Four years ago, during the middle of an ice storm, Nathan and I got to make a covenant to love each other for the rest of our lives. We danced, we ate, we drank and we had a dang good time.

Our actual anniversary was a few days ago, and we celebrated by having Naomi projectile vomit all over Nathan’s jeep in the drive through of Wendy’s. Happy anniversary, right?! Since that may go down as one of our not-so-favorite memories, here are ten of my favorite memories with Nathan (in no particular order OBVIOUSLY).

Hiking up to a waterfall in the Smokey Mountains

Is this a favorite memory or the most painful memory? Just joking (but hiking 8 miles in chacos is not very smart, just FYI). This was such a fun memory. We got to hike up to a beautiful waterfall, there was almost no one else on the trail, and it was just amazing. I highly recommend, except I don’t remember the name of the trail. My hips did not want to cooperate after, but it still makes the list of one of my favorite memories.

Learning to ride a motorbike in Vietnam

Riding a motorbike in Vietnam was one of the most terrifying things I’ve ever done. However, it was necessary to learn because that’s the main source of transportation. We both agree that driving the motorbike is one of the things that we miss the most about Vietnam. I am so thankful that Nathan pushed me to continue learning, even when I wanted to quit. I have so many fun memories of riding on the bike together, singing songs, telling jokes and breathing in the exhaust fumes (JK on that last one).

Vacationing in Nha Trang, Vietnam

This was really our only trip in Vietnam with just our family. We ended up staying in the most beautiful resort. We visited an amusement park, a zoo, a BBQ restaurant (a rarity to find in VN), played a whole lot of board games, and spent a lot of time at the pool. The resort also had an all you can eat breakfast buffet that was DELISH.

Hezekiah’s Birthday!

Figured this one has absolutely got to make the list! Entering the hospital as naive little soon-to-be parents, and leaving with the cutest little 8 pound baby boy in the world. Having a baby was absolutely nothing like I expected, but Nathan was the best birthing support I could have asked for. Even when he passed out for a bit, it provided some good laughs.

Naomi’s Birthday!

Well of course I’ve got to include this one too! Nathan did not pass out this time (although I did), and we were much better prepared. It was an incredible experience, and Naomi came out wild from day one. So thankful for the moments of him attempting to console Naomi while I got a few minutes of sleep, and then moving the day after we got home from the hospital. What a whirlwind. I wouldn’t have done it any other way.

COVID lockdown

The six-week COVID lockdown hit not too long after we moved back from Vietnam. We were living out in the country and had so much time to process the last year of our lives. We went on lots of walks, had lots of bonfires and I attempted to bake lots of baked goods.

Datenights in Vietnam

This was the only time in our lives of knowing each other that we went on regular date nights (THANKS ASHLEY AND BRI). From going to the movies, to a trampoline park, to driving around and getting lost and almost getting on a ferry boat to end up in some random part of Vietnam… I have so many wonderful memories from this time of our life. I think my absolute favorite though was when we tried to go to this fancy pants restaurant at the top of the tallest building in the country. We finally found the restaurant and the menu was on iPads and we literally couldn’t afford any of it. We were the only ones in the restaurant so when the waiter came back, I told him we were in the wrong place and we quickly left. Instead we went and got fried chicken.

Buying a house

I mean, this one’s mainly just fun because we got a house out of it! I love that we bought a house before Nathan had seen it. I love that it fits our family so stinking well and I love that as much as I complained to Nathan about wanting a house, he was steadfast and patient and trusted the Lord to provided and of course He did.

Birthday in KC

Spending a weekend in Kansas City eating at a brazillian buffet, playing top-golf and spending some birthday money at the outlets, what could be more fun?!

Watching Nathan become a dad

By far, my favorite memory with Nathan is the times where I watch him play with our children. I love hearing him make the kids laugh, I love the traditions he creates and I love hearing him talk with the kids about Jesus. Nathan is an absolutely incredible dad and I just praise the good Lord for bringing us together.

OKAY ONE MORE because I forgot about this one when I was originally making the list:

Our very first date!

Wednesday night at 11:00 pm we sat on a back porch and admitted we both liked each other and I believe I so graciously said, “so what now…?”. The next morning Nathan picked me up at 5:30 AM and we got coffee and hiked to watch the sunrise. It was scary and unknown and I didn’t know what would come of it, but I am SO THANKFUL for what did come after that morning. Marriage to Nathan has been such a big joy in my life. I am continually grateful for the goodness of God and this gift he has given me. Our marriage has been unique—to say the least—but I wouldn’t change any of it. Here’s to year number five!