13 Years and Counting!

Monday was David and my 13th wedding anniversary. It seems kind of amazing. On the one hand, it seems like it has flown by, but on the other hand, we have been through so much together - some really tough things - that it seems like we have been together forever. I think my favorite thing about being with David is that it is just so natural and comfortable. I can truly just be myself and know that he always loves me unconditionally. There is great comfort and security in that.

David planned a day for us and even arranged for child care. It was all a surprise for me. He completely surprised me with a trip to a shooting range. I love to shoot, but have never mentioned that as a possible activity for us. I thought it was an awesome idea! Unfortunately, I showed up at the range without my ID and we couldn't shoot without it. We decided to improvise and change things around.

We went home for the ID and then headed to the movies, which was originally going to be our last stop. We watched Jurassic World in 3-D and the special effects were amazing. We both loved it. (I am officially a Chris Pratt fan and David and I are long-time fans of Bryce Dallas Howard.) I still remember the first time I saw the original Jurassic Park. It was mid blowing. This new one was also an exciting experience.

After the movie we headed back to the shooting range. I learned that David had never even touched a gun before. And he calls himself a Texan! I am a great shot with a rifle, but the range only had pistols. Pistols have too much of a kick and I am not very accurate with them. We opted for a revolver over a semi-automatic because I thought it would be slower and safer. 

David turned out to be a very good shot and I performed pitifully. It was a blast.

After shooting, we went to beautiful Irmo Park for a picnic prepared by David.

It was yummy and healthy. Lettuce wraps with chicken, olives, tomatoes, strawberries, black beans and parmesean as well as crackers and homemade hummus. (I made the hummus.)

They were very tasty!

It was about 104 degrees, but it was comfortable in the shade.

Once we finished dinner, we went and picked up the kids.

As is our tradition, we finished the evening by reading in our matrimonial journals. These are journals that David bought and present to me on our honeymoon. We write in them to each other throughout the year and then read them on our anniversary. It's a great history of our marriage. We took some time to read over past entries and remember some of the things we've experienced together. It's crazy how quickly things have passed.

I love this little family of mine and I'm glad that David is my partner through all the good, the bad and the ugly. Fortunately, it's mostly good and almost always fun.