2014: The Beginning of Happily Ever After

2014 was easily the best year of my life. I fell in love with the Oregon coast, (sort of) learned to drive a stick shift, caught my first fish, climbed a mountain, and got married. Most importantly though, I did all of these things with my best friend. I will always remember this year vividly-the year I became Nate's wife, and we started this wonderful, crazy, happy adventure together.

January was the month we took engagement photos. I was so excited, but nervous, all at the same time. We had a blast in the snow though, and dreaming about our future cabin in the woods.

February was the month we addressed, stuffed (thanks for the help Megan) and sent hundreds of wedding invitations only to find out  that address we listed as our reception location was wrong, and was in fact the address to a funeral parlor. Luckily Nate had me laughing about it in no time.

March was the month I went to the temple for the first time, and then we returned together and got married, for time and all eternity. I'm so glad he is mine forever.

April was the month Nate finished school, and we headed to Oregon for an open house and a costal honeymoon. When we first reached the coast it was pouring rain, but I wanted to see the ocean-so we went straight to the coast, and ran out onto the beach in the pouring rain. It was one of the happiest moments of the entire year.

May was the month Nate spent on a field study in Southern Utah. I went down for a quick weekend visit- thanks to car troubles I got an extra day with Nate, and it only cost $$$ in car repairs.... Nate and I spent the weekend walking St. George, and honestly I've never enjoyed a trip to St. George more.

June was the month we fell in love with BBQ-ing, our garden, and bike rides to the creamery. It was also the first time we went to a wedding since being married, and it made me love my husband even more.

In July we celebrated the 4th with Carrie Underwood, and the 24th by scaling Timpanougous. Two miles in my soles fell off my shoes, and my always prepared husband was able to duck tape them back together. I'm sure grateful for my Eagle scout.

In August Nate graduated. We celebrated by going camping together for the first time-with the entire Rau family. I fell in love with the fog in Trinidad California and thanks to patience from my husband, I caught my first fish.

When September came I was very excited to celebrate my favorite season. Nate got on board with my  idea for the Annual Rau Family Fall Fest, and gave me the greatest gift-a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils. What a keeper, huh?

In October we made Halloween cookies, carved pumpkins, explored a corn maze and completely enjoyed teaching our primary class.

November brought our first Thanksgiving with the Londons. I made the marshmallow sweet potatoes Nate's crazy about (more marshmallows than potatoes) and we both scored some great Black Friday deals.

Last, but not least, December brought us our first Christmas together. We hung up Christmas lights, decorated our home, drove around to see lights, and stuffed stockings. We celebrated our own Christmas, just the two of us, and then headed to Oregon for the real day.  

It was honestly, the happiest year of my life. However, I have a feeling that 2015 is going to be another great one. What makes me most happy though is that no matter what 2015 holds, I'll have Nate there with me through it all. With a best friend like him, any new year is sure to be a happy one!