On July 27th, 2013, we knelt down at the altar at the Sacramento Temple and were sealed as husband and wife. Has it really been two years since we tied the knot?! It's crazy that so much time has passed since then. You may recognize the above picture as the main photo that I use for my blog posts. I really admire it, it really shows just how much fun we have together as a couple. The guy on my right has always stood by my side through thick and thin. :)
We thought of many different ideas of how we were going to do to celebrate our two year anniversary. We decided that we wanted to get to know Texas a little bit more since we have just moved here. So the Saturday before our anniversary, we went to San Antonio for the day.
We got up fairly early to get ready to go to the San Antonio Temple. Since the nearest temple that we can go to is the one in San Antonio, we figured that we can go inside it for our anniversary. It had been about three months since we have been inside the temple because of the move and traveling. We were so glad that we could finally make a trip. The San Antonio Temple is small, yet so beautiful. I felt the spirit so strong while we were inside. I was also reflecting back on our wedding day when we made sacred covenants to each other in the temple. It was a great feeling!
The San Antonio Temple. It also looks beautiful on the outside.
Our first time going inside the San Antonio Temple was a very sweet experience. I can't wait to go there more! :)
Next on the list was something I've been wanting to do since we moved out to Texas. My mom told me that her father (my grandfather) was buried in San Antonio in the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. It's a cemetery in memory of those who served in the military. My grandpa was a veteran for World War II and the Korean War. He passed away in 1972, almost reaching his 62nd birthday. I felt so privileged that we were able to locate his grave sight and provide flowers to go right next to it. I teared up a little when I saw it. Since my family had lived so far away from Texas, we were never able to see it. I snapped a few pictures and sent them to my mom. When she comes down to Texas one day, we are going to take her down to see her father's memorial. I know it would mean the world to her.
Me next to my grandfather's grave sight. It's at a very nice location with plenty of shade.
I tried to edit this photo as much as I could, so I hope that the writing is visible enough. His grave stone says "Stelleanos N Faturos" (he was Greek). Listed below are the wars that he served in. He was born in New Jersey on August 1st, 1910 and passed away on May 24th, 1972. Ironically enough, his 105th birthday passed recently. We will forever remember him and all the things he did to serve our country.
Later, we visited the The Alamo. I remember it being so hot as we were standing outside it that day. Of course, it's Texas. :) Summers get pretty toasty this time of year. We weren't able to see the inside of the church, but we got to explore the gardens and the museum. I was glad that the inside of the museum was air conditioned. :) We learned about so much history behind The Alamo. It's also a fun place to take the whole family. :)
It's small, but a pretty sight to behold.
The River Walk. I love the colorful umbrellas.
Selfie aboard the river cruise.
We had a lot of time so we decided to explore The River Walk, where the San Antonio River runs through. We both describe it as "magical." It's a very retro, yet beautiful walk. A lot of the buildings that surrounded the river were built in the 1940's. It's even more beautiful at night when everything is lit up. What made it very special was when we went on a dinner cruise on the river. Collin had made arrangements ahead of time to have people cater to us as we took a tour of the river walk. We got to eat Mexican food while learning more about buildings of the river walk. It was definitely amazing! What was even more amazing was spending time with a certain special someone. :)
One of the only pictures we could get on the river cruise, but still good. :)
It takes an hour and a half to drive from San Antonio to Austin, so we got home pretty late and crashed after a long, but fun day. I was glad we got to experience San Antonio, especially while celebrating our wedding day.
On the day of our anniversary, Collin came home from work and told me that he was making dinner. I am the type that loves surprises, so I told Collin to surprise me on our anniversary. I was also very curious as to what he had planned for that night. So he gave me a hint and said that we were going to Disneyland. My reaction was, "What??!" I even asked him if he got Disneyland tickets, but he immediately said no. I wish though. :) Haha. I still couldn't figure out what he was planning to do.
When dinner was almost ready, he told me to go to other room that way he can set up. I was thinking that he was setting up a candle lit dinner with flowers on the table and rose petals everywhere, but it was something way better than that. When he told me to come out, I immediately noticed it was completely dark with a blue light, lanterns and I couldn't help but hear crickets in the background. Then I realized... Collin had recreated the Blue Bayou at Disneyland! On our honeymoon two years ago, we ate at the Blue Bayou. Our first experience there was unforgettable. His idea to recreate our honeymoon was adorable and clever. He acted as a waiter and served biscuits first. Afterwords, he served a Cajun dish called shrimp etouffee with rice. It was not only appropriate with the setting, but absolutely amazing! It maybe by far the best Cajun meal I have ever had. Collin did a great job setting this up for us. Now I know what he meant by going to Disneyland. :) Haha.
I always love looking back at wedding pictures. It's a constant reminder of how happy our big day was and how things just keep getting better. I will always remember our sealing and how special it was to have Collin's grandpa marry us in the temple. I will never forget what was said. Through the temple, we can make and keep sacred covenants to our Heavenly Father. I am forever grateful that Collin is eternally mine. He has been so good to me all these years. I thank God everyday for blessing me with a wonderful man like him. Two years down, eternity to go!
When dinner was almost ready, he told me to go to other room that way he can set up. I was thinking that he was setting up a candle lit dinner with flowers on the table and rose petals everywhere, but it was something way better than that. When he told me to come out, I immediately noticed it was completely dark with a blue light, lanterns and I couldn't help but hear crickets in the background. Then I realized... Collin had recreated the Blue Bayou at Disneyland! On our honeymoon two years ago, we ate at the Blue Bayou. Our first experience there was unforgettable. His idea to recreate our honeymoon was adorable and clever. He acted as a waiter and served biscuits first. Afterwords, he served a Cajun dish called shrimp etouffee with rice. It was not only appropriate with the setting, but absolutely amazing! It maybe by far the best Cajun meal I have ever had. Collin did a great job setting this up for us. Now I know what he meant by going to Disneyland. :) Haha.
Throw back to our honeymoon. It's kind of dark, but I was drinking lemonade with a light up cube.
An actual photo of the Blue Bayou in Disneyland
This is how Collin recreated the Blue Bayou. It looked really good.
I always love looking back at wedding pictures. It's a constant reminder of how happy our big day was and how things just keep getting better. I will always remember our sealing and how special it was to have Collin's grandpa marry us in the temple. I will never forget what was said. Through the temple, we can make and keep sacred covenants to our Heavenly Father. I am forever grateful that Collin is eternally mine. He has been so good to me all these years. I thank God everyday for blessing me with a wonderful man like him. Two years down, eternity to go!
