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5.23.2014

The Year of Paper- Our First Anniversary

The passage of time is something that amazes me. I often think about what was going on a week ago, a month ago, a year ago, and so on. It's something about jogging those memories that I love. 


Today I think about one year ago. We were in Michigan. We had been vacationing with our family for the week. Thursday had rolled around and it was our wedding day. It was time to get married.  


So we went to our separate spaces. We did our hair, our makeup-well as far as I know that was only part of my routine. We put on our wedding attire and got ready to take some pictures. 


We exchanged gifts separately. 


We chose to not see each other until the time to walk down the aisle.


Pictures were taken and a few tears were shed. 


And then it was time to walk down the aisle. 


We listened to the breeze through the trees, the guitar melody, and the pastor of our youth who helped us grow in our faith and our relationship with each other. 


We looked at one another and Creation. Still not really believing that after all those years we were really there. 


We were thankful for the parting of the clouds and the pause in the rain so that we could do this outside-just like we wanted. 


I shivered and shook-not because I was scared but because I was cold. But it didn't matter to me. 



It did matter to the men though, and so my dad ran in and grabbed a blanket. I became "regal" in an instant. 


I told Jerrel that his people are now my people and where he goes I will go. Jerrel promised to protect and honor. 


Rings were exchanged as a symbol. And we both smiles at our new frosting. 



Papers were signed. And I used my new name for the first time.  I knew that this was big, new, different, and forever, but it didn't feel new or different-it felt like it always had been. That detail has always amazed us. 



I think our confidence was in part because of the marriages we have witnessed in our families. 


Finally we could take pictures together. And we tried to get some boys to smile.


We had a wonderful dinner together with new ties that bind.



And now a year later. I'm exhausted and elated after thinking about all that we have been through.


Graduating college, new job, moving to our own place, student teaching, graduating college, and our biggest addition-Millie. 




I've had some people say that the first year is the hardest. But we can't say that is true. It hasn't always been easy, but we have grown, we have loved, and the time has flown! What a joy this marriage has been. 


Because you know what they say...time flies when you are having fun!

Happy Anniversary Jerrel, you have been the husband I prayed for.

Blessings!

5.20.2014

A Family Vacation to Fort Robinson

I am happy to report we have survived our first family vacation! Before Millie was born my mom planned a trip up to Fort Robinson State Park. My family loves Fort Rob and I've blogged about it before, so I was excited to get back up there. Until Millie made a 4 hour trip home from Bellevue 8 hours, showed me her tonsils on a couple different trips to a couple different grandmas, and made me cry with her expressions of distain of the carseat. Needless to say I was petrified of the 6 hour trek up north because we don't let her cry-we stop, we hang out, and then we try again. But my girl?


My girl did awesome! I decided to drive to save myself from motion sickness. Jerrel started the trip in the passenger seat but then Mills needed company and someone to shake a rattle or make ridiculous noises to her so Jerrel moved to the back and talked, changed diapers, got her to sleep, and handed her to me to nurse. We avoided the interstate so we could pull over whenever we needed to and that strategy worked great! About 1.5 hors from our destination we stopped changed a diaper and decided that her onesie was too slobbery for her to be comfy plus she doesn't like clothes so...back on the road with just a little distraction and Millie slept he last leg of the trip. We only stopped for a total of 2 hours and beat every one else there! 


Once everyone was there the spoiling began. Millie got a sink bath with both her Grandmas cooing at her.


The next day was thankfully warmer so we headed out to take in some history and the atmosphere of the fort. It's so relaxing.



How about that papoose! 


So much history so many cool tidbits of information.


That afternoon Millie and I took a walk and took some pictures. Then half way through we had to stop for a diaper change, we took the opportunity to snap some photos. 




She's kinda a ham.



Even the light poles are full of historic detail. A rainy afternoon kinda messed with the plans for a jeep ride on the bluffs but man did we eat good!


We were able to capture this gem with all Millie's uncles. 


And this uncle? He is awfully smitten with our little girl. 


I was able to sneak away for a bit to get some shots of the bluffs. They look like a painting. I love that you can sit outside your accommodations and take them in.


So, so pretty.





Nature--it's neat.

Ahh, the golden light at Fort Rob. So pretty.



We finished our evening with pie and a fire. The boys love fire, can't say I mind it either but I was more thrilled with the pie!

The next morning we had breakfast, packed up and got on the road. But before that all happened...


This is what happens when uncle Jake plays with Millie-sock on the hand. Then he just got up and left. His work was finished. 



And for our family vacation picture? Sorry Millie your parents are tired, but at least you are well rested! We promise we are truly happy to be there! 

It was a nice time again at Fort Rob, looking forward to going back again already. 

Blessings!