I still do...

One year ago today I got everything I had ever dreamt of and prayed for. I cannot believe it's been a whole year since I became Mrs. Kroeze. (that still think that makes me sound waaay too old) There are days we have to try a little harder than others to make it "happily ever after", but at the end of the day it's always worth it. I can tell you I love him more today than I did a year ago. He is such a blessing to me.

A few wedding memories....

" We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near. men tell of your wonderful deeds " Psalm 75:1

1 year... almost

Wade and I spent last weekend in Minneapolis celebrating our 1st anniversary! The actual day isn't for a few days yet, but this weekend worked out best to go. Originally Wade was going to plan the whole weekend...and it would be a surprise to me. Well... I'm nosy and I hate surprises. So there ended up not being to much of a surprise, but it was an amazing weekend.
Lots of shopping, lots of eating... and a horse and carriage ride. He knows me so well...

The trees on the way up the cities were beautiful! This was exactly what I had in mind a year and a half ago when I planned our October wedding. Too bad it was a late fall, and most of the trees were green yet when we got married. At least I got 3 hours to enjoy it this October.

Friday night = fun date (Wade's idea for the weekend... one "fun" date, one "romantic" date)
We ate and played arcade games at Dave & Buster's
Saturday night= Romantic date:)
Our view of the city from our table at the restaurant where we ate. Amazing!
After we ate, we went to a little coffee shop ( reminded me exactly of Central Perk from Friends?? haha ) got hot chocolate, and our carriage picked us up right outside... ahh... this is why I married him right? :)

p.s. I thought it would be fitting to put some of the songs from our wedding our blog for a while.. enjoy:)

Revelation

Revelation is a local Christian singing group who are all from our church. The group happens to be made up of 2 of my aunts as well. They are an amazing group of ladies, who have been singing together for almost 10 years. This past weekend they asked me to take some new photos of the group. They are having a free concert on October 25th, at New Life Reformed Church.
You can see from these pictures they enjoy their time together:)

Revelation, thank you for all the time you put into your music. You are all SO talented.
Thank you for letting me spend this cold morning with you!

Nevaeh Turns 3

Nevaeh turned 3 this past Saturday. We wanted to do everything we could to make it a very special day for her. She got to do a lot of things she had never done before. Presents, birthday candles, and lots of special attention. Nevaeh loves anything that has to do with a horse, so for her birthday she got to go out to the farm and ride a real horse! or a "big"horse as she calls it. Since Saturday she has said many times that she wants to play birthday party again:)
Happy Birthday sweet girl!

    Blowing out her "tandles on her birthday take" and playing with her new dress up clothes. Her first experience with a real horse. The look on her face tells you everything.

Mr. & Mrs. Altena

My good friend Traci got married this weekend at VillageWest in Okoboji to her long time love Mitchell. She was a gorgous bride! They had the most beautiful weather for their outdoor ceremony. I did hair in the morning, and then I was their candid photographer for the day. It was the 1st time I had done this "officially" for a wedding, and I loved it.

Here are a few of my pictures:)

Beautiful Bride Traci & her Dad at rehearsalMitch hugging his mom after walking her down the aisleMy favorite thing is the grooms face as the bride is walking toward himTraci's little smerk:)
And they're married!

Here are a few of my other favorites...

Congrats Mitch & Traci! Thank you for including us in your wedding day!

Pumpkin Land

My Sister Kelsi and I took the girls to Pumpkin Land on saturday afternoon. They loved all the animals...and the wheel barrels you use to get your pumkin. The actual pumpkins..not so much. It's so fun for us to be able to take them places, and do things with them they've never done before.
Nevaeh loved this "baby" as she called it.

I found 2 cute pumkpins at the patch!

Beach House

Since I was a little girl I have loved the 2 weekends we spend each summer at the beach house. My dad's side of the family (all 28 of us!) all stay in one house:) Yes... 7 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, walk out into the sand of lake okoboji, lots of kids, lots of food.... what's not to love. We were there this past weekend.

As I get older I've definitely made a transition from a kid to an adult at the beach house. From spending a lot of time playing in the sand, and in the water... to a lot more time spent in the kitchen. It takes some work for make a meal for 25. But I'm finding a love for that too. I no longer get a night to sleep in Grandpa & Grandma's room... "I'm too old." Who says I'm too old... I dont' think my grandma would ever turn that down! Well, neither would I. It used to be a place were I got to stay up late, and now it's a weekend to relax and sleep as much as I can!

One thing has never changed about the beach house... I still get butterflies when we turn the corner onto Lakeside Avenue. Always have... it's something that comes with tradition I guess. Or maybe I'm just still a kid at heart. :)

Navaeh roasting a giant marshmallowScarlett playing in the houseTrinity and I on the dockWade, Asha, and Karsyn on the jet ski