Taking Time with the One You Love

There comes a time when you have multiple children and your life is crazy hectic that you look at your husband and he looks a little like a guy you used to date......that is when it's time to plan a vacation for just you and him !!!!! The time had come, it had been almost 5 years since Ivan and I last had a vacation together alone and it was way past due. He casually asked back in December if we could go on a short cruise together and I was way ahead of him. I had already planned a week long cruise up the Pacific Coast to Vancouver. I wanted so badly to suprise him with it however the suprise was spoiled by Valentines Day..... Oh well, it was still priceless to see his face when I confirmed what he already heard on the answering machine (thanks NCL lady who left the detailed message on the machine). We were both looking forward to some time together to relax, explore, and just have fun. So here are some of my favorite moments together:

Here we are bowling on our ship....

Going into the San Francisco Bay: Our favorite city, this was our 5th time to S.F. together and we always have so much fun there together.

This is where we spent most of our time on the ship, it was gorgeous and we would just sit and relax in the sun and Ivan would eat and eat and eat....there was a buffet right there. This explains the differences between us....I loved it because I was outside in the sun and it was quiet except the sound of the ocean, he loved it because there was an endless supply of food within 20 ft. of him......God knew what he was doing when he put us together ;)

This one is my favorite because I booked only 1 shore excursion for us and it was a Lighthouse tour in Astoria, Oregon. I booked it because it said the activity level was 1, which means that there was minimal walking and it was on level ground. Well.....that didn't end up to be true. There was a 3/4 mile hike to get to the first lighthouse. It really was a hike, up hill and on rock. My husband knew how badly I wanted to go to that lighthouse so he sucked it up and went for it. Everytime I looked at him I could see the pain all over his face but when I tried to stop he said "keep going" and it's things like that, that show me how much he loves me. It was cold and damp the worst weather conditions for him, but he never complained. The hike was gorgeous and the Lighthouse was awesome....so thank you honey for being the man that you are !!!!!!!

And finally, marriage is about compromise; Ivan endured the endless walking and I endured the juggling class !!! This is what my husband loves to do, well besides eating, he loves to be a kid !!! That is one of the reasons I fell in love with him. Our age difference has never been an issue because my husband it forever 10 years old at heart. He really wanted to do this juggling class so I sat and watched and took pictures of him. I know it meant alot to him that I was there so I went with a happy face :)

The vacation was great and the time with Ivan was even greater. We laughed alot, and ate alot, and explored alot. We made some great memories and I can't wait until the next time I get him all to myself !!!! For all my married friends, invest in your marriage, take the time, spend the money and do it !!!! The rewards are so worth it, a healthy marriage is the best gift you can give your kids.

Ivan I love you more today than ever, thank you for being the man that you are and for loving me the way that you do.