Anniversary Recap
Hi friends! If you saw my Instagram post last Sunday about our getaway, you will know it was not perfect. But it was very much needed. It provided time, quiet, and space for my husband and I to reconnect after a tough season, to rest and relax. As is typical for most Instagram posts, nearly all of our photos look glamorous. But I want to deliver some context with just a few things that happened in the past six weeks leading into our trip:
My Aunt Mary passed away from complications associated with Alzheimer’s
Our housekeeper who is like family and was the first person to watch each of my babies passed away from COVID
My husband’s father had a relapse with a drug addiction, and we had to deal with some extreme circumstances as a result
I was furloughed from a job I love due to COVID
The morning we left for our trip our garage broke… it literally would not open. We had to wait for a repairman to arrive (delaying our trip) who promptly told us that we would be needing fork over some $$ for a new garage door / frame ASAP
I just want to be more transparent about the life behind the smiles. That being said, the trip was a blessing and just what we needed. Our days consisted of the pool, good food, and fire pit s’mores with naps and no alarms.
I have heard several people wiser than me talk about the importance of couples and parents getting time away. During the course of our marriage, we’ve learned this isn’t just a nice suggestion. It’s a requirement for a great marriage!
Time away looks different for every couple. We all have our own unique seasons, work schedules, and challenges. There is no requirement for extravagance. It can be as simple as a walk around the block in your neighborhood, or as planned as a week-long getaway. All that matters is that it’s a priority:
1 night a week
1 day a month
1 weekend a year
It won’t happen perfectly like this, but if something’s a priority you will make time for it.
So let me asking you a clarifying question that I often ask myself:
What are you spending your time on? Because where you spend your time often reveals your priorities.
If I’m telling myself that a great marriage is a priority in my life, then my actions and time should reveal that truth. We should be fighting to block out the calendar to share time just with each other. If you’re feeling a gut punch, don’t sweat it. I’m right there with you.
Day-to-day life often distracts. So, it’s up to us to take control of our time and start blocking and tackling the calendar. Believe me, you will not regret it!
We both love finding great places to eat that you can only find locally. Cale in particular has a knack for tracking them down. So I’m sharing a recap and all the yumminess for you! Feel free to click all the links because I get nothing from them.
Staycation- we stayed at the Omni Barton Creek
they just had a huge renovation and we stayed on the top floor of their new tower. The views were amazing and the room was quiet. We forgot how amazing just a quiet place can be!
As mentioned we never set an alarm. We woke up, had breakfast and went to the pool. Lunch was often enjoyed poolside, and we left around 5 to get ready for dinner each night.
the hotel provides s’mores kits and there are fire pits around the hotel grounds.
The gym and jogging trails (mostly for my husband this trip) we’re all spectacular. If you like to blow off steam on vacation, this resort definitely delivered.
Also to note, the golf course is highly rated but neither of us golf.
Thursday dinner- Sway Thai
they have happy hour everyday from 4pm-6pm, so take advantage of 1/2 price drinks.
Cale had the Kai Yaang and I had the Pad Thai Ki.
plus the views upstairs of downtown Austin are amazing!
Friday dinner- Fonda San Miguel
Cale and I have celebrated two out of our last three anniversaries in San Miguel de Allende. We love it so much, and my husband wanted to go back but I asked for another option. So when he found this restaurant in Austin, we knew it was a sign to give it a try.
And the verdict… it really was like a slice of San Miguel right here in the states! The enchiladas, guacamole was fresh and handmade, and the “made-from-scratch” drinks superb. (another margarita please!)
dessert- Tiny’s Cookies
my husband LOVES Tiny’s cookies!
we have them in Houston and decided to pick some up to share with our friends.
Saturday dinner- Jacoby’s
another dinner spot with great outdoor dining.
this food is ranch to table and some of the most unique flavors I’ve tasted in a good way.
all of the beef comes from their ranch.
Sunday dinner- Yanagi Sushi
this is not a restaurant with a lot of flair, but man is their sushi good.
we had so much food and it all tasted great. We were craving sushi and this hit the spot.
Monday brunch- Sawyer & Co
if you know our family, you know why we choose this restaurant when searching for best biscuit places. (our daughter’s name is Sawyer)
I felt like I took a step back in time when I walked into this restaurant. I loved the eclectic decor and 60’s vibe.
and the biscuits were so yummy. Definitely recommend if you are a breakfast person (and bonus, the breakfast menu is served all day).
If you are ever in the Austin area, I recommend all of these spots and hope you get a chance to enjoy the Texas Hill Country like we did.
