Our 15 Month Anniversary (aka 4th of July 2011)!

This last weekend was such a relaxing, great time.  It seemed like this year everybody went all out for the 4th...after all, it was an amazingly beautiful sunny weekend here in Portland, and everybody had a three days off work.  But for us, nothing could have been better than what we did...chill and relax and enjoy good company...as we celebrated our 15 month anniversary on the 4th!

In a way it started Thursday night, when Caleb and I went over to Eric and Roxy Ericsson's home.  Although they had met Caleb briefly last summer, this was the first time they all got to truly sit around and get to know each other.  It was sooo fun!  And after we left their house, Caleb has talked numerous times about the idea of maybe one day being missionaries in Mexico as well.  After all, he loves the Latin culture and has been learning Spanish.  They gave him a New Testament in Spanish, and since then he has been reading through it out loud everyday.  When he gets to a word that he doesn't know, he looks it up and puts it on a flashcard to practice.  He figures it is a good way to learn while reading through the book of Matthew, and by the time he gets to John, he hopes it is much easier!  Good idea, I would say!  All to say, we were very encouraged by them and inspired.  We talked about how we want to be like Eric and Roxy one day.  And what a compliment Caleb gave me to say that he thinks that Roxy and I are so much alike already!  I always thought we were kindred spirits, but to hear him say it made me smile! :)

Saturday morning we slept in a little and then headed over to the Lake Oswego farmer's market.  I love going to farmer's markets, especially that one!!  Caleb's knee was acting up a little bit so we didn't stay long.  But it was so relaxing to just walk around, see the vendors, and smells the produce and flowers, while holding hands.  :)

Later in the weekend, we would also go over to BBQ with Greg and Stephanie Williams.  We just love those two!  It was fun to go back to their house and think that two years ago she and I were roommates, praying to find our true loves.  And now they are here and we are all friends! 

Sunday we had a potluck at church.  Kirk Grover gave the message on God's love enduring forever.  It was such a great message!  And it was fun to see Caleb open up the meeting and share just a little bit at the start of the service.  Caleb has been growing in his walk with God so much, and it was fun to see him step out of his comfort zone a little.  :)

And finally we got to the 4th...our 15 month anniversary!  Caleb spent the morning reading and studying.  I was busy cleaning, with the windows open and the music on.  And come lunchtime, I made us a backyard picnic.  It was one of my favorite times with my husband I have ever had.  It was simply peaceful and simple.  And after we had lunch, we ate rhubarb strawberry cobbler with coconut sorbet (all gluten and dairy free!) and played scrabble in the sun.  I could not have asked for a more perfect time!

All to say, we didn't go out and do tons of stuff this last weekend...but, wow, we made some amazing memories.  This 4th of July is definitely one of my most favorites that I have ever had...