CAPITOL TOUR

On Monday after our anniversary, Garrett took the day off and we went for our tour at the Capitol building. I arranged it through the Montana Senators office and we thought it would be pretty awesome but it ended up being kind of dumb. An intern gave us our tour and it was her first time so it wasn't very informative. AND the Rotunda (top of the building) is being worked on so many areas were blocked off which was a bummer. It was cool to go in though. We were able to go to the Senate side and sit in the gallery.

After the tour we walked around the outside and then went to Union Station. Union Station is the train station in DC. They have SO many shops and places to it. It is a pretty amazing building. We chose to eat at Johnny Rockets (that is where we ate at the airport after our honeymoon in Cancun last year. 

 

1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND

On August 1st it was finally time for our long distance to end forever. I can't even explain how hard it was. It was hard for me in ways that I never even thought it could be. So on this day I was happy to get up at 4 AM to head to the airport. My flight left Billings at 6, I had a short layover in Minneapolis and then landed in DC at 1:30 which was half an hour earlier than I was supposed to land.

Garrett had been running late with construction so I was able to get my bags and then we were in different spots so it took us a little while to locate each other. It was the best knowing that I wouldn't have to leave again. He had made plans for us for the day so we took off. We headed to Georgetown to go to Georgetown/DC cupcakes. As we drove around on the cobblestone streets we were in love. 

The line was of course out the door but it was a must. 

The line actually moved pretty quickly. I think that I had high expectations and the outside was really cute! But the inside was tiny, crowded, and unorganized which was surprising. 

They had quite a few options and we ended up getting four cupcakes! The Blueberry Cheesecake was our favorite! It was fun to be able to go but I could probably recommend some things that they could change, it they wanted to hear my opinion haha. 

 Raspberry peach, blueberry cheesecake, cocoanut, and key lime!

After DC cupcakes, Garrett took my kayaking on the Potomac River which is something that I wanted to do while we were out here. He really does listen to me, sometimes! It was a lot of fun! We took his go pro and our selfie stick to document it! It was quite the struggle as you can see...

But worth it because we have pictures and we will never forget this day.

I am grateful to have been married to Garrett for a year! I am thankful for his adventurous spirit and that he pushes me to try new things and helps me to feel safe and comfortable. 1 year of adventures and memories together and I can't wait for more. 

Then we ate at my favorite place- Red Lobster for dinner! SO GOOD! Glad that Garrett is warming up to it and doesn't mind it as much. We said hello to his apartment and chatted with them for quite awhile and then headed back to our hotel and opened presents! We couldn't even wait til our actual anniversary. Oops. 

I got Garrett a black nike half-zip pullover. He had been wanting one for awhile and he was quite happy with it! Then I got him two pairs of socks because of his love for them. 

Garrett got me a Fitbit which I had been wanting! Then he also got me a few different bands for it! AND peanut butter m & m's because I have been loving them lately. I have really enjoyed my Fitbit and learning about all that it can do with it! I also got Garrett and I massages for while we are in Billings which is funny because he got us massages as well. 

We also spent the day playing spike ball and throwing the football around with the boys. It was just so good to be together!

This first year has been quite the ride. We moved in to our apartment together in Rexburg, both did 2 semesters of school together, Garrett worked in Virginia while  I did another semester in Rexburg. It was the best year in so many ways! There were also many other times that were hard while being apart but we have grown stronger in our relationship and have had the best adventures. I LOVE YOU GARRETT IRENE! 1 year down, eternity to go. 

B-TOWN

On our way out of Rexburg we obviously had to smooch on Graham and get Karie Anne's. Those 2 things will be missed over the break!

My mom and I got there and my dad and Payton were in Great Falls until late Saturday night at the State AM and then Sophie left to go boating so once we got to Billings we were still alone for awhile. We stayed busy running errands, shopping for an anniversary gift for Garrett, made a wreath, and lots of other things. I will cherish this one on one time I have gotten with her!

One of the things on our list of "to do's" was to take Payton's senior pictures. Let's just say I felt very unprepared and unqualified to take them but I thought we could give it a shot! It took all of us to get through the shoot. My dad was there to make him laugh, Sophie held the clothes, and my mom was there to control it all and make him actually do what I wanted. They turned out better than I thought. Here are a few:

 

Ok, I know they aren't amazing but he's handsome so he made my job a little easier! 

My mom and I also spent two of our days in Bozeman watching Payton golf in a tournament. He ended up tying for second. I am always so impressed watching him golf. He can drive the ball SO far and handles things very well! So my mom and I followed both days which was stressful but fun! The tournament was at Bridger Creek and is in the most beautiful place!

We also found some huckleberry ice cream!

So we got back on Thursday evening and then on Friday morning Sophie, my mom and I got up at 5:30 to go see the hot air balloons launch from Amend Park! At first I was kind of regretting being up that early but it ended up being so fun!! We were able to watch them set everything up which was awesome and we ran into Mindy Sauther and her sweet little girls. 

 

Getting this picture was not easy but so worth it! Love these girls so much!

For some reason hot air balloons are so magical and fun! Going to see them reminded me of when I was little and my mom would get us out of bed early in the morning to go see them and we have pictures of me with crazy hair in my dad's shirt that is clearly huge on me, I'm sleepy but so happy! Waking up early really does have it's perks. It was nice to spend time with family, watch the sunrise, and eat strawberry pancakes! 

I also love hanging out with my parents! We had a fun night running around town, and my dad really wanted to match me...

I am so grateful for the time I was able to with my family in Billings and for the memories we made! Can't wait to be back, but with Garrett of course.