This past weekend, my mom took our kids for two nights.  This is a first, the longest they have ever been away from the house.  They were so excited, especially because it was for two nights instead of one.  My husband and I had a great time just staying in town, shopping, and eating at our favorite restaurants (without children). :)  It seemed so strange and QUIET not to have the kids around.  Don't get me wrong, we loved, capital L.O.V.E.D., every single second of it.  Did I mention we loved it?  Did I mention that we will forever be eternally grateful to my mother?  Did I mention we are counting down the days until we get to do it again?  :) When we finally had to pick them up (just kidding) on Sunday, we received a good report from my mom.  She said they did really well and went to bed easily.  We gathered up their suitcases and went home for Father's Day.  The best part of the day happened as soon as we got home.  For some reason, all five of us ended up on our bed cuddling and talking about their weekend.  It was such a sweet moment and it actually lasted about 30 minutes.  Throughout the day each of the kids had a moment of asking us to cuddle again.  I think having them away from home (even for 2 days) made me realize how much I missed them. My husband loves to cuddle and he has passed that onto our children.  Our two youngest children always ask to cuddle.  Our oldest doesn't verbalize it but moves closer and closer until he is practically in our laps.  I love that even though he is nine years old he isn't "too cool" for a good cuddle.  I love that all five of us piled up on our bed just to talk about their weekend.  I love that all of us will pile on top of each other while watching a movie on the couch.  It always makes us laugh when the dogs think they can find a spot, too. I don't know what age cuddling becomes "uncool" but I hope it isn't for a really long time.  We aren't the perfect family by any means but we love each other...flaws and all. :)  My kids are often "those kids" and many times I have been "that mother" but at the end of the day we love each other and a great session of cuddling.