On Sunday, August 28, 2016 Jason and I will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary.  20 years of marriage.  I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around it.  It feels like just yesterday we were buying our first home in Kissimmee, FL and going out to listen to local bands in downtown Orlando bars.  It feels like just yesterday we were talking about starting a family and what being parents would be like.  But, we didn’t just buy our first home, I can’t remember the last time I went to a bar to listen to live music, and our first born is heading to middle school on Monday.  It’s all going by way too fast!  Do you ever feel that way?  Like, someone hit the fast forward button on life and you’re struggling to hit pause? So, today, I am hitting pause.  I am slowing it down and watching all the years together play out in my head in slow motion.  I am soaking it all in and reminiscing on all the amazing adventures we’ve had, all the laughs, the cries, the once-in-a-lifetime moments we’ve shared together.  I am going through old photos and remembering the love, the friends, the struggles, the decisions we’ve had to make, the good, the bad, the drama, the calm.  It’s a lot to take in, twenty years is a long time.  So much has happened over the last 20 years: we’ve lived in 2 states, owned at least a dozen cars, traveled to 18 different states, visited 10 countries, had 2 children.  From hosting themed parties in our backyard to running half marathons, we’ve done it all together.  Starting our photography business, moving cross country, becoming parents, these were all just crazy dreams we had, but we made them come true together.

I’d be lying if I told you these 20 years have all been amazing and without sacrifice.  Plus, you wouldn’t believe me.  Because the truth is, living with someone for 20 years is tough, no matter how much you love each other.  There will be arguments, disagreements, there will be tears, and a few slammed doors.  Yes, of course there will be all these things.  But the good outweighs the bad every time. Waking up next to someone who loves you unconditionally, sharing your dreams and chasing them together.  Cuddling on the couch, traveling to new places, raising happy kids.  This life, this crazy, busy, and full life we live is ours and ours alone.  Walking down this path, sharing all these moments, the ordinary, the extraordinary, these are the things that make up our life, growing up and building this life together year after year.

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I can’t imagine my life without you in it, Mr. Emeric.  I wouldn’t have it any other way.  I love you more and more each year.  Happy Anniversary to my baby daddy, my main squeeze, my partner in crime, my other half.  XO

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