Disclaimer: Talk of Romantic Marriage Retreat ahead...

This weekend is the imfamous marriage retreat. Can't wait. Sydney and I always have a great time... As a result 3 of our kids were born in October... but I digress. This is a weekend that we have had for the last nine years. A group of our friends (about 12-15 couples) who are committed to maintaining a strong relationship with our spouses, all chip in and rent about 5 cabins for a weekend at a local Minnesota resort approximately 3 & 1/2 hours north of here and we hire our own speakers that will impart some wisdom on us on how we can continue to maintain a healthy marriage by keeping Christ as the focal point of our marriage. Once a year we are able to deal with issues, if we have any, and enjoy a weekend together... while also enjoying fellowship with close friends. It has proven to be worth its weight in gold and is why, I believe, that Sydney's and my marriage (She's married to me and I am married to her... so I guess "our" marriage would be appropriate here.) has remained rock solid over the last 9 years. I believe Sydney would agree.

That said, this year we have a twist... because our group has to rent these cabins for a week (even though we only use them for the weekend) Sydney and I are going to pick up Jakers, Micker Mackers, Bug Bug and Benjino from my folk's place after the weekend and then head back to one of the Cabins and stay for the rest of the week. We have friends that will be doing the same thing... and they have 4 Kids around the ages of our kids. So we are planning to join forces and have a great time... On the agenda is an indoor water park, iceskating, maybe a movie... and, in general, just enjoying our time up there as a family. All in all, it should be a great weekend/week.

Anyway, So there you have it... the secret to our success... The Lord as a solid foundation and a Marriage Retreat once a year.