Photomania part 2 (our weekend away)

Before we had kids, we swore that we would always make our marriage our first priority and set aside time for just the two of us. I think in my mind I imagined that once we had kids, I would long for time away from them or feel desperate to go out on a date night and leave the kids behind. Then we actually had kids. And while not every day is blissful, we find that for the most part we really love spending time together as a family. It is hard to leave the little munchkins behind because we get such a kick out of them. But this weekend, we left them behind, and I am so glad that we did!

While I missed them like crazy, I had so much fun with Mike. We intentionally savored all of the little things- 6 hours of uninterrupted conversation in the car both directions, eating in restaurants that don't have high chairs, no strollers and diaper bags, staying up irresponsibly late, not watching any cartoons, holding hands with someone my own size, and falling in love all over again. I have said it before, but I married the best man in the world. He makes me laugh until my sides hurt, challenges me, and loves me in the purest sense of the word. Wherever he is feels like home to me. I think that I sometimes get so distracted by little things in life that I forget to look him in the eye when we talk or we don't take time to tell each other that we would choose them again. This weekend was exactly what we needed!

Our sweet friends, Heather and Jody, got married this weekend in Fredericksburg and Mike was a groomsman. I took Friday off of work and we hit the road. We ate at Cooper's BBQ on the way there (it completely creeped me out for the record), and then arrived at the cutest little bed and breakfast! Mike booked it as a surprise, and it was perfect. It was out in the middle of the country- the stars were so bright at night, there were deer in the morning, and we never saw another human there. Heavenly!

The wildflowers were in bloom, and the drive there was breathtaking. I did wish that the kids had been there to take pictures, but we did the best that we could without them! I love this part of the world in the spring time.

This is a horrid picture of both of us, but aren't the flowers pretty?

The weather was perfect. The highs were around 75. We went to the rehearsal dinner on Friday night, then had coffee and hung out. On Saturday morning, we had breakfast at the cutest basement restaurant, then shopped on Main street, and went to the wildflower farm. We had Mexican food for lunch and even had time for a nap before the wedding started!

The wedding was gorgeous- it was outdoors and very granola. The music was beautiful, the ceremony was simple, and every detail was perfect! My favorite part (next to the actual wedding of course) was the cake! Check this out. I am proud to say that I tasted 4 different kinds!

The precious couple- Heather and Jody Bolin. She was completely breathtaking!

The entire wedding party doing the whole "I'm too cool to look at the camera" thing.

The boys. . . (notice the really handsome one on the far right)

Mike and Jody. They have been workout buddies all year. Mike won't know what to do now that he can't show up in Jody's garage at 5 in the morning. I guess he could still show up, but Heather might not appreciate it.

Twelve years ago on April 10th, this guy asked me to marry him. I am so very thankful that God brought us together. I am happier than I ever dreamt possible!

A bunch of folks from Evans were there! Somehow, Jessica did not end up in this picture- boo. Anyway, it was a lot of fun to get to hang out and visit with people that I really love in such a beautiful location! Somebody else from school should get married so we can do it again!

These girls just make me laugh!

I was so excited to get to take some pictures of the wildflowers, and the weather was absolutely perfect for it!

It was an amazing weekend. I am so excited for Heather and Jody as they start on this wonderful adventure and feel so blessed to be on the journey that I am on with Mike. It was great to get home to Carter and Evyn, but I am going to try to be better about being intentional about leaving them behind every now and then to focus on my first love! I loved every minute!