first anniversary trip

Some days I feel overwhelmingly grateful for my life and all of the opportunities that Zack and I have! We took a few days to venture up north to celebrate our first anniversary, and despite heading out with camping gear and our passports, the trip was even more of an adventure than I expected. 

We explored Niagara Falls from every angle (on the Canadian side). We walked all around, went behind the falls, and rode a boat to the falls. I hadn't been there since I was six years old, and this time I feel like I said "this is amazing!" a hundred times. It was definitely worth seeing, and spending about 24 hours there was perfect! 

This squirrel was obviously friendly to the tourists, so we fed it banana and tried to pet it. 

We rode the Hornblower and got close enough to Horseshoe Falls to get soaked. 

A short drive away is a small town without the big city touristy feel. Zack had eaten at this cafe in the winter, so we stopped in for lunch before heading to the airport. 

Let's be real: most of our trip was spent like this, in an airplane. He tolerates selfies sometimes. 

Before heading to our next stop, we explored Niagara Falls from the VERY BEST angle, as we flew right over!!! 

We considered several places and made a last minute decision to go to Basin Harbor, Vermont. This grass strip and the nearby resort were an absolute dream. 

We enjoyed a sunset over Lake Champlain. 

We may have almost crashed a wedding for this shot. We enjoyed a little time by the water that evening and the next morning. There was a dog festival going on so no shortage of dog/people watching. 

The only place we'd planned to stay was Block Island, on the third night of our trip. 

I really enjoyed the charm of the bed and breakfast where we stayed, with gardens and a view of the salt ponds and ocean. 

Our second day on Block Island, we rented a scooter to see more of the island. 

Zack said that if you think warm thoughts, Block Island has the feel of a tropical island. The landscape reminded me of the Bahamas, and the temperatures reminded me of December in the Bahamas. It was a welcome break from the sweltering heat at home! 

We walked the beaches to the North Lighthouse, then we had to see the South Lighthouse, too! 

The Mohegan Bluffs were gorgeous! I am so glad we decided to see the south end. It really wasn't as bad of a climb as the information online led me to believe. 

I would totally live in leggings year round if I lived in Rhode Island! It was COLD (for summer)! I'm so thankful that I packed leggings. 

We enjoyed breakfast overlooking the salt ponds before heading out. 

We stopped in Fredericksburg to avoid some weather and have lunch. This just so happens to be where AOPA's offices are located ;) and the coolest thing is they give tours! We enjoyed seeing where the people work to support AOPA members. Lunch was Black Hog BBQ & Bar, and it was unexpectedly delicious! 

We had a nice trip, and I got to see a lot of new-to-me places! It is kind of unreal to think that we have been married for one whole YEAR. It seems like last week and like ten years at the same time. I am thankful for the chance to get away and celebrate! 

thankful Thursday: birthday trip to SSI

Zack knows his wife well and took me on the perfect little getaway for my birthday. On my actual birthday, I worked some and visited with friends. Zack was working, so we went out to a late dinner. 

We got to celebrate big with a trip to St. Simons Island later. We flew down on a Monday with no plans at all, stayed at the hotel recommended by the FBO staff, and ate our way around the village. We came home on Wednesday. I am so thankful that I can work a flexible schedule and go on trips with Zack when he is off work! I enjoyed walking on the beach, shopping, and of course the food.

Eats

I was most excited to revisit Southern Soul Barbeque. If I had to pick one must-eat in SSI, this is it! You could even walk there from the airport, eat, then fly right back home. I like the pulled pork, fried okra, and collards. If you get a craving for a fried Oreo and it's not state fair season, this is also your place.

We ate breakfast both days at Palmer's Village Cafe. The omelets and grits were just that good!!! They serve breakfast until 2:00, which is perfect for vacation--no rush! I will be back next time I visit the island. 

Zack loves coffee, and we stayed thoroughly caffeinated on our trip. Wake Up Coffee Company has the friendliest staff, and we went there both days, too. We are creatures of habit! We went with the recommended island mocha, one frozen, and one iced, both excellent! The chocolate chip cookie was delicious. The patio was nice and relaxing, and I have a feeling if I lived in SSI, I'd be working there every day.

We had dinner at The Half Shell and Del Sur and would go back to both of those as well.   

Shopping

I did the most damage at Butler's Stash, where I found some cute tops to go with my favorite LuLaRoe piece, the Cassie skirt. Redfern Village is a great place to walk around and shop, and I especially liked looking around the beautiful, newly renovated shop Two Friends. 

Transportation

We flew into Malcom-McKinnon airport (SSI) and rented a golf card from Island Carts. We had a great time cruising around in the perfect spring weather!

I'm so thankful that we took time for a spontaneous trip. It was especially sweet to go back to where we spent a few hours on our honeymoon. I can't think of a better way to celebrate my birthday!

Zack's big birthday

Yesterday, my love had a birthday. We were the same age for just over a month, but now he’s moved on to the next decade. 

I’m so thankful for Zack. I still pinch myself when I realize that I get to live life with him. 

Zack is an amazing, encouraging husband. He can find the positive in any situation. Zack is devoted to Jesus and reminds me that I should pray. Even when I’m mad, discouraged, or feel like giving up. Especially then. He shared his favorite verse with me before we were dating. Psalm 119:105 says “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” He pointed out that God gives us just enough light for the next step. That should have given me a peek into my future life with Zack: we only know enough to take one more step. He keeps me on my toes!!!

Zack and I connected over flying. The very first time we flew together, I was impressed with his calm manner and skill as a brand new flight instructor. Zack has made flying his career. He has blasted through numerous checkrides and earned his ATP this year. Zack lives incredible, adventurous stories, and he is truly an excellent pilot.

Every single meal I make, Zack tells me that it is the best meal ever. He doesn’t like tacos, so I usually eat them when he is gone to work. The other night, he came home earlier than I expected, when I had made tacos, and he fixed two plates and told me the food was great.

When we were house shopping, Zack told me that he’s not much of a handyman. Since we moved in, he has installed dimmer switches, replaced the ice maker in our refrigerator, and built a dog house. It’s not just any dog house; it has insulation and an architectural roof. The dog isn’t even his; hand me down Dan came with the marriage to me. There are so many more things he’s done around the house that I can’t explain because I don’t understand them. I realize how much grace God showed me by not letting me buy a house before I was married. I have no idea how I’d handle this on my own. Probably find a great handyman! Ha!

Even though Zack works and I stay home, he still helps with regular around the house tasks. He is much better than I am at vacuuming and even sweeping. He swept the other day and under the pie safe, swept out a bottle that had been there since our niece came to visit, almost four months ago, oops. Zack enjoys taking care of everything in the yard, and he has learned so much this year about caring for our grass and plants. Like everything he does, he’s done an exceptional job.

Many of these special characteristics may be a mystery to others, but anyone who’s met Zack knows his charming personality. I saw what an impression he makes on people when I was referred to as “Zachary’s wife” by our dentist’s office receptionist, and the man at Discount Tire said “Oh yeah, I remember your husband. He’s that cool pilot dude!” I can’t even count how many times people have asked me if he is that fun/hilarious/complimentary/generally enjoyable at home, and the answer is YES! Even when I’m mad at him, he can still make me laugh. I often wonder why in the world God chose me to be his wife. It is a privilege to be his partner.

Happy birthday, Zack! I hope we celebrate many more!!!