anniversary get away

This past weekend we went on a one night get away to celebrate our anniversary! At first we didn't think one night away was really going to be that great, but we both ended up really looking forward to it! We were able to take off about noon on Saturday to head up to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. This was our first time there and we had a great time!

In front of our hotel, Bella Vista Suites

Dave did all the researching and planning. He found this place right on the lake. I was trying to take a selfie of us and the sign in the background. The third attempt I finally got the sign in the photo and a guy walked out of the door at the exact same time! Thankfully he was nice and offered to take our picture!

It was a little overcast on Saturday but that didn't stop us from walking around and seeing the town. Dave made sure to check out all the historical signs around Lake Geneva, and I enjoyed them as well now that I'm in my 30s :)

We ate dinner at a restaurant called Popeye's. Not the chicken wing place. It was tasty and we had a great view!

We had a relaxing evening sitting outside watching the lake and people. We also walked up to an ice cream shop and had a scoop. 

On Sunday morning, Dave had reserved a massage for me. It was so great! I had such a stressful week of work I really needed it! I was so thankful that he did that for me. What a great husband!

We checked out of the hotel and took a walk on a public easement in front of all the mansions on the lake. This one has two basements and a pool on the roof! We learned that this property has put several people into bankruptcy and is now luxury condos.

another summer home

There are boats that give tours on the lake throughout the summer. Before we went we found out that they do not run until late April. While we were out on our walk we saw one going by! We called and found out that this was the first day they were open.  This is the earliest they have ever opened and we were able to take a ride! And to make it even better, it was half price! The tour guide informed us that at this time last year the lake was still frozen. We felt so blessed this entire weekend, and this was the icing on the cake!

We took off shortly after the boat ride to head back home. I was not ready to come back to the reality of grocery shopping and an early morning at work. It was a great night away! What a blessing!

A great night to round out the best first year of marriage! Love you, Dave!

first anniversary

I can't believe we have been married one whole year. Not to mention the longest first year of marriage that you can have! Leap year you know! :)

marahgrant.com

This year has been great. We have been so blessed in this first year of marriage. A friend asked us what that best part of this first year has been. We both said companionship. We have really enjoyed being together.

Yesterday was the official day. We were very busy. I worked all day then went to Bible Study. Dave had an afternoon and evening class. So we met up at home at about 9:30. We got out our wedding cake and had a slice. The cake was sooooooo good! Even a year later! Thanks For Goodness Cakes!

This weekend we have a one night get away planned. We can't wait!

sisters, sisters...

...there were never such devoted sisters! Name that movie!

We grew up in a household of old movies, mostly musicals. I remember my sister and I (on several different occasions) turning bed sheets into beautiful gowns and dancing around the living room (to my sister's choreography of course). It didn't matter what the movie was, the sheets always made the perfect outfits. We had all the songs memorized and would sing and act our hearts out.

I remember one summer we spent many hours writing down all the lyrics of Don McLean's American Pie so we could have the entire song memorized. We listened to it on the record player so "rewinding" every few lines made the task even more difficult ;) Its funny to think how now you can click a couple of times on the internet and have they lyrics right there! Oh well! We got it memorized!

My big sister and I had a lot of fun together growing up. There were the fights like all siblings have, but its easy to forget those and remember all the great times. A lot of our fondest memories are from the lake. One that has come to mind recently is when we would play Little House on the Prairie. I don't really recall ever watching the show, but that was what we named our pretend game. We would set up little houses by using rocks to make the perimeter of our houses and fire pits. We would take our dishes out and make pretend meals. We would sweep the floors and keep the fire going. We could play like that for hours.

aren't we so cute!

Then we grew up and did way cooler things like take a road trip and visit the worlds largest spur and ball of twine!

aren't we cool!?!

As we have grown into our adult lives, we have had ups and downs. We have learned a lot about each other. We have supported each others hobbies. Listened to each other during rough times. Loved each other even when it was hard. We have become such great friends. I miss her so much. I want to be around to see her grow into the role of being a mom and grow our relationship.

My sister was always strong for me. She would always encourage me to be brave and tell me I could do things when I never thought I could. I remember her sacrificing for me so that I would be comfortable. I remember her holding my hand so I wouldn't be scared. I have a great big sister. I'm so thankful for how our relationship has grown. I love her so much these words don't seem to be enough.

I could go on and on with stories and great pictures. But this will do for now. I love you seester!