ess eff.

A few weeks ago, John sent me this quick text-

"Surprise vacation booked."

Audrey, I know.

I had a similar reaction to the message.

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We are lucky girls.

John planned an amazing 3-day, 2-night stay in one of our favorite cities- San Francisco. Our hotel, apparently referred to by locals as "The Mark" sits at the top of nob hill, and is walking distance to about everything we wanted to do in the city. 

The view from our room.

Even though it was a very classy, beautiful hotel... Audrey still felt the need to clean the windows.

My little clean freak.

We had the best time.

John, I'm impressed. Nice planning, and thank you again for the sweet surprise! 

I made you a little something as a souvenir...

Audrey at the Top of the Mark.

love, kerry

John,

It makes me smile that we got our photos taken to celebrate our 1-Year dating anniversary...

It's proof that you knew EXACTLY what you were getting into...

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Way back when, at 20 years-old, if someone would have asked me what I wanted in a husband... Hmmmmm... I think my first thought would have been that he'd be a lot of fun, and of course enjoy traveling... lots.

Our first "big" vacation: NYC, 2005.

Twin Falls

Seattle

Bilbao, Spain

Pau, France

Madrid, Spain

Edinburgh, Scotland

Barcelona, Spain

Stockholm, Sweden

Milan, Italy

Budapest, Hungary

Croatia

St. Gallen, Switzerland

Our honeymoon in Napa.

Shasta for your college graduation.

Our babymoon in Carmel.

Austin

And, Mexico most recently.

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Remember this trip to Seattle? This is the day our doctor called to tell us that I was NOT pregnant... Even after several months of {lots of fun} trying...

He was wrong. I was pregnant. 

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When I was 20, I knew I needed to marry an intelligent, motivated man. 

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Who would also be an incredible father one day...

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John, thank you so much for being just perfect for me. You're the very best husband, father, friend, partner... man. 

I'm so lucky you're all mine, forever. 

Happy 5-Year Anniversary!!!

i love you,

kerry

Surprise!!!!

John,

Happy 30.5 Birthday!!!

It's too bad you were on call, but at least we were all together. Hope you enjoyed the little surprise party, especially for you!!!

You should know that Audrey's been really looking forward to your half birthday party. And, not only did Audrey paint your gift, but she also wanted to pick out the wrapping paper...

She really loves you. 

I thought the half, half-birthday cake was a hit. 

 Hope your half birthday wishes come whole true. 

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

love, kerry

Do Over.

Just about six months ago, I totally dropped the ball. 

It was John's BIG 30th birthday, and I honestly did NOTHING to make it special. The poor guy didn't even get a card.

Sooooooooooo not me! I love birthdays, parties, planning, celebrating...And, drinking champagne....oh, and cake. 

You all probably know why I let his birthday come and go with zero effort or thoughtfulness on my part (and, if for some reason you don't, click here). The timing was... off, but still amazing and so wonderful for me personally and our family, but just off.

I needed a re-do. 

So, I scheduled one.

About five months and three weeks ago I marked my calendar:

July 11: Start planning John's surprise half birthday party.

July 15: Have you ordered John's half birthday presents?

August 1: Ready for John's half birthday party?

August 6th: Order John's half, half-birthday cake.

August 10: Decorate, wrap and cook. SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY by 4pm!

Can't wait for you to come home, babe!

love, kerry