Time away

Right now Caroline and I are not with Eli.  We are in Utah, visiting family and friends.  It was really hard to say goodbye to him; we'll be gone for 11 days.  But, we are trying out what it is like to be gone for tests.  Next week Eli has 3 tests.  That is a lot!  My sister whose husband recently finished a masters degree told me it's kinder to everyone if the wife and kids take a trip so dad can focus on school.  I believe her.  A few weeks ago Eli had two tests just days apart and we hardly saw him.  It was also hard for him because he felt like he was neglecting us, even though we understood he needed to be gone studying.  I think it will be a lot easier for him with us gone because he won't have to worry about spending enough time with us, he'll be able to study at home because now it's quieter, and he'll be able to stay later at school and not have to worry about if I need the car or not.
 But the hard part is being away from him.  I hate that we're out here having fun with family and he's just back in a quiet, empty apartment studying.  I hate not being able to see him.  But, all in all, I think it will work out okay.  The best part is that one of his tests is a final for his histology class, so when we get back on a Friday afternoon he will be done with tests and have a whole weekend with no studying!  I can't even imagine what that is like!  I'm really excited for that.  I think we will take Caroline to a pumpkin patch. 
So, that is what we are up to right now.  Separation, but separation with a purpose.  Caroline is doing well out here.  She loves seeing all the aunts, grandparents, and cousins.  She's sleeping well and eating well here too, I was kind of worried she'd be weirded out because it's not home, but she is just fine! We really miss Eli though...