We wrapped up our fall bucket list by taking a little family hike {aka stroll} around the Seneca Park Nature Trail. We had fabulous weather with sunshine and true fall crisp air. The kids loved the hidden gem that I was able to show them. Skipping rocks on the pond, watching the creek glimmer, and jumping over tree roots. It was the perfect way to kick off Thanksgiving week and get ready for the holidays!
While I was expected to be away on 11-11-24, we did not have any grand plans. However, I ended up catching a flight back home early to be here on our actual anniversary. Simple and low key~ we headed to First Watch for brunch. We used to do a lot of brunching on the weekends when we dated. So this was the perfect way to commemorate our 13th wedding anniversary!
You might recall when we celebrated our first anniversary and the *paper* gift that kept on giving all year long. We had a great time on our monthly dates and continued to enjoy our passion for exploring. For year two, I combined cotton & china into a beautiful Thanksgiving week getaway up in Mont Tremblant, Canada. In year three, a traditional leather gift came in the form of a TUMI travel wallet while the modern crystal gift included a Thanksgiving dinner at The Crystal Hotel in Portland, OR. Year four brought "tropical" fruits & flowers together with a trip to Bermuda followed by an upgraded {appliance} TV for our bedroom.
Our fifth year was about "wood" and "silver" which included a bamboo sushi set for two, wine cork cuff links with the year 2011, and a trip to the Greenbrier. The sixth year of our marriage included iron & candy meaning bikes to burn off those personalized M&Ms and the trip to Schimpff's Confectionary in Indiana. In year seven, wool & copper were our gifts of choice which included a wool Fedora, a copper pocket watch and an incredible trip to Cuba for the ultimate throwback.
Year eight saw the traditional bronze and pottery via a money clip & homemade pottery while linen & lace came from a personalized pair of boxers & a night staycation at the Omni Louisville. Year nine involved "willow - wicker" coffee mugs for Ryan's daily cup of Joe as well as "leather" weekender bag with his initials that he used on our getaway to the Greenbrier. Year ten brought an aluminum framed sound wave of our first dance song and a getaway to a {subset} of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Chattanooga. Year eleven saw a steel mustache comb, a leather bracelet and a turquoise Lincourt button down with an ode to wear our nuptials took place; our visit to the Kentucky Castle was almost as magical as our beloved Solvang. Year twelve presented silk pajamas for our getaway to Dana Crossing as well as a handmade engraved pearl pocket knife. Year thirteen was all about a lace wine bottle holder, a custom bottle of wine from a local winery and a backyard hammock to commemorate our honeymoon to Fiji.
This year I wanted to *again* stick with tradition and put a spin on the modern gift. Traditionally ivory is the gift of choices for year #14. It is originated from the Hindu mythology, signifying luck and protection.
For ivory, I had custom coffee mugs in our wedding colors {beige brown & baby blue} engraved with elephants. Their ivory tusks are a symbol of strength and a means of how they protect themselves from predators in the wild.
In terms of *gold jewelry*, which is the modern gift of choice, I ordered a black & gold rosary. Gold jewelry is a symbol for unification, eternity, and perfection. What better way to find those three things than through praying together to the Lord.
I truly love following the traditional and modern celebrations of each year. I hope when we look back on all of the years we can enjoy the way we celebrated as well as the special moments of each passing year!
Dearest Salem Lucille,
How can you be eight years old?! You are in the second grade and things feel like they’re flying by so fast. No longer a little baby, but a bright, beautiful young lady.
You are the perfect mix of sweet and sassy. You still get up every morning and greet me with a smile and a hug and most things you do, you are a breeze to deal with and always willing to lend a helping hand.
You have transitioned schools beautifully… Making friends, doing your schoolwork with pride, and being a true leader!
Starting your fourth year of competitive dance, you are in six dances! You are back to doing a solo to Whitney Houston’s How Will I Know?, Do a trio with your friends, Stella & Hunter Kate, and then four group dances. You truly enjoy the choreography As well as the time spent with your teachers and dance mates.
You continue to be a bookworm… Reading every single day! You love to challenge yourself and even play “secret reader” to your stuffed animals.
This year, you could not wait until October 1st~ Coming down bright & early to remind me that it was finally your birthday month! You helped put up the Halloween decorations and enjoyed being a big helper.
You are so kind and sweet. You love your big brothers and sister fiercely. You were always looking to encourage them, but also show them your latest tricks.
You are our rainbow Halloween baby forever!
I love you!
Love,
Mommy
