Love & Marriage.

Normally Tim and I are pretty traditional. Since year one we've given each other the "traditional anniversary," themed gifts. It started getting old. We realized we were just gathering things we didn't really like or want just because it was "metal," or "linen," or what-have-you. The past few years we have really come to understand how low key we are and noticed that the things we loved best about our anniversaries was the time we had together, not the gifts. (Though some were pretty cool, I must say) Every anniversary that we've been on Saipan we've gone on a hike together before exchanging gifts and this year we decided that would be our tradition for anniversaries from now on. 

We chose an easy and quick hike but it was beautiful and solitary and we loved it.

In my mind my real life started the day I met my husband. It sounds nuts but I knew deep down I would marry him, even on our first meeting when I was young and stupid and he was dating someone else. Everything I am today I owe to him and my Savior. Before Tim my life, though good at times, was mainly rough and rocky. He taught me how to live again, how to love myself and how to rise to my potential. The day we were married I was so happy. I had visions of our happy life together and it looked amazing. I knew life with him would be amazing, but this---this is much, much more. 

I love you Tim. Much more than you'll ever know.

Aboard the Jade Lady III.

Tim is the hardest to get gifts for. (Aren't all men?) He always gets me the most thoughtful things and I'm left with this guilt of feeling like I never get him anything cool. (Anyone see that Parks & Rec?) This Fathers Day I kept it a secret and whisked him on a sunset dinner cruise aboard the Jade Lady III. We had talked about going for years now and just never got around to it. It was a little different than we expected but we had a great time.

Highlights:

-Live Music

-Bottomless Sprite

-Amazing Sunset

-Steak AND brownies

-Dancing

-Laughing until our sides hurt when a little boy requested, "Gangham Style," and he totally played it! Even funnier, the little boy and his sister danced to it the entire time.

-Watching a couple who had gotten married on the boat that day dance to a Japanese Wedding song. 

-Slow dancing with Tim.

-Getting the best picture of the two of us in YEARS.

-Watching all the tourists and their crazy dance moves after their 4 or 5 beers.

-Stealing kisses in front of some very conservative Koreans.

-Pretending I was Kate Winslet on the Titanic.

-The YMCA dance ending. Definitely went out with a bang.

Golden Hour.

Tim's main request for Father's Day was to go to the beach. The kids ended up taking a late nap so we didn't have time to swim but we stayed long enough to play and take in the scenery. The children happily played in the sand and water while Tim and I talked about how lucky we are to live here. How lucky we are to have each other, this family we're building and so much love in our lives.

 I knew I loved my husband the day I married him but seeing him as a Father has opened my heart to an even bigger capacity of love. He's very quiet about it usually but I hear it. Like the other night when we were trying to figure out how to keep June from wandering into the fridge at night and eventually onto the couch where we'd have to carry her to bed at 10pm I suggested we maybe close her door. His answer so simple but so sweet. He quietly said he didn't want to do that because he didn't want her to feel trapped or afraid. He didn't want her alone in her room and scared. Heart melted. 

Or a few days ago when I was in full nesting mode and started painting the walls. He helped me do two walls and then said, "Is it okay if we save the rest for later? I think the kids feel ignored." Then he took us out for pizza as a family. 

I hope he knows how special a Father he is. I hope he knows how much the kids adore him. I hope he knows how my heart has grown watching him with our children. I make sure to tell him often but I hope he really knows it.

Happy Father's Day Tim. We love you oh, so much.

Tree Climbing

Tim was finally able to come to the beach with us on his off day a few weeks ago. I feel a little guilty that we frequent the beach so much and he's stuck indoors working. A few snorkeling trips though and he's good to go! The beach was beautiful that day (when is it not?) but our kids didn't want to swim. Instead I tried to teach them how to climb the coconut trees to get a fresh one to drink. I made it about halfway up before I realized I may not be as limber with this protruding belly of mine. The kids were in awe and Owen even tried to go up a few notches. June just kept asking me, "You okay?" Sweet girl. 

Beach Date

We went on a double date with our friends last week. It's always fun to be with other adults without the kids and I love seeing Tim interact with people. It makes me love him even more. Mushy enough for you?

The guys took their ladies out on their scooters and we looked like a mini motorcycle/moped gang. Ha!

We always have the most beautiful sunsets here in Saipan and that night was no exception.
Can you believe we've only had ONE visitor come out the entire time we've lived here?!
Flights aren't cheap but look what you're getting!

Our friends the Hochhalters

Seahorses in the Sky! 

After the beach we head to The Taste of Marianas Festival. It's only once a year and only on weekends for the month of May. The food is AMAZING. We've gone twice and I still can't seem to say no to the barbecue ribs. Tim's gotten the curry twice too so I don't feel that bad.

My man sure knows how to take out his girl!

Mother's Day 2013

Mother's Day meant so much to me this year. I was so aware of the love that my family feels for me and how lucky I am to be a mother at all. What's more is I'm able to do it with such an incredible man.

We went down to my favorite beach and I savored every snuggle.

And every kiss.

I can't believe how much this boy has grown! 

And my baby, who isn't really a baby anymore.

A husband who makes living in this GORGEOUS place a reality.

Sharing finds on the beach.

Monkey on Dad's back.

She's such a climber these days!

So grateful for the Mothers in my life. My own mother, my Mother in Law, my friends and even those who are yet to be mothers. I love you all and are thankful for your presence in my life.

Happy Mother's Day Everyone!

the magic of dad.

a time lapse of daddy's homecoming.

waiting.

first sighting.

pure magic.

moments this week.

{Owen has been missing his Dad all week. Tim's boss was out of town so he had to work everyday and on top of that, the poor man got the flu. Needless to say, Owen didn't get to see much of his Dad. He would wait by the door for him and say, "Daddy, coming?" and would bolt outside when he saw Tim ride up on the moped. So sweet.}

{Owen came up with a "racing," game. You just run. Back and forth, over and over. They love it and play all the time}

{June has been such a talker lately. She notices everything and tells you every time she sees a bird, a flower, a doggie, a baby. It's adorable and beautiful to watch her learn.}

{Tim taught Owen to draw a smiley face. Owen calls them "O's." It's pretty adorable.}

{Tim's hair is getting really long again.}

{baby explorer}

{and the remnants of an epic water balloon fight.}