nicolaus and i started dating 5 years ago. half a decade ago. i can't believe it's already been that long. i remember when we started dating, i felt a little gypped that we didn't get to grow up/go to high school together. but looking back now, i realize that you do a lot of 'growing up' in your early twenties. i feel so lucky that we've had each other for these last five years. i've said it before, and i'm sure i'll say it again, but i'm a dreamer and nicolaus is a doer. and i love that about him. he has pushed me to actually do the things that i'm always dreaming and talking about. 

i also love that when i tell him i really want to take photos of niels in the snow (because a.) i thought niels would like playing in the snow, even if all that meant was touching/trying to eat it, b.) it would make really pretty photos and c.) any excuse to whip out the winter clothes and bundle that baby up), that instead of making fun of me for being a basic girl, he helps me pack up our babe in the car and drives us all over and through the mountains. and when niels ends up sleeping the whole time and we end up singing/reminiscing over favorite songs from high school, he still doesn't let my dream of snow photos die. and when we get home, he suggests we just take some outside there, since niels has finally woken up and there's plenty of pretty snow around.

it's the little things and simple memories like this one that i don't want to forget. and that remind me how beautiful my life is, and how lucky i am to have the two sweetest boys in it. i can't wait to see what the next five years bring. and i'm so glad that i have nicolaus to meet all the challenges and enjoy all the good times with.