Friday, October 9, 2009

Golden Gate Bridge

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This is about as much as we saw of it.

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Nothing like spending the morning eating cupcakes and being without kids for the first time in three years to get an old married couple acting drunk and disorderly.

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Not that I would change one iota of my life. But you know…

For just 2 mornings, to sleep in til 8 am…

To not have a mental note of each child’s bowel movement or lack thereof and be wondering if it was due to the bananas and cheese and applesauce in one meal and the fact that I forgot to pick up prunes on the last trip to the market and why won’t she just drink more water for heaven’s sake…

To go out to dinner and not take an extra bag for bibs, sippy cups, wet wipes, teethers, bottles, and extra-large, biodegradable toilet seat covers for a conscientious 3 year old and how in the name of love are we going to fit the double stroller in there…

Well, it’s enough to warrant drunken and disorderly conduct.

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Sometimes it’s liberating to post stupid pictures of myself.

To laugh in the face of my crows feet and stop hiding behind pictures of my joeys.

I’m 32 (for a few more weeks). My face is aging like nobody’s business. I’m a mom to 3. I look like it. I act like it. And I’ve got the mini van to prove it.

But right now I’m having a really great time at the hidden Golden Gate Bridge.

Oh look, the fog cleared.

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Jay thought we could take a photo of the informational kiosk’s photo and pretend that was our own photo. Except this photo looks all retro and so not like any photo we could take. So that fog-busting photo scheme was quickly canned. I can’t stop saying photo.

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A nice couple offered to take our picture. And then they told us to lay off the booze so early in the day.

Then we started home. And spent most of the trip talking about the kids and how much we love them and missed them. I couldn’t wait to get back to the bowel movement mental notes. Really. The responsibility of it all keeps me grounded and centered and content.

There’s nothing sweeter in the world than being parent.

28 comments:

Buckeroomama said...

Amen to that. :) Despite my whining about this and that, there is nothing more rewarding that being a parent!

Hubby and I love the occasional time-alone together, but we always end up wondering what the kids are doing and then we hurry back... It's like we're not complete anymore without the kiddos. :)

Christina said...

Sweet and beautiful.
I know, even with all the bowel movement talk...I'm a mom, too. That's why!
You guys are lovely.

Salitype said...

the mist which covers the bridge added mystique....and nice photos of yourself having a nice time albeit the fog...

i have to smile when you mentioned about everyday's life with kids...lying in is something foreign to me since i have my little girl! and why do kids wake up early on weekends and so difficult to wake up on school days. lol!

have lovely weekend!

McVal said...

LOL! I've been there! Even tho you didn't get a good view of the bridge, it looks like you had an awesome time.
Oh - and you better lay off the booze so early in the day...

Heart2Heart said...

Elle,

You two look amazing together beside the bridge encased in fog! Gotta love how when we married couples have time away all we have a tendency to talk about is our kids!

Glad that you had a wonderful trip and reunite with hubby!

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Dana said...

You are just too lovable! I'm so happy that you and Jay had some alone, grown-up time. It looks like you had a lot of fun! And those cupcakes!!!! Yummy!

Alice said...

There is NOTHING like time away to make you appreciate the routine! I'm so glad you've had what sounds like a LOVELY break and are refreshed for returning to work! Keep going, beaut - you're such a lovely mum, it's great to read your warmth as you talk about your children. xxx

Yelena R. said...

When I started reading your post I was going to say "Gee, that is really encouraging me to become a parent one day"....only when I reached the end, I realized that it really does :)

p.s. Lovely photos, even with the fog!

Unknown said...

Wow, I wish you could see the smile on my face right now!

Be well. ~Andrea~

WhiteStone said...

Thirty-two? You really,really must keep things in perspective. For instance...if we lumped and averaged our years together we'd each be forty-seven. I'd be elated. And you'd be at the bottom of the pit of despair. LOL. All a matter of perspective!

Unknown said...

hahaha! I love it! Thank you for your honesty! AMEN to loving your kids but being absolutely goofy when you don't have to be the MOM!

Slyde said...

wow, ive heard the fog over the golden gate can be bad, but that looks sick!

Lemonade Makin' Mama said...

You are hysterical. I thought I was the only one who logged the BM's down for future notes... Just kiddin'!

Sarsa said...

If I remember one of the Pastor's messages accurately... "They can't be drunk, its only 9 am." You and the hubby were just filled with the spirit too.

CottageGirl said...

You are absolutely beautiful, Elle!!! You and your hubby make such a cute couple. Honestly, you still look like you're in your mid 20's!

Gorgeous pics!

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

Awesome pics in every travel post!!
I've been out of the blogging loop.
Hmmm, even us horsey moms have to keep track of bowel movements...what is it about this one thing?
I hope you both had a wonderful time; you deserve it!
Misha

Amy said...

You mean I have to stop it with the drunken public scenes? Psh... screw that! lol

Kim said...

Linda, you look so happy, it makes me smile. I miss having you around to laugh with! Love Ya!

Flat Creek Farm said...

Wonderful pictures! What a great looking, and yes... *young* couple you are! So glad you were able to get away for a few days... but I'm sure you were elated to reunite with your little darlins. -Tammy

Cherie said...

you never fail to make me smile, elle. so young and yet so sensible! you have a lovely family. happy birthday, dear.

Odessa said...

Hi! First time dropping by and I enjoyed every 'babble' as you say. lol.

Can't wait to come back again!
Have a wonderful day! =)

Unknown said...

Beautiful post!! You too are such acute couple, love this! I want to see that bridge in real life someday :):)
Hugs,
Amy

Meghan said...

You are just so fun. We should hang out. :)

Arielle Lee Bair said...

Sounds like the drunk and disorderly conduct was well overdue. :) You two are a cute couple. I'm sure getting back to the kiddies is almost as sweet as the alone time was. :)

Relyn Lawson said...

You two are both so gorgeous. No wonder you make beautiful kids. I'm so glad you had such a good time together. Even more happy that you know who you are and where you belong.

Dandy said...

You two are the prettiest couple ever!

Have I told you that your dimples are to die for and they almost distract for your skinny little body?

Its looks like you were having so much fun!

Muthering Heights said...

It must have been so cool to see it!!

Ingrid_3Bs said...

Niiiiiiiiiiice! I'm going to my first kidless adult party in a year. Joe was supposed to go with me but we just got word that there's now a batting practice scheduled for the same time!

Loved all the photos! It's good to get away and especially nice to come home! Until the kids start to go at it again. :)
~ingrid