Two days after our vow renewal we jumped in the car; headed south for Pensacola, FL for Pat's first jet ski race. I wasn't sure what to expect and was mostly nervous about him getting hurt. The waves were huge and he's not used to riding in the ocean. It was more of a learning experience for him than anything. He came in 6th out of 9 (I believe) and left planning his next race. I would be lying if I said I was wholeheartedly on board with this, but if it's something that he's passionate about than I'm not going to stop him. So jet ski life here we come!
The trip was so much fun! The races were within walking distance of our hotel so the girls and I could hang but the pool and walk down to see Pat race (as well as watch from our balcony). If this is what all of the events will like, then I could get used to this!
Almost all of the restaurants had seating on the beach and playgrounds for the kids!
The morning we left Pat took the girls for a dip in the pool while I packed. They had the whole thing to themselves! Can you find them?
As far as I'm concerned Pat is walking away a winner. 1) He isn't injured 2) He finished the race (his only real goal) 3) We had a wonderful family vacation!
Oftentimes I wish I were more of a "gushy" wife. I see women that publicly praise their husbands, as they should but that's not me. That's not who we are. I am a very transparent person. If I'm upset, pretty much everyone around me knows it. I don't think that this is a good quality but it is me. I love my husband, so, so ,so, so much. Buuuuttttt he drives me crazy! We pick on each other, argue with each other, get mad at each other; and we are not afraid to do these things in the presence of others. One thing I'm not sure we convey so outwardly is our love and support of each other. We don't always agree but we are there for each other in everything we do.
Last month, while watching our favorite family movie together (for the 100th time) I realized one of the songs fit us perfectly. I was (again) put off about something and the words made me smile. They reminded me that whatever it was that had upset me, paled in comparison to all of the things Pat does that make me happy.
Some people long for a life that is simple and planned
tied with a ribbon
Some people won't sail the sea because their safer on land
To follow what's written
But I'd follow you to the great unknown
Off to a world we call our own
Hand in hand and we promised to never let go
We're walking the tightrope
High in the sky
We can see the whole world down below
We're walking the tightrope
Never sure, never know how far we could fall
But it's all an adventure
That comes with a breathtaking view
Walking the tightrope...
with you
Mountains and valleys, and all that will come in between
Desert and ocean
You pulled me in and together we're lost in a dream
Always in motion
So I risk it all just to be with you
And I risk it all for this life we choose.
....walking the tightrope with you.
Then, on May 8, 2018 he swept me off of my feet, again. It was our 8th anniversary, a day we usually let pass the same as the rest. It was a Tuesday. Pat called me at work on Monday and said my parents were going to watch the kids so we could go to dinner the next night. My initial reaction, "Why? I have to work tomorrow!" Then it hit me, "Awww, you remembered!" Not only did he remember but he arranged childcare and everything! I was impressed!
I left work the next night excited. I came home, freshened my makeup and threw on my wedding dress for old time sake. When I heard the front door I ran in. We had a good laugh then I started rushing him. "We have to get the kids back home at a decent time..." "Hurry, if we don't to get dinner soon..." Ugh! You cannot hurry this man, he is on is own schedule and always late!
On our way out he suggested we take a ride to the property at the end of the road. UGH! No! That's not what I wanted to do but whatever, I'll go. Then, he wanted to take the golf cart, really?! Fine. As we pull into the property I notice cars. "If Roxanne is having a party, I don't think we should...." (Roxanne was the owner of the property and Jon, Pat's dad, put in an offer on the land. Little did I know, she excepted and they signed the contract that day.) That's when I realized I recognized the cars, as we rounded the corner I saw my Dad's truck and knew something was up. We got off of the golf and music started playing. I was trying to take in everyone that was there and what was happening. Before I knew it was walking down an isle and we were renewing our vows!
I must say, vows have much more meaning when you have been though some of the trials and tribulations of marriage. There was no planning or stress this time (at least not on my end), only love!
Cora was under the weather so we had a stand-in flower girl!
With every anniversary I am reminded and thankful that I found my match, the one for me. Pat makes me do things outside of my comfort zone and keeps me on my toes. Without him I wouldn't have my two greatest gifts, our beautiful baby girls. There is no greater moment in my life then when we said 'I do'.
Lily's first recital was this weekend! I have taken her to see the ballet at our local performing arts center and she was so excited to find out she would be performing on the same stage! So was I! Her costume was pink and purple and poofy, she looked like a cupcake and I could hardly handle it!
She did great, not missing a beat! She was front and center. Pat was convinced her placement was due to her expert ability although I'm pretty sure it was based on height but his beaming pride made the day even more special!
Here's a video from recital practice
Grammie and Aunt Becky and Lincoln were there to show support and celebrate a wonderful performance.
We have been spreading love while celebrating babies, birthdays and Easter!
March brought more love for Baby Walter! We celebrated Jenny with a baby fiesta!
...and 6 short days later baby Anson arrived, 3 weeks early!
Some Bunny turned 5! We all enjoyed the Easter themed festivities and more fun and games. Watching the kids try to eat a donut on a string without using their hands gave the adults a good chuckle....and brought some frustartion to the kids ;)
Easter is always a special time for my family because my brother and his family make their annual visit! Going through my pictures, I realize I was obviously too busy having fun to take any. A little disappointing but at least we have the memories. (I would really like to get better about taking family pictures. We have very few pictures of the 4 of us. :( )
We shared sister love, puppy love, Mama and Daddy love and movie love!
Stier Supply Company annual oyster roast
Okay, so I'm not sure this is love but to Molly any attention is good attention ;)
Our favorite movie, The Greatest Showman came in the mail! I don't usually let Lily watch anything in the middle of the day but I was so excited when it arrived we watched immediately, then again before bed!
If you thought we were excited about the spring-like weather in my last post, you can guess that official arrival of the season has us beaming. Any time spent outdoors, is a good time to us! We love you, springtime!
I love watching the girls do all of the girly things together, especially tea parties! Lily has been enjoying them for years but the two of them?! It's too much! <3
Hat and mittens. Every. Single. Day.
Fairy Garden!
By now, everyone knows about Lily's unique fashion sense and how it differs from mine. I had high hopes that Cora would be easy going in this area and allow me to choose her outfits, well that is looking unlikely. She is very particular about what shoes she wears; often choosing two different shoes. :/ And she obviously has no concept of over-accessorizing. She wears as many brackets, necklaces, rings, headbands, crowns, etc. as she can find.
Crafting is a big thing around here and I'm glad that Lily's drawing skills have started to bloom. I cannot draw....like at all so I was pleased when she started drawing things that looked like what she intended them to. She's no artist but thanks to her, we finally have our family portrait! ;)
