Escape and Give Thanks

Last week, we took advantage of the long Thanksgiving weekend and got away.  We
packed up the truck and drove to the beach, enjoying a much needed break with some of
our best friends.  It took a full hour from the time I first said "We're ready, let's go!" until
we actually pulled out of the driveway: we forgot our sunglasses, Belle's favorite barbie,
you name it.  Shawn finally threw me in the truck after finding me in the house, wiping
down the countertops one last time.  Let it go, Liv, it's time to roll.

And roll we did.  We spent 4 glorious days laughing and playing with lifelong
friends, watching our babies build on the friendship we started so many years ago.
Cara cooked a big turkey dinner and, despite her protests for me to relax, I snuck in
my family's beloved macaroni and cheese.  The weather was beautiful and we ate our
big meal outdoors under the warm Florida sun.

We skipped out on the early morning Black Friday shopping craziness and hit the 
beach instead.  The water was just warm enough to get your feet wet which, to the 
kids, meant GO FOR IT!  Little ones have no fear of cold water.  We buried them in 
the white sand, played football, and enjoyed having the big open space to ourselves.  After 
a leftover turkey sandwich lunch, we put the babies and the daddies down for naps and 
Cara and I went out for a little shopping.  The crowds had died down and we were able 
to score some amazing deals and quite a few chocolate chip cookies as well.  

It was a fantastic weekend: we were able to go out on a double date sans kids, we ate 
more fudge than should be humanly possible, and I took my first deep breathe in a long 
time.  It was the break we've been needing without knowing we needed it.  
There's something so magical about a roadtrip, the healing power found in a change 
of scenery.  We have so much to be thankful for.