Now, let me give a little disclaimer here. Please understand that we didn't go to this conference because we were concerned about our marriage in any way. We have a fabulous marriage, and are more united than ever before after 8 years together. It's not perfect, but our marriage continues to amaze us as it gets better and stronger with each passing day. So, we approached this conference from the angle that we would gain tools and information to grow our marriage even further, and that we would experience some much needed "just us" time.
There is no way I could adequately describe in this venue all that we gleaned from this weekend. I have a deeper desire for my God; a deeper love, respect, and gratitude for my precious husband (my gift from God), and a more clear focus on what type of family we will strive to build (as well as the tools to build it) as we raise our sweet daughter in this post-Christian culture. To steal a line from Wicked, "We (and our marriage) have been changed for good." We will NEVER be the same.
Now for a couple of commercials...
We stayed near Perimeter Mall (um...how do people survive with all those shopping options readily available at a moment's notice?) at the Staybridge Suites, which we found to be clean, spacious, and a fantastic deal for the price. Free Wi-Fi, free breakfast buffet (and I don't mean stale bagels), a gracious and flexible staff, a beautiful pool area, and a fridge/microwave/stove in the room. We will definitely stay there again and would recommend to anyone.
We also dined at unique local restaurant called Canoe, which is located on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. We ate on a beautiful and romantic back covered porch area overlooking the river and a beautiful garden. The food was divine and creative, and the service was perfection. The highlight of the experience for me was dessert - the pastry chef's special ice cream composition of the day, buttered popcorn ice cream with homemade cracker jacks and fresh cream. I acknowledge that it sounds insane, but it was absolutely the most delicious concoction I have tasted in quite some time. Highest recommendations from us for this restaurant.
While we were away, Turner was being entertained by Tootsie, Pop, and Aunt BB. We had been prepping her for our departure and explaining all the fun things they'd do while we were away - attend a fun birthday party, eat at at Chic-Fil-A, go to Shakey's, etc. She seemed unconcerned with our leaving and was really sweet all weekend. That is, until we got back on Sunday and she woke up from her nap. She asked to go to Chic-Fil-A (closed on Sundays) and when we told her it wasn't open she became completely hysterical and just buried her head in my chest. My mom's theory seems most logical - that she had been such a "big girl" the entire time and this was her first time to feel free to express any emotion regarding our absence. It was heartbreaking, yet I am thankful that she misses us when we are away. Thank you Tootsie and Pop and BB for giving us the gift of being able to get away so easily! We appreciate you!! (And we fully recognize that you view this time as a gift as well.)
Loving riding the horse at Kirkley's cowgirl party! All we heard about via phone and when we got home was how "...the horse tee-teed" while she was riding. :)
Think this man has ever walked behind a child learning to balance on a riding toy before?
So, as you can see for all of the Armstrong family, it was truly "a weekend to remember".
4 comments:
Wow...sounds amazing!!!
i'm looking at the montgomery weekend! we haven't done a marriage conference post having kids -- would be great!
AND tootsie and pop were sooo sweet to bring turner to the party! my dad told me the horse did that but I didn't know it was with T! :) One of K's favorite parts of the party she talked about was how the pony poo poo-ed on grammy's golf course!
Hi! Where have I been, missing out on all of these adorable pictures??!!! Look at Turner in her cowgirl boots, oh my! That's adorable! I will by "stopping by" more often!
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