Antigua - 2009
Gordon surprised me with a trip to Antigua for our 17th wedding anniversary. We had planned to go there about 6 years ago, but I think we ended up getting pregnant with Meredith and
our plans were changed....last was our first year going away; we went to Hilton Head Island and Savannah, GA, but this was driving distance if anything went wrong at home. This year, we were being brave and headed out to sea....
We left Sunday morning at around 8 in the morning....our exchange would be in Miami, FL and then on to Antigua....the de-icing of our plan in GSO caused us to miss our connecting flight. The airline accommodated us by flying us to Puerto Rico for the night and paid for some dinner and breakfast. It was quite interesting the hotel they put us up in...it was in the airport itself and it was if we were sleeping in a shoe box; very small and
claustrophobic, but hey, we were alone and together and that in itself made it OK.
The next day we finally arrived at the most beautiful resort I have been too (ok...the only resort I have been to...LOL). We were immediately
greeted and asked if we wanted some champaigne.....asked for water instead! They upgraded our room because we had missed a day; absolutely beautiful!! We enjoyed the pool and a nice beach party that night.
Our week was full of lots of adventures: Sailing on the ocean on a catamaran, kayaking in the ocean, jet skiing in the ocean, snorkeling (I got over my fear of the ocean with the encouragement and love of my husband as he promised me he would stay right by my side to make sure I did not drown!), a day in a cabana being served whatever we wanted, fine restaurants and great food, nighttime walks on the beach, a pedicure, romantic evenings in our room, relaxing days laying at the pool, and some swims in the ocean. The water was perfect...turquoise in color and just slightly cold to be refreshing. There was always a constant small breeze to make it beautiful! You could not smell the salt of the ocean because of the NW breeze that was constant (made sailing perfect!!). The temperature was constantly high
70's, low 80's....HEAVEN!!!
It was quite weird at first...being childless, that is. But it quickly kicked in that it was OUR time now and time to reconnect and talk and snuggle and kiss and well, you know!!! The awe of 17 years of marriage touched both of our hearts...the thought of how fast it has flown, yet the memories of how many things were packed into those years: many moves to great cities and 7 beautiful children which reflect the love that we have for each other....Both Gordon and I look at our kids and realize the reason why we had so many kids, besides the fact we love babies, I wanted lots of babies, and we are building up the
kingdom of God, is because we love each other so much....each kid is a reflection of the love we hold so dear for each other. Our marriage has been so easy....so wonderful....so natural! Isn't that what everyone wishes for their marriage; breaks my heart when I hear of the ones that struggle...Not only does it help to be so madly in love with each other, but living the Gospel and holding it so dear to your heart blesses our marriage and family life! Doesn't mean there are no struggles, we work together through the trials and respect each other - being selfless - and giving 110% all the time.
So....my heart did miss the kids all week, but honestly, my mind did not think a lot of them during the first few days. My brain was being rejuvenated after 15 years of sleepless nights, getting this and that, and you know what all goes in to being a mother and wearing a gazillon hats. I knew they were taken care of: the three oldest were were grandma and grandpa and the four youngest were with a babysitter at home, Rachel. Levi loved Rachel so much and I knew he would be fine with her. Unfortunately, Levi spiked a fever the next morning after we left....soon after Noelle had a fever. She took great care of them and she had helpers waiting to be called if things got any worse. I felt comforted knowing this. It wasn't until Friday morning when we were eating breakfast that I got chocolate chip
pancake....I never eat pancake; what was with me? It reminded me of the kids, and when I sat down at our table, Gordon asked why the chocolate chip pancakes....I immediately turned teary eyed and had to swallow really hard so people would not notice....I was ready to go home!!! Gordon was ready the day before, I could tell. He was constantly talking about the kids. His heart is so full of love for the kids; he is the best father I have ever seen.
Our return trip was uneventful and our kids stayed up waiting for us....we returned to the house about 11:30 at night. It was such a wonderful welcoming from the kids with lots of love and hugs and kisses....Levi was not mad at us, he just would not let us out of his sight thereafter.
