20 Years Of Wedded Bliss...

 Last week, on August 7, my husband and I celebrated our 20th anniversary!

We are celebrating by taking a little weekend getaway to Chicago later in the month.

It probably sounds cliche', but in some ways it seems like we've been together forever and in other ways it feels like our wedding was just yesterday.  But it's true.  I think when you meet your soul mate, that's the way it goes.   It feels like you've been together forever, because you can't imagine your life without them.  Yet it only seems like yesterday, because time flies when you're with someone you love.  Our life has been filled with ups and downs just like anyone else.  We've moved many times, had a variety of jobs, several pets, two kids, and many other adventures (good and bad)...but we've stuck it out and honored our commitment to God and each other.

I can't imagine spending my life with anyone else...honestly I don't know if anyone else would put up with me, haha!  But here's to many more!  Happy anniversary to my soul mate!

Mackinac Island...must I leave?

 We spent our annual (mom and dad only) Memorial Day weekend on Mackinac Island again this year.  We always come up on a Thursday and come home on Sunday.  We're actually gone before Memorial Day itself, as we have to be home for our local Memorial Day parade because our boys are in the middle and high school bands and have to march/play in the parade.

 Gorgeous tulips at Mission Point.

We always have an amazing time (it's impossible not to).

And I always hate to leave (except to get back and see my babes).

 Love these daffodils!

Everything blooms much later on the island due to the differences in weather.

Our daffodils downstate are LONG gone.

 Our tulips are long gone too!

Theirs are at their peak right now!

 We stayed at the Harbour View Inn.
It has become our new favorite on the island.

It is, by far, the cleanest, friendliest, and has great deals. 

We love it.

 We love taking long walks along the 8 mile perimeter.

 We usually overdo it, end up sun burnt, and overly tired...but that's the Mackinac vacation way and we love it!

 I got my hair cut (even shorter) just before we left.

I wasn't sure about it at first...but now...I think I love it!

 I'm sure Evan will be jealous of me...we stopped for fried pickles at the Cannon Ball at British Landing!

 TRILLIUM!

 One of my favorite flowers!

 This spider was HUGE.  I kid you not.  It was half the size of my palm.

And that ain't no "fish story"!

 A dead bat we came across in the forrest.

That is as close as I will ever get to a bat (on purpose).

They are everywhere at night on the island.

HATE THEM.

 Gorgeous tulips at Fort Mackinac.

 Can't believe they are at their peak here.

 Ours have been gone for weeks!

 I wish my hubs would join me in more photos...he hates having his picture taken.

 Our last night here...getting ready to head out for dinner!

We'll be leaving tomorrow...whaaa!

But we'll be back in July!

The boys will be coming with us then, and we're trying to talk grandma and grandpa into coming up for a few days too!  We shall see!

Until next time beloved Mackinac!

We'll miss you!

Chicago! Chicago!

 

We don't normally take many "winter" or "cold weather" trips.

Once the cold weather sets in, we pretty much sit tight until spring/summer.

But the hubs and I decided to take little weekend to Chi-Town and let the babes spend some time with Geeg and Papa!

Even though it was a few days after the holidays, the Christmas decorations were still up.

 

The holiday trees outside were lovely when lit up!

 

The John Hancock Building was awesome!

We had never been "up" in it before...we mulled it over...

 

 

We had lunch our first day at The Cheesecake Factory.

The Dulce De Leche cheesecake is amazing!

 

While deciding if we wanted to go "up"...we walked around "down" in the lower level of the John Hancock Building.  They had several shops and this adorable little Christmas train set!

 

I loved this tree!

 

We went shopping at the Water Tower.

LOVE!!!

That's me in the black puffy coat...going up!

 

Beautiful decorations!

 

Loved this unique little shop!

Peek-a-boo!

 

What a ham.

Cheesy!

 

The Lego wall of the city of Chicago, right outside the Lego Store at the Water Tower.

 

Beautiful all lit up at night!

 

Love the holiday décor!

 

Even though we're not "winter" people...we bundled up and had a great time!

 

The river is so pretty at night with all of the lights!

 

Me and my hunny!

 

NBC building...see the peacock?

 

We've been to Chicago several times, but we discovered The Hershey Factory for the first time!

How about a five pound chocolate bar!

 

Now that's a lot of chocolate!

 

Chocolate milk anyone?

No, it's not really syrup...it's a bank, hehe!

But those WERE real Hershey bars!

 

Well, we DID decide to go UP in the John Hancock Building.

It was a first for both of us!

 

I thought I'd be more nervous...

But I wasn't!

The elevator went SO fast!

40 seconds!

 

A little chai latte to keep warm!

I'm looking a little sleepy here, hehe!

 

What a view!

 

The amazing city!

 

Fun window washer "staging" area!

 

Silly!

 

Gorgeous at night!

 

The lights and city were stunning!

 

We had a FABULOUS time!

And can't wait to go back!