My not-so-secret addiction...

My dear friend Larissa Dunlop (who is also my husband's aunty) is due to have a baby boy in 3 weeks time and she wanted to get some serious scrapbooking done before the baby comes.  Actually, we were looking for any old excuse to get together and devote an entire weekend (minus the Sabbath) to a creative weekend of indulging our passion.  The weekend almost didn't happen, with a scare from her end but all is well and we were thrilled to go ahead with it.

We LOVE to scrapbook and we have formed a firm friendship since I joined her family 7 and 1/2 years ago.  It was a delightful weekend and I felt privileged to be sharing her last moments before baby #2 arrives.  She is a very special woman and inspires me daily.  

I had a goal of 8 layouts for the weekend and completed 6 and sketched 1 so not too shabby!  We had burgers at Grill'd on Friday night then a cafe breakfast Saturday morning in the swish end of the Valley.  There was laughter, scrapping, fine foods and drinks and wonderful memories made!

Thanks to a wonderful husband and fabulous in-laws who helped looked after the boys so I could have this experience.  I think I truly am spoilt....

Anyways - here's what I did this weekend.  

Cairns kid-free!!

(These are in chronological order form the bottom up! I couldn't be bothered rearranging them..)

Our trip was so much fun!  My only disappointment was my inability to sleep in!  With children who wake at 5.30am everyday I was really looking forward to sleeping in but my body wouldn't cooperate.  And what's with not being able to get an uninterrupted night's sleep in hotel rooms?? Even when they are very comfy beds.  I just don't get it.  I guess there's nothing like your own bed!  I have no problems at home.  Once my head hits the pillow I am literally out in seconds.

Hit the ground running

We arrived back from Cairns today.  And I'm sorry to report, we've hit reality hard.  Oh, why can't life be just one long holiday?  Will the eternities be like that?  

Anyway, we had a lovely time and when I have a little more energy I'll report on our fabulous trip in the midst of Cyclone Hamish and post some pics.

Happy to report that the kids were fine!  Happy even, and didn't miss me at all!  In total honesty, I thought about them a lot but I didn't miss them.  Am I a horrible mother??  

I was definitely ready to come today and see them - eager actually.  And when I saw them and hugged them at the airport I felt that familiar lump form in the throat.  All is well in my world again....

Summer Lovin'

I'm singing the song in my head!!!  On Wednesday hubby and I are off to Cairns for one whole week of child-free enjoyment!!  I'm not particularly thrilled about being away from the boys for so long but am definitely looking forward to relaxing and going out at night, going places without a huge bag of snacks, drinks and pram etc., of eating in restaurants and SLEEPING IN!!!  I am truly excited about rejuvenating our relationship and really just having a BLAST!  We're going all out, we're going to enjoy ourselves and did I mention relax?

Now, any suggestions for my separation anxiety?  Will my 18mth-old forget who I am?  Will he cry everyday for me?  They are going to stay with my parents who live a 5-minute walk from either Dicky or Moffat beach and I know deep down that they will keep them so busy with outings to the beach or park, swimming in their pool, treats and walking that they will hardly get chance to miss me but I still worry. I'll be ok once I get there, I'm sure!