17 Years

Seventeen years ago today I became Mrs. Hamilton.

 

 

The wedding was filled with beautiful words of wisdom and encouragement.  So many family members flew or drove in from other parts of the country.  We were so blessed to have so many loved ones there.

 

  

It wasn't until weeks later when I looked at this picture that I realized I did not take my bouquet back from my maid of honor after we exchanged our rings.  Every time I look at it I think something is missing, but by the look on my face I don't care.  In my mind I can still hear James Brown's "I Feel Good" blaring through the church.

I love this picture of my brother and my father.  Not real indicative of their relationship as a whole, but a wonderful moment of fun for both.  I imagine my aunt, who was the photographer, had said something silly to lighten them up.

Our reception was beautiful and filled with fun, dancing, food, beauty, laughter, family and friends.  My one big regret was that I was so busy with pictures and the whole agenda that I didn't slow down to really sit with the guests that came.  If we ever renew our vows I will do it differently next time.
 

 

This is one of my favorite pictures of my Dad & me.  There aren't that many, considering I was 40 years old when he passed away.  But I can see the pride in his joy that his little girl grew up and became a wife. 

 

We left in a limousine, and caught a plane the next morning to Maui for an amazing week.  We said we would go back for our 5 year anniversary, but by then we had a 2 year old and I was pregnant with our daughter.  We haven't gone back yet, but I imagine someday we will.

In 17 years we've grown from just the two of us to a family of five.  When I think back on those early years I can't believe how immature we both were!  Even in our mid-20s we didn't know how to communicate or deal with problems, and neither of us had much direction.  We soon realized that each of us had expectations that we didn't even know we had (can anyone relate?).  I'm so glad we are past those days!  We both have grown so much in wisdom and maturity since then, and for that I am thankful.  I would say our marriage is the best it has ever been today.

Here's to another 17!  Wow...by then we will be empty nesters...and possibly grandparents!  I wouldn't want to live it with anybody else.