The North Cascades are my happy place. The moment I set foot in that valley or hike through those mountains I feel calm and at peace. It is the place I look most forward to visiting year after year and the place I most often find myself day dreaming about. When Cameron mentioned he wanted to go there for his birthday this past month I was eager for the day of our trip to arrive. Unfortunately, good health has alluded us so far this year so Cameron had the privilege of celebrating his birthday instead with two "sickies".

All in all, we had a wonderful time, but it would have been a tad more festive had we all been feeling our best. Looking back, not feeling well did have it perks. The best thing to come out of not feeling well for so long was how it really made me pause and slow down these past few weeks. When I am healthy, this is not something I am not very good at doing. Our weekend in the mountains consisted of resting and spending uninterrupted time with one another but we did manage to throw in a couple of long leisurely breakfasts. The kind of breakfast where you order side dishes and something to drink other than water. Most notably during our trip, we went on a sleigh ride through the woods where we stopped at a hut for hot cocoa break. It was a magical time spent together and in that moment life felt perfect.

My favorite part of traveling is the people I meet along the way. Interestingly enough, becoming a mother has made me more open and has given me the confidence to carry on a conversation with just about anyone. I think having a child constantly by my side has made me more approachable and has exposed a whole new world to me.

Regardless of our less than perfect celebration, I am grateful for another year spent with my favorite guy. Many years ago we met as awkward teenagers and it has been a fun journey of self discovery over the past twenty plus years. Cameron is truly the kindest, most gentle hearted man I have ever known and as cliche as it sounds he truly is my rock. Even after all these years I still get excited when I hear his foot steps at our front door or his voice over on the phone. Of all the many facets of my life, our marriage, deep friendship and the life we have built together will always be the thing I am most proud of. Happiest of birthdays to my favorite person!!!