it in Bayfield and it was the first time there. So incredible. I hope to go back.

      Reply ↓

  16. Time without kids is always good (and of course we all love our children). Seems like you and your husband had a great time. Lovely photos, as always.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes it was so necessary given the hectic, busy summer we have had. Thanks!

      Reply ↓
  17. Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
    Alison and Don on said:

    How wonderful for you both. I bet it felt great!
    Alison

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes indeed! It was truly great. 🙂

      Reply ↓

  18. right oN! keep on keepin on guys!!!!!! 🙂
    2 kewl fer skewl.yes indeed! 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! It was so needed. 🙂

      Reply ↓

  19. Wonderful for you both. It really is love that makes the world go round. Our forty second on the weekend and we were together for seven years before that so hard to believe that next year it will be fifty years – yikes !! 🙂 Enjoy the last part of summer 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Wow Andrew! Congratulations!!! My parents celebrate their 50th next summer. A long loving marriage is the greatest gift we could have.

      Reply ↓
      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Yes amazing. My in laws just had their 50 th as well so that is equally wonderful. 🌟

  20. Yup, absolutely crucial to get away from routine and also from ones beloved children. Almost everything can usually wait. Prioritizing couple time just so very important. Looks like a great time, especially the sailboat photo.
    Good for you ~ making it happen!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much Peta! It looks like you have some exciting changes and adventures coming soon! Can’t wait to follow along!

      Reply ↓

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