Whidbey Weekend

To celebrate our birthdays this year, Michael and I decided to take mini-vacations together in lieu of buying gifts. For my birthday we took a quick trip to Whidbey Island for the weekend and lucked out with beautiful weather. We stayed in an adorable cottage on Maxwelton Beach, just steps away from the sound. We relaxed, we ate, we explored, we went home. It was everything I wanted.

A few of our Whidbey favorites:

FOOD

• Useless Bay Coffee Company (Langley)
• Timbuktu Java Bar & Cafe (Freeland)
• Ciao (Coupeville)

SHOPPING

• The Star Store (Langley)

SIGHTS

• Dave Mackie County Park (Clinton)
• Deception Pass State Park (Oak Harbor)

Date Night In

Michael and I never really dated—we hung out, not dated. They were great hang outs, usually watching movies, always involving food. And the only reason I don't remember them as dates is because it was always so comfortable (even the awkward early dates were oddly comfortable). But date nights have become incredibly important for us in light of current schedules. Michael went back to school this fall so with homework and studying back in the picture, casual, impromptu hang outs are a thing of the past, and consequently we are learning the importance of intentional time. Sure, I miss the ease of saying, "Hey, let's go for a bike ride today," or "How does breakfast out sound?" but there's also something great about planning time together, and looking forward to it throughout the week. So now we are setting aside time each week to date each other.

This week's date almost didn't happen thanks to a nasty cold I've been fighting, but instead of missing our night, we figured out how to make staying in fun and not just another night at home (it was then Rebekah's recent post about resurrecting Dinner at 8 popped into my head). So when I got home, we walked to the store to pick up some supplies: chicken pot pies, brownie mix and a movie from Redbox. I didn't have time to make decorations, or a fancy dinner, or even clean up, but it turns out conversation and pot pies by candlelight feels just as special. Cuddling on the couch and watching a movie wasn't terrible either.

I didn't want taking photos to get in the way of our time together, so I snapped a few while the food was in the oven and called it good. It was a wonderful hang out date. :)

Our Second Anniversary

Michael and I spent our second anniversary in Hood Canal, celebrating like an "old married couple"—or at least that's what Tia, the woman who cut my hair last night, told me. Call it what you want, I call it perfection: deep conversations, bright stars, beautiful water, amazing books, sunshine, coffee, naps, cooking, and even watching a little bit of football. I love doing life with you Mr. Monroe. Happy anniversary! I'm excited to grow old with you (and apparently we're already there).

It's ok Tia, we know we're nerdy. No offense taken.