Gadabout Fancies: Swiss Alps...Mental prep for our vacation without kiddos

I have to admit that I never EVER saw this day coming. I never ever thought I would want/need a little grownup time. Never. Ever. As a mother, I always want to make memories as a family. I have always clung to the mantra that we will only have a few short years with our kids. After our kids move out and away...that is when we will travel solo (and pine for the days with our babies, no doubt). Flash-forward to today. We're a month out from celebrating our fifth year as the parents of Miss Garrity, in conjunction with our third year at The Golf House. We are about three weeks out from celebrating Sir Grantham's first birthday! In exactly three months we will celebrate seven years as a married couple! During our seven years together we have taken exactly two trips sans kids: honeymoon in Hawaii and a trip our first year of marriage to New Orleans over our spring break. So...since becoming a mother, I have not spent more than one night away from Garrity, and zero nights away from Grantham. I have not had moments of panic. I have not had a sense of dread. I have not wanted to cancel the trip. I am simply excited. I don't feel guilty! ( We have spent the last three summers at Disney World...)

I'm excited.

I am an attachment parent. I am an attachment parent in every since of the word. Prior to becoming a mother I was 100% certain that I would NOT be this type of parent. I read and re-read books on being a strict, regimented parent. I'm not sure why...because this is not me AT ALL.

True as well, it is very unlike me to even want to take a trip without my babies. It's hard to explain why I would entertain the idea. I guess I'm lusting after a little sleep, or to read a book, or go the bathroom alone, or shop alone...all of the aforementioned are all common group activities in my current world.

When we were deciding if we wanted to take a solo trip or a family vacation for spring break, I had a ton of anxiety. I would almost cringe or get mad a the thought of making memories without our entire family. However, one afternoon, Bo and I quarantined ourselves until a decision was made...to the beach with kids, or to the Alps without our kids. I had this crazy little voice in my head telling me that I would relish in the glory of a long flight...alone. I would basque in the glory of packing for myself...in one small carry-on. It was with the assistance of this little voice (of reason) that I made the final decision to go solo...grown-ups only.

I have no idea if I will enjoy this time away. Already, I have a million new little voices posing all sorts of questions...but for now, they are mere whispers compared to the boisterous voices counting down the days until I will be able to relax (if you consider skiing to be relaxing?!)

I'm also certain that the memories Garrity and Grantham will make with Gowah and Grandma Pat will be memories that will stand the test of time. I'm not sure who is more excited...Garrity or Gowah? I also feel a sense of peace knowing Garrity and Grantham are together. I noticed the past two mornings, when Grantham feels Garrity next to him when I have to get up to get milk or get ready...he doesn't cry. It is with that peace and assurance that this trip is possible. Again, hard to explain.

Well, for now anyway, I am more excited for this trip than any other I can remember (except maybe Disney for the first time...turns out I can control my excitement a little better as an adult.)