Happy Anniversary

Happy anniversary to my partner in crime of over 12 years and my official ball-and-chain of 11 years. LOL. I love you so much.

Twelve years of memories...

The day of our first date, you went canoeing with friends beforehand. You left your keys in the wrong vehicle (the vehicle at the starting point instead of the ending point). Your mom, who I had not yet met, called me to tell me what happened and that you would be there eventually. And you did show up, hours late. And we had a great time.

The night we got engaged, I will never know how you managed to surprise me. Everyone knew you were proposing. Looking back on it, I should have known. We got dressed up and went to a very nice and very expensive restaurant in downtown Columbia (SC). You even told the wait staff and they sat us away from everyone to give us privacy. It was sweet and romantic and perfect.

The day of our wedding was a beautiful warm fall day in Columbia (SC). Our wedding was small by many people's standards, but it was perfect. The family and friends that we loved most were all there. Some of them drove a very long way to share the day with us. I felt so loved and so special. I remember later at the reception, wiping tears from your eyes as we danced our first dance to "Grow Old With Me" by Mary Chapin Carpenter.

The years moved quickly. Like any couple, we've had many ups and downs. We've had good times and bad times. We've lived in four states together as a couple: SC, FL, OH and MO. We have endured many moves, and several long distance moves across many states. But it didn't really matter where we were or how many times we moved to get there. Home was always where you were.

I remember the moment I learned of each pregnancy... all three of them. I remember how happy and excited were were each time. Losing the first pregnancy was total heartfail. But we got through it. Kiera joined us a year later. The adjustment to parenthood was difficult but wonderful. We were a family of three for four years. And then enter little Caitlin. She has added so much joy and spirit to our lives. We are so blessed.

So happy anniversary, baby. Thank you for the love and support and all of the years of memories. Here's to many more years of memories to come.