Keithing up with the Twins: Mama's Weekend Out

My first weekend away from my babies was pretty great! I went to Hermann, MO for one of my best friend's bachelorette parties. I'm in her wedding in October and was glad to be able to get this weekend in before Alex starts teaching again in 2 short weeks.

We took the Amtrak there Friday morning, so I left the babies and Alex right after the first feeding. They were so smiley and happy, that was the hardest part. Once I got in the car and on my way, I was fine. We arrived in Hermann around lunch time. The town was totally "small town USA" with a main street and rolling country side surrounding it. People visiting get around mostly by trolley. You pay $20 a day and they take you to and from where ever you need to go.

The bachelorette! One of my best friends since grade school...

The trolley was so fun! We brought mimosas on in the morning and wine throughout the day...

We stayed at this awesome house with 5 bedrooms, all new kitchen, renovated bathrooms and a huge deck overlooking the countryside. The owners of the house lived right next door, so each morning there as a fresh breakfast awaiting us on the counter.

Saturday was our big day! Hermann is known for it's wineries, the most popular one being Stone Hill (at least that was the one I had heard of before). I'd say its the Napa Valley of Missouri, and that's being nice I think... The trolley picked us up after breakfast and we headed to the first one. We did little tastings all day and even had a beer tasting at Tin Mill Brewery in the middle of the day. That night we treated ourselves to a fancy dinner at an Italian restaurant and went out to a bar to end the night. It couldn't have been more perfect!

At Tin Mill Brewery!

Some pretty amazing ladies..

Night out on the town!

Nothing could top the smiles I got from the babies and the clean house I came home to. I was nothing but impressed with how Alex handled the weekend on his own. I kept checking in but not too much, I wanted him to know I trusted and knew he could do it. Remember back when I had my first solo weekend? It's intimidating! Those two tiny humans can be rambunctious and I remember that! Vividly... And he took on the weekend with ease. I even came home to dinner in the crock-pot.

Jumping back into work the day after was also a challenge. They needed me to work Monday instead of Tuesday and that was just another day away from the babies. And it turned out to be a long one: 15 hours! So I was ready for the remainder of the week with them.

Being away from my family made me realize and solidify that in my life, I am happiest with them. Yes, the diaper changes and feedings seem relentless some days, but hearing Bennett's laugh or seeing Emmy smile-- those are truly the happiest moments of my days. It's so cheesy but those of you with children, nieces or nephews, grandchildren, etc... can relate.

I asked Alex to share a bit about his weekend with the babies. It's so important to hear from dad's. They have an insight to parenting that I think differs from that of a mama. So, ladies and gents, here he is. The father to my babies...
_________________________________________________________________

Hey all! I wanted to thank Lauren for letting me write a little bit this week and thank all of you for continuing to be interested in our family! Now this weekend was hardly my first time alone with the kids but it was by far the biggest stretch of time I have gone without Lauren in the house. Now honestly I wasn't too stressed out about it. Family and friends heard I was going to be home alone and were quick to offer their help, which I took them up on, for sure!

Looking back on the weekend it seemed to fly by. Every day we went for at least 2 walks, one in the morning and one in the evening. It worked out great because they like being in the stroller and are very calm when outdoors and I get a little workout in. On Saturday, we were out for a longer walk and once we got about 2 miles away from the house, wouldn't you know it, it started pouring! I ran up to the closest house and hoped someone was home. Luckily there was an awesome family with 2 girls who invited us in and let us wait it out. The man's name was Carlos and could not have been nicer, he even held Emmy the whole time. It did not show any sign of letting up so we jumped into his SUV, with 2 car seats already in it for his 2 girls and he took us home. This is why I love living in Shawnee. This is why I love living in the suburbs. Yeah it lacks big city flare but there are Carlos' all around and every time we go on a walk I seem to get into a conversation with a new neighbor.

I won't go into detail about the highs and lows of my weekend but let's just say the house runs way more efficiently with both of us here. The feedings, the naps, the playtimes, the housework can all stack up on you and I was wiped at the end of the day. I have noticed that this week I have been a lot more calm, patient and willing to do housework and I have no doubt it is because of my time here with the kiddos. I will leave you with that and leave the writing to my much smarter, beautiful wife.
___________________________________________________________________

My cousin is getting married this weekend so the babies will attend their first wedding with us and we are so excited! Thankfully Auntie Anna will be there to help. Alex starts back to school next week with Professional Development and I'm done working extra days... for now. Which makes me nervous to not work at least one day a week. We'll see. If anyone is interested in hanging with the babies for a day, let me know! :)

PS: The babies turned 7 months this weekend! 7 MONTHS!!! YAY!

Alex sent me this on snapchat... My heart almost exploded.

My world! These two are so smart! It kills me.

Emmy Lou, always making faces...

We were gifted this AWESOME wagon with straps on the seats that is the perfect size for them. And as I imagined, they love it. Right now we really just go up and down the drive way, but in the fall, I plan on taking this puppy to the park!