Nick and I just got back from enjoying a kid-free vacation in Park City, Utah… the first we’ve shared in over 6 years.
In 6 years time, it is pretty easy to forget all the reasons you fell in love with your spouse in the first place. I definitley knew I still loved my husband, but this vacation was exactly what we needed to get reacquainted with each other again, and that was a good thing.
With 4 kids and grandparents who live far away, getting away for even a date night is hard. Add to that living on one income and juggling busy schedules, finding the time and resources to get away isn’t easy, but we decided it was time to make it happen.
There’s something to be said for adult time… getting to have real conversations without interruption, sleeping without little bodies wiggling between you, eating at restaurants you wouldn’t set foot in with children, doing activities (like our 22 mile hike) that you wouldn’t sanely take 4 kids on…. it was truly blissful.
It’s important to turn off the noise and let the light shine on you as a couple every once in awhile. Hopefully, now that we’ve had this reminder, it will happen more often than not. I am grateful for the man I married. I love my kids too, but I know that we will both be better parents if we continue to invest in our marriage this way, don’t you think?
We’re back home now, but have one more kid free evening ahead of us. I see these fun cocktails and a good movie night in my future!
I’m thankful for my in-laws for keeping the kids at their place while Nick and I vacationed together! We couldn’t have done it without them.
Cherry Poke Cake Cocktails
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Pinnacle Cake Flavored Vodka
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 4 ounces cold Sprite or 7-Up
- 1 ounce cherry juice from the Maraschino cherry jar
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice
- Pour Cake Flavored Vodka, Lime Juice, Sprite or 7-Up and Cherry Juice over ice. Stir well.
- Garnish with cherries.
Natalie @ Cooking for My Kids says
I am so happy that you and Nick had a wonderful vacation together. Yes, re-connecting with our husbands after investing so much time and energy into our sweet children is always so very important. Mark in on your calendar. Make it happen again and again. I am firmly convinced that being good parents and being a happily married couple goes hand-in-hand.
Hugs to you!! I miss you.
Brian @ A Thought For Food says
I most certainly agree with this. We feel it even with our pup-child. A weekend without her means no early morning walks. It means we can leave the house for more than 7 hours without having to rush back to take her out. It means sleeping without a dog in the bed!
YAY FOR VACATION! And WOO HOO FOR COCKTAILS!
Courtney says
That is awesome so glad you were able to do this! I usually go with Brian on his trips and love the time but I know that will be ending as we send Avery off to school with her crazy busy schedule!
Rachel - A Southern Fairytale says
LOVED having breakfast with you and your sweet hubby. 😉
I’m so thrilled y’all had that time together <3
I've never had a cherry poke cake, but this looks AMAZING! YUM.
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen says
So glad you could make this happen, it is so worthwhile to get away, just the two of you! Love the cocktail, it sounds right up my alley!
Kathryn says
I definitely think it’s so important to have some couple time especially when life is so busy. It sounds like you had a really wonderful & refreshing break.
Pat Wogan says
I know you appreciate Jerry and Jodi for caring for the kids while you and Nick were able to restoke your fires. Everyone wins in this situation. Thanks Jerry and Jodi for being the wonderful grandparents you are!
shelly (cookies and cups) says
Sounds like a great trip! So nice to have a little bit of alone time with the husband!
Love the cocktails too.. and those little elephant stirrers are killing me!
Amber (Sprinkled With Flour) says
Looks like you had a great trip! Those cocktails look super yummy too. 🙂
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
Glad you were able to get away and refresh your spirits. Speaking of spirits, the poke cake cocktail looks yummy!
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
1. I adore your blog
2. Your photos are stunning
3. I want those elephant cocktail stirrers (did I spell that right)?
4. I adore cocktails and this one sounds delicious. Just printed and will be shaking it up this weekend. Thank you!
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says
Love you guys! SO happy that you got some husband and wife time! And the cocktails are adorable!
Lisa says
I love your pretty photos, they never fail to cheer me (and I don’t do alcohol, but I want to make that drink just to pretty up the place!). Hmm, I don’t think I’ve heard of that cherry cake before; I must do some research…. : ) Also, Kristen, I just have to say — you look amazing dahling — you’re just glowing and prettier than ever!
xoxo
Crystal @ Crystal's Cozy Kitchen says
Looks like you had a great getaway! This post really made me want to spend some time alone with my husband… The last time we had without our son was actually last Sat. Night (but I don’t count a trip to the hospital thinking it is labor and ending up with both of us having the stomach flu as quality time alone!) My mom was nice enough to keep him most of the day on Sunday as well so we could sleep and just be sick…
I think time together as just a couple is the best thing you can do for a marriage!
cassie says
This looks so refreshing, and so does a vacation. SO glad you had a fun time. It was great to follow along on IG!
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme says
I agree that making time for each other, without kids or other distractions, is very important for any couple. It helps you re-connect if you need to and keeps your relationship fresh and strong. So glad you and hubby had some time to yourselves!
Alison Moore Smith says
It’s pretty funny that your trip to Utah — with probably the highest ratio of teetotalers in the entire world — inspires a cocktail recipe. 🙂
But the drink LOOKS pretty!
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
Sounds absolutely lovely – the time alone and the drink! We’re in need of this ourselves but probably not for a bit more. Maybe we can at least sneak away for a few hours to celebrate our anniversary in Sept.
Dominique says
Can you tell me where you got those adore pink elephant swizzle sticks?
Sasha Moretz says
The cocktail looks so delicious. The color makes me more thirsty. The photos are so beautiful most especially seeing those wonderful panoramic views.
Denise @ Creative Kitchen says
So glad you got time away together!! My hubby and I must do this soon. Though we make time for regular date nights at home, we must get away for some extended time SOON!! It’s been far too long. 😉
Debra Baldwin says
So, nice to read your post. My husband and I are planning to take a trip on Utah as well so I am excited to see beautiful panoramic views here.:)
Debra Baldwin says
So, nice to read your post. My husband and I are planning to take a trip on Utah as well so I am excited to see beautiful panoramic views here.,:)