Just what we needed.

Oh the joy!

Last Sunday, my parents made the long 13 hour trek from Georgetown, SC to join us for an Easter dinner and a little bit of family time. It had been a while since they had their snuggle time with Ellery, so that is what they intended to do for most of their visit. 

They were only able to stay from Sunday night to Tuesday morning, but we made the most of every minute we had with them. Family is beautiful blessing, and it was so wonderful to have their love join us for a couple days.

 

An excuse for my parents to have more quality time with Ellery was to let the husband and I go out on a date. Just the two of us. It has been quite a while since we've done anything without a baby attached to our hip, and we needed some alone time to simply relax and feel like us again.

Justin thought our dear friends' river property would be the perfect setting for our night out. So, we called, got permission and the key to the gate, kissed Ellery goodbye and were on our way. With takeout from Broma's Deli and a slice of homemade strawberry cake for the both of us, we sat by the river, enjoying the sunshine and each other's company.

After we finished eating and were carrying the canoe towards the water, Justin suddenly became giddy with excitement as he took a closer look at the vines growing over a fallen tree. Smiling, he motioned for me to join him. There were blackberries. Everywhere.

We ate and ate, and then remembered that we had two to-go boxes that would be great for taking a few home with us, too. So, with the sun still a good ways from setting, we spent the next little while picking berries along side each other, occasionally stealing a kiss or two.

After our containers were full and the sun was sinking lower in the sky, we put the boat in the river and let the water slowly drift us down stream.  We floated and talked and paddled and listened to the frogs as our minds relaxed and our hearts remembered the dear love we share.     

We got just what we needed; time alone to talk, laugh, and simply enjoy the outdoors for a little while. And at the end of it all, it sure was nice returning home to our sweet Ellery who greeted us with a smile.