First & Last Kirksville Date

With Alan and I’s big move to Texas on the horizon, we decided to celebrate all of our time by having our first & last Kirksville date in the same spot!

FIRST & LAST KIRKSVILLE DATE

Moving from Kirksville is bittersweet. While Alan had about only a month’s notice before heading south, I’ve had four. I’ve filled these past few months with as many “lasts” as possible because I am a sap and want to soak up everything I love about life in Northeast Missouri. One of my favorite “lasts” was Alan and I’s last date in town. Since Alan moved immediately after graduation (that very night!), we had our last date the week before. And because we knew it would be our last date, we decided to recreate one of our firsts.

First Kirksville Date

On of our first dates was a picnic at Hazel Creek Lake, just outside of Kirksville. It requires a drive down some gravel roads but leads to a beautiful, not-heavily-trafficked lake. We made our picnic easy by bringing a feast from Bellacino’s; and we also brought a blanket and candle. This was way back in 2014–right after our summer apart! We had a lot to talk about and stayed until the sun was long gone and the stars filled the sky.

Last Kirksville Date

Fast forward to May 2019, right before Alan left Kirksville. We had made it through many of our “lasts” we wanted to do together, but we hadn’t yet gone to Hazel Creek! We actually hadn’t been back to Hazel Creek since our first time together, so we thought it would be perfect to go one last time. The weather was oddly cold for May, but perfect for a picnic.

All of our blankets were packed for the move, so we just brought the table and chairs off of our front porch. We were so extra with our table and chairs, but I loved it. Alan and I brought a wide assortment of goods from Aldi and whatever we could find in our fridge to snack on. We talked, ate, and again, joined in on a Hazel Creek sunset.

Many of our dates, including the first and last in Kirksville, are simple, yet significant. We often lean to the activities that are easy, budget-friendly, and ultimately give us space to spend time with each other. Most dates also involve food! It seemed appropriate to celebrate Kirksville, as it has meant so much to us and we will miss it dearly.

To me, having the opportunity to reflect and celebrate significant seasons is important. And while our season in Kirksville is over, we’re excited for what Texas holds. Everyone needs a sacred space – where’s yours?