33Before33 - #4 - Anniversary Trip

The anniversary trip out of the country didn't happen, but we have had two good anniversaries since making the list AND a trip that wasn't on our anniversary but was fun nonetheless.

5th Anniversary - July 26, 2013 - We spent the day with the kids at the Asheboro Zoo.  We had a great day together.  Later that weekend we shipped the kids off to Jonathan's parents' house and had a date night in Hickory before he worked all weekend and I went to Asheville with my girls.

6th Anniversary - July 26, 2014 - My good friend Emily decided July 26 sounded like a great anniversary to have, so Jonathan and I left the kids with my mom and headed to TN for a weekend away.  We got there mid-day on Saturday and did a little shopping.  We rented a really nice cabin that wasn't too far from Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.  The wedding was on Saturday night and was so much fun.  Sunday we went to breakfast in Gatlinburg and then for a 6 mile hike to a waterfall.  We hadn't been hiking in years, so it was fun to do something we used to love doing a lot before having kids.  We went to dinner at a Japanese place we remembered from years ago when we were there with friends.  While we were at dinner we chatted with the kids and my mom who were huddled in a bathroom during a tornado warning in Bristol!  We enjoyed just relaxing and watching a movie that wasn't made by Disney.  Monday we took our time and headed back to Bristol to get the kiddos and head back to NC.

 wedding selfie

 me and Vickie

 me and the gorgeous bride

 We work out.

terrible hike selfie

Our big alone trip was in February of this year.  It deserves it's own blog post.  :)

33Before33 - #33 - Surprise!

I pulled off a big surprise last weekend! It was Jonathan's 31st birthday, and I really wanted to make it special for him. Last year I had planned a surprise party in North Carolina at our new house, but then closing fell through and we ended up moving on his birthday instead. We had already planned to be in Christiansburg on the Saturday before his birthday, so I took advantage of that to celebrate with our NRV friends.

My "white lie" got way out of control. J knew that I'd already talked to our neighbors, Will and Kate (no, not the royals) about hanging out and catching up, so I told him we were going to hit up Macados with them. Then I invited lots of other friends to gather at Macados before we got there. The timing worked out perfectly, minus the fact that I never told April and Jeremy that we definitely moved the location. Will and Kate couldn't join us, so J was confused about that. When he came in, I pointed him to the table, and he was confused because people were already at that table! We got to spend the evening with Pastor Randy, the Kinzers (Jonathan's childhood best friend), the Bashams (our BFFs), the Hedas (some friends from Blacksburg), and the Osters (my old coworker). We had an awesome time catching up, and the 6 kids (all under 4) had fun, too. Katie was sweet enough to bring a cake to top off the party!

On Sunday, we had Davin's baby dedication at Jonathan's home church. Afterwards both of our families went back to his parents' for lunch. There I gave him his second surprise. I had gotten emails and notes from family and friends with birthday wishes and memories they had with Jonathan. I got them from his family, my family, family friends, and even a few friends that I don't even know that well. Luckily his iPhone contacts imported into my phone! :). He had fun reading them and even teared up on a few.

singing happy birthday

eating cake

Jonathan and Chuck

Jonathan and Randy

Jackie and Little Man

Katie and Jaden

my sweet buddy

Kiran and Jaden

love!

trying to get some bouncy balls out

true love

Osters and Halseys

Basham and Halsey clans

I can't tell you what an honor it is to be his wife. He loves his family passionately, and he takes being a husband and father very seriously. He works long hours to provide for us, and is understanding of my crazy ways. I never imagined I'd be in such an amazing marriage, and I'm grateful that God saw fit for us to go on this journey together. My kids have no idea yet how lucky they are, but they will one day.

Honeymoon Pictures

I know I don't have any wedding pictures on here. But, it's my blog and I want to add Honeymoon pictures. So I'm going to. Enjoy! :)
We aren't much on repeating vacation spots. But, oh we will see you again Adventura Spa Palace!!!