Ever since our Honeymoon eleven years ago, Eric and I have always made it a point to take a yearly vacation together. It’s been one of the best decisions we have made in our marriage. There’s a lot to be said about being proactive in spending quality time with your partner, but a vacation also adds an element of adventure, playfulness, pleasure and even lightheartedness. These particular elements are key to keeping our marriage alive. We both have very different ideas of how to best spend our vacations, but this has only benefited us and we love vacationing together. I’m more of the type that prefers to lounge by the pool reading a book or taking a nap. And Eric loves to stay busy and active doing something. But when we combine these differences, it really adds a nice balance and brings out the best in us. Some of these adventures include zip lining in Mexico, snorkeling and kayaking in Hawaii, and white water river rafting in Hood River, Oregon. We always try to add some sort of adventure to our trips whether it’s simply going on a hike, bike ride or even horse back riding. And each trip always includes plenty of good food, wine and always a trip to the spa! We’ve had the luxury of enjoying some the finest Spa’s including the world renowned Grand Wailea. But my favorite spa is located at the Five Pine Lodge in Sister’s Oregon. We’ve visited there twice, although I can’t seem to find the pictures from our second trip, go figure. Both times we have really enjoyed our massage and relaxing in the pools afterwards. It really is a great way to end a trip before heading back to the grind.
We’ve been very fortunate to take some really fun vacations during the early years of our marriage prior to having kids. Now that we have children, finding childcare makes achieving this more difficult and there’s only been a few trips sans-kids. But we’ve learned to supplement with date nights and working out at the gym together. Here are some pictures from these trips.
Our Honeymoon, Maui Hawaii 2006
Stephanie Inn, Cannon Beach 2006
The Bavarian Lodge, Leavenworth 2007
Lakedale Resort, San Juan Islands 2008
Puerto Vallarta Mexico 2009
Five Pine Lodge, Sister’s Oregon 2009
(We also visited here during the winter for a skiing trip in 2012. This place is one our top favorites!)
Alderbrook Resort and Spa, Hood Canal 2009
Our Babymoon to Maui Hawaii, 2010
Puerto Vallarta Mexico, 2011
Loden Hotel, Vancouver BC 2016
