10 Years of Marriage all summed up.

June 21st, Summer Solstice.  Our Anniversary.  I know many people usually say something cliche, on dates like today, something like, "I don't know where the past 10 years went."  but I do.  I know exactly where they went...

They went to renting our first home together adopting a second dog together.

They went to moving back to Phoenix, and starting a new job.

They went to buying our first home.

And finding out we were pregnant.

They went to home birthing our first daughter.

They went to staying home with our baby while the other worked.

They went to a week in Kauai. 

They went to finding out we were pregnant again.

And then having another home birth.

They went to going back to work.

They went towards fighting over house work and childcare.

They went towards a trip to Europe with two small children. 

They went towards more work and more weekend getaways.

They went to over investing in cars.

They went towards more role shifts and housework and childcare.

They went to our daughter starting kindergarten.

They went to trips to Ireland.

They went towards family boundaries. 

They went to more Camping and trips to Hawaii, again.

And Switzerland.

And Barcelona.

They went to our younger daughter starting preschool.

They went towards introspection and doubt and fear.

They went towards a new start with school and work.

They went towards growth and projects and shifts in beliefs.

They went towards rebuilding and recommitting.

So, yeah, if you reflect on all those moments and add them up, it's easy to see where they went.  It's just when I think about all those things they seem like such a small blip on the timeline of life.  They're part of our story, but they're not our story.  With each sentence there was planning and coordinating, and sometimes fighting.  And sometimes those were big fights.  And sometimes forgiveness, and compassion and support.  And sometimes taking care of each other when we were sick or things when they were broken.  I think the thing that has got us though this long is that we really are each other's other halves (or twin flames was a new term I learned).  We amplify each other, we are a mirror to our other half, and as frustrated as we get or hurt in rough times, to leave would be to leave ourselves.  Our bullshit is still our bullshit together or apart.  Our kids are our connection forever, no matter what we have to work together and resolve our issues, so we might as well do it together while enjoying each other.  I don't know for sure we would have figured those details out without kids, and I definitely don't suggest having children if there is conflict, but in a unique way it's forced us to recognize our connection and motivated us to work some stuff we might not have had to otherwise.  I'm so grateful for my family and our connection.  I'm excited to celebrate with a fancy hotel and a bottle of champagne, a date night without kids, an extravagant meal and a fancy tub to relax in.  

What I said to my Husband this Father's Day {and our anniversary too!}

June 21, 2008 | Phoenix, Arizona.

This year our anniversary falls on father's day, which is actually perfect because Husband, as I refer to him on this blog, is not only my Husband, he's my partner and father to our daughters.  And really, you can be a husband and not a father or a father and not a husband, but when you're a Husband and a Father you're doing twice as much work all.the.time.  So, when I thought about what I wanted to share this year as we celebrate our anniversary and father's day I thought I'd let him know how much I appreciate him.  But, not just him, I appreciate all he does.  When we said, "I do" 7 {SEVEN!} years ago, I didn't know how much we would change and grow.  It's not the easiest being married to an artist, I'm messy and loud, and sometimes  usually he comes home to a house that hasn't been cleaned.  He comes home to chaos and loud noises. Sometimes, I'm wrapped up in a project, a painting, a drawing, a craft.  Sometimes we're all asleep.  And sometimes, we're fussy and hungry.  But he always walks through the door with a smile and a kiss.  He always greets us and tells us he loves us.  And when he leaves in the morning he always kiss us goodbye, even though we get to sleep in late, he never resents me for being the one to stay home.  He never holds a grudge.  He never puts his needs ahead of ours.  He works hard so we can afford all the things we need and most of the things we want.  He's not only a wonderful Husband but also a wonderful Dad. I don't want to say I couldn't do this without him, because of course I could survive without him but I'm so grateful I don't have to.  He make everything in my life better and our girls are lucky fortunate to have him as their daddy.  Of course, no one is perfect and he accepts that about me, he might get frustrated but he never stops loving me.  I am so grateful to have him as my partner, my best friend, my other half.

We spent our first anniversary in my favorite city.

June 21, 2009 | Barcelona, Spain.

June 21, 2010 | Royal Palms, Scottsdale.

June 21, 2011 | San Diego, California.

Father' Day 2012 | Phoenix, Arizona.

June 21, 2012 | Hotel Valley Ho, Scottsdale.

June 21, 2013 | San Diego, California 

June 21, 2014 | Phoenix, Arizona.

I can't wait to get dressed up and go on a date with this guy tonight. Hope you all have a wonderful day with the Fathers {or Husbands} in your life!

Anniversary 2012 {Staycation}

Husband and I celebrated our four year anniversary this weekend by staying at the Hotel Valley Ho, here in Phoenix, well, technically, Scottsdale.  It was super fun, and our first baby free night since Cupcake was born!  Can you believe she's slept in bed with us for the past 21 months?! She had a great time with her uncle Wayne and aunt Gretchen.  And had fun too...

Husband opening his gift box.

I booked this place strictly because of that tub.

I like that the side of this building reminds me of the sprinkles we saw at A.J.s 

We stopped at P.F. Chang's for some happy hour snacks before our real date.  I thoroughly enjoyed my Asian Pear Mojito.

I forgot to pack my brush! BUT, was somehow able to braid my hair anyway.

All dressed up for our real date!  Dress complements of Desert Gypsy Mama!

We tried Stingray for the first time.  A little loud for a romantic date, but the Sushi was good and the sake was even better!

On the walk back to our hotel we passed a ton of art galleries in Old Town Scottsdale.

I loved this giant head!

So, remember that tub?! This was probably my favorite feature of our room.

Who doesn't love a "Mood" light?!

Before.

After.

I ordered the Brioche lemon french toast with berries and Husband had some coffee.

They brought this adorable flower with the food too.

Not the BEST brioche I've ever had, but close!

I love these cabanas with mirrors that look like windows!

photo credit: Husband.

I thought it would be good time to plan some lessons and update my schedules...

I may or may not have fallen asleep instead.

And that was our weekend, hope you had a great one too!

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