A weekend away helps the love stay...

Justin:  This past Saturday, my good friend asked me to help him with his Youth Group's Art Jam for his Church out in Geneva, IL.  More on that here.

Afterwards, we all went to this pub called, The Claddagh.  And if you know me, you know I dig pubs.  The atmosphere, the food, the car bombs, I am a big fan.  It was already in the plan to hang out after the Art Jam but it became more of a necessity when I found out my good friend, Eric, is getting married in June!  Say whaaaaaa!?  Now if you know me and my crew, then you know Eric goes by the name of Sinister E.  Not the one I would have picked to get married first from our lil squad of friends.

Not a lantern ring!

Anyways the night was just what Nicole and I needed.  A mixture of good times formulated by alcohol, food, and reminiscing.  Nic and I have gotten into some spats lately mostly because of how stressed I get at work.  So a change of scenery and step away from our usual "comfort places" really helped relieve some of that stress and made us completely forget about the stupid he said, she said bs fights that come and go ever so often in a relationship.

Captain Morgan Apple Cider!

Car Bombs!

 

One last photo to call it a night

 It was that kind of night that really made the rest of the weekend great.  On Sunday we had breakfast at Blueberry and caught a movie.  Then we had dinner with Nicole's family at Buca di Beppo. Talk about Italian sunday dinner.  Yum.  [sorry no pictures of the feast] I finished off the night working on some art whilst Nic dug into her latest kindle book.  I fell asleep watching RED on Blu-Ray and Nic snored happily to sleep.

I say weekend away because we definitely kept away from the bullshit stress that was getting to us (me) these past few days.  Also these past weekends have been filled with family get togethers or events/meetings planned months prior.  So even though I had a scheduled thing this weekend, it was different from what we have been doing these past two months.  It really helped us forget about everything that was really stressful and the best part is having it stay forgotten.  No need to relive the whys of everything and just start from this point.  A point of feeling great and happy not just as a couple, but individually.  You got to love yourself before you can learn to love another.  It's that kind of growth that keeps the love...where it should be.

Thoughts my dear?....

 Nicole: I agree, this weekend was just what we needed.  It put our minds at ease, gave us some laughs, lots of smiles, and some shared and individual new experiences.

We both got some "me" time Saturday during the day and went off doing our own thing.  Sometimes I feel like by spending time away from each other, we are actually growing closer.  It gives each of us time to sort through our thoughts, enjoy our own company and space and when we come back together, the love is magnified.

The Art Jam on Saturday night was awesome!  If nothing else, it provided lots of laughs.  I participated in the Jam and as I told Justin, who had never seen my drawing, I can't even draw a stick person very well. I realized that I couldn't draw when I was in second grade so I stopped.  The drawings on Saturday look like I started right back up where I left off!  They look hilarious!  My drawings were all quite embarrassing, but I still had a great time doing them and I think I got my creative juices flowing again.


Justin: errr I have to interrupt you here my love and show everyone the masterpiece you did known as, "Tea Party".

I love it!

Now I love this because of the fact that she participated and she tried...I LOVE that about her.  It was great.  So is this drawing.  It makes me smile. I think I'm going to frame it when we move into our first place together.  Now back to you my love....

Nicole:  After the Jam we headed to the Pub, as Justin said, and the good times just kept flowing.  It's amazing what a little away time from the usual routine can do.  It was full of laughs, stories, and just living in the moment.  No planning.  Now if you know me, you know that I love to plan.  I have things scheduled in my planner all the way through to December.  Yes, seriously.  But sometimes, you just gotta go with the flow.  No plans, just enjoying.  Sometimes a little risk or "who knows" is even more fun!  I'm thinking we should have a few more of those moments in the coming year :o)