Last weekend I had the privilege of going on a girls’ trip. When my girlfriend, Julie, first brought up the idea, I totally shunned it. I thought, Expensive, “Real Desperate Housewives,” and a lot of headache just to organize my life to leave for a few days. However, I gave it some more thought and knew I had to go! Not only did we get a great deal on our trip, but also I knew in the back of my mind I needed to unplug from responsibility for a few days! So, with my hubby’s blessing, I booked my ticket and off I went!

So… here are my top reasons for going on a girls’ trip!

5. Rest and relaxation. As moms, we are busy constantly meeting the needs of our kiddos and (sometimes) our husbands. It did my brain a lot of good just to unplug and only have to worry about myself. I don’t mean to sound selfish, but waking up in the morning and having to get just myself breakfast was AMAZING! It was rejuvenating and I found myself excited to get back and serve my family! Maybe that’s how preachers feel when they go on sabbatical?!!

4. Dad-child bonding. My kids are actually quite bonded with my hubby, but I think it was great to give him time to show them that he can meet the basic needs I meet for them daily! Dad can brush your hair, get you dressed, make you meals, etc. I don’t even think my kids missed me once they realized dad was cool with letting them wear whatever they wanted and didn’t pull through every tangle in their long hair! 🙂

3. Girlfriend bonding. It was so fun to get to spend some time away with some of my favorite people. My hair girl, my sister, my cousin, my cousin’s wife, and another sweet longtime friend – it was the perfect group to go with! We didn’t have to starve ourselves for weeks to throw on our bikinis – it was a comfortable group. We laughed a lot and got to know one another even more!

Side story : The first night I went to pull back my bedding, when, BEHOLD, the scariest creature was staring me in the eye from my pillow! I screamed so loudly I probably woke all our elderly neighbors! Okay, so it was a small Florida scrub lizard… but it literally almost caused me to wet myself. Lizards are cool outside in the grass, but on my pillow… not so much! We trapped him and set him free, but what a hilarious memory to start our trip!

2. Fine dining. <<<has not been in my vocabulary since my littles were born. Sure, Jon and I get away every once in a blue moon to enjoy a nice dinner, but a girls’ getaway guarantees it! We ate at some yummy restaurants in the downtown Naples area! I really enjoy food, so this was just icing on the cake!

1. Getting away reminds you that being a mom is the best job in the whole wide world. Even though I was only gone a few days, I missed my mom role and was eager to get home to my little ones. I think I even came home and made dinner!

I love, love, love being a mom… BUT, I am also thankful for the time away to remind me of how much I love my mommy role!

Have you ever gone on a girlfriend getaway? If you could take a girls’ trip, where would you go and what would you do? Tell me about it!