Monday was the big 7 year anniversary for Chris and I.

7 years dating.


We sometimes feel like such a fuddy-duddy couple - many nights spent on the couch, watching movies, or just hanging out. However, when I put together the collage above with only pictures from this past year, we look like we have blast all the time - float trips, Cardinal's games, rocking out at concerts, ice skating, wedding celebrations, and more. It was a nice little realization.

We don't do gifts anymore, although he did bring me home roses which was a surprise. Always nice. We had dinner at Cheesecake Factory. While that may seem like a lame choice because it's a chain and not exactly super fancy, it was our second choice. One of our favorite steak restaurants that we wanted to go to is closed on Mondays, as are almost all of the other fancy Italian restaurants near our house. So really Cheesecake Factory you were like our 50th choice, buuuuuuuttt you were delicious. And since it was our anniversary, we went all out. Beer/Wine. Fried Calamari. Filet Mignon. Fettuccine. Raspberry and White Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake. Cherry Cheesecake. After the feast, we were pretty much in a food coma so we went home for couch time.

I always get nostalgic this time of year, thinking about how we first met and how long we've been together. We've accomplished quite a bit - I've finished college, got my first and second teaching positions, bought a car, , got a Master's Degree. We've bought a house. We've quit smoking and actually work out regularly. Chris has worked for three different companies now, had three different cars. When we met, both of our youngest siblings were in grade school - now they're sophomores in college. I've spent almost all of my twenties with Chris. Crazy!

We've grown up. It was bound to happen at some point.

I know one day (hopefully by 30) we will make it all official but for now we will just keep on, keepin' on...figuring out life together. Love that guy.

Chris and I hosted our first house party last night and it was a blast! I was so nervous about planning a party, worrying about the weather, the food, who would come, what the house looked like. annoying the neighbors...just about everything...but it went perfectly. We couldn't have asked for better weather, it was hot during the day but by the time everyone came over in the evening it didn't feel to bad sitting outside.

I took a few pics before everyone arrived. Chris and I worked hard on Saturday to get the house ready, he took care of the lawn outside (in the 100 degree heat, yikes) and me on the inside, dusting, vacuuming, and cooking.

Cookie Dough Cupcakes compliments of Natalie

The spread.

Strawberry Cake Balls

Pigs in a Blanket...these were delish, even at 1am!

The whole scene.

 We definitely had some fun once people started showing up. Chris and I gave house tours, passed out jello shots, and enjoyed the company in our new home. I think I spent the whole night smiling, it was just great to have all our friends over and just hang out. It was even better because we didn't have to go anywhere...just another perk of owning a house. The only casualty of the night was the picture frame I just put up the night before broke into three pieces. No worries though, it was cheap and can easily be replaced.

Congrats to the newly engaged!

Things died down around 2am and thankfully, my friend Natalie and I, cleaned up before going to bed. It was nice waking up and not having trash all over the place, definitely made for a more pleasant morning. Unfortunately, all the fun from the night before made us pretty pathetic today. We have been laying around all day, loading up on Jack in the Box and caffeine.

We definitely look forward to more good times in the new casa!