I one heard someone say, "Vacations are cheaper than divorces." I sort of laughed it off but then I really thought about it. What does it look like to invest in your marriage instead of letting it shred apart? I know how much daily life can peck away at even a strong foundation. Relationships have seasons and especially with small children at home, you have to work to keep things going. Earlier this year Matt and I were talking about the upcoming decade anniversary and decided that after making it through Ben's first birthday, we would take a trip. If you know me at all, you know that I clip coupons and shop deals. Spending money on a trip or anything that feels like an extravagance, instead of an essential, can be hard for me! I thought back to that quote though about vacations being cheaper than divorces. If you truly invest a little bit into your marriage , even just a few days away together, can make a marked difference in your relationship.

For five whole days we were just Matt and Emily. We could sip a drink on a beach chair or take a ride in a two seater kayak over the turquoise ocean. We weren't regulated by a child's meal or nap schedule. We didn't have four shadows behind us everywhere we went or interrupting our every conversation. Of course we treasure our season of family life, but let's face it, it's exhausting. Each day is filled with so much flat out work to keep things going with four young kids. It was refreshing to us each personally and as a relationship to get away. I think we are going to commit to do things together more, even on a much smaller scale.

Yesterday morning I was laying awake, with the slow creep of our real life filling my brain. I knew we would be on a plane back home that evening. I couldn't fall back asleep so I decided to go watch the sun come up over the ocean. My camera was majorly fogged so I had to finesse it a bit but I eventually got a few shots. I am so glad I did go watch the sunrise though because I can cling to that beauty when I am back in the mundane. Even today I have wrestled with children who need things, laundry to be washed, dishes to be put away, and meals to be planned, along with a pile of business to-do's waiting for me. While I am dealing with the monotony and mandatory, I can remember what it felt like to see the aqua ocean, to watch fish swim in and out of rocks, to watch the sun sift through the palm over my head and even just the smile of my husband over an icy fruity drink with island rum.

I really can't believe it's been ten years. I hardly recognize those kids in the wedding photos. I might have more to say on that another day, such as things learned in a decade of marriage. Thanks for a wonderful trip Matt and here's to the next ten years!

A few minutes after sunrise over Grand Bahama island.

I spotted this washed up buoy a couple hours after sunrise in Grand Bahama with the sun high in the sky! Looks inviting doesn't it?!

(For anyone wondering though, we had a fantastic trip booking experience through vacationsexpress.com. I was afraid it wasn't legit or wouldn't be nice but it very much was and everything was amazing! We were already talking about going back again, maybe even WITH our kids!)

Emily Troutman Photography