BACK TO THE FOREST

After our last camping trip, a nunber of our kids were leery about another stay in the woods. But there was no way that we were backing out on camping with cousins. And this trip did not disappoint. On the Friday kicking off October Break, we headed up to a reserved spot at Forest Lakes and set up camp. For the next 2 days, we enjoyed swinging in hammocks, playing card games, and chasing one another through the trees. We even set up a projector to watch Hocus Pocus 2 and play on the Nitendo Switch. Between the ease of camping in a designaated campground, enjoying delicious food, and spending time with the best of campany, this trip helped remind my kids just how fun camping can be without weather related issues. I'm pretty sure cousin camping trips might become a new tradition... 

FIFTEEN YEARS

6.2.2007.

FIFTEEN YEARS. 

I cannot even put into words what it feels like to hit this milestone. The most prevalent feeling is HOW? How has it simultaneously felt like we’ve always been together while also feeling as if we’ve blinked and made it here? How did I know fifteen years ago, at the age of 21, that I picked someone so good and so pure without having known him for more than a couple of months? How have we weathered so much together - with kids and with my faith - without it ever really feeling like a storm? But then I look at him and I just KNOW. I know that he is the right in my world. That he is what holds me together when I am falling apart. I know that he gives and gives and gives of himself in so many ways - no. In EVERY way. And I know he makes me whole. I look back on this picture and smile at the nerdy, skinny boy that he used to be. How most of the time he was awkward and timid at every step of the way. But then I look at him now and all I see is his confidence, love, and dedication. And I fall apart in all of the good ways. He is too good for me and I’m grateful for him every. single. day.

365.5: WEEK TWENTY TWO

 MAY 30th - JUNE 5th

Pool party and homemade ice cream with cousins. First day of [three different] summer camps. Summer library visits. Eleven year old shots (that he stressed WAAAAAY too much over). Trying to take anniversary pictures (but having togo with a back-up plan). A back-up plan to the back-up plan. Enjoying the Van Gogh exhibit in Scottsdale. Paddling the Salt (and spotting 76 wild horses). Fitting into (and zipping up!) my wedding dress after 15 years!