Celebrating Our Eighth Year

We spent our 8th anniversary in a way that we began over 10 years ago when we started dating...simply enjoying one another’s company. The traditional and modern gifts for year eight are noted for their beauty and simplicity. There is something to be said for that nowadays especially when we add in all of the adult responsibilities that we carry daily. With simplicity, there is an opportunity to connect on a deeper, more emotional level which in itself is truly the beauty of any relationship. 

On the day of our anniversary {11/11}, we spent the entire day together doing the mundane daily routine of a Monday. Driving kids to school. Working out. Breaking bread together. We used to spend all of our days together while dating and newly engaged/married so this was a treat to just share our day-to-day lives with each other. 

Fast forward to the weekend, our celebration included a staycation at the Omni. We began with a couples massage at the Mokara Spa inside the hotel. Followed by champagne & chocolate covered strawberries upon arrival at our room. We dined at Bob’s Steak & Chop which was the perfect dinner spot. The service was fantastic and the food was delicious. We were pampered with special treats and really enjoyed the whole experience.

The next day we had a wandering day...something we used to do a lot of in our early days together. We grabbed a coffee at Quills before walking the Festival of Lights by Norton’s. It’s one of my favorite events that the city puts on as it truly brings the magic of the season alive. 

We ventured over to Story avenue to choose a custom piece of pottery at Hadley’s Pottery. So many beautiful pieces to see. Art is such a simple yet beautiful gift. We loved the unique pieces created for places all around the globe. 

Our last stop was Prohibition Spirits. A local maker of the spirits including gin, rum, vodka, & tequila. We had an insightful tour including insider info about Louisville’s prohibition experience, mobsters & the women behind the suffrage movement. We also were able to see where all the spirit making occurs and to enjoy a tasting of these unique drinks. 

 

Simple is beautiful.

Aspen Michael: 5 1/2 Years Old

Dearest Aspen Michael, 

The last 6 months have flown by and I have seen so much growth & maturity in you. You spent the entire summer working so hard to prepare for your new school. I couldn't help but beam with pride when we saw the fruits of your hard work come to fruition.

You began SMM JK program in August. You were thrilled to finally be joining Adelaide at school. Your teacher Ms. Wheatley is one of my favorite people in the whole world, and you have loved her from the start. You aim to please in the classroom and you take great pride in achieving "blue" behavior each day. You always tell me that your whole class gets blue because everyone makes good decisions! Your most recent excitement was when you helped a new boy in your glass pin up to blue. You told me that you were a Good Samaritan. My heart melted in that moment for the sweet boy you truly are.

You are also making friends with the older kids. You were as cute as a button at your first Mustang Mile walking with your 4th grade buddies. I trailed behind you and loved the look on your face just hanging out with "the boys."  

To prepare for the transition, you spent time in a lot of therapy this summer. You were in speech, occupational therapy, cognitive therapy & a reading class. You attended each weekly throughout the summer to help you in every way. You have come to love Ms. Rose & Ms. Sherri as they have guided you. Ms. Kristin has been amazing and we are so glad to continue working with her from our time at Harvey Browne. Your reading class was a huge success. You were able to learn sight words and to read the entire book of stories in the "Let's Read" book. You enjoyed your homework sheet each week and the pride you felt with being able to read stories on your own was pure joy to see. I am so proud of you for believing in yourself!

You also spent the summer at HCC learning a new stroke: backstroke. You swam it in most swim meets and scored points for your team. Your relay got 7th place at City Meet earning you a medal. You improved your times and worked hard to listen to your coaches. You were a great teammate and made many new friends!

Tennis continues to be your favorite sport and your love for Roger Federer grew even bigger as you watched him play on TV a lot this summer. You were cheering for him during the Wimbledon final as loud as can be. You started taking another private lesson each week with Coach Mark. He challenges you and you have truly risen to the task. You are making immense progress and can have up to a 30+ ball rally at a time!

You had a blast at our trip to Disney...riding all the scary roller coasters and water rides! You were such an amazing traveler and the magic of Disney was written across your face for all to see. 

I have really enjoyed watching you become a leader and an example. Watching you grow & mature makes my mommy heart explode with joy. The last few years have been a struggle for you and for me, but I think we are starting to figure each other out. 

I love you!

Love,

Mommy