The First Five Years of Marital Bliss - Years 2-4

The next couple of years included so many blessings.  We bought a new house together.  I think our number one motivator was getting a yard for Floyd.  Again, yes, we are "those" kind of dog owners.  We also wanted to get him a sister (dog that is) and we knew we would need a bigger home to accommodate 2 boxers.  Within a month of moving into our new house we brought home our new puppy, Sugar.  

Our first home we bought together

Bringing Sugar home

Sugar meeting Floyd for the 1st time

We have had so much fun in our new house with both dogs.  They have essentially become our babies.  Few people understand how much we love our dogs.  

As fate would have it, there just so happened to be a couple directly across the street from our new house who understood.  They were our age (well maybe a little younger but who is counting!), at the same place in life and also madly in love with their dogs, although there dogs are much better behaved.  Little did we know that this couple were actually part of God's bigger plan for us.  They have turned into great friends, neighbors (neighbs for short), spiritual mentors and man can she cook!!  

 Jessica and Derek

We also became a part of Jessica and Derek's care group through their church Meadow Springs.  We have met every week with an amazing group of friends and fellow believers who encourage, challenge, pray for and love on us.  This group has been one of the biggest blessings to our marriage, giving us a chance to enjoy fellowship and glorify God.  

Part of Care group Volunteering at Oregon Food Bank

During this time we also attended the Portland Vineyard Church.  We met some of our very best friends there as well as encountered Jesus in ways that we never had before.  To this day, PVC continues to be a place where we feel loved and welcomed even if we are not attending services there regularly.  

Just a typical night

Some of the greatest people we know - Hollie, John and Johnny

Aaron and I also enjoyed vacationing during this time.  To be honest though, you are more likely to find us lounging on a beach than checking out a museum.  My family is also obsessed (and I don't use that word lightly) with Disneyland.  In our first 5 years of marriage we have already gone to Disneyland 4 times.   Here are a couple travel highlights.

Oregon Coast

Vegas with Aaron's brother and sisters

Cabo - 1st trip with Aaron's parents

Seattle 

Disneyland with my niece Sophia

Montana - Jenny and Joe's wedding

Dodger's Game In LA

Cabo - 2nd Trip

We also had the privilege of both Aaron and I being in my best friend Serina's wedding.  It was an amazing day and such a blessing to witness Serina and Jahmal's lives beginning together.  

Lookin' good girls

Getting down on the dance floor

Our lives have been blessed abundantly.  We are so thankful for the family, friends, co-workers, brothers and sisters in Christ and neighbors that God has strategically placed in our lives.  We thought we couldn't ask for more - come to find out there is so much more in store for us than we ever could have imagined.  

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

I am certain, that the best is yet to come!