Marco Island, Florida

On November 16, 2005 Darrin and I boarded a flight to Marco Island, Florida. We were going for a manager's retreat with Rooms to Go. Our flight went well and we arrived at Fort Myers around 4:00. A shiny black Lincoln limousine was waiting for us outside the airport. After almost an hours ride we arrived at the Marriott Resort & Spa a little after 5:00pm. As the bellman escorted us to our room we could see sunlight beaming from underneath the door and we knew that was a good sign. We had a gorgeous ocean front room with a spectacular view of the sun just beginning to set. We had until 6:30 to unwind and then we were to meet the RTG crew on the beach for a luau. Of course that went wonderfully. It was such a fun and exciting day. Not only because of the (free) trip to FL, seeing an awesome sunset, dinner on the beach, etc....but it just happened to be our 14th wedding anniversary as well! What a great way to celebrate, huh?

The next day Darrin was treated to 18 holes of golf at The Rookery. I, on the other hand, opted for an hour long Swedish massage at the onsite spa. While Darrin shot 3 under par and saw several alligators on the course, I was enjoying total relaxation. It was the first professional massage I'd ever had the pleasure of having and I'm looking forward to my next one. That afternoon we took in the local sights and did a little shopping in town. Later, we had a formal dinner in the ballroom of the resort. We enjoyed a finely appointed buffet with dessert and dancing afterwards.

We enjoyed breakfast in our room both mornings we were there. I think they have the best orange juice I have ever tasted in my life. Before departing for the airport Friday afternoon, we had lunch at the beach side restaurant at the resort. It was so nice...mid November, sunny & 84 degrees. Paradise!

We arrived home that evening at around 9:00pm. The boys and Nana (Darrin's mom) were waiting for us. They had made us a "Happy Anniversary" sign and posted it on the garage door so we'd see it as soon as we got home. Inside they had decorated with handmade signs, streamers & candles. They even had a cake waiting for us. Payton gave me a special gift that he had wrapped all by himself. It was a silver race car (from his toy box). I told him it was just what I wanted and he just beamed. I found it hard not to think about the boys all the time we were gone. I called them 4+ times a day. I just missed them terribly. They snuggled with me on the couch and then slept in our room in their sleeping bags that night. It was nice to get away for a few day, but there's no place like home. Our boy's smiles can out shine the Florida sun any day!

For more pictures go to flickr.com.