Lucky 13

Danny doesn't get much attention at all around here. Especially here on the blog.  

I'll be honest. I go through the motions of our daily routine and I often take him for granted. Not today.  

Tomorrow we will celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary.  Thirteen years married.  Eighteen years together.  Let me do a little math for you.  That means we've been together for just over half our lives.

Whoa.

Seems kind of crazy to think about.  To me, it's even crazier to think about it any other way.

We just go together perfectly. His strengths are my weaknesses. He knows what I'm thinking before I even say it (okay, still working on that one). He loves me unconditionally. He has never broken my heart.  He has never let me down. He goes to work everyday to provide for his family.  He never once complains.  He's an incredible father to our boys.  He's a hands on dad who doesn't think a second thought of cleaning up the kitchen, giving the boys a bath, and putting them to bed even after a 10 hour day at the office.   He still tells me all the time how awesome I am or how pretty I look or what a good mom I am or how lucky he is to have me.  I know.  Go ahead and roll your eyes, but he does.  All. The. Time.

After 13 years of marriage, it hasn't all been perfect.  But, pretty darn close.

I write this because I know I don't tell him enough how much I love him.
I write this because I know I don't tell him enough how much I appreciate him.
I write this because I know I don't tell him enough how lucky I am to have him.

Daniel, 
I love you.
I appreciate you.
I'm so lucky to have you.  

Eighteen years ago we were Juniors in high school.  I thought I loved him then.

Truth is, I did.  But now, after all of these years, I love him so much more.

Boys of Summer

Grant is already back to school.  I thought I'd take some time to reflect on our summer.

With only 8 weeks, we crammed a lot in.

Week 1, swim school.  I think they floated for nearly 30 minutes this day.  

Week 2, beach trip #1.  Sunny Side Beach, FL.  Thank you mom and dad for a great trip and some great memories. 

Week 3, Baseball Camp for Grant.  Actually, the entire summer consisted of lots of baseball practice and Beast games. 

Week 4.  We said goodbye to the wedding chapel.

Week 5, beach trip #2.  Destin, FL.  Great house. Even better company.

Week 6, Vacation Bible School for Grant.  Drew will be so excited to go with him next year.  I didn't get a picture, but we did go to the zoo several times this summer.  Grant was too scared the first trip to go see the robotic, life size dinosaurs.  But, on the subsequent trips, he braved it without a worry just like his little brother. 

Week 7, Miscellaneous fun at home.  

Week 8, More fun at home and around Nashville.

hanging out at the club pool

zoo with Autumn, Peyton, and Nana

Week 9.  Back to School.  Big time second grader. 

I think he grew 4 inches over our quick but fun summer break.  

A short blurb about the main event for each week of the summer really doesn't do it justice.  

So many memories were made... the house constantly covered with dinosaurs, cars, and skylanders... trying to get a word in while Grant is telling me every single detail about his current race bracket.... "Jumping Bean" Drew, jumping off of anything and everything in his sight... me, trying to make cupcakes, get a workout in, and keep the house presentable all while refereeing two kids.  

I wouldn't change a thing though.  I love my boys of summer.