10 Years Ago...

It was a beautiful July afternoon - the weather was perfect, the church was packed with family and friends, and two young people were starting their lives together. That beautiful afternoon ten years ago, I married my true love and my best friend!

In one sense, it seems like yesterday that we were standing in front of all our friends and family, sharing our vows and promises to each other.  I can close my eyes and remember almost everything from that day - getting ready for the wedding, taking pictures, decorating the reception hall.  All the while having butterflies (wonderful butterflies) inside!

In another sense, I reflect back on all the things we have accomplished in those ten years and it amazes me!  We moved away from Sioux Falls and lived in Nashville for nearly 6 years.  Not only did we start our lives there, but we met amazing lifelong friends there.  Ryan obtained his PhD from Vanderbilt, we moved back home, and we had two beautiful daughters!  I would say we've accomplished a lot of great things in the past ten years!

I am extremely grateful for the life Ryan and I have created together. While we have our share of frustrations with each other from time to time, I think we compliment each other very much!  I can't wait to share another 10 years with Ryan (times 5)!!

And so to celebrate these past ten years, we are off to Turks and Caicos with Scott and Abatha (who are also celebrating their 10th anniversary this year).  We are going to rest, relax, and reflect on the past ten years and celebrate what's to come in the next chapter of our lives!