Six Years Stronger

This past Sunday, Brian and I celebrated our sixth anniversary - no gifts, no cards - just the two of us on a really quiet beach in gorgeous northwest Florida! We decided a couple of years ago that all we really want to do is spend time together on this precious day and review our vows and goals.

Thanks to Mom and Tom living close by, Ellie had a day (and night) of fun at the river while we took off to explore St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. Once we got there, we were reminded of how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful part of the state. In Tallahassee, we get rolling hills, red clay and large Live Oaks. On the coast, we get palm trees, saw palmetto, sand, and landscape still virtually untouched by development. While we understand that development is somewhat good, how thankful we are for the passing of laws against doing it everywhere and for protected state parks! Shortly after we got there, I found myself wondering where all the people were - it's hard to just slow down and not have an agenda! I love being in nature and just being quiet; but it's still really hard! If you want a retreat from any and everything, go to this park. We played on the gorgeous bay-side because they were doing renourishment on the ocean-side; but we think it was the best side! We saw plenty of horseshoe crab shells and satiny driftwood, about which Brian had a marriage revelation. I'll share it below in his words:

That wood washed up on shore weeks, months, probably years ago in some cases and ever since then, it has been under attack by the wind carrying grains of sand, smashing into it and the waves trying to draw it back into the bay – but as it sits there today, that wood – so attacked over the years, is more beautiful than it was the day it washed up. That’s what I see in our marriage, and you in particular – it is BECAUSE of the attacks that our marriage is being made more lovely.

We also saw some trash...not too much; but enough that we felt like we couldn't just leave it. Although those who litter in the first place are not being responsible citizens, we feel that walking right by it and doing nothing about it is equally as irresponsible. So, we had fun picking it up! Here are some pictures of our day:)