Mike and I did something we haven’t done since…well, I can’t remember when – we went away together. I was supposed to speak at a conference this past weekend, but unfortunately due to some snafus it didn’t happen. I still had childcare in place (yay Gramma and Bampa!) for Saturday, so we took advantage. We dropped off Annabel and Rigby with my parents, and we drove up Pacific Coast Highway.
The weather was gorgeous thanks to a crazy heat wave we’re having. Mike indulged me and pulled over a few times so I could get some pictures.
Paddle surfing, something I am determined to do in the next 365 days.
Standing on the train bridge that runs next to the ocean.
Kite surfing, looks fun but incredibly hard.
We arrived at our destination, a cute little Danish town in Central California called Solvang (one of my favorite things about California is you can drive a few hours and be somewhere completely different – the beach, the snow, or a town founded by Danes).
It’s like little Denmark, surrounded by wine country. It’s pretty awesome.
We ate our faces off – we both gorged on æbleskivers (the most delicious things ever – basically what would happen if a pancake and a popover had a baby), Mike got a block of fudge, and we had an amazing dinner where I ate red meat for the first time in weeks…maybe even months. It was worth the wait.
Amazingly, we only talked about our kids 98% of the time! I’d say that’s pretty good. Most importantly, we were able to be with each other. We weren’t stressed, we weren’t playing rock/paper/scissors over a diaper, we were able to just relax and enjoy each other.
It was so wonderful to be with just my husband, to have the other’s undivided attention. We definitely need to do it more often….even if it’s only to elicit that happy excited “you’re back!!!!!!!” face from Annie.
Now we just need to find the time….
{ 73 comments… read them below or add one }
Yep, find the time… and a fee for the “K” word when it is that time.
Annabel and Rigby are fine where they are, and you guys are having fun and doing nice mama and papa things…
More!
catherine lucas cr´s last [type] ..Tudors and pigeon mansions
This post made me teary. I can not think of a more beautiful, deserving couple, to go to a strange yet adorable Danish town near LA. xoxo
Brilliant. It sounds like heaven. We should all try to do it more often! I’m sure we’d be better parents for it.
So glad you had a good weekend – and I’m sure Annie and Gramma and Bampa did too!
Kate @ UpsideBackwards´s last [type] ..Miss Bossy- ok
Admittedly, my husband and I don’t have many dates…we’re too busy running around to watch our kids’ sporting events. But on the rare times we do go out together just the two of us, I always think we should have dates more often! Glad you had a beautiful day together!!
Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last [type] ..Yes- there was a product named Penorub…
Great photos! The one of the railroad tracks was amazingly vivid and crisp. I’m glad you had a good weekend. You deserve it.
Glad you guys were able to enjoy some alone time.
We have instituted Mommy/Daddy Date Night in our house once a month. We send all the kids away or get a babysitter for a few hours and just enjoy dinner and each others company. It has really helped our relationship grow.
Annie Y´s last [type] ..Open Letter 10
That’s so wonderful! You guys deserved that!
Away time is always GREAT. So glad that ya’ll were able to sneak away, even if just for a day!
AmazingGreis´s last [type] ..Fall…
Once we got past the fear of leaving the kids with a sitter, we set up a ‘date night’ every other Sunday evening… makes a big difference
Sounds so nice:)
My hubby and I are going to have an entire weekend in about 2.5 weeks for the first time since we started having children…………..9yrs ago!
Soak it up baby, soak it up!!!
I am so glad you got away for a weekend with just the two of you. I know how important that is and how hard it is to do sometimes with kids. I know me and my husband don’t do it enough… Ya’ll are so cute together. =-)
Jodee´s last [type] ..Family Fun
I am so glad that you guys got to spend some much needed time together!
YAY for time away! I’m so glad you got to spend time with your honey; I think everyone needs to get away from the “real” world every so often and I’m happy to see that you were able to do so recently.
(((hugs)))
Deborah´s last [type] ..The Nasty Etsy Underbelly
That’s awesome…you both SO deserve it!
That sounds like a blast…congratulations! My husband’s vacation days are tied up in other activities, so we can’t take many “weekends away”. We relish every minute of it–I’m glad you got to do the same. You deserve it!
Lindsay´s last [type] ..Daily Photo- Cufflinks
Glad you had a good time.
The pictures are beautiful.
Be well,
How fun you luckies. Next time come all the way up to Santa Cruz and I can be the third wheel.
Damaris´s last [type] ..indulgence
I’m so happy you went away and had fun -you so deserve it!!
I don’t normally comment… but this one … You two are two beautiful people making it in this world! It makes me teary ;o)
SOOOO HAPPY you guys took some time to be with each other! You guys deserve the best!!!
Take Care,
Jenn
Even if you can’t do the full overnight trips together, just getting a few hours for a date night here & there helps a LOT. I’ve noticed that Dave and I like each other a lot more when we can regularly schedule “us” time.
LOVE the self shot – it is awesome – yall look great! Gald you had some fun out – and seeing our babies smile when we get home make me tear up everytime!
MBKimmy´s last [type] ..New Baby
What a fun looking place! I am putting this on my travel list
Lamb´s last [type] ..Even Better Ramen Recipe Spices Giveaway
Time is certainly a very precious commodity…
But “dates” are so important, just to re-connect.
So glad you guys did it!! Glad you had a great time. Looks beautiful out there. One of these days, I’m goin’ to Cali!!
Hooray for grown-up time! It truly does make us all better parents to get away once in awhile.
So happy you 2 had some alone time!! Well deserved!
I’m so glad you got some alone time with each other! I think you really needed it and it sounds like you had a great time. That’s awesome!
How fun! Glad you two got some time alone together. My husband and I are waaaaaaay overdue for that. Our dilemma? We just can’t find anyone crazy enough to babysit nine children! LOL
I’m so glad you two got away! It also reiterated to me how much my husband and I need one of our own.
Jen L.´s last [type] ..Small Favors
So happy that the two of you had some time away with each other. Such an important part of marriage and I hope you can do it more often! That picture of you two is seriously adorable and you both look so happy and relaxed. ?
I’m so happy you guys got to enjoy a trip alone together!
If aebleskivers are anything like poffertjes, I totally know what you mean. My best friend and I went to Amsterdam for a weekend while I was studying abroad in Paris, and we pretty much lived off of soft serve ice cream and poffertjes- tiny pancakes smothered with butter, maple syrup, and powdered sugar. OMG!! I miss them to this day!
I’m so happy to hear you guys had alone time, and it was such a great time for you both. All the pictures are amazing, but my favorite is the last one of you two. You look so happy and comfortable together.
I just wanted to thank you for inspiring me to start my own blog. I always look forward to reading what you’re up to and value your strength and viewpoint on this path through life. I acknowldged you with a little blog award.
Much love, Amanda
So glad you two got alone time. Y’all are super cute!
I love, Love, LOVE Solvang!!!! I wish everyone could experience Solvang just one time, it is so beautiful!! Yes…that is the greatest part of being in California!! But finding the time to do it all stinks!! I’m so glad that you had a wonderful weekend. Beautiful pictures
Solvang is awesome – we haven’t been there for a few years, but your post made me want to go again very soon! My husband is part Danish, and we make aebbleskivvers every New Year’s morning. If you’re ever in our area, we’ll treat you to homemade aebbleskivvers!
Jessica Seuss´s last [type] ..Joeys Ocean
I had to go to VAFB once for work and on my last day ended up in Solvang/Buellton and absolutely fell in love! I can’t think of a better place for you two to have a day together!
PS – The chardonnay & chicken caesar salad at Firestone in Buellton is a pretty perfect lunch!
Oh, boy, alone time! I would love this too. But my little 8-month-old’s grandparents are too far away. I really need to find some babysitters here.
That’s what I miss most about being in Denmark – it is FLAT. I miss my PNW mountains!
I heard about this Danish town on the “Danish Hollywood Housewives” reality tv show, which shows here in Denmark. If I ever move back to the States, I will have to take my hubby here for a visit! The windmill looks authentic, but the hills in the background are definitely not.
Anyways, glad you two had a nice mini-getaway.
Alone time is so wonderful in SO many ways but you’re right, that homecoming is so sweet too! Glad you two were able to get away and enjoy each other!
That sounds absolutely heavenly!
Kristin´s last [type] ..Round and round and round we go
Heather,
I took up stand up paddleboarding this year. Best fun ever!!!!
Cindy in Canada
man that sounds so nice. Solvang is awesome and quaint. I need one of those weekends away. I havent had one since i had kids (almost five years). It would do wonders!
So glad you had a great time. And the RR track pic is awesome.
I’m so glad the both of you had such a great time! You deserve it. The pictures are beautiful. I love the windmill.
Elle´s last [type] ..My First Blog Giveaway!
Great pictures! You’re such a good photographer, Heather! Glad you guys got to enjoy some alone time. I love your couple pic. You look especially pretty, Heather. Your girls both have your beautiful eye color.
That sounds fantastic! Glad you got some alone time
I want to see this town! Now I must drag my boyfriend to it when we get a chance to do our explore California roadtrip. 
I love the pictures. Very happy you guys got to do something to reconnect. VERY important. I only faithfully follow 3 blogs, and this is the 2nd one talking about a lovely time away with just the husband. I am starting to get a hint…
glad you had a great time. you guys deserve it. funny once you become a parent and go on a date w/ your hubby the talk is all about the kids. love i! great pictures…thanks for sharing!
I tried æbleskivers for the first time just recently, at the OC Street Fair. Mmm… They were so yummy.
I will have to visit that little town. It looks so cute!
Amanda M.´s last [type] ..Sims 3- Needle Exchange Program
I’m so glad you managed to get in some time for yourselves – you totally deserve it!!!
Kirsten´s last [type] ..Later
You two are just too cute! Thanks for sharing your beach vacation. I totally want to go to the beach. You should take Annie to the beach and share the photos so I can pretend that I took MY kids to the beach………..We live about 14 HOURS from the nearest beach
Rebecca´s last [type] ..That Horrible Smell
Yay for alone time! It comes so seldom after little come, you have to take every opportunity you can, even if you do end up talking about the little monsters!
So glad to hear you guys had a chance to get away. It looks like it was a beautiful little trip. Amazing photos.
Lisa´s last [type] ..My Love-Hate Relationship with My Hair
Love me some Solvang. I used to live off of First street.
And now I want an aebleskiver.
Zakary´s last [type] ..Fact- Not Crap
Hi!
I’m from Norway, Denmark’s neighboring country. Love that you enjoyed our culture:) Hope you’ll get some “alonetime” again soon, you deserve it!
Hooray for the two of you!
Solvang is one of my favorite places and I have so many wonderful memories of traveling there as a child. I can almost taste that yummy fudge and all of the waffle cones and ice cream we would indulge in DAILY whenever we were there.
I love the photo of the two of you. You both look so incredible happy.
One of these days, you’ll need to take Annie with you to Solvang. I’m sure that she will enjoy it too.
We live about 45 minutes north of Solvang and it’s one of our favorite getaway spots. We even bought an abelskeiver pan last time we were there, so we can make our own (although dammit, it’s always better when someone else makes them). Plus, it’s the only place I can find my name on keychains…and spelled correctly! hehehe
Glad you had a nice time, it’s good to get away for a bit – even if it does feel like an arm is missing when the baby isn’t with you
Kirsten´s last [type] ..Busy day and Beach Fun
GOOD!
You two have been through so much and have had so little time together to do fun grown up stuff. It’s hard being a parent and sometimes having that ‘us’ time is just enough to go back and face it all again. Though being faced with that gorgeous face every day cant be THAT difficult!
I live in Solvang! I see these photo spots everyday! It’s so cool when the people I follow blogging, go to where I live!
Come again soon, would love to meet you both and little Annie!
So happy you got a weekend away. And Solvang is beyond awesome. Have to start nagging hubby to go soon
Cant wait for you to take Annie there – make sure you take a picture of her in the wooden shoe!!! A photo op for parents for decades. (the locals will know where if you ask!!!)
It sounds wonderful! I’m glad you had a good time. That’s a great pic of you and Mike, you both look great. I’m betting you were even happier to see Annabel than she was to see you though, LOL. All of our nights out also centre around discussing the little people we’re taking a break from.
I LOVE Solvang. And that baby of yours. I’ll watch her if you want to get away but only if you bring me back some salted caramel ice cream home and have a beer with me before I head home.
Just tell me when.
Miss´s last [type] ..Thirtysomethings
Would you believe I was looking for the “thumbs up” icon like in Facebook for this post before I remembered where I was. So anyway…I Like!
Ya uh I didn’t mean to do that! Oops.
Hmm maybe it was auto deleted when I accidentally put my email where my name was supposed to be. Let’s try this again!! So what I was saying was……..
When I first read your post I immediately looked for the “thumbs up” icon that is on Facebook before I remembered where I was! I guess what I am saying is…..I Like! I like very much, good for both of you and so important to take that time and appreciate one another.
Wow! You both look absolutely stunning in that picture!
So happy for you!
Dawn @ What’s Around the Next Bend?´s last [type] ..Dont ask me WHAT Im teaching them Post-It Note Tuesday
Yay! Time with your love. Good for you two. You are glowing in the picture.
kelly´s last [type] ..Dear dog the teenage squirrels!
the smiles on both of your faces speaks volumes! Good for you guys
I loved the pictures–Solvang is one of my favorite places going up the coast, and your pictures brought back many memories, since my photographic skills are limited. LOL. And the food–oh the bakeries and the fudge. It’s 6am and I’m craving fudge now.
You and Mike look positively radiant in that picture–the time away seems to have done you both good. So glad you got to enjoy.
I *love* Solvang. That was the first place I ever saw snow. (I grew up in LA)
Erin @ Fierce Beagle´s last [type] ..Its all for show
So glad you guys got away. The joys of living in California – that beautiful scenery. Enjoy.
Molly @ Digital Mom Blog´s last [type] ..Denver- CO – You Are Quite Lovely
This makes me so happy for you guys.
I love that drive up PCH. Solvang is a fun place to visit too! I’m glad to see you two had a fun getaway together. You sure deserve it! Beautiful pics too…makes me wish I was back in CA instead of the yucky desert.
So glad you and Mike got some time alone together. And yes, you must it do it more often.