PERSONAL: VALENTINE'S DAY IN JOSHUA TREE

January + February were wild months for us. At the end of January, we moved out of our newlywed apartment, and just a few short weeks later, I started my first teaching job. So, when Valentine's Day aligned with a three-day weekend, we seized the opportunity to escape for a little adventure. It had been a while since we had last been to Joshua Tree, and despite busy crowds, we packed our gear and drove out to the desert. It was magical. 

Joshua Tree holds a special place in my heart. It is simply magic, and I can't find any other way to describe it. The boulders, the yucca trees, that lovely desert light. It's quiet and disconnected and almost other-worldly - there is simply nothing like it. On our trip, we also ran into a sweet German couple who reminded me so fondly of my adventurous grandparents. We spent an evening around the fire listening to their story as they travel from South America to Alaska. It was inspiring and heartwarming. Weekends like this are treasures for our marriage, and I can't wait for the travels we have planned this summer! 

a european happymoon / munich, part two

before we visited munich in the snow, we snuck in a day at the very beginning of our trip - a cold, wintery, and magical day. the charm of the old city buildings is incomparable. there is so much history within the walls of the stores and the stones on the street. the architecture, the detail, the design - you just can't find things like that in the U.S. 

then there was that one time, my feet led us straight to starbucks. Travis and i are avid starbucks lovers, and we have a collection of starbucks mugs from all of the countries we've visited - so we had to find a Munich starbucks. we were walking down the side streets, when i spotted that glorious green sign from a kilometer away. that latte was to die for in the 30 degree weather. 

all of these photos remind me of such wonderful memories - i think that's the beauty of photographs, you know? they aren't only images, they are mementos of days past. i am still so grateful for the opportunity Travis and i had to soak in those two weeks together. we are truly blessed.