AMAZING Marriages: Take Adventures Together

By Ryan,
Amazing Marriages - take adventures together

Liz says she hates to pack, but loves to travel. The packing part never stops her. Overstuffed suitcases in tow, we packed the car and we were off once again. Life is such a crazy adventure sometimes, but it is so much fun enjoying the ride together.Take Adventures Together

So far this year, it seems like we have been away more than we have actually been home. In fact, we’ve been away so much we’ve even joked of renting out our house while we are away. Not kidding… airbnb.com might be in our future!

Amazing Marriages - Take Adventures TogetherBeing adventurous together has helped strengthen our relationship. Each time we set out on a new trip, we are making experiences together and memories that will last a lifetime. As the summer approaches, we encourage everyone to take adventures together. Whether it is going for a bike ride on a new trail, traveling to a far off country, white water rafting, taking a class at a local college, or just being adventurous in the kitchen with a new tasty meal, try something new together.

Mark Twain Quote on Taking Adventures

For us, no matter where we are or what we are doing, we are always together. And that is what makes this life amazing.

Looking to plan an adventure with your kids? Check out the adventure guides over at the happy family movement store

 

Filling the Calendar with FUN!

By Liz,

As I was looking at the calendar, I was beginning to feel a little overwhelmed. The start of our wedding season is just around the corner and of course the days of summer are filling rapidly with everything in between. It is always a struggle for me to add anything else to the calendar because I crave those days (that are few and far between) where they are open white boxes!

Yesterday, I was adding something super duper fun to our schedule, but it required a lot of time and commitment, and I was nervous with every single date I added. I mentioned it to Ryan and he reminded me that this “thing” is FUN for us! It is not technically work… it is all about learning something new. If I go into it thinking it is work, it is going to be work. If I think of it as an opportunity that will be fun and be a creative outlet for us, then it will be exactly that! It is AMAZING what a little attitude check can do for me! ;)

This “thing” that we have signed ourselves up for is the Stillmotion Take Action Challenge. We could not be more excited to have the opportunity to learn from some of the most talented filmmakers in the world! We know we are about to embark on a crazy challenging adventure, but we have no doubt it is going to be a FUN one! ;) We can’t wait!

Take 15 minutes to have fun today

By Ryan,
Choose Happiness - Have Fun Today (4)

We didn’t have swimsuits or flip flops but that didn’t stop you. We only had 15 minutes before we had to leave to catch our flight but that didn’t stop you. We parked and you jumped out of the car. “Are you as excited as I am?” you asked as you ran up the hill. Wind blowing your hair as if it was holding you back from jumping in the water with all your clothes on, you stood and watched as the gentle waves lapped at your feet. You turned and looking at the dunes of Tunnel Beach behind us you said, “Isn’t this beautiful?” Before I could respond you ran up the hill yelling for me to follow. You danced, and spun in circles while laughing the entire time. And for just 15 minutes, with no cares in the world, you helped us remember what it is like to simply have fun and what is really most important in life.

Today, no matter what it is you are doing, no matter what deadline you are trying to meet, no matter what flight you are trying to catch, and no matter how many other things are on your to do list, be sure to take at least 15 minutes to have fun today. Have an AMAZING Wednesday!!!

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Amazing Marriages – The way I feel when I am with you

By Liz,
Amazing Marriages - love when I am with you

As we squeezed together to cuddle on the chair that was only meant for one person, I was reminded of his warmth and the comfort he brings to my heart. Yesterday, Ryan and I spent the entire day just relaxing and hanging out with my brother at his home in Michigan. It was delightful!

We watched movies, golf, and everything in between. We laughed while Ben and Ryan picked on each other like they did in our high school days. There were many moments yesterday that I had to remind myself we were in Michigan and we weren’t actually in our childhood home in PA. I had a sense of comfort and relaxation that I haven’t really felt in a long time!

As Ryan squeezed me tight so that we could fit onto the chair together, we laughed and we goofed around like we were “kids” again. I did everything I could to soak in the moment and remember what it feels like to have that carefree comfort and be surrounded by the ones we love!Amazing Marriages - love when I am with you

Our Summer Bucket List | Featured on The Happy Family Movement

By Liz and Ryan,
Liz-and-Ryan-Summer-Bucket-List-Photo

Do you ever find yourself saying, “I really want to do that” but never acting on it?!? Ok, all the time, right? We always catch ourselves saying we really want to do these things but then find ourselves adding something else to our to do list instead. However, this summer we are changing that thanks to the help of our friends Jenny and Josh Solar of The Happy Family Movement! The Happy Family Movement hosts a Summer Bucket List Challenge and this year we are IN! ;) We have come up with our Summer Bucket List and I am excited to say, we start tomorrow by crossing a BIG one off of the list! ;)Liz-and-Ryan-Summer-Bucket-List-Photo

We are so incredibly excited to FINALLY be making a trip out to see my brother in Michigan. It has been way too long! We don’t have much planned, but have thrown around the ideas of exploring Detroit (for 5 minutes! ;) ), strolling around Ann Arbor, hanging out in Lansing (where Ben lives), watching Ben coach a HS Baseball game, and maybe even checking out the Holland Tulips! Who knows where the journey will take us, but we are just excited to visit! (Except when Ben told us yesterday it was going to be 40 degrees!!! WHAT!?!?! lol.)

 

Liz-and-Ryan-Happy-Family-Movement-Contributors-PhotoYesterday we had the incredible honor to guest post on The Happy Family Movement blog! Definitely go check out their site… there is definitely something for everyone! But if you have kids, it is like an extra special gold mine and you probably don’t want to go another second without visiting! ;) Sign up for their Summer Bucket List Challenge and write down those things that you always say you want to do! Honestly, just writing them down makes it more real. It is now a responsibility! ;)

On that note… we heard this quote the other day and can’t remember at all where it was from… but it went something like this: “It is the adult’s responsibility to have fun so that kids want to grow up.” SO true, right!? Now, go have fun!

Let us know what is on your bucket list! And if you see anything fun on ours that you would like to complete along with us… let us know! We would LOVE to have you join us for the fun! ;)