Happy Anniversary

Tom and I just celebrated our 15 year anniversary.  It was April 18th.  It was also the day Tom gave a very moving, heartfelt, and beautiful eulogy at his friend Doug's dad, Gary Johnson's, funeral.  Tom had everyone laughing and crying and laughing again.  He received a multitude of compliments, most of which went something like, "You described Gary perfectly. That was just how I remember Gary." And then the person would tell Tom a funny story about Gary.  I am so proud of him.  If I can wrangle a copy from him, I will post it because if you knew Gary, you'll love it; if you didn't, you will wish you had known him after reading how Tom felt about him.
Now on to the anniversary.  Obviously, we didn't celebrate on the 18th. We went to a Coyotes' hockey game on Saturday the 21st instead.  It was a playoff game which means it was a "White Out." To you know Coyotes fans, that means all the Coyotes fans are supposed to wear white to the game.  It really is a cool thing to see and a playoff game is always more exciting than regular season.  We should know, we've been to 3 playoff games over the years.  Never ever going again.  They lose every time.  Maybe I am a jinx.  I will spare the Coyotes any more post season strife and stay home and watch on TV.
But I had a nice lady take our photo at the game:

And here is my anniversary photo tribute:

Wedding Day 1997

10 Year Anniversary in Hawaii 2007

Boston summer vacation 2007

Tahoe 2009

My Anniversary Surprise 2010

Every year for 15 years I have received a gorgeous bouquet of red roses.

2010 Halloween as Chilean Miners

Another Amazing Anniversary gift

NYC trip in 1999 (at Empire State Bldg)

1999 Anniversary trip to San Diego courtesy of Mary & Tom

Law School NYE 1991

Halloween 1992

The thoughtful gifts keep coming.
For 15th, I got a second, matching anniversary band to go with the engagement band

Skiing Pinetop 2012

I have no idea where this was, I'm guessing 2009ish, but I like the photo

Jamaica Trip 2003

I look forward to many, many more wonderful years together.  I am so blessed.

Happy Birthday

April 25, 2012

Today is Tom's 45th birthday.  We got Mexican take out, he got a couple cards, a gift from my mom,  and that was about the extent of the celebrating.  It is Wednesday after all.  I have planned a big Ping Pong Tournament for Saturday in his honor, but I wasn't allowed to tell any party guests that it was a birthday party.  Some of them know, but most do not.
The present was a big failure too.  I ordered him a new grill to go on the fancy new back patio (that's a whole other post) but it can with big dent so I sent it back to Wally World.  The new hopefully undamaged grill will arrive by May 7.
To celebrate my wonderful hubby, here are some of my favorite photos of him.

Easter 2012 and a Bonus

We celebrated Easter this year at the Halterhome with the Bettins (and their +3s), the Hahnenkratts, the Halters in town (which included both Mary & Mel this year), and 3/4 of the Kruks.  I was a little stressed this year because we were in the midst of the back patio remodel.  We had run into a little concrete problem and the pavers were put in place later Saturday afternoon,  just in time for a quick clean up and set up.  

We had lovely weather and the young girls kept up the tradition of breaking in the swimming pool on Easter.  In and out, quick as wink.  

Micheal & Cooper playing tether ball.

The "young" girls (too big to be the little girls anymore).

Tables are ready for company.
The view isn't pretty, but there is a paved floor and not rubble like it was just 24 hours earlier. 

Let me brag for a sec...
I bought this HUGE jar at Goodwill for $14 and it is being sold right now at Crate & Barrel for $65.
And it makes a cute edible centerpiece.

My boys.  At least Tom doesn't mind hamming it up for a photo.

Em

Grace thinking about it.

Allie taking the plunge!

Grace finally made it in.

 Then there is the new tradition of a few rounds of corn hole. The girls think it helps if you dance a little while you play. 

 And now a blast from the past...

Easters past that is...

Tommy's first Easter (1998)

Grace's first Easter (2001)

Tommy & Kackery dying eggs (Mom was in the hospital working on Grace)

Not sure the year...around 2003?

One of my favorite photos (same year)

Another favorite

And now some real oldies:

My mom & Anne.  They look kinds grumpy, maybe they didn't like what the Easter bunny brought them in those lovely baskets. 

I hope my mom didn't pay for this photo, you can see his arm and the numbers on the chair, and we aren't even looking at the camera. 

Me & Jennifer in our lovely Easter dresses, although I would call them Easter Gowns since they are full length.  Very 1970s (1976 I am guessing).

Happy Easter.  (Late)