The best travel buddy a girl could ask for

I am putting together a series of blog posts that capture our time in Italia. But first and most importantly, a post honoring the BEST travel buddy a girl could ever ask for. 

The other day I was watching a new episode of a series we have recorded in the DVR. I was having a hard time remembering what had happened in previous episodes and then a smile broke out as the memory flooded back over me: watching those episodes in a half asleep stupor while Paul kept trying to keep me awake. 

You see, Paul had the honestly brilliant idea for us to stay up all night the few nights before our flight to help us acclimate to the time change better once we arrived. On Sunday and Monday we did our best to nap/sleep during the day and stay up all night long mostly binge watching a few different shows we have been meaning to get around too. It wasn't easy and I am quite positive I dozed off a few different times in the middle of our stay awake marathon. For the most part we did it however, and once we arrived in Italy we did acclimate pretty quickly and other than a 14 hour snooze about four days into our trip, we managed the time difference really well. 

The Monday after we got back from our trip, Paul headed out in the morning for work. It hit me that this would be the first time in SIXTEEN days that we would really be spending any time over an hour apart from each other. And I was sad about it. Thats the thing about this guy. I don't get tired of him. Smiles abound when he is by my side. At one point about a week into our trip I distinctly remember us laughing so hard at dinner that I was having difficultly getting my pasta down. (you KNOW we must have been laughing hard!) I love the fact that we can spend days and days together through somewhat difficult and challenging circumstances (puking on a plane during landing anyone?) and the strand of three cords that is not easily broken is bonded tighter and tighter.  

I am so blessed that God put this man in my life. To love and cherish me. To deal with me through international travel. To support my hopes and dreams. To keep me awake even though all I wanted to do was sleep because he knew it would be better in the long run. This trip was an early celebration of four years as man and wife and I am so excited for the many other adventures we will share together. 

We had a great system during our many days of walking and exploring. Paul would carry the bag and I would carry the camera on a strap. For the most part it worked great! 

While in Venice and Rome there were guys ALL OVER the place trying to peddle everyone selfie sticks. Paul has freakishly long arms so we essentially already had a built in selfie stick already. Yippee!!! 

and of course, upon our return home...Guinness was happy that his couch buddy was back. 

I love you so much honey! Thanks for exploring and adventuring with me! 

Nineteen Years

Nineteen years.

For nineteen years, Paul has put his needs aside and willingly served our country. I have only been a part of his life for the past five years so I haven't witnessed the entirety of his career, but from the years I have spent with him I can tell you it is truly an honorable sacrifice. 

On March 1st, Paul was promoted to E7. For those familiar with the Army, you know this is a big accomplishment. Donning the Sgt. First Class rank is something that I'm not sure Paul ever thought would happen. I of course didn't have any doubts, but when he finally saw the rank on his uniform I could see it in his eyes.

That what he has worked so hard for all these years had paid off. 

I'm consistently impressed with Paul's views on the Army and the military in general. It can be a tough life and there is a lot that goes on that on its face seems ridiculous and pointless and disorganized. But through it all, there is a point. There is a higher purpose for what these men and women do day in and day out. Its not just a job although many make it that. Its also a mission. To love and serve your country and what it stands for. 

We celebrated by documenting this promotion through photo. He needed updated photos in his uniforms and whadda know? I have all of the equipment to do that!! 

At the end of the post I have some shots of my stand in's to, you know, "test the light". Its always an adventure at the Wolfe house!!