Monthiversary 37

Last Saturday, believe it or not, was our 37th monthiversary! I do so love it when they fall on a weekend and we get extra time together!

I confess I did NOT have a good morning that day and was a bit irrational and grumpy. {Please know that both those words are gross understatements for my actual demeanor.} I tell you that embarrassing but true fact so that I can tell you how grateful it made me that Ryan was filled with grace and kindness, challenging me to push through and find my joy {as he should have} but not allowing my missteps to affect him and ruin our day. I appreciate how he continues to love me well even in moments when I really don't deserve it. That is the picture of how Christ loves the church, and I'm grateful Ryan displays that kind of love toward me.

With that confession out of the way, we did have a really fun day planned; it was actually our last Christmas gathering. Yes, Christmas. And yes, I know this is a new year.

Our gathering was with Ryan's extended family on his mom's side, and we traveled about an hour to get to the party. It was a gorgeous, sunny day, perfect for traveling, and an hour together in the car gave us time to talk and dream and laugh and tell stories - all among our favorite things to do!

Speaking of favorite things - I had my first and only cut out/iced sugar cookie of the season at this party. I was so excited and savored every bite. Oh cookies. How I miss you. 

Hanging out by the tree, playing games. We won. That's the good news. The bad news is EVERYBODY won just by being present. LOL!!

 Actually I DID win {co-win} a game. We had to guess how many ornaments were on the tree and I guessed two under and my mother-in-law guessed two over. So we shared the prize!

Our nephew - when his little brother was born, we got shirts for the big siblings that say "Security: Little Brother Protection Squad" - and they wore them that day. So cute.

You. Guys. We have a new little cousin that was born right before Christmas, and in something of a Christmas miracle, I had the chance to hold him and feed him for a bit. He was deliciously adorable. Be still my heart.

And then of course, the group photos. It's not Christmas without the group photos.

This is Ryan's grandpa with his kiddos. Uncle David, Ryan's Mom, Aunt Ruthie and Uncle John. I love this whole crew so much.

 And while all the cousins were not represented that day, the ones that were there gathered around Grandpa for a picture.

Ryan and I didn't have a picture together with his grandpa - until now!

And of course, the official monthiversary photo. 37 months - thanks for loving me so well, Ryan!

After we left the party, we drove over to visit our friends Jon and Julie, who lived pretty close to Ryan's aunt and uncle. It seemed rude to be in the neighborhood and not drop by.

On our way? A calming sunset. I miss this kind of view from my perch buried in the middle of town.

We loved our visit with Jon and Julie. Coffee, homemade bread, many laughs, stories, hugs - YES.

A good way to celebrate all that we hold dear in this life we live.