Last week on October 4th, my husband, Bryan and I celebrated our four (say what!?) year anniversary.
After nearly 10 years (yep, you read that right too!) of dating and married life together, spending quality time with each other (not sitting in front of the TV, or in bed sleeping…those 8 hours don’t count!) has become something we need to focus on.
Anniversaries are always a good time to pop the champagne, truly celebrate each other, and be spontaneous…so we’re off to a good start, I’d say!
I wasn’t allowed to plan anything (I kind of love that!), so I was surprised with some fun all-day, mid-week activities. Take the day off of work people, it makes it even that much more special!
First, we went to one of my favorite local vineyards, St. Croix Vineyard in Stillwater (got to check that off my fall bucket list!). It was a perfect afternoon. The weather treated us to the last 70°+ day, the leaves were gently falling off the trees, we were able to picnic amongst the grape leaves, and sip on some yummy local white wine.
But the very best part was being a little out of the city, in nature, and enjoying conversation. I could have stayed there in that moment for days. Life is so magical when you’re not thinking about “life.” You know what I mean? 🙂
Then we arrived downtown Minneapolis and stayed at The Grand Hotel (the place we stayed the night we got married), lounged around in a fabulous room, and headed to dinner at The Monte Carlo (Minneapolis’ oldest restaurant and where we had dinner the night we were engaged). Very romantic, and very thoughtful…such a treat!
On that thoughtful train…I was even more surprised to receive something very near and dear to my heart…literally too! 
For those who know me well, know that I love the Black Hills of South Dakota (I can hear my family and friends saying “yeah, yeah, yeah…” right now!).
Bryan found me a gorgeous Black Hills gold necklace in the shape of a sweet, dainty butterfly.
What a beautiful symbol of true love. I see the butterfly as metamorphosis and transformation. Our relationship will always be transforming into something more and more beautiful every day.
How do you find time with your loved one? What are your favorite things to do to connect in this busy world? I’d love your advice!
Congratulations on four years! I love Black Hills gold jewelry…wearing some right now 🙂 I’m excited to someday have what you do!
Thanks Taylor! YAY! Someone else who loves BHG as much as me 🙂 You certainly will 🙂 xo
Congratulations Blair & Bryan! Four years that is awesome. Loved reading about your special day. Very thoughtful guy… love your necklace.
Finding time with my love one… is more about making time for my love one. It just doesn’t happen on it’s own for us unless we make it happen. We got away for our 27th anniversary (my husband’s idea, yeah) a few weeks ago and it was wonderful… we were out in nature, walking the sand dunes, near a lake… lots of walks and lots of talks. 🙂
Thank you Suzanne! Love when you don’t always have to plan the celebration, right? Nature always works best for us too. I’d much rather spend time together “experiencing” something than receiving something (although that’s welcome too ;)) xo!