scallops and potatoes

Over the weekend, Zach and I attended the Christmas party for his work.  It was a lovely evening at a fun restaurant, meeting new people and connecting with friends.  Both Zach and I ordered the bacon wrapped scallops, which were really delicious and served over a tasty risotto.


Zach, taking a bite of the scallops announces to the whole table, "Mmm...THIS is how potatoes always should be."


I tried to quietly inform him that he was actually eating something from the sea - NOT a potato. He still justifies his confusion with scalloped potatoes, and how the color and texture was deceiving. Our table definitely had a good laugh though.  Zach doesn't get embarrassed too easily so I think he's fine. :) 


Clearly we don't eat too many scallops at our house.


Or potatoes.

rejoicing in one year

Zach and I just celebrated our first wedding anniversary! The year was sweet and fun and full of newness. And it flew. I can't believe it was a year ago that we made the biggest promise of our lives. I am so thankful for him and it's such a joy to be his wife. 

We took off on a weeklong getaway to celebrate and have a little retreat for just the two of us.  It was so lovely, and has been one of my favorite vacations ever. 

We started at the Ann Bean Mansion in Stillwater, MN, which was a lovely B&B that did not disappoint.  Fireplace in our room, gourmet breakfasts, and a cozy victorian atmosphere in the cutest of towns.  

The rest of the week was spent in northern Minnesota, in a beautiful cabin friends graciously let us use (thanks Jacobs!). It was perfect for a winter vacation, and we stayed warm inside with a backdrop of snowy woods outside.  I loved it. I love him.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Most of our days were spent with Zach reading, and me embroidering tea towels.  Maybe not what most twenty somethings would do on a vacation, but we thought it was fun. :) We also drank many hot beverages, explored the little towns we stayed in, cooked together (which might have to be a regular thing!), reflected on a year past and dreamed about the year to come. It was one of those vacations that made me thankful for time away and also ready to step back into everyday life. Happy Anniversary Zach, I adore you!

winery date

A few weeks ago, Zach and I went on a fun fall/winter date to a winery.  The air was crisp, the drive was pretty, and we sampled wine and chocolate.  It was nice.  They even sent us home with a bottle of wine of our choice! No complaints here. 

I've really noticed how going on dates is so refreshing for our marriage.  Both Zach and I are pretty high "quality time" people, and feel most loved by each other when some undistracted, intentional time is spent together.  Going on dates gives us a chance to really reconnect, check in with how we're doing in our marriage, and usually laugh a ton. Although this was more of a planned date for us, many of our dates involve Netflix and Trader Joe's ice cream, or going to Starbucks for a holiday drink and talking about Christmas traditions we want to start with our family. Even simple things and time together is seriously refueling and needed.  

I'm anticipating many of our upcoming dates to be spent at IKEA, or possibly painting and decorating our new house (yay!). We are in the process of moving right now, and I'm thrilled.  I've been dreaming of how to decorate for awhile now, and I can't wait to start on some projects.  I think we have a "date" to Home Depot this Saturday to pick out paint colors. :) 

at the orchard

A few weekends ago, we took advantage of the crisp fall weather and headed to an apple orchard/pumpkin patch for the afternoon with some friends.  The day was filled with way too many apple donuts, hot cider, a hay ride, and good conversation.  We actually didn't pick any apples - but the amount of apple donuts we ate probably makes up for it.  I had no self control; they were still warm!

Don't let the picture fool you. I had more than one. Did I mention they were still warm?

This one really got me - what lucky timing to give my husband a big apple clown nose. He was juggling, after all.

 The Uhlemanns

Such a fun day with dear friends, and a classic fall tradition.  (Particularly if you live in Minnesota).  

something new

So here it is: something I've been wanting to start for awhile, and something I'm not ready to begin. I'm doing it anyway. My hope is this blog will serve as a place to remember everyday life, reflect on God's grace and faithfulness to me, and also cultivate thankfulness for each season. I also have grandiose plans of taking more photos and starting an Etsy shop. Baby steps.