18 years in the business...

Ah, yes...anyone in my family would know exactly what I mean...18 years in the business.  My Uncle Dick(aka tricky Dicky) measured all things by how many years he had been "in the business".  Well my husband and I have been 18 years married hence in Tricky Dicky terms that equates to 18 years in the business. 

Our anniversary was this past Sunday.  When we were married our reception was at the Spencer Country Inn.  I just love it there.  It is chuck full of antiques and oddities like...

This stuffed squirrel.

 

I love the butter churn next to the dive helmet.

 

Every spot has something on it or in it.

My husband and I just loved it then and still now.  Every year my parents take us all(my boys and sister too) out for brunch. It is one of our traditions.  My boys especially love it.  You've heard of carb loading. Well this is the protein plate.  It belongs to my 9 year old and this is the only time he gets to eat like this.  I guess once a year won't kill him...

I love being reminded where we are and where we come from...

I was especially reminded of where we had come from when I saw this bride.

This was me, 18 years earlier, almost to the hour.

Where we have been...

Through a few jobs, few apartments, two boys, one dog, a big flock of chickens,

building a house, a good economy, a bad economy, the loss of loved ones, the birth of

loved ones, saying goodbye to not such great friends, making new friends,

becoming a part of a community that we really love being a part of,

and the continuation of beloved traditions.

Life has been good.

We have been blessed.