Travel Makes You Rich. Love Makes You Stronger

Summer of 2013 I journeyed across the "pond" to the United Kingdom to visit with Andrew, my then fiance, for three weeks {This was the most time we had spent face-to-face}.  This was my second time going over seas and travelling alone.  I was finally going to be able to visit a city that has always been on my bucket list, London! Excited doesn't even begin to explain my emotions.  Not to mention I was excited to see and spend more than a week with Andrew in his country with his friends and family.  

Andrew, his mam, and sister in the back garden

Travelling is what brought Andrew and I together and is such a huge part of our story.  The hardest thing about a long distance relationship, for us, was we came and went about our own lives only having Skype (or other social media) contact with the other person maybe a couple times a week to "living" together and having constant contact while on visits.  It was hard to find that balance.  It was like the other one just moves in one day, crashes your routine and place, and just about the time you think you are finding a routine together they leave again and it is back to only virtual contact.  It was a vicious cycle, but we took these as learning moments to grow deeper in our relationship.

Some moments were harder than others but neither one of us wanted to tackle this journey of life without the other.  We have cried, laughed, fought, and grew together more than I thought was possible with someone that was a stranger 1.5 years ago.  It is amazing how even the hardest of days are "easier" when there is so much love present.  

I have learned (and continue to learn) so much about myself while in this relationship with Andrew and I believe that when you find that one person that accepts you for you and grows with you, then you hold on to them, and hold on tight.

I hold something someone once told me very close to my heart daily, but especially on the most trying days, "Relationships are not easy, they are actually hard work but also the most rewarding thing I have done."  It is SO true.  My fairy-tale may not look like Cinderella's but I am living in the real world and not a picture book.  My life might not seem perfect to an outsider because we fall and run into dead ends but that is what makes my life "perfect" to me, challenges and obstacles! My life is fun and full of adventure.

We didn't get to see or do everything, but what we did get to see we did it together and will forever have the memories of visiting London for the first time together.

Westminster Abbey

We saw the musical Billy Elliot.  

One of my favorite shots.  I LOVE the red phone booths

Surreal to be at Buckingham Palace

Andrew and the London Eye

Where should we go next?

Where will you sprinkle love {or joy} at today? Remember just a simple smile, hug or coffee to your significant other can make their good day better.

xoxo