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Northern California Road Trip

Ok, so today is our 2 year anniversary and I thought I'd celebrate by reminiscing about our trip to CA in March of last year (this isn't Planet Fitness #judgmentfreezone, so please go ahead and judge me, in fact I'll even encourage it in hopes of finding the motivation to blog more often). Let me start by saying we did a LOT of driving during our visit. Andrew and I both love a good road trip and we were able see a lot of new places; however, this also means that I'm going to need to risk potentially boring you with multiple posts to cover it all. There's something completely freeing about getting behind the wheel and just driving. Some of the highlights: Reno, NV; Truckee, Carmel, Napa, San Francisco, Alcatraz, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur, Sequoia National Park, Bishop, and Lake Tahoe in CA.

Looking back at our relationship it's crazy that together we've quite literally traveled a sizable chunk of the world: England, Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, France, Austria. That's not including road trips to Florida, Georgia, and Arkansas. There are so many places left on our list, and a big part of me hopes I'm able to capture some elopements, couple's in love, or families in these places. But I think if there's one thing I've learned in the last 2 years it's that, yes, adventure is out there. But, also, it's all around you. I know. Total cliche. But seriously, it's in the small park down the road and for us it's down the side roads on our typical drive home to NH or NY to see family. There's so much undiscovered charm in the small antique, coffee and cheese shops. Real talk: these days our adventures consist mostly of infrequent date nights, hikes with our pup, dishes at 11 o'clock and DIY home projects. It's not always glamorous, but it's our real daily grind and to me it's perfect. 

The coolest thing for me is knowing that as I look forward to all of the adventures that will come our way, as the saying goes "places to go and people to see," I've got my best friend by my side. A best friend who loves me unconditionally and who supports me in every crazy endeavor. He's an engineer through and through, but I'll let you in on a little secret. He's an absolute cheerleader for me. Every tough decision I have to make these days, I swear I can always hear him whispering in my ear "You can do this." I really don't think there's anything better than getting tackle life with someone so genuinely good. 

So, here's to you, babe. Thanks for loving me. For putting up with my crazy. For caving and getting a passport when you met me to travel. For being OK with buying a pair of dark-wash jeans and shoes other than hiking boots -I know, I'm totally annoying. For letting me order two meals at restaurants and splitting both (we both get to try twice as much food, total win-win, right?). And well, for encouraging me to do better and be better. My life sure is better with you. 

Here's a snapshot of our trip - my next post will have a lot more detail about where we went and the places we saw (in case you ever need suggestions of where to go in Northern, CA). Stay tuned!