Anniversary Beach Getaway

After our day of celebrating we took the next two days to celebrate on a little overnight getaway to the beach--thanks to my parents + some babysitters.  Thanks, guys!
Red Brick pizza now serves gluten free pizza.  So, of course, we stopped there for lunch before heading out on the beach for some sun + sand.

The water + weather was gorgeous. Red robin made for a delicious dinner.  The next day we enjoyed breakfast at Waffle House.  I know, greasy + seedy.  But we have so many memories of study "non-dates" there.  Then we headed back to the beach.
After the beach we did a little bit of shopping at an outdoor mall.  I snagged some cheap sunglasses that look great, but I've found to be quite foggy.  Guess that's what I get for being cheap!

We thoroughly enjoyed our time away but it was good to come home to our sweet babies.  Upon our arrival home we were greeted with love + hugs + mommy was presented with this special leaf treasure.  Love my kids. 

May 20th Celebration Weekend

So I mentioned that the 20th was a special day of multiple celebrations.  So, of course, we had to celebrate!

I woke to this beautiful vase stuffed full with wildflowers!  Jason compelled the teenagers to help him pick them on the side of the road while coming home from their disaster relief training.  While waiting for church to start the kids entertained themselves by decorating Uncle Matt with post it notes.  Uncle Matt is a patient man.  
I was grateful the kids were entertained so I could spend time on our fancy lunch preparations.  I love a good reason to pull out the china.

Our meal wasn't anything fancy, just my favorite beef stew crock pot recipe.  Something delish + simple that would be ready as soon as church was out.  Also served some corn muffins on the side.

The day before I made a gluten free anniversary cake (6) + some small yellow cakes + cup cones (that icing is supposed to be orange (Micah's current favorite color).  The cup cones were for Micah to take to Sunday School to celebrate his birthday with friends. Jason had the kids make me a special card--so sweet.  We also had some fun taking a few pictures after church.   Ivory enjoying her cake.  And yes, she asked to sit in the high chair. 
Micah + Uncle Matt

Jason enoyed his chocolate gluten free cake. I'm so glad we could celebrate our special day with family--the ones who were there to support us from the beginning and have continued to during the past six years.
Grateful for this man who helped guard my heart + protect + provide for me until he was ready to give me away to my fine husband. Grandma + Pa helped Ivory get a birthday present for Micah.  Micah loves his tractor!  

Micah also received legos from his Nana + Grandaddy. They were a hit--with all the boys. 
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We spent the afternoon playing games--one of my favorites. And when the kids woke from their naps we snuck away to the beach.

Where we found a kite.
That obviously still worked.

6 year kiss

sweethearts

The kids love it when their dad digs up a crab.

Love my sweet girl.  Beautiful beach day.  The kids loved examining a mussel. We enjoyed a gorgeous sunset.
Thank you to all who have contributed to the past six years to make them so special.  Praise God for His faithfulness and blessings.

6 + 2 + 10

Six: Wedding Anniversary

Six years ago today I married my college sweetheart.  While it is often crazy, we have our fair share of fights, and it's definitely not been easy, I haven't regretted our marriage for a moment. 

See this happy face?  He still makes me smile like this every day.

And here we are six years later.  Three kids later.  And by God's grace still in love.

Two: Birthday

Four years after our wedding we visited the hospital and welcomed our sweet Micah man into the world.  Not how I had envisioned celebrating our second anniversary, but what an incredible gift to receive.  Micah came in a hurry and I welcomed him with tears, kisses and overwhelming love.  Headful of hair.  Wrinkly puppy dog face.

Then that dark headed little puppy grew into a shaggy blonde chubby one year old.  His giggles, snuggles, and joy bless our lives every day.


And now he's our little toddler.  Our silly little blondie.  That tongue.   
That grin.  This one will do almost anything to make big sister laugh. 

Our truck + car + tractor + ball loving tenderhearted little man.

We love you, Micah Man.  Happy birthday.

10: Ministry Anniversary

That's how long my husand has been faithfully serving in ministry at our church.  I'm so very proud of him and so honored to be his partner in ministry.  Thank you to our church for making these ten years such wonderful ones.  All glory to God for His abounding grace + mercy.


So today is a special one.  Full of love, joy, and celebration.  A follow-up post of the day's activities will come soon.  For now, I'm going to enjoy some hubby time while the kids are sleeping!

Anniversary Getaway

Last week Jason and I begged my parents to stay a few extra days (really didn't take much convincing, they're suckers for these kiddos) and snuck away for a few days to celebrate our fifth year of marriage.  It was AMAZING.  Loved getting to relax, go where we wanted to go, when we wanted to go.  No cooking, cleaning, chores, etc.  So nice.  So grateful that God orchestrated everything perfectly so we could go.

Our first stop was Eden Gardens State Park where the grounds were gorgeous.  A perfect shady stop on this super sunny, humid day.

There was a gorgeous home that we enjoyed from the outside view...as we weren't really interested in paying another fee to tour it.



Love the brick lined path and the huge oak trees.


This is one of my favorite bushes.  Love these flowers.







Jason loved how this branch reached all the way across the path down to the ground.



I think this is an intercoastal of some kind.  There was a crab in the water so I'm thinking brackish water? 









Gotta love some self-portraits!


After stopping for at the Sandestin Outlet mall for a smoothie, a little shopping, then lunch at Panera, we headed to Sandestin Beach.  The water was gorgeous, with some waves and a relatively strong current.  The water was very chilly, but we enjoyed alternating laying out and playing in the waves.

LOVE the gorgeous beaches in the Destin area.  We also enjoyed going to the Destin beaches and some calmer waters where we spent a lot of time floating.

After a long day at the beaches we spent some time at an outdoor mall, the Destin Commons (the one with the fountains and fun play area).  Since we had a delish seafood lunch at a restaraunt in Harbor Walk Village we had a simple meal of club sandwiches and fries at Johnny Rockets.


Jason patiently went in more clothing shops and so I decided he more then deserved a turn at the Bass Pro Shop.

We took these pictures to show Ivory the fish.


Thanks so much Mom & Dad for watching the kids and giving us a relaxing, worry-free vaca.  We came home re-energized and refreshed.