Getaway Weekend

I completely stand by anyone out there who's advised us that it's so important & refreshing to get away as a couple every now & then if possible.  This past weekend, Ken & I had just such an opportunity; he had a quota trip for work that was tied into the end of some work meetings in Laguna Beach, CA.  Our wonderful parents offered to watch the kids for us while we were away; that in itself was such a gift!  (anyone with kids - especially little ones - knows how much work you're leaving someone else with, even doting grandparents.)  To not have to worry about the kids & their safety, whether they were having fun or getting to bed at a decent hour, and the hope that our parents weren't wearing themselves out - was a huge piece of the enjoyment factor.  We literally were able to enjoy every minute of being in CA together as a couple.  And the trip itself?.... aaaaahhhhmaaaaazing!!

The hotel was insanely beautiful... you know you might be a fish out of water when you're taking pictures in the lobby. ;)  The room was stunning with these french doors that open up to an arched balcony overlooking the ocean.  Just everything - and I mean everything, not in the least being the ridiculously amazing service from every hotel employee - was mind blowing.  And as if that wasn't enough, Ken's boss went to extra lengths to make it even more memorable.  She had this big gift basket waiting in the room for us with hand-picked favorite snacks. (tons of fresh fruit, dark godiva chocolate bars, waters, almonds, ect.)  The following morning, Ken stepped off the elevator carrying this beautifully-wrapped gift with a butterfly on top and handed it to me.  "What's this?!" It was a present from his boss to me, with clothes inside?!!  One of which, was a favorite-in-the-entire-catalog shirt I'd circled for Ken when he'd asked for some birthday ideas, another was an ivory tank top she'd picked all on her own with feminine lace around the edges and it matched the shirt. (she had emailed everyone on his team, asking for gift ideas for each guest - who does this?!!... I mean, holy smokes, super thoughtful & I felt so undeservedly spoiled.)

We spent one afternoon taking a ferry over to Catalina Island (you know the song, right? "Twenty-six miles across the sea, Santa Catalina is a'waitin' for me, Santa Catalina the island of- romance...") We loved getting to explore the town of Avalon & walk around everywhere - we signed up for a zip line tour that was nuts!  LOVED it!  They shuttle you up to the top of the mountain, where they have the starting dock - so it's the point of no return.  We had great guides with fun personalities who made it all the more memorable.  You start at the top, and work your way back to the beach, zipping down the canyon from landing point to landing point.  Fog had rolled in, making it even more of an adventure to take off and zip into the clouds where you couldn't see the other side! ;) You're above the tree tops & roads, and with my fear of heights, I just kept looking forward. :) We had a blast & I'll try to post video footage later. 

We also were able to spend one of the afternoons, attempting* to surf & boogie board.  There was a hot spot right out in front of the hotel, but definitely for the advanced crowd which we soon discovered.  Bad rip tides & rough waves made it feel almost impossible just to get past the short stuff in front.  I ate so much sand and got tossed under multiple times- nothing like a mighty ocean to remind me I'm not as strong of a swimmer as I thought.  But, just being in the ocean (wet suits a must with how chilly the water still is) - was mega refreshing & one of my favorite parts of the trip.  Ken has surfed more than me, and was determined to get up a few times.  (which he did) :)  The meals out -- ahh, the fresh seafood at diner & breakfasts by the beach, driving in a convertible with palm trees & ocean breeze (yes, I'll romanticize it) ... gawl, it was just the most unforgettable trip!   3 days felt like just the right amount of time.  Like a dear friend put it, "one night is just too short, two days feels like a lot of work (packing & planning for kids) for just that, but three days, that's enough time to feel like you can relax and enjoy yourself and be ready to come back to the kids you're missing."  She was spot on!We came back feeling mega refreshed and were so excited to see the kids who had had a ball with our parents.