School has been back in session for a few weeks now; Paul and I are in the midst of our grad school classes (we both finish with the class portion of our degrees by May, woo-hoo!); and volunteer opportunities are back in full swing! I can't wait to see how God moves through all of these avenues this school year!
While Paul and I wouldn't trade our extremely busy, blessed life for anything, we do enjoy those moments where we get to get away for a bit to just spend time with each other away from all the schedules. And Paul made sure we did just that this past weekend.
Over a couple months in the making, Paul told me a week ago that I needed to have any grad school work that was due completed before the weekend and to leave my weekend open. I was immediately excited because I just love surprises, especially when they come from my best friend! As the weekend approached, he wouldn't tell me anything other than that I would need to pack for a couple days and to take outfits for being outdoors. He emphasized that I wanted CUTE clothes not just workout clothes. (He knows that my attire has to fit the activity, or I get frustrated. I would ALWAYS rather be overdressed than underdressed.)
I had been thinking all week about what we could be doing, but I had not figured anything out. Saturday morning we loaded up the car and started driving. Paul took a slightly longer route to throw me off, and it worked. I was convinced we were headed to Gatlinburg, TN. Wrong. We were headed to Atlanta, just like every other Alabama and comics fan. Yet, we were neither going to the Bama game nor Dragon-Con. Thank goodness! lol
We were indeed retracing many of our steps from our very first trip together over four years ago! (The hubs has a soft spot that he let's show every blue moon.) He had planned the perfect weekend, and I couldn't have been more excited!!
Surprise Getaway - Day 1
We arrived in Atlanta, checked into the hotel, and headed for Stone Mountain. We had a fun day together exploring the top of the mountain, taking in the breathtaking views, and enjoying each other's company on the train ride around the park. A downpour showed itself for about 30 minutes, but the rain simply provided a short refreshing break before we took on the fun of mini-golf. I'm pretty sure Paul technically won, but we didn't even keep score. It was all about just taking in the time together. As the day winded down, we laid out a blanket on the lawn and set up some chairs to enjoy the laser light show, music, and fireworks. Wonderful day!!!
Surprise Getaway - Day 2
Paul told me to open the glove box in the car if I wanted to know what we were doing on Day 2. I waited a little while, but then I just had to see. I pulled out two tickets to Faith night at the Braves stadium followed by a Newsboys concert (one of my favorite Christian groups). The first part of the day was open, so Paul took me for a little retail therapy (sorry, he's taken) and a late lunch at our favorite place in Atlanta - Papsitas. Then, we headed over to see the Braves v. Marlins. It was a great game, complete with way overpriced ice-cream in a mini Braves cap. It was so cute, though. :) The Braves won 1-0, and then the stage was set up on second base for the Newsboys concert. As the sky darkened, and the lights on the stage began to set the atmosphere, the Newsboys came out to put on a wonderful show. My favorite part, however, was when the entire Braves stadium erupted and proclaimed that GOD'S NOT DEAD, as the Newsboys sang along. That was an awesome moment that I will never forget. Such a fun and blessed night!!
Surprise Getaway - Day 3
As we began to wrap up our long weekend, we couldn't head back home without doing one of our favorite things - riding some coasters! We headed over to Six Flags to ride a few rides before heading home. Labor Day was the day to go. In less that 4 hours, we were able to ride 8 different rides, some of them as many as four times. It was a more relaxing time as the rides seem so calm compared to others that we have been on, but it was fun nonetheless. We also picked up our gold season passes for 2015. It gets us in all Six Flags parks in the nation, as well as parking, from now until October of next year. Woo-hoo! We have a few coaster trips in the near future. ;) Then, we hopped in the car and started trekking back home, refreshed and ready to get at it again.
This was one of the best weekends we've had in a bit. It was filled with lots of smiles, lots of laughs, and lots of joy.
Just the right medicine to gear us up for upcoming adventures with the Inner City kiddos, the freshman group at church, continuous grad school, and more!
We are truly blessed. GOD IS SO GOOD!!
My cup overflows...all glory to God.
My cup overflows...all glory to God.
I pray your week is just as joy-filled. :)
Until next time...
