our 18th anniversary "getaway"

pat and I had planned to go away for a night to celebrate our anniversary. but we decided to spend the day as a family (we have SO few of those this summer!) and then the 2 of us go out to eat.

we went to harper's ferry and went on  a hike. it ended up being WAY more intense than we thought...but our kids did ok with some coaching and lots of breaks and snacks!

these 3 collected flowers along the way and gave me a sweet bouquet!

 this was the reward at the top of the hike! it was STUNNING!

 

 they walked like this for a LONG time.

 we treated them to HUGE ice cream cones when we finished! they EARNED it!!

and then we changed and went out to dinner and a movie. dinner was amazing. movie was fine. but it was so nice to be together!

I would say it's been one of the hardest years of our marriage. but we are fighting and talking and walking together every step of the way. I love him and i'm thankful that he chooses to love me.