5 Years Later

In 5 short years we have:

• gone from enemies to best friends (for those that don't know our history, I was not very fond of Dan when we first met) 
• experienced three of the best years of our lives together - being an ECU Pirate
• learned the true meaning of "flexibility is the key to airpower" and as a result, learned that what most spend months planning we could plan better in 10 days - I will never forget our wedding
• learned that I can survive driving halfway across the country but that was probably a one time thing because the second time reminded me why I will never do it again (please please please ship my car and let me fly there the next time)
• spent entirely way too many days in a hospital and hours in doctor offices - I am forever blessed by your patience and unwavering commitment - you have mastered "for better or worse" 
• embraced living in a small town - Enid, OK we will never forget you
• adopted two of the best four-legged kids in the world - Bristol and Trooper 
• conquered one of the longest and hardest years of our life - pilot training 
• learned that despite our best efforts or desires, God's plans are often always better than ours - we love the C17 and we love living in Washington
• lived in 3 different states and 4 places (Greenville - we miss you, Enid - we will be back, Altus -I hope to never see you again but Dan has no choice ;), & Puyallup - we love you but could really use a little less rain and a bit more sun)
• traveled to or through 18 states together 
• survived our first deployment and many missions 
• became quite the running & cheerleading - thank you for your support and always being at the finish line 
• embraced the Air Force way of life and welcome the adventure it brings 
• suffered a heart-aching and scary miscarriage - sweet baby, we will hold you one day
• been married for 2.5 years now and next year we are finally going on a honeymoon :)

& the list goes on

We have lived. We have fought and we have been angry. We have cried and we have laughed until it hurt. We have taken steps backs and we have grown leaps and bounds. We have danced and we have sang. Most importantly - we have loved. 

Then - 2008

Now - 2013

Here's to many, many years ahead and being thankful that you decided to "break your rule."

 I love you, always. 

P.S. You still owe me a cold-stone date :)