This weekend I had the privilege of spending time with just the women in my family.  We all came together to celebrate my aunt's birthday, and the effect of it all was like a cool drink of water for my soul.  We all have such busy lives and get so caught up in just trying to get through each day, month, holiday season that we forget to stop and savor these precious moments to breathe, share and bond.  We spent a day and a half shopping, visiting a winery, enjoying a dinner with a spectacular sunset and just enjoying each other's company.  We laughed over things like the sweet old man asleep outside a dressing room while his wife tried on clothes, and these seemingly ridiculous zebra-striped dresses (which I ended up buying and can't wait to wear!).  We swapped clothes, beauty tips and parenting advice, and learned some life lessons from my aunt as she reflected on her life to this point.  I even got some quality one-on-one time with my mom, which almost never happens.  I came away from the weekend feeling like my emotional reserves had been replenished - to the point where I was completely unflappable this morning as z was crying because he "wanted to wake up with mommy" at the same time that jd was hysterical as I bathed him after what I can only describe as The Most Unfortunate Diaper Incident Ever.

They say that shared experience are the ties that bind, and I find that to be so true.  For me they're also so restorative.  And I can't wait until we do this all again next year. A special thanks to my father and all the husbands who gave up their wives for the weekend, and to Henry for helping the boys with a sweet little homecoming drawing for me.  And to mom, Aunt Joanne, Sarah and Christine for making this such a wonderful experience.