David and I recently celebrated 11 years of marriage! Itβs like Gretchen Rubin says, βThe days are long, but the years are short.β
Just yesterday we were making honeymoon plans. And then somehow in May we attended our ring bearerβs college graduation.
When it comes to special occasions, it can be a little tricky figuring out things to do and ways to celebrate in our town since weβve done everything a million times over. Itβs hard for it to feel βspecialβ when youβve gone to the same places again and again.
So we decided to make something old new again.
David and I love going on hikes together. Itβs one of our favorite ways to exercise.
It just feels good β being in the outdoors amidst beautiful scenery. It doesnβt feel like work. It feels like fun.
Iβve wanted to have a breakfast picnic in the woods for a while after reading about them on What Should I Eat For Breakfast Today.
Most of the blogs I read are vegan, but that is one of the rare exceptions. I love Marta’s dark, moody photography. Itβs so different from the everything-white Instagram standard.
She regularly takes early morning excursions to wooded areas with friends in tow. Her breakfast picnic pictures are covered in mist and morning dew.
Our anniversary seemed like a great excuse to make a vegan breakfast picnic happen.
So the day before our anniversary, I pulled out the handmade basket we bought from some Amish ladies at a roadside stand.
I got the coffee ready. (Just needed to press start on the coffee pot.) I whipped up some cashew milk for creamer. Then I rinsed raspberries and cherries, which are so juicy and amazing right now.
Finally, I made a vegan frittata.
Itβs a user-friendly recipe, because you can use 2 to 3 cups of whatever vegetables appeal to you at the moment or that you happen to have in the crisper. Itβs an ideal way to use seasonal produce from the farmers market β or not.
This would also be good with pantry staples like artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives. Choose your adventure!
I went with steamed broccoli, onions, chopped cilantro, thinly sliced tomato, and a sprinkling of berbere on top.
It is wonderful hot, cold, or room temperature. And itβs filled with protein-packed tofu, meaning itβs not going to leave you hungry an hour later.
(Update: I have since adapted this recipe into a mini version too! Vegan quiche bites can be made in the air fryer or oven! Check it out if you like cute food.)
I had big plans that weβd be up and at βem at 7 or 8. I said to David the day before, βI want to make sure weβre out the door before we get too hungry, since weβll need to hike out to the picnic spotβ¦β
And so just like clockwork, we were out the door a little after 10:00. Haha! The days are long, but the hours between 7 and 10 are short. Β π
So our anniversary breakfast picnic became an anniversary brunch picnic instead.
Oh, well. Everyone prefers brunch anyway.
I had a chance to use my beloved frog thermos, which hasnβt gotten any action in a while, as Iβm usually not drinking coffee on the road anymore.
(It was my regular companion when I did touring childrenβs theatre all over Southern California.)
Funnily enough, this frog thermos was from our wedding registry! Not surprisingly, it wasnβt an item that people were quick to buy.
Before our wedding, I followed the purchases on our wedding registry with much interest. I checked the list with the same fervency that a vegan watches the “opening soon” sign on new Trader Joe’s construction.
I followed along as our guests bought sheet sets and tableware, while the $40 novelty thermos collected dust in the corner. For some reason, people didnβt think it was a necessity for this new married life. π
Every day Iβd give David the rundown on what had been purchased and more notably, what hadnβt.
βNo one has bought the frog thermos yetβ¦β
And then one day, it happened. I openly gasped when I saw a checkmark next to my thermos. David was in his work carpool when I called him.
βSomeone bought the frog thermos!β
When it arrived a few days later, I quickly looked at the tag to see who I needed to thankβ¦ And I didnβt have to walk far to thank him.
It was David!
He bought a gift off of our own registry, because he didnβt want me to have to wait and wonder any longer. And thatβs him. Thatβs love. I am so thankful to have a husband who really gets me β now as much as ever.
Here are some more ideas for this summer’s vegan potlucks, picnics, or cookouts.
Shell
Cad, I love this post. I remember your wedding just like it was yesterday. I love that we also spent our anniversary hiking this year. Just wish I would have had a frog thermos!
Cadry
Thanks, Shell! It’s crazy that 11 years have passed since we both got married. Time flies and yet so much has happened since then. No hike is complete without a frog thermos. You’ll have to get one before next year! π
Susan
Happy anniversary! Sounds like a lovely way to celebrate. π
Cadry
Thanks, Susan! It was a really nice start to the day. π
Pam Allard
The days are long but the years are short – coming up on 50 years both the days and years are short! Loved this post!
Cadry
Haha! I’m sure you’re right. Thanks, Pam!
Tracy
What a sweet story about your thermos. Happy anniversary
Cadry
Thank you, Tracy!
Celeste
This made me cry…he’s so sweet.
Cadry
Aww, that’s so nice. <3
Julia
Awwww! David is SUCH a dear!! What a fun, special, beautiful and delicious way to celebrate your continuing love for one another. That love shows, by the way, in all of your photos.
Cadry
That is so nice to hear, Julia. Thank you.
Rachel R.
I didn’t know you were a children’s theatre artist! I work at a children’s theatre – in admin, though! – and I’m always amazed at the dedication and devotion of our touring actors. We live in a state that has a lot of rural areas that receive little to no arts education, and sometimes one of our touring performances is the only access to the arts some kids will have in a year. It’s not an easy career path, but so important! So thank you for your years of arts outreach!
Cadry
I was a touring children’s theatre artist in Los Angeles for 11 years. The hours are early and can require a lot of time in traffic, but wow, it was really satisfying work. We brought kids up on stage to act in the show, and it was a beautiful thing to witness the innate creativity in children. There were many times when their classmates, teachers, and parents were openly amazed at what they were able to accomplish. They’d never seen it in them before and had no idea that talent was there. It was a privilege to be a part of it. That’s so great that you are working in the field too, Rachel. Not everyone realizes the value of arts education and outreach, but I’m glad that you do. Thank you too!
Leah Gehlsen Morlan
Congratulations, Cadry! That frog thermos story is absolutely darling π
Cadry
Thanks, Leah! <3
Claire
I love that frog Thermos story! That’s exactly the sort of thing that my boyfriend Ben would do, that always remind me I’ve found a real keeper… it’s those little things that count.
An anniversary breakfast picnic is such a sweet idea – and I agree, brunch is way better than breakfast anyway π To another year of happy moments for you two <3
Cadry
Thank you, Claire! I agree, it’s all about the little things. I’m glad that you’ve found a keeper too in Ben. Thanks for the anniversary wishes!
Theresa Allen
Love the post..I am getting back into weight loss and vegan..I one these person whom are afraid of living my home. Do something for me again…This is helping me so much
Cadry
That sounds really challenging, Theresa. I’m so glad to hear it’s helping you.
Patti Verlengia
I love this post! You guys are so darn cute. And I love the frog thermos!
Cadry
Thank you, Patti! <3