Once Upon a Winter...

Last winter was mild. Which I'm grateful for. I hate the winter. I type this as snow falls heavily outside my window, adding to the foot high snow already covering everything.

I don't hate winter because of the snow. I hate it because it's hard to travel, and it makes being outside uncomfortable. It's so so beautiful. But it makes my anxiety go through the roof.

But I digress. I was talking about last year.

Seth and I started dating last September. And as our relationship blossomed and continued, we entered the winter months. Being long distance, I was worried. We were both worried. Driving to see each other might not be an option anymore. So, we prayed and hoped a lot. Hoping that the roads would stay clear, that the snow and bad weather would be minimal.

And it was. We were really blessed with a mild winter. Looking back, I'm honestly amazed.

The first time it really snowed, was right after Christmas. I was in St. George, visiting him. We drove back to Orem in the snow(which was miserable), because I was moving a few days later. My car broke down, everything was falling apart, but we made it to my new apartment with all of my stuff safely. Even though it was now snowing, AND my car was broken down. We were essentially stranded.

But we made the best of it. We built a fort in my living room, and cuddled day in and day out. We had plans to go out for NYE, but our situation made it impossible. He knew that I'd bought a dress, so he told me to still get all dolled up, he had a plan. We walked down the snowy street to the grocery store(we later found out that there was one closer). Then, while I showered and got ready, he made dinner.

I walked out in my dress, and his face lit up. It was similar to his face when he saw me on our wedding day(but not quite as great). He kissed me, telling me how beautiful I was, and wow, he couldn't believe it. We ate chicken enchiladas on the kitchen floor, and then danced until midnight in our socks.

And it was the perfect holiday.

This year will be so different. Making snow angels in the foot of snow while our dog runs around, jumping up at the falling flakes. Sledding(it's a must), and all of the cute, instagram worthy pictures(can you tell we're millenials?). I hate ice skating, but for him, I'd go.

And I want to take him to the Midway ice castles. They are breathtakingly beautiful. And they are so close to my grandmas house, we can stop by there afterwards for nachos and hot cocoa. Plus, it'll be a good excuse to visit the place we got married.

And of course, the temple square lights. We went last year, on the way home from visiting my family for Thanksgiving, and we went last night, with my family. But I don't anticipate it being our last visit there.

And Christmas. Man, am I excited for Christmas with Seth. We're going to visit my family for Christmas(we can't pass up Christmas bingo with my siblings). But when we get back, we both have a day off, and we're going to spend that day having Christmas, just us and the dog.

I hate winter for so many reasons. But I'll find a million reasons to love it this season, because I love the people I get to spend it with.

Inspired by this LDR Blogs Writing prompt: Winterwishes