Engaged!

It was the Vernal Equinox, March 20th 2010, the day of equal length day and night. The beginnings of Spring and the start of a new commitment to our Love. Little did she know that this left hand, the one blocking her face from the photo, would soon have a very special ring on it. A ring that not only signifies the significance of my commitment of marriage but also symbolizes the organic growth of two people who's lives have intertwined.

Even though the day did not go as planned, my intentions of creating a special memory for this important moment eventually came through as we revisited our plans the day after. And since the stressful parts and expectations were in the past, we were able to enjoy the moment more fully and express our true feelings for each other, surrounded by the beautiful natural setting of the Wissahickon Creek near Forbidden Drive. We even made our own little stone monument on the rock cliff on which I proposed, to mark our embarking on life as an engaged couple.

Valentine's Day 2010

Not even a boring work day on a Sunday could get in the way of our Valentine's Day celebration. We spaced the holiday over the entire weekend, which included ice skating at the Penn Ice Rink and dinner at our favorite local place the Side Car Bar. We ate special Naked chocolates and watched movies on our couch, and I couldn't have asked for more. I even have a certificate for a massage which I am very excited to redeem soon! Every day is like Valentine's for us, but I'm glad you taught me that honoring the little things with small tokens of appreciation can really go a long way to remind each other how special we are. Thank's for helping me understand that.

End of the Summer

What an incredible summer together! We did just about everything we wanted to do and then some. So many great memories and firsts, with pictures along the way. I can not wait to do it all over again next summer!

Here is an ongoing list of all the places we visited during the 2009 summer months:

Pennsylvania:
Glen Onoko Falls at Lehigh Gorge State Park
Wissachickon Creek in Fairmount Park

California:
Founders Grove in the Avenue of the Giants near Weott
Tall Trees Grove near Ladybird Johnson grove near Orick
Stoudt Grove in Jedediah Smith State Park near Crescent City
Trees of Mystery in Klamath
Elk Crossing in Klamath
Six Rivers Brewery in McKinleyville
Redwood National Park Hostel
San Mateo Garden Center

New Jersey:
Wharton State forest in Shamong
Six Flags Great Adventure
Scotland Run Country Club

Maryland:
Whaleyville

Delaware:
The Brick Hotel in Georgetown
Dogfish Head Brewery in Rehoboth Beach

california or bust

Two more days until we leave for California! We have been dreaming of this vacation since May when we officially found out your brother was getting married. This is our first vacation together and I can't think of another person I would want to spend five days getting lost in the redwoods with. I can't wait to meet your brother and see your family again! This will be our first wedding together too! I love that I have had and am having lots of first times with you! Yee-ha!

Wissahickon Adventure

Are these chantrelle mushrooms? They certainly looked like baby versions of them, still wet with slime. They were only a few hours old at this point when we photographed them. We found them on a weekend hike along a path on the Wissahickon, after a nice bike ride on West River Drive. We found a nice rock to sun ourselves on as the cool muddy water surged by, somewhat elevated from the rains the day before.

We treated ourselves to a lovely dinner at Meritage that left us in near ecstasy. So good that we will have to go back again soon.

Summer Fun

We have been taking little trips and visiting friends this Summer and enjoying the warm weather together. You got to see the Art Center twice, but we still need a day time trip to really explore the grounds. We also went to Whaleyville MD for a picnic BBQ and got to see some fireworks. I want to keep on going on adventures with you forever!

trust

thanks for helping me to find it! i love you!