Dynamic Durants: The Durants are Checking OUT

A few weeks ago, I came home from church just exhausted. We just had stake conference, and I feel it was the biggest challenge to get all four children to sit through TWO hours of televised conference. Seriously, after the closing prayer, I raised both arms and shouted, "WE DID IT!" I was really proud of us. We could've EASILY skipped church. But I knew we needed to be there. I can't tell you any of the talks or stories, but we set the example, and conquered through!
When we walked inside our home, the boys immediately shedded their ties, and and shoes. I walked into our room, and started crying. Don't ask. This winter has been long, cold and wet, and I am certain a little seasonal depression has struck again. Nick was concerned, and as he held me in his arms, I just said, "let's go away. Let's leave this place, and all that goes with it, and check out." His response, "let's do it!"
Sidetrack... I love this man. He has literally made it to where WE are his only care in the world. He works so dang hard all the time (mostly because not everyone at his job does) just so we can be comfortable, and be able to take these fun last minute trips. I see our marriage as successful. I am saddened when I realize that not all marriages are like this, but I do count myself lucky!! He rocks, and he is so damn handsome, I just don't know how I got so lucky!!!!
So, we immediately booked a trip. I wanted to go somewhere fun, familiar and semi close. Hello gas prices. Not cool, Mr. Man in Charge.... I don't get political here. At first, I thought about going to the Oregon Aquarium, but once I totaled the price for that activity alone (89 bucks) we decided Lincoln City, and day trips to other sites.
We stayed at The Inn at Wecoma and it was AH- Mazing. Newly remodeled, clean, friendly and affordable. We were able to upgrade to their family suite for only $15 more a night. The kids had their own room, mom and dad had theirs. It was great. We climbed all the steps of the ASTORIA column. Holy moly, my legs were burning later on! We drove the ever windy coastal highway and saw the Goonies Rocks (had to then buy the movie so the kids could see!) had lunch, and then checked into our hotel. I wanted to eat at Pig N Pancake, but they closed at 3pm. So we went for Mexican food instead. Dasher is SUCH a picky eater, but we challenged him to try something new, and guess what? HE LIKED IT! Shocking right?! We keep telling him that he really needs to broaden his horizons on food!
We hit the outlet malls, scored some new sneakers for me and Nick, new dressed for the girls, and pretty much had the entire mall to ourselves. It was rainy, and extremely cold, and windy. We explored the local goodwill and scored new boots for all four kiddos at $3 bucks a pop. I love a good find. We spent some money at the local arcade, (stinking DEAL or NO DEAL) and had a great time. I needed to reconnect with my children, with Nick. No work, no paparazzi, and yes, we even ignored phone calls. Whatever.
I felt, that we had become so caught up in work, school, homework, running here, running there, that we barely even saw each other. Some nights, Nick would work, OVERTIME, meetings, me at work with the kids, and he wouldn't even see his kids until the next day. We needed each other.
I am thankful for my awesome family. I am so happy we were able to take this trip and have a great time. I can't wait to do it again!!!