1. Trains
Growing up I was always around trains. My dad, godfather Dave, and Grandpa always worked on the train rooms at my Grandparent's house. They had two bedrooms that were turned into a train layout. Each of the family members had a building named after them. My building is Kristen's Ice Cream Shop. I remember my cousin Jonathan and I wearing our conductor hats and driving the trains
2.High school graduation
My high school graduation was 10 years ago and I can't believe it has been that long. We were able to graduate on our football field which is exciting because I think we were the last class that was able to do that. After graduation it was a mad house and I had a hard time finding my family and friends. I went to my friend Rachel's house after it was over and she made us these home made french fries that were soooooo yummy.
3.The day I knew I was in love
Matt and I both remember the moment we knew we were in love and that we would marry each other. It actually happens to be the same weekend. We had only been dating for 2 or 3 months. He asked me to go with him to Lakeland for a Thunderbug apperance. We had such a good time just chatting while in the car. After the apperance we went to the mall and walekd around some more. I don't remember much of what we talked about or did specifically but I knew that weekend that I was going to spend the rest of my life with him. I love that we can both pin point this to the same weekend.
4. Engagement
(Apparently my hands were dry that day) I knew it was coming...I just didn't know when. It was Wednesday Decemeber 3, 2008. Matt had come to church because we were going to dinner before youth group. I was on the phone when he got there so he was waiting for me. When I got off the phone I needed to catch a lady in the office but Matt insisted I go see something in the Sanctuary. I'm not really sure why I went with him because he wouldn't tell me anything. We walk up to the front and he stops at the first row to do something then walks up to the alter. I see the roses and camera on the pew and I'm thinking why didn't he give me the roses. I go up to the alter and at this point I have figured out something is up. He told me that he wanted to propose to me at the alter because that is where we are going to start our lives together. I pretty much cried the entire time and on the video he took all you can hear is me laughing and crying.
5. wedding
The best day of my life hands down. It was perfect and everything that I had hoped it would be and more. If I could go back and do it again I can't think of one thing I would want to change.
6. miscarriage
Although this was not a happy time, this was an event that will forever be a part of who I am. I will never forget our angel baby. I will never forget what my miscarriage felt like or the emotional turmoil I went through.
7. The Birth of my Nephew
Graham was born on March 31, 2010. I have always wanted to be an Aunt, and although some of my friends kids call me Auntie Kristen it just wasn't the same. #7.2 would be when I was asked to baptize Graham. I have never felt so honored before and it was a moment I will never forget.
8. Dancing with Grandpa
My wedding was the last time I saw my Grandpa healthy before he passed away in November of that year. I am so thankful that I have this picture and this memory of dancing with him just a few short months before he passed.
9. Piranhas at Epcot
Since I grew up in Orlando, we would go to Epcot for field trips a lot. My dad was able to chaperone for one of these trips when I was in Elementary school. To this day I remember him tell us that there were piranhas that lived in the water on the Mexico ride. When Matt and I went to Epcot about a year ago I mentioned this to him whne we were on the ride and that it was important not to put your hands in the water.
10. Singing at Candlelight
Every year when I was in high school our choir got to perform for Disney's Candlelight. This was an amazing experience. In addition my senior year my high school was asked to record the new songs for this CD. My choir director only took about 30 of us to sing for the CD.
