Daddy-daughter weekend

I was out of town this past weekend speaking at a middle and high school girls church youth group retreat. I so enjoyed spending time with these girls, and sharing a little of my heart and story with them. The theme was "Radiant," and we spent a lot of time discussing how to foster a positive self image, despite living in a society that seems to place less and less value on true, inner, God-given natural beauty.

It. was. awesome.

Brandon, being the amazing husband that he is, offered to keep both girls at home all weekend so that I could have an entire weekend away. Did you read that? An entire weekend away. Like Friday afternoon - Sunday afternoon. Free of any regular mommy/child rearing responsibilities. No diaper changing. No spit up cleaning. No endless piles of laundry. No reheating my dinner 5,467 times.

Bless him.

I returned home yesterday to find these adorable pics on the camera. Looks like they had a full on photo session while I was away. A photo session totaling 273 photos. Love it.

Here are just a few of my favs. . .

Reunited with my biggest girl. . .

It was so nice to get away for a few days, but was even nicer coming home.

13 comments

the blogiversApril 07, 2014
Nice job, Brandon! Glad you got a weekend away - you deserved it :)
SaraApril 07, 2014
Glad the retreat went well and you enjoyed a weekend away! Good job Brandon for holding down the fort! Love the pictures you shared, especially both girls on the floor getting ready for bed. All of them are too cute!!
ErikaApril 07, 2014
Man!!! An usolicited photo shoot??! That is the best gift ever!! Some of those turned out SO well!!! Glad you got a relaxing weekend and that Brandon totally rocked it!
The Thrifty Book NerdApril 07, 2014
Such adorable children! Glad you had good weekend!
GinaApril 07, 2014
Clara's dimples!!! Gorgeous girls!! So glad you got to spend some time away. I am sure you were a huge impact on those teen girls. You are a blessing!!!
KatieApril 07, 2014
I love this post and I love all the pics!!! Clara looks so happy to be held by Mommy again, sweet pics!
JessApril 07, 2014
WOWZA! I can't even fathom a whole weekend away...to myself! Nice job, Brandon!
BrittanyApril 07, 2014
How wonderful!! The sister pictures are so cute!! I am sure you were such a blessing to the girls at the retreat!
The FrysApril 08, 2014
I am such a dork... I got choked up looking at the sweet photo session Brandon had with the girls! That is so precious! I am so glad you had a weekend to yourself and the retreat was awesome! :)
sarah (SHU)April 08, 2014
omgggggg they are both so cute. and clara's happy smiles are just the brightest most beautiful things! also clara reminds me of annabel since they have the same hair!
The JoinersApril 08, 2014
Cute pics! So glad the weekend went well for you AND for Brandon and the girls!
SarahApril 21, 2014
What did you end up talking about on the retreat?!! Also, I saw the post with Clara walking. WHAT THE WHAT? That's amazing!! I am so excited!