"a weekend to remember"

A few months back, Brian got an email about Family Life's "Weekend to Remember." They have these marriage conferences all over the country every year, and I always thought it would be fun to go to one someday. So when he got the email and found out that pastors can go for free (being only responsible for lodging), he signed us up! I did a little research and found out that they did have one in Montgomery, but where is the fun in that?? Plus, my parents would not have been available to come the weekend it was here, so I conveniently found a conference that was located in Sandestin...and on a weekend that my parents would be available to come and watch our boys! Perfect!!

So this past weekend (after Henry's "Around the World" program) we left for a weekend
at the beach...and the marriage conference. :) My parents were gracious enough to watch all 5 boys (our 1st time leaving Oliver!), and they all did great...and Grandma and Grandpa survived! They, of course, kept the kids super busy with trips to the pet store, the zoo, burger king, church, lunch at Mellow Mushroom (yummy pizza) and an afternoon movie at the theater! They didn't miss us at all! :)

Meanwhile, we got to stay at the Sandestin Hilton for 2 nights at a very discounted price because of the conference. I felt a little spoiled...
there was plenty of room. the boys could have come...



our view from our balcony...


In between our sessions, we took advantage of some beach time on that Saturday. It was the perfect weather, although a little too cold to actually get in the water, but perfect for getting some sun and catching up on some reading.

I'm not a big drinker. Actually I'm not a drinker at all. I don't like beer, haven't really ever acquired a taste for wine, and any other mixed drinks, I'd much rather just have it without the alcohol. I'm just not a fan. Actually just give me a coke or dp, and I'm a happy girl.

However, when we came to Sandestin a couple of years ago, I discovered my drink of choice..."the dreamsicle." Delicious!! So, of course, we had to get it again this year...

Saturday night out for dinner at Baytowne Wharf...

The conference ended Sunday around lunch, but we stuck around all that afternoon soaking up as much beach as we could. Unfortunately, it was really cloudy and chilly, so I was literally curled up in a beach chair reading my book in pants and a hooded jacket. :) But we were at the beach!

That evening for our final night, we checked into a different hotel (the Inn at Destin Harbor), since our cheap rate had ended at the Hilton. It was a little sad leaving the resort, but we ended up with a great view of the harbor from our room...


We left the next morning after enjoying a free continental breakfast. What a wonderful weekend!! We came away feeling renewed and refreshed in our love for each other...and were reminded of lots of great truths. But mainly, we just soaked up all of our uninterrupted time together. by ourselves. at the beach. :) What a gift!!