8 Years and Counting, Since We Said "I DO"

We celebrated our 8th Wedding Anniversary Yesterday. We spent the weekend in Gatlinburg, TN in a cute little cabin nestled in the woods. Life couldn't have been more perfect!!

We headed out Friday late morning after spending a unplanned hour+ getting the oil changed in my car. Never the less we where on our way. First stop was lunch before getting on the highway. Hubbs asked what I wanted, we agreed we'd grab something quick and easy. As against eating Fast Food any more I responded with Chick-fil-a. I hadn't had CFA since my Birthday back in April and for some strange reason it sounded like the best idea ever!!!! I mean it was our anniversary weekend after all so why not splurge a little.

We arrived in downtown Gatlinburg around 6pm that evening after sitting through traffic in Pigeon Forge for almost a hour. Talk about crazy, simply to go about 12 miles. At least it gave us plenty of time to plan out our day for Saturday. Looking at all the shops and sights we knew we had a packed day ahead of us. We found our cabin, looked around and decided since it was still early to head out on the town. The streets where crawling with people...locals and tourists from every where. There where so many cute little shops that we popped in and out of on our quest to find the perfect dinner destination. We ended up at a little Mexican joint right when you come into downtown by the Aquarium. The hubbs and I are all about some good Mexican food, even with the wait being almost a hour. We walked into the bar area which was our doors to get a drink while we waited and lucky for us it was open seating first come first serve. We snagged a table just in time and whelp there went that hour wait. Dinner was so tasty, I really don't drink all that often when we go out. Partly because I'm cheap and partly because I really try to watch my calorie intake and what I eat / drink but that Strawberry Banana Margarita was sounding pretty fabulous. I love anything Strawberry Banana Mixed so why not give this a try I though. Plus we're on vacay right!?!?! :) It lived up and was the best. 

We strolled up the other side of the street on our way back checking out the different stores before grabbing Ice Cream from MayPops on our way back to our cabin. I love love ice cream, my favorite is Peppermint and / or Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Neither of which they had in stock but they did have Banana Pudding and Cookies' n Cream. I'll take two scoops, one of each in a cups please. If I would have known the size of their single scoop I'm pretty sure I would have only ordered one scoop I was huge. A double scoop was like almost 4 scoops for a normal ice cream joint. You better believe it was good, I couldn't finish it though. I would have been so sick. We spend the rest of the evening relaxing in our warm cozy cabin.

The next morning we strolled down to Crockett's Breakfast Camp for a tasty morning meal. I loved how everything was within walking distance. It made it so nice not to have to mess with parking. Well, Let me tell you they did not disappoint. Between the hubbs Eggs Benedict, my Create Your Own Biscuit and the FRIED Cinnamon Roll we split we where definitely happen Campers when we left. 

We spent the majority of the day in Pigeon Forge doing some shopping and random sight seeing. We had no idea there was a outlet mall there as well as 3 different stores that sold Fiestaware. We definitely made out good with some new finds. It a bit of a dreary day, kinda cloudy so at least we did have anything big planned outside. We where so busy with shopping that we kept pushing lunch back and before we knew it, it was almost 4:30pm and we where starved. Originally we where going to try out a place back in Gatlinburg near our cabin for dinner but we knew that would be at least a hour or so drive be time we got back to our cabin and walked down there. So we decided we'd try out Paula Dean's Restaurant we spotted earlier in the day. Hey its not 5pm yet there shouldn't be to long of a wait right?!??! Yea, that's what though. After having to park almost a half a mile away, (the shopping area it was in, include a hotel and lots of other sights so it was a huge area.) and finally getting to the restaurant we where told it would be almost a 2 hour wait. aaaaahhhhh you've got to be kidding me. Whelp, the hubbs stuck it out and said that was fine. I really would have been fine going some where else but he's such a good sport. We spent the next hour or so checking out the different shops and doing a little sight seeing there on what they called "The Island" before parking out booties in the rockers out front. Dinner was fabulous, or course did you really expect anything different. Although for the wait and price I'm not sure we will be going back but at least we can say we've been right. :)

We finally made our way back to our cabin and since it was still early we decided we would go ahead and check out the Ripley's Aquarium. I mean because we had done enough walking already that day. It was so nice though because it was later in the evening it wasn't crowded at all, there wasn't a ton of little kids running around every where and we were able to really take our time and look at everything we wanted to without having to wait for the little people to move. We always try to make a point to visit the local aquarium where ever we go since we where married in one. We did a bit more walking around downtown afterwards before, calling it a night and heading back. We where exhausted and my feet where killing me.

Sunday morning we went to FlapJack's for breakfast for some yummy pancakes. I had Peanut butter and Banana. They where pretty good but we both agreed we loved Crockett's even better. After breakfast we stopped in a local donut shop that we both had wanted to try out. yes Even though we had just eaten. We did pick up a little treat for later in the day. :) From there we rode the sky lift up to the top of the mountain right there in downtown. And since we got there so early we didn't have to worry with waiting. Which meant we literally walked right up and sat down in our lift chairs. I didn't have much time at all to think about what we where doing and we a little nervous on the way up. The view from up top offered such stunning sights. It was simply gorgeous. Looking down over the city, we could even see our cabin. We eventually headed back down and to the cabin where our day continued. 

 We spent the better part of our day driving through and exploring through the Great Smoky Mountains, a first for both of us. As we drove through the mountains to Cade's Cove it was simply beautiful. The trees changing colors and the different look out area's offered such breath taking views. I could have spent all day just wondering around within the mountains taking it all in. 

Eventually though we had to call it a day, the sun was setting and we where starting to get a bit hungry. So back to the cabin to freshen up before heading out to dinner at Cherokee Grill. And because my husband loves me, and supports my love of Ice Cream we went back to MayPops for a little after dinner dessert. Snug in bed, next to a warm cozy fire was the prefect way to end our last night away. 

Monday morning we woke up, Happily Married 8 Years. I can't believe its been EIGHT YEARS, since we said "I DO"!!! Some days it seems like it should be much longer and other days it seems as though we just got married last month. Either way I wouldn't change it for the world!! We decided to go back to Crockett's Breakfast Camp for Breakfast since we both loved it so much the first time. 

After a quick walk through downtown we decided to call it a trip and start heading back. It raining and we didn't want to have to drive home wet and cold so it worked out just fine. We made a stop in Knoxville and toured the Knoxville History Museum on our way back. The plan was to go to a fancy little Steak House in downtown Clarksville since it was our Anniversary night but thankfully on the way home I looked up the hours.... sadly only to find out they where closed on Mondays. No biggie we will go to such and such place in Hop-Town, womp womp they where closed as well. We couldn't decide where we wanted to go. I wanted something different a bit fancy but everything was closed on Monday nights. Yes we HAD to go Monday night because it was OUR NIGHT. So w agreed we go to  the steak house another night and ended up at Cheddars for dinner. Its ok, it worked out perfect, we had a tasty meal and where home early enough to relax and enjoy our Anniversary dessert we'd picked up earlier in the day. 

I absolutely love love celebrating our Anniversary together, we have been so lucky to have only missed being together for 2 out of the 8 years. Which being in the army life that's pretty rare. We've already talked about what we want to do to celebrate for the next two years and I can't wait!!! It was by far a fabulous weekend, we made so many wonderful memories. I cherish each and every moment we have together. 

Picking Up The Pieces

Just a little bit of life lately and a Instagram dump. Because every blog needs a catch all here and there right, to keep you up to date on the latest and greatest of what's going on in our life. hee hee. 

Dinner in Nashville a few weeks back at Hattie B's. It was quite tasty, we must have gone at the right time because we got right in. Typically this place is packed with a line out the door and down the side of the building. I went with the chicken tenders, coleslaw pimento cheese mac n cheese. I was semi disappointed to find out that they only serve their Chicken and Waffles on Sundays. :( 

Finding ourselves in Nashville once again we went to Blaze Pizza for lunch. You can choose from one of their pizza's on the menu or you can "customize your own" and its made right there in front of you. This place reminded me so much of Chipotle and let me tell you it was so so good!!! We'll def. be going back here. I got the BBQ Chicken and the hubbs got the Green Stripe. Both where delis!!!

Our most resent Nashville outting was complete by gathering some goodies from some of my favorite stores that we don't have in Clarksville, such as Trader Joes, REI and Fresh Market. I'll say we cleaned up pretty well and are going to be eating some tasty snacks. I finally got my hands on Cookie Butter which I'd been looking EVERY where for, for months. Its soon good!!! 

 What better way to enjoy your 3 day weekend, Thank You Labor Day. Then go for a nice long run on post. I typically don't run on post. In fact this was the first time I ran on Ft. Campbell. I wanted to change things up, you know put a little spice in my life. I didn't have a set milage I wanted to run when I headed out but knew I wanted to make it a long one. And that I did, 15 miles just shy of 2.5 hrs and I was sweating my booty off. But it felt great. I'm officially training for my 2nd Full Marathon, which I plan to complete next April for my 30th birthday. Yikes we aren't talking about that though. 

 This past weekend the hubbs and I headed out early EARLY Saturday morning for a quick two day trip to Louisiana for a wedding. One of the Soldiers in his platoon was getting married to the Post's Deputy General's Daughter and had plans to attend. Driving through the city of Monroe we where talking and the hubbs made a big deal about it. I wasn't sure why he was making such a deal for then he reminded me about the Duck Commander store / filming location. Well of course we had to stop then. We / I are big fan and I had to get the obligatory picture in front of the sign. The "shop" turned store was packed with loads of goodies and souvenirs to take home. We took a quick look around before heading back on the road. 

 Only 3 hours away from home, if only we come make a quick stop. But only having two day's we just couldn't swing it. 

 We stopped for lunch once in Shreveport at a local restaurant and the hubbs orders Fire Gator bites even after I told him I would NOT be trying them. Something about it just completely weirds me out and I just can't do it. The idea of eating Alligator, NO thank you. However he pretty much twisted my arm and I tried the tiniest bite. No it wasn't horrible but just the idea of it I couldn't get behind. Mixed in was fried Jalapeño slices so I chowed down on those since the hubbs doesn't care for Jalapeños by themselves. 

Busy enjoying ourselves and the beautiful wedding I failed on getting any pictures of us at all. EPIC FAIL. I was so bummed, but there's always another time. I did get a picture with my fabulous boots on. I mean you can't go to a country themed wedding and not wear your boots!!! It was a absolutely beautiful wedding and I couldn't be more happy for the newly weds. I'm so glad we where able to make the trip out to be apart of their celebration. 

The next morning we slept a little bit, if you call 5am sleeping in. We decided to take advantage of the hotel's complementary breakfast they have. I mean after all I'm pretty sure we paid for it in our rate some how or another. Waffles, Yogurt, Banana's and a Muffin just to name a few things that may have crossed my plate. On the road by 6:30am headed home. 

Our GPS took us out of Louisiana through some back country roads and blessed us with this beautiful sunrise. It doesn't get more relaxing or better than looking over a fog covered pasture with cows out grazing around. 

On our drive home we finally had a chance to stop at the largest Bass Pro Shop ever. The outside looks way neat, and on the inside you'll have just about everything your normal BPS has. I think it get's the title being the largest one simple from the building size. There is a restaurant inside, a body of water aka mini pond that has boats for display and I believe its the worlds tallest free standing glass elevator in the middle. It's one of those places where we can save we've been and check it off the list of must see's. 

Back at it first thing Monday morning. My BB group is hosting a 5 day clean eating challenge this week and its just what I need after a weekend of splurging. I'm going all out and doing 10 days. We have another little trip planed next weekend and I / we plan to fully indulge in lots of yummy goodness. 

Day 1 workout complete, and lunch curtesy of Hops Java and Juice in downtown Clarksville. This little joint has only been only about 2 maybe 3 months and let me tell you they are fabulous. All clean, organic, natural ingredients. Plus selection of baked goodies, a ice cream bar and pup cups (puppy ice cream). Its just what we needed here in town. My new Monday lunch spot, Military Monday Discount day. 

Tuesday I headed out for a 6 mile ride after my morning work out and it was so chilly. I'm not at all ready for the cold weather, I mean really who is. I'm really enjoying my bike and even more so that we both where able to purchased one when we where home in Texas. I try to make a point to go riding at least twice a week in the mornings before work and then the two of us go together on a longer ride on Sunday's. We've been going on post and riding around a couple different area's which has been really nice. I foresee lots of fun times ahead of us. :) 

"We've got Spirit, Yes we do. We've got Spirit, How about You?"  It's Spirit week at school and today was Story Book Day. Dress up as a Story book character. Barbie and I decided that we'd go together as a team, seeing's after all we are always working together and getting into one thing or another. I'm not one for dressing up all the time and to be honest this was the first time this week I remembered or even put effort into what I was going to wear. I have to say our outfits / costumes turned out pretty darn cute and we had so many complements on them.  

I suppose that catches things up for a bit. Until next time folks. 

Walking Down Memory Lane

Up early again for a bike ride around Veterans Park before heading across town to visit with my step dad for a bit. I enjoy that even though him and my mom are not together any more that we have still kept in touch and make that we make a point to visit him when we are in town. 

After our visit we headed to downtown Dallas for breakfast at Hypnotic Donuts. I'd never eaten there before and some how came across their shop online a couple weeks back before our trip. Their donuts looked pretty amazing and let me tell you they did not disappoint. I only managed to get a picture of one or the two I got. Probably because they where so good I gobbled them up quickly.

 After breakfast we headed to the Dallas World Aquarium where we got married almost 8 years ago. (November 9th, 2007) Every time the hubbs and I go back to Texas together we always make a point to go revisit the Aquarium. Very little has changed which makes it that much more enjoyable. I think I'd be really disappointed if it ever went under a drastic change. I remember the day like it was yesterday. From the moment we arrived on the day of our wedding, getting ready, walking through the reception area and the wedding as a whole. Walking through talking about all the fun we had, reminiscing over our special day and looking at the different animals. We've been to several different aquariums (every where we go, we always try to visit the local one if they have one) and nothing ever seems to compare to the DWA. No, I'm not just saying that because we where married there yes I might be a little biased but it really is a neat open aquarium. I highly recommend it if your ever in the area. 

We took a picture in the exact spot where we said our "I Do's", even though its a little dark I love beginning able to compare the two. 

I can't wait till the day when and if we possibly have a little one that we can take her (because we all know it WILL be a girl lol) back to the DWA and show them where we got married. I always wanted to get married some where different, not in a church and this most definitely did it. The DWA will always hold a special place in my heart. 

After we where done we headed back into Arlington for lunch, and to pick up a few things we needed for our flight out that evening before going back to relax for a bit. I've completely given up fast food and really I don't miss it at all. However I did allow myself to splurge on our trip and enjoy a few of my favorites places. I introduced the hubbs to Chicken Express for the first time, I don't know if he enjoyed it as much as I do but that's ok. I got my fix and that's all that matters right.

 After a bit of relaxing the hubbs suggested we ride our bikes up to Braums for a little Ice Cream treat. Umm YES PLEASE. Don't mind if I do. My NeNe lives literally about half a mile from there so it was a perfect little outing. Brahms is my absolute favorite when it comes to Ice Cream. Probably simple because it's what I grew up on. My two favorite go to flavors are Peppermint Ice Cream and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream. Not even gonna lie each time we went while home on vacay, I got a double scoop waffle cone. One scoop of each flavor and it was fantastic. :) Hey its ok I still managed to work out in some form or fashion every day. When on Vacay right?!?!?!?! 

That evening the NeNe, the Hubbs and Myself met up with two other couples for dinner at one of my favorite restaurants On The Border, you can't go wrong with Mexican Food, like EVER. Ken and Linda and Eric and Stephanie have been such great role models for me growing up and even more so since I've been married. They are all my parents age but sometimes you'd never know that by the way they act. In a good way that is. They definitely know how to enjoy life and live it up. I look up to each and everyone of them as a parental figure in one way or another and I'm so grateful to have them in our life. I love even more that even though I've moved away and am only able to make it home every so often, that each time we get together its as if no time has passed. They love and care for the both of us just as we where their own children. Eric is the one who married us and has always been such a great supporter. I babysat his two boys for several years when I lived at home and now they are both in college. Crazy how time flies. 

I wish I would have gotten a picture of the six of us together but between the tasty Swirl Frozen Margarita, the Chips and Salsa and the not so great service we where just having to much fun. It was a much needed get together and catch up time with them. I'm so glad we where able to make it work out while we where home. 

4 Months till Our "I Do's" (part-5)

Later that evening after he proposed we went to Rock Fish a, local joint for a bite to eat just the two of us. He was leaving headed back to Hawaii the next day and I was trying to soak up as much time as we could together. Knowing he was going to be deploying later in the year, a few people made simple suggestions as to how we could get married at the court house and then have a real wedding when he got back. No way I wasn't having that, and thankfully neither was he. I knew we'd never end up having "our" wedding when he came back if we did that. Earlier in the week we had gone and checked out a few wedding venues we were interested in and were pretty much settled on were we wanted to get married. The DWA - The Dallas World Aquarium. I knew I wanted something different, nontraditional and not in a church. Not that there is anything at all wrong with being married in a church. I've been to many many beautiful weddings in churches, I just wanted something different and exciting. Another must have for us was to have the Wedding and Reception in the same location. At the DWA we were able to do that, total score. We / mainly myself with the help of some family and family friends managed to plan and pull of the wedding of our / my dreams in exactly 4 months. G helped were he could with suggestions and idea, but lets he real, he was pretty laid back and easy going with most details and planning. 

20 days shy of a year later from the day we met, we were married!!!! 

We Met 11-29-06 

& 

We Married 11-09-07

It was by far the best decision I've ever made. I never imagined I would ever move out of Texas let alone live in 3 different states since then. I've grown so much as a person and wife since we've gotten married though and I wouldn't change it for the world. 

Our Life & Marriage is far from prefect but its PERFECT for US & really that's all that matters.

I recapped our wedding a while back but if you haven't read it you should. 

(links below)

Wedding Part - 1
Wedding Part - 2
Wedding Part - 3
Wedding Part - 4