5 years!!

Today is the day I married my best friend 5 years ago! I cannot believe it...I remember when we were first married, meeting people who had been married for 5 years (or even 3 years) and thinking that was SUCH a long time! And here we are now....the past 5 years have both felt short and long at times. There are days and moments that I remember vividly, and others that are already starting to fade. God has packed a lot into our short marriage. I have literally been to the ends of the earth with Brett, and I can't imagine a better way to spend my life with him. I have loved our adventures across the globe, and have loved the little life that we have created here in Orlando (never thought I would say that, but I really do love it here!) We have been through unimaginable pain, and we have experienced joy that I cannot even describe... And we have learned to walk both of those roads at the same time, which has given us some really hard and sweet times together.

Our first dance at our wedding reception was to the song "Unforgettable." At the time I thought it was kind of a rush decision and thought maybe I could have come up with a better song to describe us....but, as that song came on the radio the other day, and I listened to it reminiscing of our fabulous wedding day, I realized how perfectly it describes life with Brett for me.

"That's why, darling, it's incredible,

that someone so simply unforgettable,

thinks that I am unforgettable too."

I love you, Brett. Happy Anniversary! I'm sure the next 5 will be just as memorable in every way!

PS--I don't have a picture from our wedding on my computer...I know, Boo! But, I plan to post one soon....And our plans are to go out for a fun dinner tonight and go out of town next weekend!!!! Pictures to come!

Happy Birthday, Uncle Chris!!

So, today is my brother's 27th birthday!

I must also give a shout out to my dear friend, Blair, who also celebrates a birthday today! Happy Birthday Blair! You are the best!

I know today is a day that marks monumental loss for our nation, and as I remember that day, I do mourn, but I also celebrate...because today so many years ago is the first day I can ever remember!

Chris knows this story all too well, because it's what I love to remind him of every single year, whether over the phone or in a birthday card, or in person if I ever get that special privilege!

I don't recall a day without my younger brother in it. I know there was a time where it was just Robin (my older sister) and me, but I was too young to have made many memories from that time....But, there is truly no time that I remember without all of us in it...

My first memory that I can think back to is the day my brother was born...September 11th, 1982. I remember being at the hospital with my sister and my dad and a family friend. Robin and I were on our tippy toes (okay, maybe it was just me, she has always been the taller one) looking into a window. Maybe it was a nursery? However, at the back of the room was my Mom. She was in a rocking chair holding a bundle and smiling at him.

I remember asking my Dad, "What's that?"

He said, "That's your new baby brother."

My response...."WOW!"

And so his life began....and mine too.

It's hard to believe that day was so long ago...My mind fills with so many fond memories that it's impossible to pick just one...Chris taught me how to beat Super Mario Bros, and we spent long hours playing WallBall and selling lemonade. As I've mentioned in previous posts, I loved watching him play baseball, and he would watch me play the violin or come to my plays! And I loved driving him to school...and getting a little bit of air as we drove too fast over certain intersections in my old 1981 car! I loved watching him come to know Christ and seeing him grow into the man he is now. I think about the first time I saw hair on his chin and when he starter getting taller than me...what?? I love that I was with him on his first visit to Virginia Tech where he graduated from and met his beautiful bride, Lindsey, whom I also love.

Anywho, there are too many memories to count, both good and bad, but I had to document this day, not because it's just another birthday or even a memorial of a tragic event in US history, but because it is the day that created my first memory. I will always remember the day you were born, Chris. I love you so much and I am so glad God gave me a brother like you--He knew exactly what I needed. Happy, Happy Birthday to you!

Drivin'

Hey Guys, Harrison here...I have to tell you something...I cannot wait until I'm 16. I know I'm a little young, but, I've already started driving. Doooon't worry...I have been supervised closely and so far I have nothing on my record. Well, my first experience was driving a horse. So, maybe it wasn't a car...but, it was something that moves. After my ride on the merry-go-round, I am seriously considering becoming a cowboy. It was pretty fun, and all I need is the hat! But, let me tell you, things got better. I went for a drive with Mommy...she barely fit in the car, but was not about to let me go by myself (is she strict or what?) Well, we had a blast and I grabbed the wheel a couple of times when she wasn't looking. What a rush! It was nice that my first drive was in a convertible too...Mom and Dad really know how to treat me right!

Oh, and there's a picture of them too at the end, in case you forgot what they look like!

I love Daddy's face in this picture! I'm sure that same face will embarrass me one day!

Mom, I'm trying to concentrate!

Man, this is fun!

Where do you want to go, Mommy? It's my turn to drive you around! Hold on tight!

Keep on Scrollin'....

New posts below!!

Margaritaville...

We were so happy to go to the beach a few weeks ago! We love going to Brett's parent's condo in the panhandle...if only it were a little closer! The whole family came and it was so nice to be together! The last time we were all there at the same time was three and a half years ago--I'd say we were overdue!

Harrison did great...the pool was a bit cold for him, but he liked sitting on the beach with Daddy and letting the waves come up on him. We didn't stay on the beach very long considering we saw 4 sting rays and a shark in the water! It was great to see everybody and we can't wait to go back!! Enjoy the pics!

Harrison loves his cousin Carson! (And Aunt LuLu is pretty sweet on Carson too!) They are practicing early for the game face pictures

Gran and Pa

Aunt Julie, Uncle Chris and Carson

My favorite picture

Da Bears! Da Bulls!

Does anyone remember that Saturday Night Live skit?? Unfortunately, I'm totally not remembering the third Da in that succession!

So, here are the long awaited Chicago pictures! To all 3 of you out there who are reading this, I know you have been on the edge of your seats awaiting these!

Actually, I don't have a million pictures, but i did have a GREAT time. I'm sure Harrison already mentioned that....he loves to type!

Our annual "Roommate Reunion" was too fun and too short. All 4 of us were only together a little over a day, which flew by, but in that short time there were many new memories made!

Let's talk about how much I love Chicago! Brett says it's one of his favorite US cities (the other being Charleston) and I totally agree! It is so pretty and I loved the feel of the big city mixed inside of neighborhoods.

Blair showed us a great time (and if you know Blair, you're thinking, "how could she not?") We spent time walking, and walking, and walking, and I felt like I saw the whole city (although I know there's much I missed!). I was so happy to get a glimpse into her life and meet some of her wonderful friends. She has such a sweet community and I really think this is the best I have ever seen her...nothing is better than that!

We watched the symphony and 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' in two different parks (ummm, by the way, one of the weirdest, most random movies I have ever seen in my life), ate great food and just had the best time being together.

But, let me just tell you one of the highlights....so, we wake up Sunday morning and our Elizabeth has already left us (sniff, sniff). Adele is leaving that afternoon (again, a sniff). Blair, says to me, "Lauren, I don't want to get your hopes up."

"Don't worry." Inside I'm thinking "why would my hopes be up?" Outside, I'm totally cool.

"Well, we might have tickets to the Cubs game this afternoon."

I pop up so fast out of bed, "WHAT?"

Now, for those of you who don't know, you have to understand how big of a baseball fan I am. Oh, I do ADORE my football and basketball, but Baseball and I go way back. You see, it's the first sport I ever clearly understood. I have so many fond memories of watching my brother Chris play baseball for years. To this day, he is my favorite catcher on any team. I cheered my heart out for him, and fell in love with the game at the same time.

Brett, my love, also has a special place in his heart for our friend Baseball too and he has a goal and dream of visiting all the major ballparks, so I have adopted this dream too. So, my one request of Blair was could I just see the outside of Wrigley Field. Honestly, all I wanted was a picture. So, to GO INSIDE was giving me butterflies!

Well, sure enough, we went. We sat in the front row of the bleachers. And it rained, and rained, and rained. I saw no batter, no ball, no nothing. But, I was INSIDE Wrigley Field! I could not have had a better time! What a sweet surprise from a friend who knows that this would make my heart beyond happy! I loved it!

Oh, and I could go on and on (and on), but I won't. These ladies left me wanting more. I miss them so much, and I LOVE our time together. It was so fun hearing about different job situations, hearing from our newlywed Elizabeth, and hugging Adele's pregnant (and adorable) belly. I can hardly wait until next time!

Here are a few pics...

at the Lincoln Park Zoo

At the Symphony in the Park

I'm still trying to determine if I was dreaming or not!

sweet Adele and Pokey (coming in December!)

Isn't Blair's neighorhood adorable??