Each year that we have been summer expats visiting the U.S., we have learned something new. We try to refine our preparation so that our six weeks aren't a complete disaster. One of the things we have learned is that we need to be on the same page before take-off. We decided that this would take an extended getaway, and so, with the help of our dear friend, Ben, Andy and I were able to spend three days and nights in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. It was a great destination...a short direct three hour flight...and a beautiful beach. It may have been our most relaxing vacation ever. We are usually the type that don't just sit around, but because it was so short, we didn't feel the need to do much exploring...just sitting in the sun, or in the pool.
Of course, if you know my husband at all, you know that there must be some sport activity planned...and exercise is something we both enjoy, so our first morning we played tennis. We had booked times for both Friday and Saturday mornings, but after making it through the heat on the first morning, we decided that it wasn't worth it:)
Most of our time was spent with books in hand, laying in the sun, or under an umbrella, and just enjoying the scenery. The ocean was incredibly blue and clear, and we thoroughly enjoyed just being together and being able to sleep without the worry of what the little ones were getting into. One late afternoon, I went to the spa for a 50 minute message...and it was the best message that I have ever had (not that I have had that many...but) It was everything you want a message to be...the perfect amount of pressure, quiet with some soft background music, the sound of the ocean, a wonderful relaxing scent, and I was able to stay awake (because if you fall asleep, doesn't that waste the experience?) It was such a gift from a very supportive husband.
We had some wonderful meals...from Western hamburgers to authentic Malaysian. But, what we loved most was eating at the open-air bar at the point of the resort that sticks out into the water. Gorgeous!!! One night, we reserved the farthest out lounge couch and sat there for three hours as we enjoyed the sunset and then the moon with a sky-full of stars. And one of the best parts of the whole thing was accomplishing what we set out to do...getting on the same page. We literally went through every day of our summer so that we each knew what to expect. It sounds extreme...but since I am writing this on the other side of summer I can honestly say...it was so worth it! It also proved to us, yet again, how important it is for the two of us to get away. Did we miss our kids...absolutely. But when we take the time to reconnect without distraction, I think we are stronger for it, and we can be better parents. I hope that we will continue to make this a priority, even when it gets more difficult.
My favorite part...the sunsets
We did come home to some very well-cared for kiddos and a very tired Uncle Ben. Then it was a short few days before our travels home.
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