Love is More Than a 4-Letter Word

I've always known, somewhere in the depths of my soul, that love was more than just really liking something...but I didn't truly understand it until now. Love is more than words; to me, it's the sum of every moment, every word, every action. I feel this every day, but today I was compelled to spell it out. So, sit back and enjoy a little confession of love.

Captain of our dinner cruise -- Captain of my heart

I just got home from 2 weeks on a dream vacation with my sister, and as incredible as it was, nothing compares to Josh. I could only communicate via wifi every few days or so, but without fail, I always turned my phone on to find sweet messages, heartfelt texts, and pictures of the cats (a measure of true love, as far as I'm concerned).

Me: Give him kisses and tell him I love him!
Josh: I tell him every day ❤😻

These gestures alone would be enough to make a girl swoon, but Josh never settles for just enough. I was met at the gates of the airport with a bouquet of flower and the biggest smile I've ever seen! Maybe it was jetlag or weariness from all the travel, but I think the bustle of the airport stopped for a second and there was a collective sigh of admiration for this genuine display of love. 

"There's still something so pure
and heartfelt and emotional
and genuine about a bouquet of flowers." 
Vanessa Diffenbough

But wait, there's more! After walking in the door (and snuggling the cats to our heart's content), I looked around at our spotlessly clean home. Everything sparkled - from the empty sink, to fresh sheets, clean bathrooms, and vacuum lines across the carpet. I must be dreaming, because no one can possibly be this wonderful. And yet, I woke up this morning to the sun barely rising through the window, and there he was on the pillow next to mine.

Please don't  kill me for posting this...
it was too cute not to!

What a wonderful life this is. It's so good to be home.

Sand, wet dog, and a full heart.

One of the greatest parts of this Memorial Day weekend was the anticipation!  Ideas rattled around in our heads, lists were made, itinerary posted on a post-it...

Before I say anything more, a moment to remember the veterans who gave their lives fighting for our country.  My heart is full of gratitude; I thank you.  Little tidbit: Memorial Day, then Decoration Day, began 3 years after the Civil War and was a day to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers.  Why the end of May, you ask?  Because that's when the flowers would be in full bloom.

Hollywood Beach, Oxnard

Between running away from incoming waves and digging for sand crabs, I snapped a few pictures of Maggie being cute.

This pretty girl had a great day splashing through the salty waters of the Pacific Ocean as she chased after her red flying disc (not a Frisbee, because that is copyrighted).  I love the way she'd tumble into the sand and send it spraying up.  And the way she'd take a beeline back to us through the water.

I know Maggie wasn't the only one who had a great time.  Beach time = Success!