The struggles of life are worth it to have these moments with my Love.

This is one of those self-taken photos that comes out just right. Dara I walked around Bridal Veil Falls. It was a little overcast and breezy, and near the end of our walk the rain started up a little.

Our best moments together are when we go out and enjoy the outside, when we go on walks or go running. Seeing a museum or visiting a park are places we like to go. Its nice just to hold each other by the hand and observe the world around us. We have some of our deepest conversations when we go out together. I love dreaming about and planning for our future.

This picture is funny because its so typical of a picture of me and Dara. She is always looking into the camera and for some reason I'm always looking off into the distance (as if I am looking into the future.) I remember finishing my mission in Ukraine and wondering what the rest of my life would be like. I couldn't imagine the course my life has gone, but its been wonderful.

This week has been rather stressful for both Dara and I, but this weekend has been a reminder to me that marrying Dara was the best decision that I have made in my life. Being married is more than a honeymoon and playing house. It involves so much more like working hard and providing and planing and communicating well, and respecting each other and being patient as we grow and mature. I appreciate the moments that she and I have shared this weekend that have reminded me of how much I love Dara and want to be with her forever. We get frustrated and impatient with each other but we come back around and momentary frustration and doubt is replaced with a calm sweet assurance that the woman I am holding tight is the woman that I will be with every day of my life.