Part of me loves to travel on the weekends. Most family is a 4 hour or less car ride away so it’s tempting to jump on the road. After all, I’d love to have cheered on my brother as he crushed the Atlanta 10 miler this weekend (with 7:30 minute miles!). I’d love to have made it to Georgia Tech’s homecoming game on Saturday with old friends that had an INSANELY awesome blocked field goal return to beat FSU in the last seconds of the game. I’d love to have made a quick getaway to the mountain to see all the fall foliage at its peak.
But the truth is, travel is tough in this phase of life. Hailey has weekend activities, like being the world’s cutest soccer player.
(She scored her first goal this weekend and was over the moon proud of herself!)
And Kaitlyn is at that really wiggly age where strapping her in a car seat for more than 30 minutes is painful for everyone.
Plus, apparently she is pushing to be potty trained (WHAT?!) and correctly used the potty twice this weekend, which has me equal parts impressed and terrified. It’s amazing what having a big sister to watch and emulate can do.
Like teaching good habits such as eating peanut butter from the jar.
Since I do my best to focus on the positive of any given situation, I must admit that sometimes the weekends at home are quite sweet too. David has a crazy schedule during the week so having him around without much of an agenda is refreshing.
Without any “must do” activities, there is time for family movie night.
Don’t let the scene fool you. I pushed for Aladdin but got overruled in favor of Halloween Mickey. Then Kaitlyn kept crawling all over the giant bean bag and giggling too loudly for Hailey to hear. Ah, but the picture looks cozy!
Low key weekends means there is time to venture out for a leisurely breakfast in Davidson.
We tried Millstone Bake House and Provisions for the first time.
The girls loved being outside, I loved my salmon bacon, but I will say the service is pretty slow (but friendly!). Luckily it was a cloudy and wonderful fall morning so we soaked it up, enjoying the slow pace and a blackberry cream cheese pastry.
And dare I admit that the slow weekends even allow for a little time to just embrace being lazy?
Which I totally did on Saturday, even taking a midday snooze on the porch.
Being at home means there is time to rest and rejuvenate, yet still have time to get things done, like the looming mountain of laundry we finally tackled.
And switching out the girls’ closets to accommodate Christmas jammies that I’m a total sucker for.
And cooking up good food.
But possibly my favorite thing about weekends like this is how I feel on Monday morning. I feel calm and ready for the week ahead, knowing the girls have clean clothes to wear, that there is food in the fridge and I have sweet memories of a beautiful fall weekend still in my mind.
Let’s make it a great week friends!
What about you?
Do you prefer weekends away or at home?
Karen says
I will admit, during the summer months a weekend here and there at home would be nice to just catch up. Although, then I think….I can catch up all winter, every weekend since I don’t enjoy leaving in the snow, cold and slop winter brings to our area.
Ultimately, if I had to choose I would say…..away:)
We spent this past weekend away but close to home for a little celebration and had a fantastic time which made me realize I will be stuck at home for the upcoming winter real soon. So sad!
Jodi Stutts says
This post is funny bc yesterday, after the Friday night high school football game, Saturday neighborhood fall festival, a cookout with friends we hadn’t seen in a while Saturday night, I woke up Sunday feeling like I was hungover (sadly not for the fun hungover reason…). I asked Jayson to take the girls to church and breakfast w/o me so I could clean up the house, do laundry and stare at the walls…;) I had the girls Sunday afternoon and had a million plans of things we could do and as we headed out I decided a pizza and a movie at home were the way to spend it. I knew I must have been burnt out when I passed up the Peninsula fall festival that looked like something the girls would love, but I just. couldn’t. do. it. Hoping to feel rejuvenated this week. I usually really love a weekend away, but sometimes staying home and resetting even if its only for a day is soooooo needed!!
Erin says
While sometimes we look at each other and say “We’ve got to get out of town!”, for the most part I enjoy being home. The best kinds of weekends are the ones at home that feel both productive and relaxing!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh yes, haha, I totally understand that feeling. Sometimes I’ll whine to David that I just need to gooooo somewheeeere π
Katie says
I was away this weekend, but the next couple weekends I”ll be home, and I”m very excited for it!
John J. says
When where you live is a “home”, being there is special! You and David have created a home!
Lindsey @ Simply Lindsey says
Those Christmas PJs are SO cute!
I definitely prefer weekends away every now and then, especially if it’s a 3 day weekend! But more often than not, I prefer to be at home.
Jessica @ Mission: Healthy, Happy Life says
I like a combination…we usually are home for 2 weekends then go camping or make a quick trip to OK., then start the cycle over again. I generally enjoy being at home, but if there is an option of camping involved, then I’m quick to sign up!
Brittany Dixon says
Your comment makes me wanting to go camping!! How fun!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
I’m a homebody so I love weekends in. It’s hard to say if that would change if we had family less than 4 hours away though! Overall, a good mix is always good. We all need time to be lazy and relax!
Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl says
I really enjoy relaxing weekends at home even though travel is fun. It’s nice to enjoy your own area, have leisurely runs and brunches, cook at home, and all that jazz!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
I can’t imagine how hard it would be to live 4 hours away from my parents. You do such a good job! It seems like you get to visit with your parents a good amount, too. Personally, I love weekends at home. Like you mentioned, getting everything done helps set up for a good work week. Though, after so many weekends at home in a row I start to crave a weekend get away. As long as I get away once every couple months, I’m good!
Brittany Dixon says
My mom is coming tomorrow (squee!!) I’m lucky tht she drives up here to spend a couple days fairly regularly. <3
Jenny says
I prefer weekends especially when my husband is home. I do try and plan activities out (not trips) but then I end up wishing we’d just played at home. By the way, my 18 month girl is successfully, not consistently, using the potty too. I’m shocked and trying not to get my hopes up. Her brother was 3 1/2 before he was done. They grow up so fast!!! Loved your post.
Kate says
Weekends at home are really nice. But if there are too many in a row, my laziness takes over. So every couple of weeks we need to hit the road to switch things up. π
Heather says
While I love a good weekend away, I don’t like that the house always seems to be in complete disarray when we get home. Ha ha. I think it’s nice to have a good balance since I do tend to get stir-crazy if we spend too many weekends at home, though.
SHU says
I love a mix of weekends! Away, home, travel – I like to have lots of different things on the calendar to look forward to. But great reminder that home weekends have their own cozy charm.
Update on bedtime/TV! It’s been about a week since NO more TV at night. I let our nanny give A one show to watch during the day (afternoon) during Cameron’s nap. She now knows that in order to get that show, she has to be a good girl at bedtime the night prior. So far it has worked amazingly! Our bedtimes have gone SOOO much better. So to anyone on the fence about eliminating TV – especially in the evening – give it a try. I am sold π
Brittany Dixon says
Ah that is so awesome!! Thank you for reporting back. I’m still in awe at how well it works around here too π
Elizabeth says
We have a friend that has 3 little girls that are 4 & under. Her husband is German and his family lives in Germany. Before kids, and even with 1 kid, they regularly visited family in Germany. I saw her recently & asked what trips they had planned b/c they always had something on the horizon. I was glad to hear her respond with “nothing! it’s just too hard to travel with kids right now so we don’t”. Right now traveling with kids is a TON of work!
Rebekah says
I love reading your posts! We have kids almost the exact same age–my 4 year old girl was born on Sept. 16 & my 1 year old was born June 8 (mine is a boy though!) I love those Christmas pajamas…would you mind sharing where you got those? Thanks!
Brittany Dixon says
Love that our kiddos are so close in age π I got them through an instagram friend (@brewerjodi). I actually ordered them back in june I think??
Tami says
I can’t wait to have our slow weekends back! With the new baby coming in 2 months and the insane amount of stuff we need to get done, every week feels so crazy.
That’s so exciting about potty training! My 2 year old is not even the slightest bit interested. She has used the potty a random handful of times over the past 4 months. But anytime we ask her if she wants to sit on it, she is completely against it. Eventually we will get there!
Brittany Dixon says
With a new baby on the way, I think diapers are easier than potty training anyway! It took H a long time to get potty training down (with the #2s) and I swore I was going to just wait until Kaitlyn begged, but she’s been asking because she watches her big sis. Otherwise I wouldn’t even try to bring it up yet haha π
Coco says
I enjoy slow weekend at home from time to time. It’s nice to connect with ourselves and our people without any to-do list in mind, and not rushing around just to see/do as much as possible, which often leave me exhausted by the end of the day.
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me says
Congrats on your first goal, sweet Hailey! I hope itβs the first of many as she grows up. Maybe you have the next Beckham on your hands. π Also, already working towards being potty trained? You have two prodigies, Brittany!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
Weekends at home are the best, especially with squirmy littles. I can’t believe Kaitlyn is pushing for potty training! What a smart girl! I’m lucky if my son decided that having a dirty diaper is even mildly uncomfortable and worthy of slowing down long enough to change him. Boys.
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona says
These are the best weekends in my opinion. Not only do you get time to relax, but you also are able to start Monday morning feeling refreshed.
Sarah says
Please tell me where you got that giant bean bag!!
Brittany Dixon says
Hey Sarah! The bean bag is called “The Love Sac” (haha) and David bought it years ago. They have Love Sac stores you can find it you google it. I’ts so darn comfy. We usually leave it in the playroom, but with Koda being sick, we brought it down so we can all lay on it together <3
Lauren @ Oh Hey, I Like That! says
Oh the BEST BEST weekends are the ones when I can stay at home! This weekend was insane and next weekend is looking to be rough, too, so if any plans get canceled, I am going to revel in the quiet of home (maybe with a little Netflix)
Jessica @ Our Young Adventures says
I like to spend weekends at home, usually. I, too, am itching to see the NC mountain trees as they have just this weekend really popped with color here in the Charlotte area. But time is always the issue. The mountains are so close, yet so far! That bean bag looks awesome!