Cheers to 2 Years!

Man...is it that time of year again?! I swear, the older you get, the faster time goes. Well, this Monday was Ian and I's SECOND anniversary! Let me tell you, there is a big difference between the first and the second year. Sure, the "honeymoon" stage wears off, you start to get into your routines and are getting used to each other in general during that first year. For us, our first year was a pretty good one and we seemed to adjust fairly quickly. I feel like with this year, we've gotten better at just being married, if that makes any sense. I know I am more patient now than I was at first. I know Ian is more aware of my feelings (more than he already was). I feel like we have really "gelled" as a couple now. I don't really know how to explain it. I guess we've both grown up and with each other a lot this year, and our love has been magnified.

Anyway, enough with the sappy. ;) haha

This year's event included us going to the Melting Pot in Ahwatukee (which, by the way, is WAY better than the Scottsdale location. The staff is way nicer, less snooty, and the overall ambiance of the restaurant is more comforting). We haven't gone since Ian took me on his last night of boot leave after we got engaged a 2 and a half years ago! It was nice to go back to one of our favorite places to eat, especially since we can't afford to go very often!

OH man, was that magnificent 4-course experience worth the money....

 They put us in a private booth with a curtain. It made it really special feeling like we were the only ones there!

CHEESE

 A nice little touch ;)

Comp photo from the server! (who deserved her nice tip--she was so funny and entertaining!)

Both of us purposefully didn't eat all day so that way we would have room, but we didn't know how FAST we would chow down! Our server gave us a hard time about it, actually...haha I'd like to think it's because I knew how to pace myself this go around.... ;) Either way, with no shame I indulged myself and I didn't even feel bad about it. After we got home I had Ian open the gift I was just so excited to give him! And for good reason....it is pretty awesome. :D

If you know Ian at all, he loves all things macho. ;) especially things with LOTR quotes engraved on a dwarf-esque tankard. I really out did myself this year. haha For those of you wondering, he loved it. :) 

Anyway, that was our little celebration. I love being able to start tacking up the years together. It's something that only belongs to us, and I love that. Happy anniversary, love. 

P.S. A little progress report on my health style change! I have cut out sugar, processed foods, fast foods, soda, most carbs and have been drinking lots of water and I have slimmed down pretty quick! My tummy and chest have gotten smaller (yay!) and I don't have to suck it in as much. ;) I'm sure right now it's mostly water weight, but I'm on a good streak and am developing some awesome habits. I feel really great and should be incorporating exercise soon! (I have decided to take baby steps...adding one new thing to my routine at a time...)