Goodbye Minnesota

It is my last night in Minnesota. I should be packing, but my mind is busy thinking of the three years we spent here, and my heart is heavy as I prepare to leave this wonderful place and wonderful people. I am thankful for memories so I will never forget our time here.

I will miss...
Living "on our own", away from our roots. We solidified ourselves as a family here.
Cabins "up north".
Oxbow Zoo.
Apple Orchards in autumn.
Welcoming visitors and cherishing our time with them.
Our violin teacher.
Celebrating holidays in our first home.
The friends we've grown to love. You know who you are!
Every moment spent with Scott, Kara and Will. They are our best friends, always there for us to sympathize, laugh, and have fun. We're so lucky we are family too!

Here's to three years full of growth and wonderful memories.

Only in Minnesota

Gigantic Paul Bunyan, headwaters of the Mississippi (so cool), a cherry on a spoon...also gigantic, a little white church, a collection of hats on a screened porch (charming, charming, charming), chimney rock at Whitewater State Park, and Laura Ingalls Wilder's birthplace (well, it's actually in Pepin WI).

Farm Dreams

Minnesota is pristine farm country. I will miss it. I have always love farms, thanks to childhood memories of my father's farm. My father is a farmer...salt of the earth, hard working, industrious. When I drive out of the thriving metropolis of Rochester (which takes about 5 minutes), I enter a picturesque world of rolling hills, neatly planted crops, and immaculate farms consisting of red or white barns, silos, and neat homes. The farms here are so tidy. No broken, rusty tractors or tired fences. Just neat and tidy. I often imagine myself living on a farm in the middle of a wide open space with plenty of sunshine. I can see myself in the garden as the sun rises, reading a book on the porch swing while the breeze rustles the crops. I can smell the apple blossoms in the spring, hear the old screen door slam as the children run in and out, and see the crisp laundry hanging on the line to dry. It is quiet and peaceful.

Too bad Wes isn’t a farmer. Good thing, I suppose. I’m sure my dreams are more romantic than real farm life.

10 Years

Wesley and I have been married for 10 years, 3,650 days. If our happiness and love continues to grow at the same rate, I can't wait for the next 10 years!

I was very surprised by my gift of luscious pink roses and an anniversary band! I was surprised only because Wes has never given me jewelry. Except for the occasional bracelet, I'm not a jewelry gal.

When we became engaged I would walk across Utah State University campus, left arm outstretched so I could admire my ring. I often thought how beautiful it would look partnered with a band.

10 years later, it looks stunning.

I love you Wes.