Monday, July 11, 2011

For the record

We left Orangeburg Friday morning, took our time going to Charleston, arrived, and had a little time to kill before check in. We walked through the market and browsed. Loitton is not a fan of shopping but he indulged me. If you have not seen the market since they started the renovations you are in for a treat. Or at least if you think like me. Loitton on the other hand did not like the renovations. Thought it took away the history. Any way check in time arrived. We chose the Andrew Pinckney Inn for our destination. What an great choice we made (it came highly recommended by Heather and Travis). Upon arrival, we went to our room. We were greeted by chilled champagne, chocolates and a note from the Inn. S.w.e.e.t! We relaxed a little, cooled off from the Charleson heat and made our dinner selection. We opted to go easy and relaxing...California Dreaming. We always like to sit outside, grab a few appetizers, and people and boat watch. It was so ironic that as we sat there we both looked up almost simultaneously and realized that we were sitting in view of the Round Holiday Inn. That was the place we stayed the first night we were married. Boy have we come a long way...hehe.

Saturday was a full day. We started by enjoying breakfast on the roof top of our Inn. Fun time except trying to drink a cup of coffee in 200 degree weather with 1000% humidity is challenging. Next we visited Folly Beach. The vacation capital of the world and a special love for us. Loitton indulged me with a little more shopping late that afternoon. Later in the evening we decided to eat at the Crabhouse. As we arrive there, a horrific thunderstorm with lots of lightning comes up. Loitton is kind enough to pull me up straight to the door. He, on the other hand, had to park the car and run in the pouring rain. About the time he is almost was at the restaurant a bolt of lightning strikes and he truly thought he had met his maker. Thank goodness he was ok! Again, we are greeted by the nicest servers who make our meal experience so enjoyable. As we look out over the Wappoo Cut we think of all the good times we have shared there with family members. Again another reminder of how special our time together has been. Our evening was topped off by ice cream in the Market and lots of conversations about the 35 years we have experienced. Fun! Fun! Fun!

On Sunday it was time to return to reality. I begged to stay but reality won out. But for the record, the weekend was a blast and the past 35 years have been too. Can't wait to see what the next 35 years hold for us.

Thanks Heather, Trav, and MK for keeping "Gracie girl". Maybe next time she won't be homesick :)

Friday, July 8, 2011

The weekend is here!

After much anticipation the weekend is here. Not just any weekend, but the weekend we celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary. I can't even decide what all we want to do with our special get away weekend but whatever it is I'll be with the one I love, the one who is my best friend....so whether it be hanging out at the beach, sipping on a marquarita, or just talking I know it will be fun.

We have selected the Andrew Pinkney Inn as our destination spot. It came highly recommended by Heather and Travis who stayed there last year while celebrating their anniversary.

So as we head out ....I want to wish Heather and Travis a very Happy Anniversary. They celebrate 6 years of marriage tomorrow. In my opinion (which is definately biased) they have what it takes to see many, many, many more happy years together. I love you both and wish God's continued blessings on your marriage.

Oh and Happy Anniversary to the love of my life, Loitton! Can't wait the next 35!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Are you up for another 35???

Our wedding was many years ago....but the celebration continues to this day! 35 years ago I was looking forward to July 10 with so much excitement and anticpation. Much like I am looking forward to July 10 this year. I don't think I can summarize 35 years of marriage and another five years of dating prior to that. I did sit down with Loitton this week and asked him what he would consider the high moments as well as the low moments of our marriage. We try to do that every few years. It is always interesting to see what "new things" make our list and also the ones that have been and always will be on that list.

We have no secret recipe for a successful marriage. I am just grateful that whatever we have is working and I pray that God will bless us with at least another 35 years together :) For those of you who know Loitton I am sure this will come as no surprise to you. I have always wanted to "renew our vows" and buy a wedding dress that was just for me. When we got married, I wore my sister's dress because we got married within a year of each other and wanted to help my parents out with cost. However, I have felt like I would like a dress that I picked out and would always be mine. When I suggesed a vow renewal, Loitton did not hesitate. He told me that he said his vows in 1976 and they stuck and there was absolutely no need in repeating them. End of that discussion. I see his point but thought it would be fun :)

I do know over and over again when you ask people what is the best wedding advice they can give I hear two resoundings pieces of advice. Put God first in your marriage. Make time for each other. We have not always done it but we try to have a date night on a regular basis. We decided this year to celebrate our milestone anniversay by making time for ourselves. So as we approach our anniversary on Sunday, we are excited. We are almost as giddy as we were 35 years ago. We are going to make time for ourselves. We are going to enjoy good food, fellowship, talk about memories and relax. We are going to rest up....we want to be prepared for the next 35 years! I'm up for it and I think he is too.