Park City

Park City Getaway

Bryan and I have talked about taking a weekend trip for quite some time. Thanks to the generosity of Bryan's parents being willing to take our kids--we were finally able to enjoy a getaway in celebration of our 16th wedding anniversary.  A few years ago we were able to celebrate our anniversary with a trip to Sun Valley, Idaho. This year we decided to try Park City, Utah. 

We had so much fun with all the activities Park City had to offer. We spent an entire day at the Mountain Resort riding the Alpine Slide & Alpine Coaster, playing miniature golf, and jumping on the harnessed trampolines. Our day was full of laughter as we simply enjoyed spending time with each other. 

Taking a trip with just the two of us has energized our marriage. Prior to this trip, I didn't know our marriage needed "energizing". Bryan and I have a fantastic marriage--we work well together as a couple and as parents. However, there was just something about being a couple again--just the two of us--that strengthened our already strong relationship. I felt like a young girl being courted by the man of my dreams. Somehow in the busyness of everyday life, we sometimes miss the "courtship"--Park City reintroduced us to the importance of continuing our courtship even as an "old" married couple.

When Bryan and I were dating and newly married, we quite often "dedicated" songs to each other that we felt described our relationship. To prepare for this trip, Bryan created a "mixed tape" for me in celebration of our marriage now, and in remembrance of the beginning of our relationship. Every time we entered the car to drive to the next location, we would listen to the songs he had prepared. Some of the songs were repeats of songs past, while other songs were new and represented the here and now. Quite often while listening, I would reach my hand over to Bryan's side of the car and squeeze his hand in agreement to the song being played.As I sat listening to the songs that Bryan had prepared, my heart filled with gratitude for the blessings of being married to my best friend.  

I am grateful to Bryan. I love him with all of my heart. I am grateful that I can be "me", and that "me" is good enough. I am grateful that we are working at becoming better together. Each day we pull each other to a better place. The beautiful things is that it's done together--it's not a one sided effort, but rather a team effort. When I have a bad day, Bryan is there to pick me up and support me. When he struggles, I only hope I am as gracious as he is to me. Because he loves me unconditionally, I feel encouraged and motivated to keep working at improving myself. Bryan is my other half--he makes me whole.

Alpine Coaster

I loved the Alpine Coaster. It felt like a roller coaster. The only difference between a roller coaster and the Alpine Coaster was that  with The Alpine Coaster, I was the one controlling my speed--we were quite often told that going "faster" was safer. In the beginning, I was scared to allow myself to hit the corners fast; however, after riding it for a while, I came to trust in its safety, and my new goal was to go as fast as possible.

It rained a bit throughout the day, and in an effort to stay dry, I used our map as an umbrella.

My jacket wasn't as effective in keeping my head dry.

Alpine SLIDE

The Alpine Slide was another ride in which we were able to control our speed; however, unlike the Alpine Coaster, we were not attached to the track. Therefore, if we were too reckless with our speeds, we could crash. 

With the Alpine Slide, Bryan and I tried to race--while remaining safe. I'm a bit more cautious that Bryan, so I always lost. All the same we had a great time!

The first time I hit the red portion of the slide, I was surprised at the jolt I felt as the slide slowed me to a stop. Bryan was able to catch my emotion on camera. Perfect.

Miniature Golf 

This is the hardest miniature golf course I have ever played--so much fun, but oh so hard!

Trampoline

I was surprised at the energy it took to jump being harnessed. As I attempted a double back-flip, I longed for my daughter, Amber, to show me how it was done. 

Olympic Park

The following day we toured the museums at Olympic Park. I enjoyed learning about past athletes and traditions of our country. It felt like an awesome Memorial Day activity.