I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long. I knew, someday, I’d be here. But I never knew how long it would take to get here. But damn, I’m glad that somewhere deep inside I had the patience to do so. My dad always reminds me how little patience I have. Maybe I’ve finally learned.

I’m not sure what words will do this justice. But I’ll try. I’ve never felt more understood by a non-blood family member than I do with this boy. He accepts me exactly as I am: as a weirdo, a one too many pounder, a spender, a loud mouthed girl, a stubborn and strong-willed woman. He loves me in the most all-inclusive way.

And moments with him make me laugh hard, think deeply, feel super at ease and calm, and just feel right. They say “when you know, you know”. And honestly I tried to stuff too many other people into that mold. But this—this is it. There is no rush and no pressure and even the most mundane moments together light me up.

This weekend we spent camping at Shade State Park (I love me a good park hang). We made fires and food, we hiked trails, we talked and enjoyed time together, and explored, and had deep conversations. And on Saturday nights we packed it all up and went home to sleep in a real bed and watch some Ted Lasso. In true Shannon-form I made us do an intention setting for the next year. And then we crashed, woke up, and got some delicious brunch to celebrate our first year together. Photo dump of this weekend below.

Happy Anniversary, Randallford!!