Ya know, sometimes you just have to get away. This past weekend, Russ and I did just that. A little early, as our actual anniversary isn't until the 27th. But you take the babysitters when you can get them.
My aunt took the kids for a few days and we took off and went to Disney alone!!!! I know, I know, how can you go to Disney without the kids? Well actually, it was pretty easy! Last year, for our 10th Anniversary, we took our first cruise. It was the first time that we had been away together for more than one night, without the kids, that was not ministry related. We were hooked! We decided then and there that getting away by ourselves for our Anniversary was going to be a priority.
We drove to Tampa late Thursday night, spent the night and snuck out early Friday morning before the kids woke up. We were in the parks by opening time. We spent our day park hopping and riding the "big kid" rides that the kids can't or won't go on yet. Friday night we went to a nice dinner and then to the Cirque Du Soleil in Downtown Disney. What an awesome show! An hour and forty minutes on non-stop action and awe. If you ever have an opportunity to see it, don't pass it up. It is amazing!
Saturday we did the "Keys to the Kingdom" Tour at Magic Kingdom. It is a 5 hour walking tour of the theme park. It is an adult only tour as it reveals a lot of secrets that make Disney so awesome. We got to go "backstage" and see where they keep things like the floats for the parades and where Tinker Bell lands when she flies from the castle. We got to visit the underground tunnel system and learn how everything works. We had VIP seats on a few rides while we searched for the Hidden Mickey's. We learned a ton of history about the park, had lunch in Liberty Square and finished exhausted! But, not to exhausted to go ride more rides!!!! So, we hit our favorites and then went back to the hotel. I would tell you more, but I don't want to ruin the magic!!!!
We slept late today, did some shopping in Downtown Disney and met Marcia to pick up the kids. With presents, of course! I mean, if you are going to go without them, you might as well bring them something. They had an awesome time themselves. Sasha (that's what the kids call her) took them swimming all weekend. First to the pool and then Saturday to the beach. Jarod came home with about 9 complete Sand dollars! I was so excited as it's hard to find complete ones around here.
It was so nice to get away and have some adult time. I believe that God honors that. Maintaining and preserving our marriage relationship is so very important. I'm thankful for 11 wonderful years with Russell. It hasn't always been easy. There have been some really rough times, especially around the time that my mom was so ill and I was caring for her. We were put into a pressure pot and all the "yuck" came out. But it made us stronger and better. We have the wonderful relationship that we have today because of those tough times. We have a strong friendship as we were friends 10 years before we even dated. It's hard to believe that I have known him for over half my life. 22 years. I hardly remember a time in my life when he wasn't a part of it, even if only in some small way. God has truly blessed me with an amazing, Godly man. He is an awesome father, husband and friend. I pray that we have many, many, many more years to love each other and glorify God in the marriage that He has cultivated.
Until next time......
