Lucky 13

Today is our 13th anniversary! I had the idea this morning to post 13 pictures of the two of us together over the years. Some of them are even from before we are married...and lucky for us that we have known each other for so long because it was actually difficult to find 13 pictures of just us without any kiddos. So, here is a little stroll down memory lane taking us clear back to 1994....that sounds so ancient!
1. Family pictures are not our most favorite thing in this world but we love this shot that my wonderful friend captured for us.


2. Our first race together. I loved doing this together and we had a blast keeping each other going.
3. This will be one of those forever memories of a moment frozen in time. What is better than a kiss under the Eiffel Tower with the one you love?

4. Some good friends have been hosting a Halloween party the last few years and we have had fun dressing up. Mr. and Mrs. Incredible...what a team.

5. This however is our favorite costume of all time. We had a blast dressing up as Deb and Pedro for the night.

6. One of the most fun days and nights we have ever had. On the floor of Soldier Stadium on a beautiful Chicago night singing our hearts out watching the greatest band ever up close!

7. Buckingham Fountain all lit up at night is one of our most favorite places to be.

8. Graduation. We only had little Abby we also had no money. Life was simple and we had some of our best memories living off of nothing and just growing close as a family.

9. This is my rafting story. If you have not heard it you should ask me about it sometime. Let's just say I have not been rafting since this picture when Charlie had to jump in the freezing water to "save" me!

10. What a happy day this was. This was at the airport after Charlie got home from his mission. He worked so hard and I was glad to have him home. I prepared for his return by getting the best tan ever on a trip to Cancun with my dad. Hey...tanning is hard work too :)

11. This was how my never boring husband asked me to prom. We went to different high schools and I was in my very crowded lunch room when it all of a sudden got very quiet. From across the lunch room I saw a cow holding flowers walking my way. I was embarrassed and was even more embarrassed when the cow tripped over a garbage can. He got down on a knee and asked me to prom. I said yes...who could refuse an offer from a cow holding flowers?

12. When he takes the cow suit off this is what is underneath. We had the best prom night ever that included a plane ride around downtown Chicago with all the lights of the city. Did you know he was such a charmer?

13. Last but not least...our first dance together. It was turnabout where the girls ask the guys to the dance. I planned it and we blindfolded the guys, put them in a car, and drove to dinner. All the girls reserved the back of a McDonalds and we decorated the place and it was awesome.Unfortunalty Charlie ate so many nuggets that he ended up being sick most of the dance. Who says that Charlie is the only one who can be creative?

Babe...the last 13 have been quite a ride. I am just as excited for the next 13. Thank you for loving me. I am the luckiest girl in the world to have you by my side!