I must say that i am very jealous.
I have been playing since 1980, but unfortunately I have not had the same lick keeping a consistent group. Between the separate paths we each followed after high school (college for some, and the military for me), moves to different states for jobs, jail time or drug issues for certain people, family obligations for others, etc., I have had horrible luck finding players or keeping long-term groups together.
Anyways, your group has set a standard for others to strive for, and is an excellent example of the deep friendships that can be forged through RPGs.