Where would we be without our parents or ‘granky’ and ‘papa’ as our little ones have playfully dubbed my mum and dad.
It's papa’s birthday today and to celebrate he mum have been gifted the joy of caring for our kids for the entire weekend.
This is the first time we've been away from the children for such a long time and I must admit that I'm more than little anxious at the thought of jetting off for the Sculpt Movement retreat in sunny Portugal without the ‘terrible two’.
My mum and dad assure me that there is no need to taint my excitement with the anxious nausea brought on by worry over how Jamie and Abbie will manage without us for a whole four days.
I suppose they’re right, it won’t kill them - or us to break for a few days. It may even make the heart grow fonder in accordance with the old cliché.
Anyway, the kids have the excitement of papa’s birthday to look forward to. Jamie, our five-year-old, just can't wait. His comment on what he needs to get papa as a present gave me a great chuckle the other day while also serving to remind me of just how innocent and sweet he can be.
"Do you know what papas most favourite thing in the whole world is," he quizzed. "Cowboys" he exclaimed quickly. He then elaborated: “So do you know what he should get for his birthday? Woody, because he's the best cowboy of all." he revealed without even pausing for a breath.
Jamie believes everyone should get a toy on their birthday, whether they’re 6 or 60. And the ‘Toy Story’ hero is the perfect gift for his western-loving papa.
I can only hope that Jamie or his little sister Abbie don't ‘reach for the sky’ (as Woody would say) when we take off for Portugal this weekend.
All my worrying aside, I know the break is just what myself and Seamus need to relax and find some alone time.
We’ve been planning this retreat for months and the team can't wait to get the fun started.
Seamus is one of only four fellas among the party of 30 on the retreat and I think the lads may be a little concerned about how they’re going to cope with all the sun cream application for the ladies.
Don’t worry boys, I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it after day one.
The itinerary for weekend involves a little brainstorming and a lot of fun activities on the beach.
We’ve booked into a five star hotel and will get into the spirit with celebration cocktails by the beach on Friday evening. Saturday will involve a beach training sessions and some surprise fun activities. On Sunday we’ve arranged to cap off the weekend with a sunset cruise complete with dinner and recognition of the Sculpt success stories over the past 12 months.
I’m certain spare a thought or ten for Jamie and Abbie - and granky and papa - while we try to relax but I promise not to pine too much for my little cowboy and cowgirl during the sculpt posse adventure.
My parents have told us to getaway and have some fun - I suppose it would be rude not to. Thanks a million mum and dad, I think we will.