I took Gretchen to Charlotte last weekend, leaving the kids with friends and giving us 48 hours to ourselves.  We had a great time just hanging out together, and it reminded me again how great Gretchen is (advice to guys: marry up in the world and everything else will work out).

We spent a couple hours at the Mint Museum of Art (I recommend it).  We saw National Treasure: Book of Secrets (I recommend it).  We spent some time at The Light Factory photo gallery (I was disappointed).  And we spent a lot of time just relaxing together.

Big thanks to Brian & Lauri Lynn, Toby & Kristen, and Keith & Nancy for keeping the kids all weekend.  We even had some other friends volunteer to be backups if needed or to watch the kids next time we go away.  And when we picked the kids up Sunday evening they were disappointed that we were back because they were having so much fun with their friends.

A note to dads, especially with young kids: take your wife away for the weekend.  Soon.  Without the kids.  For at least two nights.  She needs it, and you’ll be glad you did.