Mexican Riviera

Hi! Nathan and I just got back from an amazing trip to the Riviera Maya in Mexico where we snorkeled, climbed Mayan ruins and fished in the Sian Ka'an. Here is a video of some of our adventures:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NujQILPblsE&feature=share

New Orleans

Nathan had a business trip in Louisiana so I decided to go with him. We took a one and a half day venture to New Orleans. Neither of us have really explored the city, so we figured why not? Although this post is about a city (not nature or anything outdoorsy), I am writing it anyway because we have a 5 hour drive home and I am quite bored! Also, I want to document where we went and share it here. 

First off, on our way to N'awlins, we stopped on the side of the road and picked up some fresh, local Louisiana strawberries (or that's what the box said at least). We snacked on them the whole way and still have more. They are delish! 

We got to our hotel in the French Quarter and started exploring. We walked up and down Decatur street where we saw Cafe du Monde, spent some time in Jackson square, ate some really amazing pralines, went to the French Market, walked (quickly and cautiously) down Bourbon street, and saw the Joan of Arc statue. 

Sweet Nathan on our walk through town. 

Inside Cafe du Monde. It was really crowded. 

Joan of Arc, Maid of Orleans. 

Nathan at the entrance of the French Market. 

An eatery in the market. I appreciate this place because of the gluten free option!

Inside of Jackson Square. Behind us is a statue of Andrew Jackson and the Saint Louis Cathedral. 

I thought this was pretty awesome. All around the city people were making music. This was a band that consisted of a couple of trumpets, a tuba and a saxophone. 

Next, we went to the Garden District and saw some fancy pants (but pretty) houses. 

 

An absolutely gorgeous oak tree crossing the street in the Garden District. 

On our way home we stopped at a fully gluten free deli and bakery. This made me so happy! It was in Baton Rouge and called "Truly Free". I am very grateful for places like this now and I know my tummy is too. You can order their breads and baked goods online. Find them here at http://trulyfreebakery.com/home.php. 

The trip was really great. We got to see some new things, eat yummy food, and meet some really fun people!

Have a happy day!

Atalie 

Guadalupe River

This past weekend we went to canoe the Guadalupe river. We did a little fishing and caught nothing more than good bait fish. They were pretty cute. Overall it was a quick, enjoyable trip on the river. 

We put in at Nichols Landing and canoed 4 miles to the Guadalupe Canoe Livery. 

Nathan getting started. 

Some of the beautiful cypress trees along the river. Their roots are incredible! 

Trees are a beautiful reminder to:

1) Be flexible. Life throws things at us that we cannot control sometimes. Learn to go with the flow. 

2) Take only what you need. Whether it is money or energy, saving and conserving for times when these things are needed gives peace of mind and comfort. This also goes along with living life simply. 

3) Create deep roots. Know where your strength comes from and be confident in it! To have an unwavering, unchanging soul is admirable and worth making a goal. 

4) Soak up the sun. Like trees, sunlight is essential to our health. It gives life. It helps us not only physically, but mentally. Just don't forget some sunshine cream!!!

5) Slow down and breathe! Trees allow the air we breathe to be fresh and clean. We need to take time to enjoy life. Take time to just simply be. Take time to laugh, cry and breathe. 

Sorry for that tangent. So next, we stopped at a neat little fishing hole after some small rapids and caught these guys. 

Don't worry, they're all still swimming in the Guadalupe, hopefully. ;)

With joy,

Nathan & Atalie

Introduction

Howdy y'all!  This post is simply an introduction.  A little about us, our lives, and who we are.  First of all, thanks for reading!  We hope that everyone can learn from this blog, give us tips, and have fun reading.  We have been married a little over a year and it has been the best time of our lives.  We've gone on many adventures and hope to go on many, many more together.  In this blog, we will share mostly about our outdoor adventures, but we also hope to share about what we're learning about our faith in Jesus Christ and about our marriage. 

So, about us.  We are currently in good ol' Houston, Texas, the 4th largest city in the U.S.A.  The city is a fast-paced place, with WAY too many people who need to take a deep, DEEP breath of fresh air.  Fortunately, Houston is a pretty friendly place (with great food) and close to the coast and Huntsville (both of which we visit often).   Nathan grew up in Katy and Atalie in Stephenville.  We are both Aggies (WHOOP!).  Nathan is an engineer and Atalie is an almost therapist.  We have a cat named Molly.  Although cats have a pretty negative connotation, Molly is pretty cool.  She likes to stalk birds, play with bugs, and kill lizards.  We hope to get a hound dog someday, but for now, we'll wait.

• A few of our favorite things are: each other, leaving the city, oak trees, Ahi tuna, stargazing, holding hands and kissing, steak, aspen trees, our home, walking on the bayou, laughing, laying in the hammock, Dances with Wolves, Legends of the Fall, and being peaceful, healthy people!

• A few of Nathan's favorites: fishing, hunting, kayaking, hiking, Colorado, salmon, sweet potato fries, Nestle chocolate chip cookies, beer, and Texas country

• A few of Atalie's favorites: hiking, kayaking, sitting in the sunshine while Nathan fishes or hunts (slowly learning these adventures), beef, raw kale, avocados, drinking Kombucha, Stephenville, folk music, and cooking gluten free and paleo goodness

We hope you enjoy this blog!

With much joy,
Nathan & Atalie