1st Anniversary

Zachary and I took a trip. And by a trip, I mean a road trip of sorts.

2500+ miles and two weekends later, we are back home reminiscing!

We drove through fields of gold, where I learned from Professor Zachary that Eastern Washington has some of the best irrigation systems in the world. I believe him because, well, he's my husband... and he typically knows more about agricultural things than I do.

After hours of driving into the triple digits of heat, we arrived at a family reunion!
Water balloon fights ensued. As did rowing, cliff jumping, miniature golfing, tubing, and reading. After many card games (I won four dollars!) and frisbee tosses later.. it was all concluded with marshmallow milkshakes and ice cream cones.

We woke up at 5:00am on the 21st (our first anniversary) and trekked to this beautiful spot to read about God's faithfulness. Here, we reflected on his provision over the last year and were truly blown away at how much he loves us. This last year, we really had to put all our trust in him; we learned how valuable it is to open our doors wider so that his dreams can fit through them. 

We have trouble staying focused in photos. 

Like... a lot of trouble.

But our sister was gracious and took a lot nonetheless.  
We never know what to do in a photo. Here, Zach looks like a merman with a bad hair day, I am completely oblivious to how uncomfortable he is. 
I can't stop laughing, either.

After the weekend was over, we packed up without a map or gps, and drove wherever it was beautiful! Since Zach didn't have to work until Wednesday, we had a few days to do whatever we wanted.

We drove along this 20 mile stretch FOUR TIMES! It felt like an entirely different country!

(Part two coming soon.)

Where to begin?

So I've been gone a bit... from home and from this blog.

And if I had any notion to plan posts ahead of time, I would have. But I didn't.

So here's to catching up! *Holds up glass of sparkling.. watermelon juice.*
I'm looking forward to it.

1 year of marriage!

He drinks African red bush. She drinks green.
He drives a little red pick-up. She rides a yellow bicycle.
He likes to BBQ. She likes to cook.
He likes movies. She likes blogs.
He has perfected the Indian accent. She's working on it.
He likes C.S. Lewis. She likes Poe.  
He uses forks. She uses spoons.
He likes 2%. She likes smoothies.

They both agree that forgiveness is vital, communication is EVERYTHING, and two o'clock in the morning is never too late (or early) for a taco run. 


Yeah, this whole marriage thing...we'll stick to it. Like.. till death.
Happy one year (in three days), Zachary!

Cheese!

Nothing beats a cheese party on a Sunday.

We enjoyed: Cranberry Chipotle, Parmesan, Flaghsip, Goat Cheese with herbs, Swiss, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, and Brie with herbs. It was a delicious assortment! 

First time freelensing

(No editing)

I can't wait to try this with people on the other side of the lens.

Highs and Lows

Let me just stand by the tack room real quick and look like an awkward white kid. Check.

Highs

-Camping. In the valley by our house!
-Rising early. Reading the word with my best friend, Z.
-Meeting with a friend to hear about her YWAM experience.
-Movie in the park with husband. Doc Brown, you never fail to make me laugh.
-Sister date to Moonrise Kingdom the following evening, also in a park.
           ...Wes Anderson knows how to deliver. Such a fantastic film.
-Hiking 8 miles with my younger brother's girlfriend! I plan on sleeping like a rock.
-Exploring with one of my small group girls: Beecher's macaroni + gyros = life is good!
-Making new friends while playing frisbee.
-Double date picnic at a newly discovered park. Then getting invited to a nerf war. Um, YES!
-Street ministry tonight! 

Lows

-Worrying over finances. Not so much anymore, but earlier this week I was preparing to postpone a semester due to a medical bill.
-Bees. I love flowers, but when there's a plant that I need to water, and it's right next to a humungo wasp nest, I get a wee bit woozy. Especially when they attack your favorite person right between the eyes and make him look like an avatar for three days in a row.) Oh, honey.

Choice fruit.

Oh glory! The blueberries have made it!

Okay, guys. I am positive that you have not lived until your taste buds have met the quarter-sized blueberries from my grandparent's farm. If only I could ship a box to you all!

Highs and Lows

Highs

-Independence Day. Hip hip hooray for freedom!
-Street ministry tonight. 
-Zach and I saw a friend that has been missing for the last two months. So good to see him.
-Zach and I went to get Thai food with one of Z's coworkers; he's been to Thailand 17 times!
-SUNSHINE has been scaling this state with a warm hug! Which means that lake and pool visits have been called for. So happy about it.
-Met with/called three brides this week!
-Movies and gelato. Need I say more?

Lows

-The hammock in that photo... it's not in the air like it's suppose to be. I blame the chain!

Do you have weekend plans?

What are your highs and lows this week?

Happy fourth, from a canoe!

So my super cool sister with her super cool techy phone took this super cool panorama.

(It's bigger if you click on it)

America: Land of the free, home of the brave.
I'm so thankful America found a reason to watch chemicals explode in the sky while simultaneously making us deaf. It truly is a beautiful, cheery way to spend the day.
We truly don't deserve all that we have been given. 

That boy of mine.

The best days are when my love gets off work early enough for dinner.

...And greets me with a flower.

Checkered dresses, walks in Seattle, unexpected encounters with dear friends-

All these things make this hot, hot weather a bit more enjoyable.