My cousin Troy moved to Texas with his wife and children recently for a job change. They arranged to come back and visit his parents the week before Thanksgiving, so we all gathered at Aunt Susan's and Uncle Rob's house. We arrived a bit early, so I got to sit at the counter with Susan and talk about Grandma, Grandpa, and her family. I'm really glad that even though everyone is getting older, and many of my cousins have their own families, we can still see one another on occasion.My cousin, Charity, requested that Zak and I fill out a questionnaire for her class about how are marriage is different from when we were first married. Giving our responses, and seeing her newlywed brother, Nate, and his wife, Aubree, at the party also gave me a chance to reflect on my marriage and relationship with Zak. We have a lot of the logistics figured out of where we go (or stay) for holidays, and who is in charge of which responsibilities. Zak mentioned that he isn't really surprised by me anymore. That really got me thinking. At first I was a little disappointed in myself, then he explained that he knows me well enough to anticipate my reactions and many behaviors, but I still surprise him with some of the little things. He's not tired of me yet, fortunately. I love being married to Zak. He makes me laugh every day, loves our kids, is willing to drive on our trips, helps us to organize, and makes sure I get my 20-second hugs each day. I suppose it's all right that he can anticipate my reactions. Just know that I will never forget the prenuptial promise to always let me put my [cold] hands and feet on him. Here's to the next nine years, and as many as Heavenly Father will allow us in this life and the life to come!
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| Newlywed Nicole & Zak, 2010 |
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| 2019 Nicole & Zak (squishy face) |
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| 2018 Zak and Nicole |
