The title of this post is two fold...1. The past month has flown by, and with it, this blog has laid dormant... no activity... sleepy and in need of updating. Lots of stuff has happened... hopefully I'll make time to post a few highlights in the coming days/weeks!
2. Rob and I haven't gone backpacking in YEARS... since before baby and pregnancy and Rob's graduation... I know... a LONG time. It's no surprise to me that Rob's perfect birthday celebration included the two of us in the middle of the wilderness!
Weekends are precious these days - with both of us working full time weekends are our catch up time. Of course, we should probably take a little time to catch up with things around the house, but our number one goal is spending time with Taylor. So making a decision to take a trip in which she doesn't accompany us takes careful planning and mental preparation on my part - especially when it occurs during a sacred weekend.
I figured if anyone was worth the sacrifice it would be Rob.
So, a few Friday's ago, we set out after work for Lost Maples State Natural Area. Located west of San Antonio, we arrived well after dark. With our headlamps lighting the way, packs on our shoulders, and dogs running ahead we were on an adventure! We hiked about a mile or so to a campground tucked away from any crowds and bedded down for the night.
In the morning, I let Rob sleep in while I made some oatmeal, hung out with the dogs, and thanked God for the peaceful escape from the city.
When Rob woke up we hiked all around the park... several miles in all.
This park is known for the maple trees. We were too early in the season for any color changes, but still enjoyed the awesome variations in the trees! Look how big these leaves are!!
At the top of the one of the hills there was lavender growing wild!So fragrant and a nice contrast to the grass and other plants.
Being the nerd he is, Rob spotted not only a centipede, but also a millipede while we hiked.Being the nerd I am, I snapped a picture - don't worry, I'm only going to bore you with one of them! I actually thought it was pretty cool! I guess we're a match made in science geek heaven.
After a full day hiking, we decided we'd rather drive home and spend the remaining weekend time with our little missy. So, without much delay, we packed up and headed home. Even the dogs carried packs! Aren't they cute?! They sure seemed to enjoy the Taylor-free time and our undivided attention.
On the drive home, we couldn't resist...
In case you're wondering, yes, that is a Blizzard, and no, it isn't the new "mini-blizzard!"
It isn't even a small blizzard.
That's right, Rob ordered MEDIUM BLIZZARDS for us!!
Once again, heaven.
We got home in time to pick up T from my parents - who were probably disappointed to give her up after expecting to keep her for the night! I had a surprisingly emotional reaction to picking her up... joyful tears. And to top it off, we put T to bed, Rob picked up sushi, and we had a wonderfully romantic, candlelight dinner at the house.
With all the fun I had - fresh air, QT with Rob, lovin' from my little girl, romance, and a blizzard - you'd think it was MY birthday or something!But just to make sure there was no mistaking WHO we were celebrating, the next day I made Rob a simple cake and we had a little family birthday party for him.
Out of all of the birthday's I've spent celebrating Rob... and I've spent quite a few with him... I think this one takes the cake (ok, pun totally intended).Who knew celebrating 31 would be so good?
Can't wait to celebrate 32!
