10 Happy Years

Ten years ago tonight I was wearing white-- a gown that met every one of my "Wedding Dress Requirements." I was escorted down the aisle by my grandpa to Trumpet Voluntary. I was flanked by my periwinkle-dressed sisters and best friends and they witnessed me vow to love my perfect man forever. We listened to Pastor Bert give a meditation on Romans 12:9-13. Then everyone tossed rose petals at us and it was off to party. We ate roast beef and peach melba. We danced. We mingled with our 200 closest friends and family members. Then we scooted off in my flower-filled Saturn to a gorgeous hotel. The next day we opened gifts with our family then jetted to Jamaica for a sublime week of relaxation after the frenzy of Trinity Graduation, Calvin Graduation and Wedding in sequential weekends.

Here we are ten happy years and 200,000 miles on that old Saturn later. My perfect man has taken me on amazing ride already-- through a variety of different jobs, homes, ministries and friends. Seven years ago we were moving back to Grand Rapids after 3 homes in 3 states in 3 years. Six years ago we trusted God's call and moved to California when details came together and it became perfectly clear that was what we were supposed to do. We rejoiced over permission to lay down roots for the first time. Four years ago we started our family. These 10 years have certainly not been without change, yet through it all Dave has consistently and increasingly remained my best friend and other half. We've truly been partners-- making big decisions and somehow staying on the exact same page.

To celebrate all the exciting twists and turns of 10 years, we decided to take a big trip. Mom and Dad are flying out to watch the girls for the last week of August. For the first time ever, I'll leave them. Hopefully Maui and my husband will be enough to distract me! :) Since we anticipate lots of romantic dinners for two on this vacation, we chose to celebrate the actual date of this marital milestone as a family. We all got dressed up and went to a fancy (but family friendly) restaurant where we feasted on prime rib and crab and chocolate dipped strawberries. Ella captured this memory of the night and I think it is just the perfect reflection of where we are 10 years later!
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