CANOEING

Zack and I have been eager to go canoeing for our last 3 anniversaries. Three weeks ago we celebrated our 7th anniversary (whoooo!) and did absolutely nothing for it. My sister offered to watch the girls so we could go out, but where we live there is really nothing to  do.

I finally agreed to get a non-relative babysitter, and Saturday we went canoeing –and it. was. awesome.

We arrived at Huzzah Valley Resort at 9 am – it was packed already!

We came at a time where we just missed two large groups. We practically had the river to ourselves. It was peaceful, not too hot, and we only got stuck twice in 3 hours. We laughed a lot, heard cows, saw a crane, and relaxed  (something we desperately needed!)

We packed a lunch, which ended up being a 10:30 snack. We worked up a hunger fast! :)

Such a hunk!

The cherry on top?    ^  This babe!!  ^   We got this close, stopped and exchanged stares for a few minutes!

Couldn’t have asked for a better day with my gorgeous man! Happy itch free seven years, Zack!

Six Years

Zack,

It has been six years since we became Mr. & Mrs. What a dreamy, adventurous time we have had!

I admire you, Zack. Your charm gives me a case of wobble knees something fierce. The look of adoration you carry in your eyes as you gaze upon me makes my soul warm. I know I am loved.

I have enjoyed every trip we’ve shared together, whether it was an hour drive through neighboring country roads or week long trips through multiple states to visit my family. I eagerly await what I hope to be many many more.

Your creativity and never slowing desire to accomplish things, anything, pushes me to be a better version of myself. You are one of kind. The best kind. My favorite kind.

You are hot!. SMOKIN’ HOT!

While some collect tea cups and comic books, you collect pet names and kisses. I will never tire of you. (or your super attractive face!!)

You are patient. You are forgiving. You are curious and driven. You are fun!

You are the husband and father every girl deserves. We are blessed to know you. To spend every day with you by our side, what a gift. Days that end in your embrace. A day ending with a smile, because the Lord chose you for us, and us for you. I am so thankful I found you when I was so young. More days to love you. More days to laugh along side you.

We have shared tears. Tears of pure heart break at the loss of a possible child. Tears of pure joy at the birth of the two God allowed us to meet in this lifetime. Tears of worry. Tears of laughter, because of course, we are both hilarious!

You are my best friend, the Ketchup to my noodles (In a scenario where I would eat such a thing).

You are top shelf material. Quality. Picked right off the tree kind of goodness.

I truly truly love you.

Happy Anniversary Darlin’!

A Gift

Zack made me this for our anniversary from railroad spikes we gathered on our honeymoon, our second one...

I've also added a playlist of songs that describe us pretty well: : :

The first was our wedding song, the second is our song and the third just makes us happy.

Enjoy!

Anniversary

This weekend is our big 5 year anniversary!
: : :We have done quite a bit in our 5 years of married life: : :

r We started out with a honeymoon to Meramec State Park here in Missouri
r A week camping out at Cornerstone Music festival in Illinois

r A second honeymoon road trip style to the Southeast States

r I fractured my pelvic bone

r 3 trips to St. Simmons Island, Georgia
r 6 different homes
r 3 trips to Denver CO

r Made it through five years of college

r Frequent trips to the Zoo

r [Many many] Trips to St. Louis

r Several outings to Springfield, MO

r Counseled at a camp for a week one summer with our church youth group

r We became the proud parents of a Poodle named Reese

r I spent 3 months on bed rest while pregnant with Miss Penelope
r We became Mama and Papa during our third year of marriage

r We’ve owned 4 vehicles; one stolen, one sold (had the whole 5 years), one broke down, and a van.
r Been camping twice; once at Cornerstone Music Festival (a week long), once for our second anniversary (one night)

r   Been to Cheyenne Wyoming twice
r   Hiked to the tops of [at least] 6 mountains

r Found one, count ‘em, -one- horse one the side of the road

r Had many long scenic drives (one of which is where we came across the horse)

r Gone to Meramec Caverns once

r And we have made made many wonderful friends along the way!

: : : For our anniversary this year we went to The Cheesecake Factory and to see a movie and had a full day of shopping for our new home, since it was supposed to be too cold to go kayaking. : : :

Last night at The Cheesecake Factory – excuse the deer in the head lights expression on my face, extremely bright flash…

Tomorrow we will be spending our actual anniversary with Penelope, doing things she’d enjoy, like swimming…
Happy Weekend!