Happy birthday, 16 years later...

1998, The first birthday card I ever made you....

We only knew one another for about 6 months, yet I felt such a connection to you. We were such good friends. I could be real with you. Real. Myself. My thoughts, my feelings, my fears, my insecurities...I could share them with you. And you stayed anyway.

I loved your heart for the Lord. I loved that you knew you were a total failure apart from Christ. I love that you knew that you were dearly loved and forgiven because of the price Christ paid on the cross for you. I love that in the midst of the darkest time, you knew you had a future and a hope.

1998. You were turning 23....23! We thought we were so old. This year you turn 39 (now we think we are so young). :) The time has flown by, yet we have lived a lifetime together. My only regret is that We didn't marry sooner and I have saved every kiss, thought, love song, and intimate moment for you alone. You were worth waiting for!

I love you more deeply with each passing year. We are stonger as one through every storm we battled together. You still make me laugh. You make me proud. I am in awe to watch the kids love you. You are the hardest worker I know. I appreciate your tender heart for the lost and hurting. I love how you love the Lord and love people.

I still pray that God continues to grow you, strengthens you, and guides your steps as a man of integrity. I pray that you LOVE His Word and live it our to bring Him glory with all of your might. I still want you to know that I will be here every step of the way. I will be praying for you as I walk along the same path--to Him.

Happy birthday my darling. I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine. I am so thanful for that! Here is to the past sweet 16 birthdays we have celebrated together. I pray that Lord gives us a long lifetime of more birthdays together. I LOVE YOU!!!

Now we have beautiful kiddos who crack you up and throw you surprise birthday, ice-cream parties. We are very blessed!!!!  xoxo

Nona Linda, Grandpa Rick, OMSI, Hot Air Balloons and Hops

Grandpa Rick and Nona Linda were good sports as we dragged them all over town the few days we came to visit us. We went to see hot air balloons with Nona while the boys went to a baseball game. We also spent a full day at OMSI. The kids love their grandparents and are so happy when they come to visit.

Highlight of the night

Hillsboro "HOPS"

"Watching" the game?!?

It was pretty windy, so they had to bring them down a little early

So cool (actually pretty hot)

Kayla and Abigail

Foul ball!

Showing Grandpa Rick science at OMSI

With Nona Linda

Didn't watch a moment of the game

"He bit my head!"

Want to ride one someday

Father's Day!

I LOVE this man, deeply, dearly, madly. He is more attractive to me now than when we were first married (spiritually, physically, emotionally). He works until he is about to pass out, he faithfully loves on and trains our children, he serve me and makes me feel treasured. I am in awe of the gift he is to me! 

Emmet from Lego Movie (by Isaac)

Las Vegas

We love staying at the Venetian!

For our anniversary, we splurged and spent a few nights in Vegas. There is nothing more invigorating for a marriage then to spend time away without the children. It is the time to make eye contact, have uninterrupted conversations, laugh, dance, relax and get to know the one we fell in love with all those years ago. It is an investment of time and money and is so building for our relationship. It was great in the sun by the pool. I danced many blisters worth in my high heals. We ate at the Paris, our favorite spot, and were gifted with drinks and dessert for our anniversary. It felt so special. It is so good to come home and be a family again, but it is just as much of a gift to have some couple time. Can't wait to do it again!!

Dressing up to go dancing

They gifted us with free drinks and dessert for our anniversary

Love this man! 14 years later...

Dale Chihuly (I taught about him in art at the kids' school this year)

His work was beautiful!

Chihuly, lobby of the Bellagio

Hoping to go to the real Paris for our 20th anniversary, Hint, Hint!!

Camping...even in the Rain

He has springs in his legs...he can "fly"

Stopped at the Air Museum on the way home

"Tank attack!"

Sm-Oreos

Nothing like camp dogs

Love when brother reads!

Book lights = late nights

"Greg" from Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Dance party at the pizza place on the way to our yurt

"Cool move!"

So, we made awesome plans to camp with the Beane family. The day school got out, we picked up the kids from school and headed for Fort Stevens to stay in a cabin. The Beanes met us there in their RV. It rained! Thankfully the cabin had heat, a shower, a kitchen, electricity, and even a TV. We had Walker over for a sleepover, then explored the fort the next day (praise God for sun breaks). The following week, the Beanes cancelled their site for Beverly Beach due to rain, but it was too late for us to cancel. We decided to make the most of it. Thankfully we were in a yurt (we felt so bad for the tent campers who were getting pounded on with rain). We went for a little hike, drew pictures in the sand, roasted dogs and marshmallows during the break in the rain. Thankfully we brought cards and books for lots of indoor time before checking out. We learned a great lesson...don't camp in June in Oregon!!!