24 years

 It's so hard to believe that we've been married for twenty-four years. Wow. We went this past weekend on a getaway to DC to celebrate, and we looked through old photos from former anniversaries, trying to remember how we celebrated. We definitely have been able to celebrate our anniversary in a bigger way now that our kids are getting older. Last night as we drove back from seeing Josh Groban in concert at Wolf Trap (super fun), we reminisced over memories of the past years, when we remember first seeing each other for the first time, special memories in our marriage (e.g. going through labor and delivery together as a team with Henry, for example), hard times (e.g. infertility after Clara, challenging parenting times, stressful times at work, etc.) It's been a beautiful journey and I'm so thankful for our relationship. Neither of us is perfect, but being yoked with the Savior and trying to communicate and repent makes even the hard times sacred and meaningful. 

We started our trip off with a quick visit to the lake house to drop off some stuff and get some weeds pulled, lol, and then we drove to Mount Vernon. It was a special visit, especially with this year marking the 250th anniversary of our (so young) country. I'd never been there before, and I was moved by George Washington's love for his home and family and also his sacrifices for his country. It was also sobering when the tour guide held up a graphic showing the 300+ people (nearly all enslaved) needed to run the household for the Washington family of five. 

Loved the colorful dining room.

This banister was original to the house. Super cool.

This Tulip Poplar was planted by George Washington in 1785! 

Truly incredible.

We stayed at the Morrison House, which was built in the 80s to look like an old Federal mansion to fit right into Old Town Alexandria.

Wolf Trap is a super fun venue--open on both sides, a picnic area, and cross breezes through the seated sections.

Josh Groban looking debonaire in his double-breasted suit. His voice is wonderful, even if he is a bit self-aggrandizing through his humble brags, haha. I really enjoyed the guests he had on as well, and the orchestra was particularly incredible. 

We loved eating at Ada's on the River in Old Town Alexandria--delicious and so fun to be able to walk around the town afterwards.

We hadn't been to the DC temple together in awhile now that the Richmond temple is closer. I'm so thankful for our sealing 24 years ago!