We Got Stuck With Nuns For 5 Hours…It Was The Best

I just had the best vacation, and it couldn't have come at a better time.

As a busy and stressed dad taking a break from the constant hustle was a much-needed luxury.

Here's why this trip meant so much to us...

This was our first vacation without the kids in almost two years and was long overdue.

The last time we had a kidless trip was during our babymoon before our third and final child arrived. I don’t think it even counts.

That trip was marred by my inability to taste a thing (I had covid) and solo-painting two bedrooms.

This time, however, we embarked on a remarkable adventure that brought us closer together.

Our trip consisted of; getting trapped for five hours in a convent with nuns, witnessing the democratic process, and reconnecting with great friends, we rarely see in person.

We visited the offices of our Senator and House representative and sat in the gallery of both the house and senate to observe democracy.

Other than saying the pledge of allegiance with the House members it wasn’t very impressive.

The house reps spent their time giving shoutouts (bdays and retirement) to constituents from their district.

But what made this trip truly special was the time we spent with our friends, without the constant distractions of kids.

Reconnecting with old pals felt incredible and reminded us of the importance of maintaining those connections.

An unexpected twist occurred when we got stuck in a convent. My wife's best friend from elementary school joined a silent order of nuns.

My wife connected via handwritten letter before our trip to DC and we were invited for dinner (and a whole lot more).

The nuns were surprisingly humorous and heartwarming, adding a unique dimension to our vacation. You bet I cracked a habit (nun's cloak) joke or two.

Spending five days away from our kids was the perfect balance. The first two days allowed us to relax fully, while by the fifth day, we started to miss our little monkeys.

I can't thank my parents and sis enough for enlisting in a tour of caring for our furiously independent kiddos.

And the real magic.

Not only did we feel more connected to each other as a couple, but we also felt rejuvenated and ready to be the best parents we could be to our kids.

Our children, too, seemed to have needed this break, as they happily piled into the car to be with us again, without a single complaint.

This trip was a game-changer for our family dynamics, emphasizing the importance of taking time for ourselves and each other.

It gave us a chance to unwind, recharge, and remember why we cherish being parents.

As soon as my parents forget about the exhaustion of looking after our kids, we'll be planning another trip.

Escaping Is The Key To Upping Your Dad Game

Life as a dad, husband, and professional can sometimes feel like a never-ending Mario Kart race.

Each morning I can almost hear the ping ping ping piiiiiiiiiiing (Mario Kart) and then, boom, it's off to the races!

In my house, it's a daily Mario Kart rally.

My three zooming around like Mario and his pals, leaving a trail of banana peels (a.k.a. toys) and koopa shells (those dreaded Legos) in their wake.

It's a mix of chaos and fun, and it can be flat-out exhausting when it goes on for weeks and weeks.

Now, here's an eye-opening statistic: 43% of families live 200 miles or more away from their grandparents, and a majority live at least 50 miles away.

Why is this important?

Well, in the good ol' days, grandparents played a big role in providing secondary care for families.

I remember spending several days a week with my grandparents during the summer.

They were like the pit stop in our Mario Kart race, giving us a much-needed breather.

But times have changed.

Modern parents don't get enough of a break.

It's like slipping on a banana peel and getting hit with a koopa shell as we spin off the track.

Ouch!

And you know what suffers the most from this kart crash?

Our relationship with our spouse.

It takes a hit, and we feel it.

That's why my wife and I have made it a priority to invest in our relationship.

We've discovered a secret weapon—getting away from it all.

Yes, my fellow dads, it's time to plan those much-needed escapes, at least once, or even better, twice a year.

I know, it's easier said than done, especially during that first year with a new baby when they're attached to your wife's boobies.

But trust me; you'll get through that phase.

We're excited because we're about to go on our first long weekend away from all three kids since our youngest entered this world last February.

It's been too long.

We're strapping our little ones in the van and channeling our inner Walter Sobchak (think The Big Lebowski) by slowing down to 15 M P H and rolling them onto their grandparents' front lawn.

They need it, and we need it too.

Our goal is simple: we want to return from this adventure feeling more connected and refreshed, ready to tackle the next several levels of our Mario Kart race.

So fellow dads, I'm curious: what ways have you found to connect and invest in your relationship with your spouse?