Wyet and I always make it a point to explore new places together. This past summer, even though we were kept incredibly busy, we still made a bit of time to explore our beautiful state. It's amazing to me that we have both lived here our entire lives, and there is still so much to see. Below are some recaps of the two big camping adventures we went on this year.

Cleveland Reservoir
July 16-17
While we have been here before {it's been a couple of years}, this felt like a completely new experience. We finally took our little raft out on the open water - with the dogs in tow! At first I was a little nervous, but quickly enough I realized that the dogs aren't afraid of water in the slightest. So I sat back and enjoyed the ride as Wyet rowed us about.

The first night we were there {and in to the next day} the weather was a little rough. That didn't stop us from enjoying ourselves! 

Enjoying my morning coffee and trying to learn a little something about this amazing place we live in.

There is nothing quite like the happiness this guy gets when he catches a fish!

Rafting!

Wyet doing all the hard work.

Exploring the other side of the reservoir.

Thousand Lake Mountain
Labor Day Weekend
This getaway was definitely one of the most planned out camping trips we have been on. We knew we needed to go somewhere remote as Labor Day weekend is always filled with campers. We also knew that the weather was likely to turn on us. Regardless, we were determined to spend some time enjoying nature before the end of summer. We made the two and a half hour drive to our destination and had one of the most memorable camp trips to date.

Tis the time for pumpkin spice everything!

Our tent looks like a space shuttle! The temperatures were supposed to drop in to the 30s at night so we definitely planned ahead and lined our tent in space blankets! #determined

As it was a long journey, we flew solo this time and let the pups sleepover at grandma's. 

Sitting around a fire in the evening is one of the most relaxing ways to end a day! 

Breakfast time! I failed and forgot to bring the coffee press.

On our second day, we decided to set out on an adventure. We decided to hike to Neff's Reservoir and do some fishing. The trail-head said it was only 2 miles and could easily be done on foot. 

The views on the way there were pretty spectacular. 

However, it was definitely an ATV trail and not meant to be taken on foot. It took us way longer than anticipated to arrive.

By the time we finally made it, it was already approaching sunset. We stayed just long enough to take in the beauty, catch one little fish and get back on the trail.

The look of pure relief when you finally make it back to camp before sunset! {It only took running the whole way back.} Once back to camp, we rewarded ourselves with a lovely fire, and a nice stiff drink for our efforts. 

A Love Letter

I have known you for just over 12 years. I started loving you not long after that. We have lived together for just shy of four years and have been married for just over one. Needless to say, that is a lot of time {and even more love} that has been spent between the two of us. We have possibly had one thousand disagreements, but more likely than not, one thousand plus one occasions where we have been right on the same page. We have been each others closest friend, most honest critic, biggest worry and truest love. We have been each others reason.

You are my reason. I know I am yours, and that's what makes this relationship work; it's what makes sharing a life with you so unbelievably easy. I can count on you when I need someone else to be strong. I  can rely on you to push me when I should be calling the shots. I trust you to be honest and real with me, and I promise to always be the same for you. I know that this type of love is rare, and I'll spend my life trying to not take it for granted.

I am thankful for this past year of marriage and memories, and I can't wait to see what is to come. As long as you are a part of my future, I know it's worth moving forward.

Happiest Anniversary, Toot!

& we celebrated well with cake and wine.

And even a few presents {I bought us the vinyl record of our wedding song}

Wyet spent the day making us authentic Jamaican meals.

For lunch we had juicy patties and rum punch.

Truthfully, the rum punches were sort-of an all day affair.

Cheers to us!

Jerk chicken for dinner

by candlelight!

Here is to one year of marriage & a lifetime of adventures ahead of us. I love you, Wyet!

Something About Summer

Despite the fact that there are the same number of hours in a day year-round, certain months seem to pass in double-time. There is something about summer that makes it feel like it is rushing by. It could be the fact that there are countless celebrations for my family in these few, sunny months {birthdays, anniversaries plus all of the regular holidays}. Between June and August, I feel like I hardly have a chance to catch my breath.

Regardless, there are far worse things than being so busy celebrating life's events and milestones with those I love the most. Here is a brief recap of those special, busy moments; moments that I hope to relive year after year.

Father's Day 
This year, we spent Father's Day at home honoring the best dog dad around, and then spent the evening with Rhet having a barbecue {unfortunately, my dad was stuck working in Washington}. Sometimes, the best celebrations are the casual ones spent lounging on the patio. Not every event needs to be overdone. It's all about having the right company.

#dogdad

Wyet and his dad

Three generations :]

Fourth of July
This fourth of July was extra special because it was the first holiday we spent in our new home. We had moved in just one week prior, and even though we were not completely settled, we still wanted to have everyone over to celebrate. We spent the afternoon finally planting all of our seedlings {only a few months too late} and the evening grilling burgers and playing yard games. As it turns out, our new home is in an ideal location for the local fireworks. We spent the after-dark hours in the driveway watching the show and lighting a few of our own.

Feeling exhausted and grateful to be in our home

Wyet and his mom

The twix! Jerrod being his usual, laid back self. Cameron, as always, trying to act cool ;]

I love being so close to my family and being able to spend time with them.

Sparklers!

Just a few of the most important people in my life.

Wyet's 28th Birthday

Just a few days after the 4th, it was time to celebrate again. Wyet spent the day with his aunt and uncle golfing at Top Golf, and when he got home, the party continued. We opened a few gifts, drank a few cocktails and had an easy night in with some Chinese takeout {which we conveniently walked down the road to pickup}. I love being able to share year after year with this amazing guy. He truly is a rare breed, and I am beyond blessed to share my life with him. 

Opening his gift! A fire-pit for the backyard.

Patye stopped in to bring Wyet a gift at just the right time.