13 Years. Happy Anniversary!

 On September 19, Nate & I celebrated 13 years of being married! It's wild because I don't "feel" old but the years just keep on ticking and we've grown A LOT and lived a lot of life together since then! I mean even just the quality of pictures is better...

haha. 

On our actual anniversary, we had our typical day of work, school, + soccer practice. We made the kids a quick + easy dinner before soccer and then after they went to bed, we made ourselves a yummy meal of steaks, asparagus, cheddar chive biscuits + sweet potatoes with butter + brown sugar. ALL the carbs and ALL the butter. It was so good and a simple way to celebrate while at home.

The real celebration happened about a week before our anniversary when I surprised Nate with a hot air balloon ride.

 If you know me, then you know I'm very afraid of heights. I don't know what made me do it, but I decided to just try it out...and I was honestly blown away with how unafraid I was. It felt super secure, didn't "sway" at all, and honestly the take off & landing were both smoother than an airplane. So if you're on the fence about doing it...I assure you, YOU CAN DO IT :) It was super peaceful + beautiful. Also, I found out you can become a hot air balloon pilot at ripe age of 14. Fourteen. 

I knew Nate would hop on without any fear. I mean he's been skydiving so what's a little hot air balloon, right? When I told one of the team members that I was scared of heights and a little nervous he said "Don't be nervous. When you're up there, you will feel like you're standing on the ground. That's how safe the basket feels." And he was 100% right. 

Then that weekend on Saturday evening, after a full day of soccer, we snuck away to New Buffalo to watch the sunset and eat dinner at one of our favorite places. Celebrating throughout a whole weekend was fun and I'm kinda thinking that needs to be our plan going foward, right?!

Nate has changed my life in so many ways and the way he loves me, makes me feel safe, and deeply known & loved, is something I truly treasure. You're my very favorite person and I'm so proud of US. I love you!!

xox,

Naomi