I have been to my college reunion. John has been on business trips. But John and I have never both been away from David for the night. We have not had a vacation with just the two of us for three and a half years.

Last Christmas John's parents gave us a chance to get away. It's taken us this long to be ready. First, we had David sleep problems. Then we had all sorts of disruptions in David's life that we didn't want to add one more. Then we couldn't figure out where to go and when. But it all happened this weekend.

John and I went to the Salish. You just have to say that word around Seattle, and everyone gasps. It's a really expensive, really fabulous hotel, restaurant, and spa overlooking Snoqualmie Falls, which are pretty darn fabulous themselves. Our room had a wood burning stove and a Jacuzzi big enough for a band. Our dinner was everything we hoped for. My highlights were the crab beignets and the hazelnut chocolate mouse cake. John raved about his seared scallop appetizer. We got massages. We soaked in the hot tub (John just pointed out that I had 5 baths in a day and a half), and we did not have to get up at 6:15 to cater to the needs of a two year old. Then we saw Quantum of Solace -- only the second movie I've seen in a theater in three months -- and went out dancing. We stayed the second night at a cheap place near the dancing, so we could stay as late as we wanted and not have to get up at 6:15 to cater to the needs of a two year old.

Yes, we had a good time.

And it turns out the kids did too. My mom came and stayed at the house. By some miracle David slept through the night both nights and got up at a decent hour (6:15 not 5:15). The three of them thoroughly enjoyed each other. It didn't hurt that they bought gluten-free brownies, cinnamon rolls, and pizza. And mom provided some separation-anxiety presents. They all had a really fun time.

This, of course, is a huge turning point in our lives. We have been so afraid of anyone else putting David down (with good reason) that we've just made all our evening plans for post his bedtime. Now, we can go out to dinner before dancing. Now, we can send the kids to the grandparents and sleep in the next morning. Now, we can take another vacation in less than 4 years. Yippee!