Pictures from our Anniversary Weekend

Happy Anniversary Baby -

I was just thinking about our weekend at the Inn at Perry Cabin. I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed our weekend.

This first picture is you in our room. You are so beautiful. The fireplace reminds me of our fireplace. I so love our home and how when we go away we remember our home and how we look forward to coming home together.

You are where my home is. Don't ever forget that. We belong together - FOREVER.

This picture of our special night thinking about ou wedding at Namale. I love this picture of you as you are watching our wedding video. This night was so special as we read our vows to each other.

I will never forget our wedding day. It was the best day of my life! I am glad that this year I recorded the notes from our wedding jounal. It really made me feel close to you as I remembered what we wrote and what I was feeing when we wrote it.

We should watch this video every year - just so we can remember. Although I know we will never forget...

This last picture is us on the grounds of the Inn. I like the water in the background. I think this day we always be in my mind as the day we laughed as we looked through the little shops in St. Michael's. Also, how Kaien wanted to jump as he walked between us.

I do love you and love all of the memories and the "8 Greats" that we share together. Our life is what I always dreamed about. I look forward to our next 46 years together.

I love you baby - I always have, and I always will.

Ace

Our Anniversary Day

Dear Bride of 4 Years!

We just celebrated our 4th year Anniversary by spending the day relaxing and going on a date in the evening. We spent all day upstairs in our room. We had the kids serve us breafast (cheese toast and cinmmion rolls) and lunch (pizza) in bed. This kind of reminded me of the food I ate on our wedding day.

We wrote in our anniversary book (reflections of the year and our notes to each other.) I so love this book that you gave to me.

Then we exchanged our gifts to each other.

This year I gave you 1. The 50 year book from our wedding and a framed box of th puzzle of my vows and a picture. 2. A picture of a plane and a sky writing of the words "shonda marry me, kenneth" to remind you of when I asked you to marry me. 3. A bracelet with diamonds in it.

You gave to me - 1. A book about kisses and a choclate heart rose. 2. A wallet from coach. 3. And a Peter Lik picture of a beautiful sunset. I was so amazed that you got me a PeterLik for our anniversary. You are so amazing.

Then that night we got ready for our date..



I had arranged for Ray and the limo that brought us home from the Airport to pick us up and take us downtown to a Co Co Sala - a chocolate resturant in downtown DC. This limo ride was a nice reminder of how special the ride was home from the airport. I remember how excited you were and how you loved seeing the "Just Married" flags flying from the window of the limo. You are my princess and I love doing special things like this to show you how much I love you!

We ate dinner at Co Co Sala - http://www.cocosala.com/. This is Washington DC's only Chocolate lounge and Boutique. I really enjoyed taking you out on the town. You are the best date and thank you for another memorable night.

I love you with all my heart!

Ace

Our Jounal Entry - Our Wedding Day Part 2

This is what we wrote about the reception after our Wedding...

Kenneth:

We had pictures taken - then off to the beach for the Meka dancers and the kava ceremony. The Sunset was the most beautiful one that we had seen this week. Everything was perfect. We were honored by a traditional Kava ceremony. This is very sacred n the culture. Everyone was quiet as you could tell this was meaningful and profound. Then the meka dancers performed. It was as if the whole villiage particpated. We were overwhelmed by their performance. We were even able to participate. It was a tremendous celebration - one that we will never forget!

Shonda:

I am so glad we got a video of this. It is something that no one would be able to even imagine otherwide - absolutely incredible!

After the dancers performed and each shook our hands, we danced our first dance while our guests watched. Honestly, it felt like we were the only two on the beach. I sang to Kenneth as the song played.

Kenneth:

I felt the same way and I love hearing her sing to me!

Kenneth:

Then we cut the cake. The cake topper looked great. We ggently gave the cake to each other. We were glad to share this moment with our new freinds.

Finally we were able to have our dinner in a private shelter right on the beach with torches burning all around us. It was a wonderful way to end our day.

Kenneth:

Once back at the bure - we gave each other the first of our wedding presents. I gave Shonda a bracelet that was engraved witht he words "I love you Shonda - Kenneth" and on the other side it said "Destiny 3.7.06". and then she gave me a PowerPoint presentation of pictures and words of our times together over the last for years.

I was not only surprised, but I was speechless. It touched my heart very deeply because it was so special.

Our Jounal Entry from our Wedding Day - THE WEDDING

Here is what we wrote about our wedding day!

Kenneth:

Our wedding day - the day started with breakfast and talking with Mary and Danielle about the ceremony. After breakfast we went to the prayer mountain at the villiage to pray. Together we climbed the mountain with the help of our our guide Villie. This was amazing experience. Once at the top we prayed together for our marriage. What a way to start our day and our marriage. And so incredibly cool to be able to do this together!

Shonda:

After our jouney up the mountain, we came back to the resort and had a picnic lunch in the hammocks outside of the gym. It was our wedding day, and yet we were very relaxed and just enjoying the day.

After gathering Kenneth's attire for the wedding and moving it to the Kava Bowl, we headed to the spa. I enjoyed some time in the aromatherapy pools as well as a dip in the hot tub and a sit under the massaging waterfall. This was incredibly relaxing as well as inspiring as I was able to look out over the ocean and watch the waves.

Kenneth:

My Spa treatment included a pedicure and a manicure. This was a first. It was nice way to relax before the wedding. After the spa I headed back to the Kava Bowl in my robe to get ready for the ceremony. There I met the preacher and talked with Omar while I waited...

Shonda:

Meanwhile I went back to our bure to shower and begin to prepare myself for the ceremony. Samantha came over about 3:30 pm to help me with my hair. Having her there was a Godsend! I was able to relax and continue my makeup as she dried and straightened my hair. Carolyn came over shortly thereafter and Danielle not to long after that. They repeatedly told me how beautiful my dress was and what a beautiful bride I would be. Samantha saved the day by putting in a spur of the moment braid with her necklace, as my hair kept trying to curl up in the humidity. She did a really good job and everyone liked it a lot.

Once dressed, the girls helped me finalize my jewelry decision, touched up my lipstick, made sure I had my old, new, borrowed, blue, and stuffed the penny in my shoe, and off we were to the carriage (golfcart) to the ceremony site!

Kenneth:

While at the site - I talked with the guests and the choir and the minister. The site was decorated with flowers from fiji. The arch was beautiful. Everything was set. We all were waiting for the grand entrance of the bride. I could not wait to see her. I knew she would be beautiful - and then I saw her and all I could think was "WOW" - "SHE LOOKS AMAZING!"

Shonda:

Once at the WALA Deck the four fijian warriors escorted me down the deck and to where the guests and Kenneth were waiting. When I saw him I immediately felt at ease and at that point it didn't even matter who else was there watching or what the decorations looked like. All I could do was look at him. He looked incredible and I could tell from his "Wow" that he was pleased! :)

Kenneth:

The choir sang as she entered. Then the preacher started the ceremony - it was wonderful. The ocean, the mountains, and Shonda as my Bride. My favorite part was when Shonda gave me her vows! "WOW", they wew amazing, just like her.

Shonda:

The entire ceremony couldn't have been any more beautiful. Kenneth's vows to me were wonderful and very heartfelt and the sand ceremony was a beautiful culmination of the two of us blending our lives together. The minister announced us Mr. and Mrs. Gosnell and everyone came over to congratulate us. The choir members did the same and many of them said "may God bless your marriage." Keith and Richard had done to the villiage to buy Fijian men skirts and also bought us a kava bowl, which they gave to us after the ceremony. Everyone was so wonderful.

Jounal Entry March 6, 2006 - One Day to our Wedding

This was our journal entry from the day before our wedding...

Shonda:

After a very restful night due to cooler temp's and soothing rain, I woke up around 7:30 and began by relaxing in the room cushy chair and working on my vows. Kenneth got up and got ready and then went to the Kave Bowl to check e-mail - sending a hello to everyone.

Once ready, we went down and had breakfast with Omar and Caroline and then headed into town to fill out our legal documents so that we can be married in Fiji.

Ken:

The town reminded me of a small town USA. I was surprised by the amount of people and how dirty it was. However, the people are friendly and I felt right at home. We went to the market and bought a couple of necklaces and a mat (to be given as a gift). At one of the stores Caroline and Shonda bought Mary a pair of earrings that she liked. She was very thankful and seemed greatly appreciative of their gift.

After the trip to town it was back to Namale to finish planning the wedding.

Shonda:

Mary talked us through the various options and details and even let us pick our wedding day lunch and dinner menu. Kenneth was thrilled to be able to order a cheeseburger and friend chicken.

After all the arrangements were made, we back to our room (Loloma) to get ready for our scuba trip. Kenneth decided to go kayaking while I went diving with Caroline and Samantha and Dean. We even got to pass him on the trampoline on our way out - how cute!

Kenneth:

My kayak trip was fun but tough because I was constantly going against the current. First, I went out to the trampoline and jumped around a bit and then made my way to the beach in front of our Bure. I got to see many fish and even an eel. I want to go out again - but this time I will go when I am not against the tide. Maybe Shonda will go with me. I was glad to do this and glad that Shonda was out diving, but I missed her terribly!

Shonda:

Diving was an incredible experience! I actually wasn't afraid of losing my mask at all - I was more concerned with not losing the camera, touching coral I shouldn't, and accidentlly holding my breath. I just kept telling myself to relax and focus on the fish, and I'd be fine. I saw so many beautiful fish! I even saw two clown fish swimming around in an anemone. They were so cool! We found out afterwards that we had gone at a really choppy time. they saud we were very brave - and that we went down 35 feet for 30 minutes. I am really glad I went.

Kenneth:

Before dinner we decided to get one last look at possible places to have the ceremony. We looked at the Blowhole Deck, the Conference Center Deck, and the Beach. Although all of them are beautiful we decided to have our ceremony at the conference center deck. We just kep thinking about how we would love to have our ceremony at any of these places back home. They are all so beautiful and we can't wait for tomorrow :)

Shonda:

I second that!

Shonda:

We finished the evening in the Kava Bowl after dinner doing a little bowling, a little air hockey and are now back at out bure and Kenneth is getting ready to give me my second gift (pre-wedding). Last night he gave me the "key to my heart" willow creek figure and said he was giving me his heart. It was incredibly sweet!

We are both so relaxed, so excited about our wedding and so glad we chose a destination wedding at Namale!

Our Jounal Entry - March 5, 2006

Here was our jounal entry on March 5th - 2 days before our wedding:

Shonda:

Today was a spiritual awakening. We began our morning with a trip into the Nandi village to attend the Methodist church service. The people were incredibly welcoming and warm. The choir was unlike anything we had ever heard. The whole church only held about 125 people, but you would have thought 500 were singing because of the volume and harmony. It was an unbelievable expereince. I even recognized "Bringing in the Sheaves" and was able to sing along in English as they sung in Fijian.

The village chief welcomed the Namale guests, and the service continued in Fijian. We were fortunate to be there on a special day (the first Sunday in March) which was there service designed for giving - The Feast of the Tabernacle. It was truly amazing to see these people, who have so little, give with big smiles on their faces.

After church, we were invited by the minister to his home. We sat on a mat, handwoven by the ladies of the village, in an open almost empty room in the front od his home and particpated in a Kava ceremony.

We were amazed at how little he and all of the people of the villiage had and yet even more amazed at the hospitality, and his wife invited us all to stay for lunch. This was especially special as we had all just talked about how the Fijian minister's family lives by faith receiveing to live on only that given by the village to the church.

As we left the village we were shown a tent up on a hill and when we asked about it, were told that it was a place where the people of the village went to pray - what a testimony to worship!

Ken:

After Church the group headed back to the Kava Bowl to talk and relax. Then to lunch and then to the Dive Shop. This afternoon was our first expereince with Diving. After watching a short video we grabbed some gear and headed to the pool. I will never forget how silly we looked with our fins and how I started coughing when I got water in my snokel. We both passed the quiz given by the instuctor which was a series of underwater tasks at the bottom of the pool. This was a fun first experience for us both. I have no doubts that diving is in our future and Shonda is going to dive tomorrow with her new friend friend Caroline.

After changing for dinner we made our way down to the Blowhole Deck. the Sun had just sat and the sky was dark but beautiful. The Deck has an amazing panoramic view of the ocean. It also has a special treat of a Blowhole which shoot water up into the air about 15 to 20 feet. This has become a top option for where our wedding could be held.

After a short time hanging out with the other guests we had our dinner. After dinner we went to the Hot Tub and Pool with Omar and Caroline. The Hot Tub overlooks the ocean. We talked for a couple of hours and they invited us to their home in LA. sometime in the future.

Shonda:

We are now back in our bure, reminising about the awe and wonder of our first full day in Fiji and how pleased we are with our choice for our special day. In fact we've already said it will be hard to leave.

Our Journal Entry the Days Before Our Wedding

Here is our journal entry from March 2/4 2006...

Shonda:

Our trip began on Thursday morning March 2nd with a wonderful chauffered trip to the airport with Ray. This was such a small but significant way to begin our journey.

We arrived in Los Angeles, took the shuttle over to the Sheraton Gateway, where Albert arranged to have us specially taken by ourselves to meet the four company. Our tour of LA consisted of a stop in Santa Monica where we were able to walk along the boardwalk and take in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean - which was a first for us both.

Next, we traveled through Beverly Hills stopping to peruse Rodeo Drive and see the famous "Pretty Woman" hotel and do window shopping in the stores such a Versace. From here we proceeded to Loehman's Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where we saw various handprints of the stars including Marylin Monroe and even were fortunate enough to see the preparations for the Oscars (Academy Awards) which were scheduled for MArch 5, 2006. We concluded our tour at the Farmer's Market which we were very impressed by and took a few beautiful pictures as we shopped and ate.

The tour was perfectly times between our flight into LA and our flight to Fiji. The most memorable part of our flight into Fiji was the surprise of our inter-island seaplane flight! Wow - how spectacular. The views were magnificent!

Kenneth:

Then off to Namale. Upon arrival all we could say was "wow"! As we drove into the resort our ears were filled with music from the Namle Band. Wearing fresh flower lies we had received from McCoy Travel at the Nadi Airport, we were given moist towels and drinks while Simon preceeded to tell us about the Resort. We ate breakfast overlooking the Pacific ocean. After breakfast we were given a guided tour of the resort.

We were then taken to our room, the Loloma - a honeymoon bure. The cabin was right on the beach and we felt right at home. We spent the afternoon relaxing on the beach, enjoyed a pinic lunch and explored some fo the colorful sea life by the swimming hole together. This was a very romantic expereince.

Our evening culminated by particpating in a traditional kava ceremony with the other guests and staff, while the band serenanded us. The night concluded by sharing a candlelight dinner outside on a deck overlooking the ocean and returning to our room which had been prepared for us. We are now falling asleep together and listening to soft music and the gentle quiet rain outside. :) What a great first day!

An Anniversary Song for You

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I know one the things that we loved at Namale was the Namale Band Boys. Here a song to remind you of the songs that they sung to us each night at Dinner.

Get the Message!

This was a shirt that you gave me as a wedding present. Even after 4 years it is still true. I LOVE SHONDA!

Happy 4th Anniversary Video

This video so reminded me of so many things we got to do in Fiji. This year as we head into our 4th anniversary I want to remember about the week leading up to our wedding and then of course our wedding day. Watch the video and remember our trip together. I love you, baby!

Our 4th Anniversary Weekend Getaway

Dear Bride -

We just celebrated our 4th year wedding anniversary with a quick overnight getaway to the Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michael's MD. I think this weekend was a nice start to the celebration of our anniversary. I throughly enjoyed our night at the Inn as we watched our wedding video, wrote in our anniversary book about our very busy year, read our vows to each other, and enjoyed our dinner in the 4 star resturant.

Our lazy Saturday was fun as well. Looking at the small shops in St. Michael's reminded me of the little shops that we visited in Kuranda and in Port Douglas. I so love exploring with you. Then going to the outlets reminded me of the day that we spent in Williamsburg shopping when we first got together. All we needed was an Outback (That night is still so vidid in my mind.

Lastly, I enjoyed listing to the "our songs" cd you made for me and the cd with our first dance songs while we drove in the card. I also enjoyed you reading the cards and notes you gave me the day and the week that we got married.

For such a short trip we sure packed it full of meaningful experiences that put me back to the day that we took our vows and began out life together. I look forward to spending the next 46 years together.

Your Adoring Husband!

Remembering Namale...

Dear Fijian Princess -

As we get close to celebrating our 4th Anniversary I find myself remembering back to our wedding week. As you know, one of the things that I enjoyed the most was the beach outside of our bure. I loved being able to hear the waves of the ocean splashing outside of our window. This was the perfect place to take my perfect soulmate. I can't believe that it has already been 4 years. To me it seems like it was just yesterday. We always said that with us life would fly by and it truly has. I love you so much and I am so glad that I married you! I love that have so many special memories and that we are always creating more.

Bula!

8 GREATS 2010 Version #1

#1 - Our Wedding Day

This was the absolute best day of my life and our relationship. You took my breath away when you first appeared behind the fijian warriors. I was then and still am completely and madly in love with you. This day was perfect from the beginning (praying on the mountain) to the very end (when we became man and wife :)) I remember so vididly your vows to me and how special they were. I also remember our first song and dance and also getting to celebrate our wedding with our new friends and the fijians from the villiage. I love you so much and I am so glad that you became my wife.

8 Greats 2010 Version #2

#2 - The Day Kaiden was Born

Sweetheart, I can't even begin to tell you how much this meant to me and how close I felt to you in the hospital. You are the best mom any of my children could hope for. You are so sweet and so loving and kaiden is so lucky to have you as his mom. I am really glad that we decided to do this and I know that Kaiden will always be our special little boy. You were so brave in the hopsital and I was so proud of you. All I cared about was letting you know how much you meant to me and how you just did an excellent job growing and nurturing our baby. I can't wait to see what Kaiden does in his life but I know that we will always cherish the time we were in the hospital and the day that Kaiden was born.

8 Greats 2010 Version #3

#3 - My Birthday Trip to Philadelphia.

This was such a surprise and it was literally the best gift I think I have ever been given. To get to see my team (Arizona Cardinals) play on Thanksgiving Night was just absolute amazing. To get to go to the game with the most beautiful woman on our baby's first Thanksgiving was PRICELESS. I enjoyed our conversation up to Philly and I enjoyed our time after the game. You are so complex and I enjoy all the parts of SHONDALAND. This is a Thanksgiving that I will never forget and you made it all possible. Thank you for being my super sexy football wife.

8 Greats 2010 Version #4

#4 - Our First Family Vacation (2007)

DISNEY WORLD - Baby, this was truly a memorable experience. You planned every detail out for us and we had the most full week ever. We ate, we rode, we laughed, and we enjoyed ourselves to the fullest. I will never forget the look on your face as you watched the Spectomagic parade - you were like a precious little princess. I also will always remember the ice cream cookies that we found at the main street bakery. (This so reminded me of the cookies that we shared at Nigara Falls). I enjoyed staying at the Old Key West Resort and hanging out enjoying all that Disney had to offer me. :) Also, I remember our talks after a long day at the resort and the laughter we shared at the waterpark - (BTW - you looked so HOT is your swinsuit.) This also reminded me of one of our first dates at the waterpark in Williamsburg. I love going on vacation with you and I look forward to all the GREAT things we will get to see over the next 50 years!

8 Greats 2010 Version #5

#5 - Our First Kiss

Obviously we don't have a picture of that first kiss but the picture I have will have to do. :) I so love kissing you and I knew that our first kiss would change our lives forever and it did and I am so grateful. You have amazing lips that I could kiss forever. I was just so connected to you and I wanted us to share that moment together. It has been a defining moment in our lives. All the other kisses after (the kiss in times square on new years; the kiss at our wedding; the kiss on top of the mountain in Fiji; the kiss at the lighthouses in North Carolina; the Kisses in our new home and on the day Kaiden was born all follow this first kiss. There is nothing like a first kiss and our first kiss was AMAZING, just like you!

8 Greats 2010 Version #6

#6 - Our Weekend at Virgina Beach

Our unexpected trip to trade houses turned out to be a fanastic weekend and a great that I will always remember. We had so much fun as we just enjoyed our old stomping grounds for a few days. I really felt young and felt like we had a lot of fun eating at reasurants, walking along the beach, and trying to start having our baby. You were so beautiful that weekend and I remember us talking about creating our story. We have been to the beach many times but this weekend was truly a weekend to remember.

8 Greats 2010 Version #7

#7 - Our Anniversary Trip in Atlantic City

I have always enjoyed our anniversary trips and this year was no different. We have gone to:

1st - Las Vegas

2nd - Mertle Beach SC

3rd - Atlantic City NJ

This week was not what we expected but we really made the best of it and had some great times including our "Date Night" when we got to go out. You are a wonderful wife and I enjoy out special moments and one of the most special is remembering our wedding day and the vows that we shared with each other. It is hard to beleive that we are already approaching 4 years of marriage but it has all been GREAT. I love you sweetheat and I simply love being married to you! (One month and counting to our 4th anniversary)

8 Greats 2010 Version #8

#8 - New Years in Times Square -

This was one special memory. One Thing I have always loved about us is the fact our beleif and HOPE in a new beginning. I love celebrating the beginning of 2003 in New York together. I loved seeing Times Square, Central Park, The Statue of Liberty, Rockfeller Center, and Radio City Music Hall all for the first time with you by my side. I love you so much and I truly love our 8 Greats!

My Valentine

Dear Sweetheart,

As we approach Valentine's Day this year I want to tell you about the 2010 Version of our 8 Greats. I will speak about one each day and talk about our "best great" on Valentine's Day. I love you so much and I so glad that you are my Valentine!

Christmas in january

Dear christmas surprise

we just celebrated our christmas in January with the kids. I think this will be a new nice tradition. The thing I liked the most was recording our memories in our book. I love Christmas with you no matter when it is.

Our Special Little Christmas

Dear Christmas Present -



I really enjoyed our Christmas this year. I enjoyed watching Kaiden open his presents and I also enjoyed our special christmas a few days later. I will also remember our trip to ICE.

Chrsitmas Pictures

My Parents 50th Wedding Anniversary

Dear Party Planner -

I can't even begin to tell you how much I love you and appreciate all you did to plan my parents 50th wedding anniversary. They were so surprised and you really cemented a special place in my heart. I appreciate all your work, like:

1. Creating the Invitations

2. Finding addresses for people and preparing the invitations to be mailed.

3. Finding the decorations for the party

4. Working to get the cake - even at the last minute

5. Decorating the church

6. Getting the DJ

7. Buying special stuff for the party and then having it sent to Kevin's.

8. Shopping with Teresa for the food

9. Writing the order of the program

10. Just being your beautiful self and being the star on my lapel.

Sweetheart - you are the best wife I could ever ask for. I love you with all my heart and now my family does too.

Your Adoring Husband

Halloween Memories

Dear Wonder Woman -

I just wanted to write a little note telling you how much I enjoyed our Halloween this year. This was Kaiden's real first Halloween and it was a blast. I enjoyed everyone making over his Micky Mouse custom that we both picked out seperately and then decided together that he should be. He was the cutest Mickey Mouse Ever! I also enjoyed watching him get the candy and know that it was HIS basket and HIS candy. He is quite the little person that we created. You know the funny thing is - me seeing him with you and how you care for him and love him makes me fall in love with you all over again. I am so glad that we have had him and that we have done this together. I love you my sweet little eye candy!

Your Handsome Prince!

Me Telling the World You Are a Great Mom

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

September 24th - Kale's B-Day at the Nat's Game

Dear Baseball Mom -

We just attended the Nationals Game for Kale's B-day. I just wanted to write to tell you how great of a mom I think you are. I am glad that I have you to raise our family with. The way that you got him a special gift at the game - I know that it made him feel very special. I loved taking you to the game and showing you off - you are so hot and so beautiful and I love that you are my wife and the mother of my children!

Ace

Our Fall Disney Trip

Dear Disney Star -

I just wanted to write a short note talking about our recent disney trip. I really enjoyed our fall trip and I enjoyed that we create such great memories together. This was one of my favorite Disney trips. I especially likd kaiden's interaction with the characters - especially Jasmin. This trip was so unexpected and yet it was filled with so many memories...

• Walking around the "Great Show-Case" during the daytime. I really enjoyed the different countries and it made me think about all the trips that we are going to take during our lifetime.
• Riding the Winnie the Pooh ride with Kaiden.
• Riding its a small world - I so remember that ride in LA. I so enjoy watching you when you ride these rides.
• Staying at the Pop Century Resort and going to the pool late at night.
• Eating breakfast with Micky and the other characters.
• Celebrating Kale's Birthday at each of the Restruants.
• Seeing the Parade at night!

I love you so much and I look forward to our next Disney Trip.

Ken

My Beautiful Wife

Dear Beautiful Wife -

You are the hottest thing that I have ever seen! Looking at this picture of you just makes me want to come out of skin. I have never been as turned on as I was when you first wore this dress. You are just an amazingly beautiful woman and I am so lucky to have you in my life.

Let me list the reasons why I have found you beautiful:

1. Your long blonde hair - I love your hair and how it feels when brushes against my skin.
2. Your long sexy legs - that dress made your legs look long and sexy.
3. Your flat stomach. I love your mid section and how hot it looked in that dress. I especially love your belly ring - the little palm tree.
4. Your beautiful nails - You are such a woman - you are my little princess. You are just all woman, all the time!

I want to explore your body - I want to explore all of you. I love you and I think you are damn hot!

Ace!

Family Vacation - Part Two: Palm Beach

Dear Beach Bunny...

We just got back from family vacation and I wanted to post about our trip. Our Trip Schedule Continues...

Saturday:

The first day at our resort. We did a lot of exploring of Palm Beach and getting ready for the week. Because we got to the resort so late we slept in a litte - as much as Kaiden would allow us and then we got food and some of the beach equipment that we would need for the week.

Sunday:

Church at City Place and then shopping for my little Diva. I will never forget how you looked at me when I tried on my armani shirts. I thought you were going to explode. I love that you found me so hot! That is how I feel about you all the time.

Monday:

Beach Day! This was the day that we just enjoyed the beach at the resort. I just love going to the beach with you. You looked so hot in your binkini. You are just an awesome wife and I am so lucky to be able to spend time with such a hot looking woman.

Tuesday:

Today we took a boat over to peanut island. I think this was the highlight of the trip for many of us and help me to think of another reason I love you - your ability to find all the right places for us as a family. I so enjoyed swimming with the fish and snorkling around the big rocks. I also enjoyed watching you snorkel and seeing one of your biggest ASSets.

Wednesday:

Lion Sarari - Today we drove through a lion safari where we got to see all different kind of wild animals. This was definitly a memorable experience.

Date Night: We went to Ruth Chris Steak House in City Place and had a nice dinner. Then we came back to the resort and had a couple of drinks before going back up to our room. The thing that I enjoyed the most about this date was our conversation. I just enjoyed talking to you and it reminded me of the fact that our relationship is one long conversation.

Thursday:

The last full day we just enjoyed the resort and hung out at the pool. This was a nice way to wind down our vacation. I enjoyed hanging out at the pool and I enjoyed our last dinner at the resort.

Friday:

Headed back to Fort Lauderdale and we stopped at Aruba's to eat lunch. This is where I proposed to you. I will talk more about this in another post but what a great way to end our week in Florida.

I love you sweetheart.

Ace

Our Family Facation - Part 1: The Keys!

Dear Beach Baby -

We just got back from our family vacation. This year we went to the florida keys and palm beach.

Our travel schedule was:

Thursday:

Long flight to Fort Lauerdale and then a long drive to Hawks Cay Resort in the Keys. I was reminded this day of how well we work together as a team. Although our vacation didn't start well, we were able to work together to get to our resort and enjoy Florida.

Friday:

Spend the day at Hawks Cay. I love this picture of you and Kaiden. I also will always enjoy our memories of Kaiden in the kiddie pool and how much fun we had playing in the pools at our resort. We spent the last half of the day driving to Key West and going to the Southern Most Part of the United States. I am glad that we got to experience that together and I look forward to all of our trips.

My Surprise Little Note -

Dear DHW -

I received a surpise little note from you yesterday. I was so surprised by it and it meant so much to me. You are such a wonderful wife and I wanted to write my response to you here on your blog...

Your Letter To Me...

Kenneth,

I wanted to take a moment to tell you how wonderful a dad you are. You took off early to be there for Kale, and then not only took him but stayed to watch him. Further, you were engaged in his practice so that you could provide encouragement to him and help him to improve. This is just one example of how involved you are and how you place importance on our children's interests and encourage their growth. It just reminds me of one of the many reasons I love you. Thank you for continuing to prove your love for me through loving our children and being a great dad!

Love,
Shonda

My Letter Back to You -

Dear DHW -

Thank you for your letter of encouragement about being a good dad. I just simply love you and I love our family together. I must admit that it is quite a change and sometimes it seems overwhleming , but I just enjoy looking at what we have created and I do beleive that we will look back on these years and "we will miss them." You being my wife is what brings me great joy and happiness. One example of that is when we took our family to niagara falls. I love watching you with our kids getting wet pictures as the falls sprayed us...You are such a good mom and an even better life. I have told you many times that I did not feel like life began until I met you and that is the truth. You are my world and you help me to be a better person. I love you with all my heart and can't wait for all the memories that we will create together.

Love -
Ace

I Just Love You...

I was just thinking about you and this song came to mind that "five for fighting" sung at the NFI Gala. Just know that I love you. Enjoy!

Our Trip to Niagara Falls -

Here is the note that I wrote to you on our hotel stationary...




Dear Amazing -



Good morning baby. I wanted to write you a short note to tell you how much I love you and love our family. We have the dream of our perfect little family. I have always dreamed about being able to fly to another country and laugh while we create memories together.

You are a wonderful wife and I am so lucky to have you to share life with. We have so many great memories and I look forward to all the memories we will create together. I love dreaming with you about all the things we are going to do and all the places we are going to see and because it is us - I know that our dreams will become reality.

I could not ask for a better person to share my life with. You are such a great friend. I love our conversations - the way we can talk about anything. And I love the way that we laugh together. We find the humor in life and find secret things that connect just you and I even when the world is crowding in around us.

Thank you for choosing me to share your life me. I am so happy that through it all we found each other and kept finding each other again and again until this moment. Just know that no matter what - I would always find you because we are suppose to share our life together.

I never really thought I would find someone like you to share my life with and to have a family with - then I found you. You are so much better than what I dreamed about. You know how to please me and how to complete me. My life never really existed before you - you have brought me life! I just can't beleieve that no one really saw how amazing you were. I saw it right away and I still think you are just simply amazing!

• You look Amazing
• Your Friendship is Amazing
• Your Amazingly Smart
• Your are an Amazing Partner
• You are an Amazing Mom
• You are an Amazing Christian women
• and you are an Amazing Wife!

You are just amazing - and I know it.

Sweetheart, I have joked about how beautiful you are compared to the falls this weekend. I really do believe it. You are the most beautiful thing that I have ever seen. I love you with all my heart and I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together.

Happy Just an Everyday -

Ace

Happy Birthday To You

Dear Birthday Girl -

I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday and tell you that you are by far the best present that I have ever received.

I really hoped that your enjoyed our day of adventure! First we got to try zip lining at an adventure place in Savage Maryland. Although I wish that we were able to do zip lining in Costa Rica - I think we made the best of a short time span to fit in a new and exciting adventure. I remember years ago we started a book about us and we had a chapter in that book entitled "firsts." Well, we could now add to the list - the first time we went zip lining was on your 26th birthday.

Next we ate lunch at Al Tectza - a mexican restruant that I found. I thought it was nice but I mostly enjoyed being able to look over at my beautiful wife and having you take away my breath because of how awesome you look. I also enjoyed our great conversation and it just reminded me of one of the many reasons that I love you - because our relationship is just one long conversation that never ends.

Happy Birthday Baby - I love you with all my heart!

ACE

4th of July Block Party

Dear Fireworks -

I just wanted to drop you a short note to let you know how much I enjoyed celebrating the 4th of July fireworks at our block party. I really enjoy the fireworks that we create together but I especially loved...

• How you invited our friends to be a part of the party. You are so good for us by the way that you help expand our influence by the development of true friendships.
• How you are such a good homemaker as you made the hit of the party with your meatballs. I have always loved that you were an excellent cook and I love events like these when I can show you off as the "perfect wife".
• How you were the most beatuiful woman at the party. I love walking in with the best looking girl in the whole place. You really are beautiful and I am so lucky to have you.
• How together we make such special memories. I know that we will cherish these events for all of our life.

Baby - Happy 4th of July. Thank you for helping me create a life of fireworks!

Ace

A Special Little Day!

Dear Speed Racer -

We recently got to take Kale on one of our date nights. We went to Adventure Park USA and took Kale go-carting. We have had a lot of fun go-carting throughout our dating life.

I remember...

• Going Go-Carting in Va Beach. You were such a speed demon and you wanted to show off. I remember how in love I was with you then - I just couldn't take my eyes off of you.
• Going G0-Carting in Daytona Beach. We laughed so hard as a family as your wrecked that guy because you were not going to let anyone get around you!
• Going G0-Carting in Gaitinburg. You almost could not let Kale win - you wanted to win so bad, but I enjoyed watching your hair blow in the wind.

You are truly a lot of fun to be with. I enjoy your racing spirit and I love most how you make my heart race when you are around. I love you!

Ace

Just Thinking of You and This Song Came to Mind

Kaiden's 1st Birthday

Dear Mommy -

Dad let me use his blog to write you this letter on my first birthday. I hope you don't mind. I just wanted to say thank you for all you have done for me during this first year of life. I know that I havn't said these things yet because I am still learning how to talk but I wanted you to know...

I have so enjoyed how you have watched me every night since my birth. I know that I haven't let you get much sleep but it is because I hate being away from you and when I wake up and you are not there I get very sad. I hope you notice the smile that comes to my face when you walk into the room. You just brighten my life so much.

You have given so much to me and I have really appreciated it. I love the time that you give me each day to play and how you spend time during dinner to feed me. I enjoy the moments that we have and I feel so close to you.

Thank you for all that you have taught me this year. You have helped to teach me how to crawl, walk, eat real food, and laugh. You are the best mommy any little boy could hope to have and I look forward to telling you that each day of my life.

Mommy, I really love you and I so lucky that God choose you to give me to. Thank you for all you have done for me this first year. I would have never made it without you.

Love your one year old son.

Kaiden

Our Surpirse Trip to Missouri

Dear Best Friend -

I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciated you over the past few days. You know that that this past week we have expereinced the lost of my brother Mark. I can't tell you how much it meant to me that you were by my side during the funeral and the trip to Missouri. You are truly my best friend and I can't imagine my life without you.

Ace

Another Song....

I just recently heard this song and it reminded me of my love for you...




I LOVE YOU!

You Are Still the One...

I was thinking about this song and our first dance this year on our anniversary. I am glad that you are still the one...

Our 3rd Anniversary!!!

Dear 3 year Bride -

I know that our anniversary trip this year did not go as expected, but I want you to know that I still think that you are my bride and I still feel like we are on our honeymoon. This year was different, but it was still very memorable. The things that I will remember about this trip are:

Our Date Night at the Trump's Taj Mah Hall. You looked tremendous and I loved the connection we had through our conversation. The date ended in the most wonderful way and left me with images that I will remember for 50 years!

Our day in Ocean City New Jersey. I really enjoyed walking along the pier and talking and sharing. I had so much fun with you and the kids as we feed the birds and found a few little shops to search in and eat at.

Our Trip along the NJ coast to get to the 1,000 places to see before you die "Cape May." We can check another place off the list. I enjoyed sitting with you in front of the bed and breakfast and I want you to know that I want to see all the places with you and only you!

Kaiden's first pool experience. He had so much fun and so did we.

Our day trip to Baltimore and seeing the Austrialia exhibit. It reminded me of our honeymoon in Austrialia and made me fall in love with you all over again.

Sharing our special presents. I really enjoyed the stuffed monkey "banannas" and I enjoyed the necklace with a leather strap and of course the writing on the necklace - it was special and I will wear it with great love.

Our shopping day in Atlantic City. I enjoyed watching you pick our your newest purse :)

Our time in the car - I love that we talk and I love how even long trips can seem short because it is still not enough time to talk to you.

I love you sweetheart and I look forward to sharing the rest of my life with you. I enjoy each of our anniversaries but I think we will always have a special place in our heart for this one since we got to spend it with the kids.

Happy Anniversary!

Ace

Our Eight Greats - Start of 2009

I did this last year as well. Here are the eight great heading into our 3rd Anniversary....

1. Our First Kiss (2001) - I so love kissing you and I will never forget our first kiss and how I knew that I wanted to kiss those same lips for the rest of my life.

2. Our Weekend in Va Beach (2007) - See Picture...You looked so hot and I will never forget how much fun it was trying to make a baby on the balcony....

3. Our Wedding Day in Fiji (2006) - This was just the perfect day. There is not a thing that I would change about the day except to make it longer.

4. My Birthday Treat on Thanksgiving - (2008) This was by far the best present I have ever received and I loved watching a football game with you on Thanksgiving Day. I enjoyed our deep connection and how you treated me like a king all weekend.

5. Dancing with You (2006, 2001) - I really enjoy both memories of dancing with you. I remember dancing with you in Wal-Mart and I also remember dancing with you in Vernuti's in Frederick. Both of these are very special and things I will always remember.

6. New Years in Times Square (2005) - This was a great weekend and I loved that you helped me to accomplish something that I had always dreamed about. I enjoyed looking at all the sites in New York and I will always remember this trip.

7. Our Day in Kuranda on our Honeymoon (2006) - This was another perfect day. Even though it did not start off like we had planned, I enjoyed our breakfast on the peir and then the train up the moutain and our day with the kangaroos and koala's. And who could forget the waterfall. :)

8. The Day at the Grand Canyon - (2007) - This was another wonderful expereince. I enjoyed seeing this great wonder of the world with my greatest wonder of my life.

I love you and I love the "great" memories we are going to create this year!