Happy 10 Years to Us!

10 years ago we were doing this...

And 10 years later this is what we find ourselves doing...what a JOURNEY!

Yep...that's me helping to launch a barge! Coolest and craziest experience for sure. Tim has been busy building two new barges over in Indiana the last few months. I get to hear all about them and the details when he gets home but when he found out the 2nd one was going to be launched the week of our anniversary he spun a plan to travel for two days together for work and some play but most importantly so I could see where he spends so much time and to launch this barge. I was blown away! Each time I visit Tim's work or attend an event I am so proud of his energy, work ethic, drive, motivation and dreams. This was no exception that's for sure. To listen to him speak, show me the details of the new barge and to hand me my own pink hard had, steel toed boots and an ax definitely showed me even more this man loves what he does and I was so grateful to be a part of it and to see him in action for the two days.

We left on our anniversary morning after getting kids situated and off in their different directions. So thankful to great friend and college babysitters home that helped make this all happen! We first headed into Nashville for some business but had to take a quick flight over to Illinois for another meeting. After flying back to Nashville, we drove around the beautiful Franklin, TN and for the 2nd time since moving to Houston I told Tim I "could" potentially see living in this beautiful countryside. Everything about Nashville is just so quaint and simple feeling. And with all the green lush landscape that you can get lost in it feels like you can breathe and aren't stuck in a small city.

We headed to a fun dinner with some friends where we celebrated our anniversary and then made the drive to Bowling Green, KY for the night to stay with our friends. We certainly made the rounds of places in the short two days but thankful for the driving time, and conversations and hand holding that came along the way. The next morning we headed out bright and early to Indiana. The shipyard is right on the other side of Louisville (where we were for Derby last year).

The day was filled from beginning to end, with the christening, launching, picture taking, luncheon and work following that by the time we hit the airport to head back to Houston I was exhausted and have a new appreciation for what happens when my husband travels and I am home with the kids. Sure the days are full but I think playing games, splitting up fights, calming tears, running carpools,helping with homework and coloring looked a whole lot less exhausting after this trip.

We were blessed to celebrate in such a memorable way and to spend that time together. But most of all blessed to be where we are today after 13 years together because of God's grace, timing and love. Couldn't ask for a better husband, father and friend next to me!

We took a little plane to head to Illinois since it was a short flight up...

Back to Nashville for a dinner out for our anniversary - and a very blurry iPhone picture

As soon as I could take off my steel toed boots, I did in a flash and I slid comfortably right back into my wedges!

My own mounted ax should be arriving any day - the one Tim personalized for me to swing at the rope that launched the barge. Looking for the perfect place to hang it in our house to remind him of my swing :) Romance and gifts like this is the life of the wife of a barge builder! And to my parents who worried and wondered if Tim would ever get a job after we were pregnant with Kennedy - he has made you proud too!