9 wonderful years!

  Time is a tricky thing....I remember when Dave and I were newly weds and living in Monterey, California.  Dave was studying Chinese at the defense language institute, I was just settling in getting registered for school and looking for part time work. 

  We didn't have much, our dinning room consisted of an empty box with a table cloth thrown over it and two camp chairs beside it. It's amazing to think of how happy we were and yet it was a time when we had next to nothing. 

  As I reflect upon the years and all we have experienced together I become more aware of how special our bond is.  For me, falling in love for the first time, a year long engagement; apart most of the time keeping in touch through letters.... Our wedding day.  Exploring different parts of the country together, buying our first home, having our children and raising them together.  The sacrifices we have made together and individually for each other.  The fights and the making up.  Growing as individuals yet always sharing the growth with the other wether it be spiritual, intelectual or physical.  Discovering new interests together, we love picking out books to read out loud with one another or planning trips that we will take one day together.  I'm so greatful for the life we have shared and the woman I have become because of my husband who has encouraged me along the way.  

  Now there are many things I lack, and mistakes often outweigh the triumps however, there is one thing that I have done right and I am so glad I followed the inspiration I had 8 years ago.  For our first anniversary, like I said we didn't have much money so we decided we would treat ourselves to a nice dinner at a beautiful resturante along 17 mile drive.  However, in order to do this we made a rule that we would only give each other homemade gifts.  I decided to make Dave a memory box out of an old cigarete box I picked up from a shop and then covered with beautiful pictures of expereiences we had through the first year.  Inside the box I splurged and went out and found a beautiful small leather bound journal.  Inside the journal I wrote Dave a happy anniversary love letter and then included favorite memories that stood out from the past year.  I also promised that every year I would add a new love letter along with fresh memories we had made.  I'm happy to say that I've stuck to the tradition and that every anniversary I read to him my love letter and then we take turns reading through the memories we have made.  Some of them make us laugh and others bring tears of joy but everyone of them pull us closer together and remind of how our love has grown.        

Dave reading my love letter:)

Happy anniversary my love, you mean the world to me xoxoxox

I just love how romantic this picture is, taken in Edinburough for the military tatoo.... 

summertime & the livin's easy

Our first camp out of the year and I have to say I think it's going to be hard to top.

  We found this field of poppies just down the trail from our camp site.  I think one of the reasons I enjoyed this camp out so much is because you can't find camping like this in England.

I have always loved poppies with their crinkly, floppy petals and bright colors.  Mother nature never ceases to amaze me and I was reminded of this as I looked into this orangish poppy with a velvety purple center.  The fact that they are complimentary colors all on their own... Amazing!

 

Tuesday and Jonah cooking up good old American hot dogs for dinner.  While the adults enjoyed chicken and potatoes cooked inside the dutch oven oh, and don't forget the cobbler! 

 It was delish.

Oh the simple thrills of being a kid, like sitting in your own camp chair! 

Why does life seem to lose it's charm as we get older?

 

Of course there were smores.

 Jonah is a messy kid any way, give him a gooey marshmallow and chocolate for dessert and we're talking a 10 wipe clean up.  :)

 ooey, gooey Jonah

Tuesday enjoying her smore. 

I remember as a kid being able to eat at least a half a dozen of these things....not so much any more.

Good morning, needless to say there was not much sleeping going on with miss Talula the night before.  Poor thing got sick and couldn't seem to get comfortable.  Aha! this is where our next camping trip could improve, in the sleeping department.   

The next day after hiking around and a bit of fishing we headed up to Bear Lake.  Here are the kids with their cousin Hailey looking for sea shells.  This was our first dip in the lake this season and if you've ever been to Bear Lake you know the first dip is always a chilly one!  Dave MADE me jump in, it took me a good 10 minutes to get up the courage.  However, after he asked me when it was I got so chicken, it was on!        

Grandma and Talula, who is catching up on her sleep after a long night.

The next day the kids were begging grandpa to let them ride horses and grandpa always says yes. 

We loaded up the saddles in the back of the truck and were off.  Talua that morning had found an old doll in grandma's toy chest and wouldn't leave her behind.  I think this picture is hilarious.

All saddled up and ready to go, look at this beautiful country side.

     I'm sure grandpa gets a kick out of us city kids trying to ride his horses.  We are usually just along for the ride, where ever the horses feel like taking us that day!     The beautiful country side + a wonderful family
 = Fabulous memories!