Sunday, January 13, 2013

AEF deployers retreat...take 2

I went to this retreat about a month before Braden got home. And it was a pretty painful experience for me. You'll never guess what makes all the difference? A husband! And patience! This one was so much fun. We had several friends who went also (The Kooymans, Bladhs, Humistons, Ferreiras), so every meal was not only fun, but so much easier with the kids. The mandatory sessions were given by a local pastor who had really solid and applicable marriage advice that would be useful for any marriage, but especially great for those of us constantly dealing with marriage stressers, like deployments and moves. We were very grateful to have been a part of his sessions. I'd like to get my hands on some of the video clips he used because they were true and knee slapping hilarious. We got to go to a local farm and take a hay ride, where the girls loved on dogs, reindeer, and observed some elk (or elves if you ask Maisey). They had a dance one night where all our girls danced for hours with their friends and then Santa came. Another night they provided babysitting for the kids and Braden and I got to go to a nice restaurant and enjoy a delicious candlelight dinner at no cost. It was really a fantastic weekend in every way possible. We are so grateful for all these programs that really are helpful and such a blessing to our family. 







No comments: