10 Year Trip

Last week we celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary. We saved up for a couple of years to do something special and, in November, we booked a trip to Cancun. On Saturday we got back from spending 7 days at a beautiful resort. We met up with good friends, Graham and Brie, who got married two weeks after we did. There are so many stories about our adventures. It was the best time. I took notes throughout our trip to get all the details down, but for now I just want to get some pictures up. We swam, snorkeled, ate, drank, laughed, slept, relaxed, played, hiked. We went. We saw. We did.

Happy Birthday to You...

Dear Josh,

Happy birthday. Here are some top reasons why I am thrilled you entered the world 36 years ago.

1. You are a gangster. As this picture shows, you know how to throw your signs and pucker your lips that lets people know not to mess. Obviously you are a big tough guy.

 2. You are Darth Vader. Need I say more? I mean, I am married to DARTH VADER.

 3. You remain tough, even during cultural holidays, with paint all over your clothes and face while drinking a beer.

 4. You are a singer. I've seen you onstage and you would be the next Idol if only they judged on charisma, enthusiasm, entertainment, impersonations and allowed an Idol to be just a bit off key at times.

I will add the following reasons (as if the top 4 reasons are not reason enough).

5. I get to laugh every single day. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

6. I get to be a part of you being a dad to our kids- an incredible thing to watch and be a part of. You are the epitome of a kid person. You are an inspirational parent.

7. You are hot.

8. You are who you are in every aspect of your life. What you see is what you get. You never apologize for being you and you never should.

9. I am proud to be your wife. I love being introduced to people I don't know and getting compliments about you and how well you are respected and liked. I beam from it.

10. You are an awesome friend to so many people. You are a "one of a kind" man.

 Joni and Lloyd, thanks for having Josh and raising him the way you did. Thanks for being born, Josh. You are the best person I know. I couldn't be more in love. I couldn't be happier.

Happy Birthday.

Posts

When I started this blog it was for family record keeping. Instead of keeping detailed records of stories and happenings in our family, I would just blog about it. I still do that, but realize sometimes I am hesitant to write about certain things. Sometimes I am reflective and other times I just want to record. Some people may not want to read what we did each day of our vacation, but then I always remember the beauty of having a blog- no one has to read it!
There have been some days when I have just wanted to write about my kids and how proud I am of them. I have resisted because I didn't want to be "bragging."
I need to get over it (and I think I have). This blog will be so cool for the kids to look at and read throughout the years. They already love the old pictures and videos from when they were babies.

I write this to warn you- I don't think I am going to be holding back. If I want my kids to see it someday and I want a record of it myself, then it's going in. I won't be editing my thoughts. I will be capturing everything and anything I am thinking or feeling. So, I'll start with Josh...

Josie Isabel

On June 20th, our new niece joined our family. Josie is perfection. She is already letting Meredith and Nate get some nice sleep (only wakes up once a night) and is the cutest little thing. Haley and Ryan are very excited to have a new cousin!

Pinecrest 2012

We just got back from our annual trip to Pinecrest. This is definitely a highlight of every year for me. I LOVE to camp. LOVE. Camping at Pinecrest brings back so many fond memories of going there as a kid and it is so special to be creating new memories with my family and friends.

The time there was fabulous. No drama or tension with kids or adults. This vacation is not that relaxing since camping is a ton of work- much easier to camp as a kid, but being in nature with the beautiful surroundings you see, brings me into a complete calm and inner peace. I am completely unplugged from the world. It's pure heaven.

The weather was perfect. The lake was refreshing but all of us swan in it. We couldn't get the kids out and we didn't have to since we were on no time crunch. Like I said, heaven.

My parents came by on Friday to see everyone and enjoy a swim in the lake. They stayed for a few hours and enjoyed being there after so many years. That was a special time for me. I love that my parents are so easy and everyone was happy to see them. My friends tried to convince them to stay for dinner. Even though they declined, it's nice to know that others enjoy my parents as much as I do.

 Each year the moms, then the dads go on the 4 mile hike around the lake. Does it get any better than that? Great adult conversation, a stop along the way for drinks and snacks, great exercise and a stunning view.

The week before we left we had some friends over for dinner and I was introduced to the term "planking." For those of you out of the loop, like I was, planking is laying flat as board, face down, and taking a picture. It's a popular thing for kids to do. I think it is so random and hilarious! I had to try it. I admit, it was really funny and I laughed the whole time trying it. It is so ridiculous!

I am still unpacking and running laundry. All of the tents and tubs will go back into the attic tonight. Another awesome trip down. I am already looking forward to next year!