Tinian Island Getaway.

We went to a nearby island called Tinian for Tim's birthday weekend. (The big 3-0!)

Tinian is only a 10 minute ride on a tiny plane away and locals of the islands get a discount. We had been wanting to go for such a long time but I was reluctant. I had never left the kids overnight before and I was worried I'd just panic the entire weekend and ruin it. I finally mustered up the courage to do it and it was SO MUCH FUN!

We definitely missed them but seriously, this getaway rocked my socks off.

We joked that this was our second honeymoon since our first one was short and cheap because we were both still in school. It was perfect that our hotel was actually a casino as well because it reminded us of our original honeymoon in Las Vegas. (We married in Salt Lake City though--no drive thru wedding in case you were wondering!)

Highlights of our trip:

-flying in a 6 seater plane. terrifying and glorious all in one. Getting an aerial view of both islands at once was amazing. On our way back I actually sat in the co-pilot seat! 

- sleeping in.

-staying up as late as we wanted without guilt or regret the next morning.

-the buffet dessert table.

-WWII sites. We got to see both atomic bomb pits and several old war buildings. It was interesting, sad and really spooky. One building we went in I swear on my life, was haunted. Like, really. 

-Taga Beach. My favorite beach I've ever been to. It was clear, rock free, deep and had a cliff jump! 

-Tim's Japanese Birthday dinner. Best meal we've had since leaving the states. 

-Dateline on TV! It was on at around 2 am and we were so excited! When Tim worked late at the pharmacy during his residencies we used to watch it together before and talk through it before going to bed.

-Alone time.

-Icon Match Game Marathon in the lobby. We went to check something online (and "come up for air," ha!) and we got a little carried away. That game is addicting! It was pretty hilarious to hear each other spewing out answers and the inevitable groans of, "I was robbed!" when our answers were wrong.

- Did I mention alone time?

-The Blow Hole at the reef was beautiful. We probably stood there for almost an hour watching huge waves come in and out of the shore line.

-Sunsets. For once we got to watch it from the actual beach, alone, without kids to push us apart when we kissed. :-)

Seriously, people, it was crazy amazing. 

I'm so glad we went, so glad my husband was born (the 11th of 12 kids! Bless Maureen's heart!) and so glad I was able to spend so much time with him.

Love you forever Tim. 

Happy Birthday.