BIRTHDAY PARTY

Last night we celebrated Russell’s 60th birthday with our children. It’s crazy to imagine Russell is turning sixty. I still remember that young, eager, somewhat rough around the edges 25 year old law student with whom I fell in love. I was very young too – just a rising sophomore in college, barely 19. Russell’s hair is grayer and thinner, but he still looks like that young man to me. His eyes are still blue and full of mischief.

 

WHERE DID THE TIME GO

It struck us during the evening how quickly time flies. Besides it being his birthday, it was only last October when we were anxiously awaiting the birth of our first grandchild. For years family gatherings have been “adults only affairs” because there were no more children in the picture. What a difference a year makes. We have also been blessed with our sweet Vivienne, who is actively crawling, pulling up and getting around like an almost one year does. Plus our youngest son, David is dating a lovely young woman who has an adorable 3 year old daughter named Evageline.  We have gone from no kids to two!

THE SOUNDS OF CHILDREN

The sounds last night were sounds Russell and I remember very well.  Katie,

 

Will and David were running around our house not that long ago, making happy noises during holidays and birthdays while their grandparents and great grandparents looked on. Suddenly we are the grandparents and our kids are the parents. At some point I am sure our parents had this realization of déjà vu.

 

THE CIRCLE OF LIFE

Just a few years ago we were spending our days, nights and weekends hanging out at a Little League field trying to juggle schedules for three kids who were attending school, playing sports, and having sleep overs. I think fondly of those crazy, chaotic, love filled days. I would not have missed them for all the money in the world, but I would not want to miss this new stage of life either.

 

OUR CRAZY, LOVELY LIFE

Life with Russell has always been a crazy adventure  – whether during our years navigating the world of youth sports, dance classes and family vacations or now living the life of the empty nester, once again just the two of us living in downsized apartment, exploring the world. We are very fortunate! We found each other young, built an amazing life together, and even after 34 years together love being together every day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RUSSELL!

Happy birthday to you, my love. You make my life better than I could have ever dreamed.