....Like it's 1999

A few weeks ago, Spencer and I were able to spend the weekend with some of our favorite people. Mary, Joanna and I decided that since our 30th birthdays were hurling toward us whether we wanted them to or not, we might as well look forward to it. We decided that we would all get together for a weekend for each 30th. Since Mary and I both had new babies at my 30th, mine was postponed.

For Joanna's (Jan 4th) she chose a fun weekend in Orlando where we went dancing at Pleasure Island, visited Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure and enjoyed a nice dinner --ALL WITHOUT CHILDREN. This itself is no small feat, as there are 8 kids between us (ages 6mo - 6 yrs). We dropped ours off with a nice lady at the Flying J truck stop at I-75/I-4(my mom), and headed to O-town. My abs hurt after this weekend from laughing so much. Some highlights:

*Locking ourselves in the master suite Fri night to get ready for a night out on the town. This involved approx. 2.5 hours of trying on every outfit each person brought, a few bottles of wine, make-up session with Joanna, eventually ordering dinner in because we were taking so long to get ready, laughing as every 30 min or so, one husband would be voted to approach our camp and asked the fated "Are ya'll almost ready yet?"

*The pastor's wife, the missions chairwoman and I losing track of how many glasses of wine we had.

*DANCING--we hit every single club including: 80's, hip-hop, top 40 and (Spencer's favorite) ...techno. At one point, all of stepped outside for a little break and after 5-10 minutes realized that Spencer staying inside and was on the dance floor by himself, busting a move. As Spencer put it...."It was a good song - I didn't want to waste it!"

*Spencer and Jay trying to defend the tower at this cool huge jungle/high rope/cave place. Spencer was disappointed with the design of the high and low water guns and intends to write a strongly worded letter to Universal to make them aware of this design flaw. It did not, however, keep him from attempting a markedly futile attempt to assault the shooters who were armed with stronger water cannons with longer range.

*Spencer always ordering very little food, then finishing Joanna's meal. We realized about halfway into the weekend that he observed how she never finished her meal, and since we couldn't really do take-home boxes, Spencer figured why should he pay for a full meal, when he can order a side salad, then finish Joanna's chicken/steak/panini dish. Much teasing ensued, but he was not deterred as he proudly calculated how much money he had saved.

As I write these, I am reminded how much I LOVE my husband. He always evokes both respect and laughter, often at the same time. I am also reminded of the blessing of friendships, especially as they weather the years with age, memories, tears, laughter and wisdom. I thank God for these women and many others who sharpen and love me.