In this case the "mice are away..."

~ at Gem Lake on Father's Day~

For 10 days now, Caleb and Meghan have been with grandparents in Texas. Almost every evening, Darin and I have gone for a walk with Keeper, or taken off on our bikes. I have cooked alot of recipes involving mushrooms (despised by both children!), and we have started our Netflix episodes of 24 at around 7 p.m. instead of the usual 9 p.m. Last weekend we hiked so much that our legs were cramping, then went out for margaritas two nights in a row. We have talked without interruptions and laughed and held hands and well... you get the idea.

~on top of Horsetooth Rock~

I am thankful for these times. It comforts me that years from now when the kids venture out on their own, Darin and I will still "know" each other, that we still remember how to have fun as a couple. And yes, whether you believe it or not, the time away has made me miss Caleb and Meghan -- the way they fill our home with so much life and energy. When Meghan called homesick one day, my heart ached for her far more than it rejoiced over being missed. I hope she doesn't lose her first tooth while she's away, and wish I could see Caleb tubing on the lake. And while some days I do savor the quiet, at other times it drives me from the house!

So thanks to our parents, not only for time to bond as a couple, but also for letting us "miss" our children for awhile... for the perspective to see that the grass truly is green on both sides.