My mom, “Mormor,” moved down from Minneapolis in July. After a few months, I think we all needed some space.

Serina and Sophia at the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel.

So on Friday, David and I packed up Serina, 7, and Sophia, 5, and headed to Chattanooga, a mere two hours northeast of Huntsville. We had a blast and I realized how much I enjoy “us,” as a family.

Serina and Sophia on the tower at Creative Discovery Museum.

It’s hard at home to truly appreciate each other. There are many distractions—laundry, cleaning, cooking, dance class, homework… you get the idea. But during our two-day excursion, we focused on one thing: family.

David and I laughed together more than we have in a while. The girls did, too, in between singing every song from Taylor Swift’s new “Red” CD and doing cartwheels wherever there was ample space.

The Chattanooga riverfront and the river were filled with rowers in town for the annual Head of the Hooch Regatta.

We stayed at the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel; visited the Creative Discovery Museum; took a horse carriage ride; and explored the city’s riverfront, where thousands of rowers had gathered for the annual Head of the Hooch Regatta. It is also a great city for running, which I did Saturday morning!

It’s amazing how perspectives change without life’s daily distractions. We are very grateful to have each other, love each other, and also like each other!

We are back in Huntsville now and it’s great to be home. It is also nice to be with Mormor again. I must admit, she sure does look rested! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some laundry to do (after I take Zoey out for a run!).