Happy anniversary to my one true love

We have been married for nine calendar years and eight actual 'in person' ones. That first year kind slipped through the net. There were some pesky oceans and immigration departments on two continents conspiring to keep us apart. It was a heck of a long distance romance to be sure. 

I gave up a lot to move here to be with Joe; being close to family and friends, my career, my beautiful hometown. But what I got in return was so much more. I would do it all again in a heartbeat. I am right where I need to be, with the man I need to be with,
living the happy life we have made together. 

I know it can be tough to make a marriage work. People struggle everyday and sometimes they don't make it. I am so blessed to be married to someone who has my back, even on my not-so-great days. Our downs are few, our ups are many. Thank you, God. (And Bruce, and Judi, and William) for this life, this life and then the next... 

Here's a little visual history of our journey so far.

That is one crazy cake. It's a 'croquembouche', which is French for 'crunch in the mouth'. It's profiteroles filled with fresh cream and drizzled with caramel toffee. Traditionally the bride and groom hit it with a dainty mallet to crack the toffee then guests help themselves to pieces. Unfortunately, this one had heavy duty toffee and the wait staff at the venue had to take to it with a sledgehammer out back in the kitchen in order to break it. I still wonder what it tasted like...  And, what exactly is that weird blue spot in the middle of this pic?

Raffy was my birthday present a couple of months after I arrived in the States. Here we are with him at the mall. Why do we have a dog at the mall? It was pet day with Santa. Man, my hair is long. 

In Sydney visiting family, a few months before baby made us three. 

Back home with William definitely on the way. Mind you, there was still time to drive 500 miles to North Carolina to see Bruce a week before he was born. Against doctor's advice? Whatever! Would have served Bruce right if he had to pause to deliver a baby mid-show. It's all his fault anyway.

William arrives, and all is not well! Our poor sick little baby. Still eternally grateful to the neonatal intensive care team at Frederick Memorial for the great care they took of us all during our extended stay.  

But as you can see, everything turned out just fine!

Remind me how we got to Martinsburg again? 

We are a little sleep deprived right about now. 

And I think that went on for some several years or more. Oh wait, that's right. It's still going on. 

At the beach. 

In the snow. 

Last Easter at Judi's house in Michigan.

Last Summer back home in Australia. We're too cool for colors. 

My red-headed men.