First Anniversary

Today is the first anniversary of our marriage. We leave for a camping trip tomorrow, and I could not be more excited! 😄 We're going to Guadalupe River State Park. I don't know what my favorite part about camping will be yet, but I am excited for hiking, cooking, playing games, reading, and learning to fish. I've got everything packed for us (mostly) and I am super excited for some time to spend outdoors, without distractions, enjoying nature, with my husband.😊

As I write this, my husband is in the other room fixing me a special mystery anniversary dinner. I don't know what he's making, but I can hear him outside right now on our porch getting some things out of storage. And the only things we store outside are the fancy dishes and candles that we almost never use... so he's planning to make this a pretty special evening I think. :)

I told Luke this afternoon that I want to eventually visit every state park in Texas. A lofty goal for someone who hasn't even been on her first long camping trip to see if she likes it. 😅 We counted 89 state parks in Texas. Maybe I'll change my mind after this week, but right now I want to visit every single one.

I think, in my mind, I've romanticized the idea of camping a little bit. Fixing meals over a fire, late night talks under the stars, reading outside in a cool breeze... all sounds super wonderful and perfect. 
In reality, this week is probably going to consist of much sweating, hot restless nights, allergies, going five days without a proper shower, and BUGS. Such fun. But I think it's important to recognize this, and realize at the same time that these things and the more pleasant, romantic things get to happen together. Either way, I'm determined to have a great week. Here's a quote my sister saved on Pinterest a few weeks ago (somewhat on topic) that I really like -

I am so determined to fall more in love with life. Intentionally romanticizing the walks I'm on, the birds chirping, the blooming nature around me, the poetry I write, the things I am learning, my handwriting, dozing off while sitting in front of a window, all of it and more. Because that's when you truly start living. That's when you start looking forward to every day.

I really like that quote.

So, this week, I'm going to focus on the positive aspects of camping. Even though there'll likely be some unpleasant things that happen (just anticipating the amount of flies to be landing on our food all week 😅), I plan to intentionally romanticize the entire experience and enjoy the quietness and peacefulness of nature with Luke.

And here's some fun pictures from our anniversary weekend! Nature, here we come.