Celebrating our anniversary with a wedding!
We saw our calendar filling up by the time May came around, and we noticed that the weekend of our anniversary would actually fall on the same weekend that Ryan's childhood friend, Scott, was going to get married to his fiance, Jessica. It was the perfect set up to be a part of their wedding festivities that weekend. Ryan was the best man in the wedding and being able to attend and be apart of their big day actually in turn reminded us of our own wedding day. Jessica was a beautiful bride, and the setting was a gorgeous outdoor wedding at the Stella Plantation.
Something only best friends could do, without planning of course, was the fact that not only did Ryan misplace/forget his vows out our wedding, but so did Scott as his wedding! The love between Scott and Jessica was evident and we hope they are loving the married life! Ryan was so sweet at the reception, because he requested the song we had our first dance to - "On A Night Like This" by Dave Barnes. He may not always be mushy gushy, but when he chooses to be romantic, he always makes me feel special.
This anniversary was not as blown out as our trip to Tennessee last year, but I must say it was quite a winner of a day. We started off with making a big breakfast of hashbrowns, eggs, and bacon - the perfect breakfast trio in our opinion. While Ryan had hidden himself away the night before to write a letter to me, I secretly did the same. I adore letters from Ryan and he is an excellent writer (I should have him write the blog one month!). After we exchanged our letters (I threw mine to him in the form of an airplane..lol), we both headed out for the day. We went shopping in Covington, clothes for me, clothes for him, things for the house... basically a little retail therapy.
For real though -- we did do something intentionally special for our anniversary.
And I always like trying new places, not too far from home if possible, 'cause sometimes a whole day in New Orleans can be more tiring than enjoyable. So we went more local. We tried out a place near the Mandeville lakefront called the Jubilee Restaurant which is now transitioned to the name Alex Patout's Renaissance Bistro. For only reading reviews off of Yelp, this place was wonderful. This place was just enough fancy and effortlessly romantic. The food selection was high end southern, while not breaking the bank as many other niche restaurants do around Mandeville or New Orleans. I would highly recommend this for a couple that wants a nice romantic dinner out.
You may or may not be able to tell, but I had my hair dyed recently, a little ombre to try something new. I like it and Ryan approves.. win win!
Ryan vs. Raccoon
My mind has flashbacked to the days of seeing my dad trap countless raccoons, all in an attempt to defend the chickens that were in our care as a family. Well, with our own chickens today, I have seen Ryan fight the same battle, and unfortunately we have lost all four of our dear chickens to vermin that have taken their devious aggression out on our pets! Ryan was furious and full of revenge and had an encounter with a raccoon that attacked and killed one of the chickens the first time, before it came back two days later to kill the rest.
Ryan and I came home from church one night after being gone all day. As soon as we were inside the yard and Ryan looked out towards the chickens pen, he instantly knew something was up. He made a b-line for the chicken pen while I went inside. He pulled out his flashlight and noticing the chickens were stirring nervously as a raccoon had climb the fence of the chicken pen trying to pry in towards the top. Ryan's only instinct was to use the one weapon he had -- his fists. Never in my life have I seen my father punch a raccoon, but Ryan made history by landing two blows to the raccoons face as well as his leg. The vermin retreated, and even after Ryan had reinforced the chicken pen a day later... the raccoon came back with vengeance and took out the remaining three. Ryan had a trap after the first encounter, and the raccoon was too smart for it. He even had a little 'stake out' the night after we lost all of them. No such luck. The battle has subsided momentarily --- but Ryan is determined-- and we WILL have chickens again. If I'm super lucky, maybe ducks too.. but I guuessss I can't push my luck
Home Sweet Home - still in process.
I really reallllly want to show you photos of our renovations, but something in me wants to save the true finished photos for you! I am all about the small details being done! Buuuut, I will show a finished project that has been around a year and a half in the making...Yeah, we were a tad on the slow side. Tuh dahh!!! Finally this dumpster find has been transformed into the beauty it is today! Yay! Whatcha think? Maybe distress it a bit?
Hidden treasures close to home.
Do you ever drive pass somewhere time and time again, thinking, I oughta just stop and take a look around one of these days. Well, if not, then, here's my story anyway..lol. About 5 minutes from our home is the Hammond Research Station AKA one of LSU's agriculture centers. It is lush with so many varieties of flowers, trees, and bushes. It was a feast for our eyes, and I was so glad I convinced Ryan to go... we were the only ones there; just strolling around and taking in the beauty while the sun was setting. Minus the attack of mosquitoes, we found a gem of a place! If you're ever in the area of Ponchatoula, take a stop and just enjoy the scenery. And if they would let us -- I would have brought a blanket and a snack or two! Maybe next time ;)
The countdown begins!
Love you all and talk to you next month :)