First Andy-versary Weekend Surprise Extravaganza

Whew! We made it! I am happy to report at the one year mark that our marriage is healthy and blissful to the point of nausea for those around us. Francis planned a surprise anniversary weekend for me. Part of the weekend was a trip to the movie theater to watch Fireproof, a straight up, unapologetic Christian movie about marriage. In the movie, one of the supporting characters explains to the main character that as a husband, you must study your wife the way you might study a book. Notice her likes and dislikes, her hobbies, her interests. Francis earned an A+ this weekend in that department. He took me camping, orienteering, and to eat breakfast!

I was so shocked when we pulled into the KOA campground, I just couldn't believe my husband would try camping. He hates bugs, dirt, and public restrooms...but apparently he loves me more.

The campground was a short drive from the beach, just south of Santa Cruz. Ah, sunset over the ocean. Don't be jealous East Coasters.

I was very impressed with Francis's novice fire-starting skills. He had a nice little fire going in no time. We cooked hot dogs and marshmellows over the flames. You know, a balanced diet. The campground was unlike any I'd ever been to before. The sites were organized in a circle, rather than individual little slots, so it really encouraged campers to talk to one another. There was quite a bit of fire envy going on in the circle. Everyone was inspecting everyone else's work.

The next morning we packed up and headed to breakfast at a cute little diner the folks at the KOA recommended. The only problem was that it was so popular that we had to wait a while to get a table. So long that we missed our orienteering event. No worries, my eggs benedict was worth it.

We decided to go to the park where the orienteering meet was being held anyway. It is located south of San Jose, where the hills are covered in dry grasses and the occasional lonely tree. The park is built around a "reservoir" that was more puddle than pond. These poor people were trying to boat on it, despite the large islands of dry land rising up from the center. Nothing to see here folks, just the desperate last gasps of the California water table. We took a 3.5 mile hike up the mountain on a trail. The trail passed a large horse pen and the horses meandered slowly over to greet us as we passed. Sorry, boys, no carrots today.

I snapped a shot of a few old school orienteerers discussing the event. Maroon and gold are the colors of the Bay Area club. As usual, they were mostly comprised of Europeans with funny accents and even funnier clothes and shoes. They march to the beat of their own drum, that lot.

It was the best first wedding anniversary I've ever had. But seriously. It was.