Happy Birthday, Ryan!

Today is a very exciting day in Shafferland!!

THIS IS RYAN'S BIRTHDAY!!!!

You know I love celebrations, and we've already been celebrating all weekend long. (So much so that I'm not sure how I'm actually going make today special in any way, but I'm sure gonna give it a shot.)

I've been all reminiscent lately and looking back over the last almost five years we've spent together has reminded me in new and fresh was what an absolute GIFT Ryan is and how thankful I am he's chosen to spend his days with me.

I've observed it's a rarity to enjoy life with someone who is so funny, so kind, so hard-working, and so dedicated as Ryan is. Maybe that's why it's so hard to find the best way to celebrate his birthday: I can't top the gift of Ryan! :)

Here are some of my favorite random memories and moments from the last few years.

First of all, I love it that our birthdays are so close together, and we get to celebrate for almost a month between the two of us. 

I love our county tours and the way we get to take little day trip adventures just for funsies.

 I love having a permanent coffee date. Truly a blessing.

 I love being goofy together. Life is so much more fun when goofiness is involved.

 I love having a grill-master in the house. And I love all the cooking and kitchen fun we get to have together. I know not all couples both love to cook, so I'm glad we do!

 Rest doesn't come to us as often as I'd like, but to have a Sunday-afternoon-in-the-hammock buddy is a great thing.

 I love all the walks we get to take - in every season. Walks are my favorite.

 I love living with someone who pushes me out of my comfort zone all. the. time. Ryan Shaffer, you're good for me.

 I love having a date to the fair every year - and he probably loves that one sip of a lemon shakeup is all I ever want.

 Did I mention I love his sense of humor?

 And while a segue from pig-kissing to praying is probably questionable, I really love Ryan's desire to serve the Lord and pray over others. He is the leader I always prayed to have.

Ryan is a good and loyal to ALL his friends, and I love that. (And he also knows how to have fun with them.)

 I love the way he has embraced my friends...

 And I love the friends he's brought into my life!

He's a great uncle...

I love our visits to the lake - or to water of any kind. Perfection.

He's the best dad ever to Braeya.

 And the best Daddy-Ryan to Phoebe.

Have I mentioned he ALWAYS makes me laugh?

I never knew I loved traveling around and seeing the sights until I married Ryan. What joy he has brought me through our trips. SO FUN!!!

 (And of course, I had to include everyone's favorite picture of us.)

Happy birthday, my love. You make every single day a joy. I am grateful for your life and how you've chosen to live it. I celebrate you today!