The Next Morning: The Gainesville Getaway

Eric and I awoke, packed our belongings and headed to breakfast one last time! Just as wonderful. We checked out, thanked the staff for a fantastic stay and experience and bid them farewell. We headed straight to the Butterfly Rainforest. We were please to find that they were taking flight. Eric and I, each, had a butterfly land on us and we saw many beautiful plants and birds as well.

One last stop at Mochi before driving home. Eric loves mochi. Can't eat enough of it. As I do not like ice cream, I stuck with my honeydew frozen yogurt. Yes, You heard...eh...read correctly. I do not like ice cream.  No, the world is not coming to an end. Believe it or not there are those in the world who do not like ice cream. Though our numbers are quite few.

Everything was perfect and coming home was difficult. It was a lovely time and we look forward to our next stay in a bed and breakfast!

The Gainesville Getaway

For our seven year anniversary, Eric and I had a wonderful little getaway in Gainesville, Florida. We stayed two nights at the lovely Sweetwater Branch Inn Bed and Breakfast. Our accommodations were in the Isadora Room within the fabulous McKenzie House. The room was gorgeous and perfect. I had no hand in selecting the room or activities we would undertake. Eric made all the arrangements, selections, and had a couple surprises for me. He did a marvelous job.

As this post could be come very long with descriptions and pictures, I have decided to break it up into four segments over the next few days. So, keep checking back!

Front door to the McKenzie House. Built in 1885. Restored in 1993

The McKenzie House. Our room was on the third floor with the turret windows.

Brew your own tea in one of the adorable tea pots in the breakfast room,
located in the Cushman House. I positively adore having tea.
Alone or with friends. It's relaxing and delicious.

Part of the breakfast bar in the Cushman House. The Cushman House
was also built in 1885 and restored in 1993. I really like the citrus press in
the corner. Eric squeezed fresh oranges both mornings for me.

The stove breakfast was made on in the Cushman House. I absolutely love
this type of stove. I want one. My mother always cooked on a
gas stove during my childhood in Honduras.

Cornelia owns and runs the Sweetwater Branch Inn. Every morning
she served us breakfast. She was delightful, as was the rest of the staff.
Her mother owns Selva Verde Eco Lodge in Costa Rica. Having lived in
Costa Rica myself for three years I was excited to exchange stories with her.

Seven Year Reflection

Eric and I just got back from celebrating seven years of marriage. We were married at the Justice of the Peace after Sunday morning service, January 3, 2005, in Honolulu, Hawaii - around 2pm. My sister, Yeni, was our only witness and she got us a beautiful little cake with frosting orchids on it. Orchids are my favorite flower. I know she took pictures, but I think they were lost. Sadness. I would love to have pictures of the happiest day of my life. I am blessed to be married to the love of my life and to have had my dear sister at our wedding.

There have been ups and downs, disappointments, blissful moments, and quiet moments of joy. It has not been an easy road, no marriage is; however, I wouldn't change anything in the past seven years! What has happened and the choices we made, have made us into the spouses we are today. We have walked through fire and have come out refined! The love I have for my husband is stronger and deeper then ever.

Although we were young and immature when wedded, we have helped each other along and have inspired the other to grow and mature. He has grown into an amazing man, full of love and the will to be the best husband and father. He is a godly man who still seeks to grow closer to God and be the leader God designed him to be. I am VERY PROUD and blessed.

We are looking into the future with high hopes and experience. We always seek the counsel of our parents and other wise elders who have 'been there, done that'.  And now we walk boldly into our new adventure as parents! Our sweet baby is our greatest gift and accomplishment. She is a testament of our undying devotion to one another.

So bring on the rest of our lives! We are so ready and able!

Here are a few of my favorite Bible verses concerning marriage:
Genesis 2:18, 21-24
I Peter 3:2, 3:7
Ecclesiastes 9:9
Ephesians 5:22-33
Colossians 3:18-19
Mark 10:9
Deuteronomy 24:5 *I wish this one was still practiced today. What a bunch of happy military wives there'd be!