This year marked five years of marriage for Judy and me. And it is so satisfying to see our love for each other and happiness together grow to this point. Strongly believing that God has brought us together brings a sense of blessing during our happy times and faith during the challenges.
For our fifth anniversary, we were able to take advantage of needing to go downstate and we spent some time at the Great Wolf Lodge. We wanted to take our kids to the water park. We were thankful that we were able to also enjoy a day of fun with close friends Steph and the Shins. Justin couldn’t make it and Jeff almost made it but needed a long nap to recover after his church business meeting.
Great Wolf Lodge is located in Traverse City, MI. Judy and I fell in love with that city. I think it’s the best city that I’ve been to in Michigan (and Ann Arbor is tough to beat, for me). We got there just in time for the Cherry Festival (cherries are among my favorite fruits).
When we got to the hotel/water park, I asked for a room upgrade and they gave it to us at no extra charge!
The kids had their own “Wolf Den” — that’s where Manu slept.
This is how the inside looked. They had a few slides that we were able to go on and a jungle-gym type thing, with a lazy pool, and a lot of cool kids things. The kids, unfortunately, were afraid of the kid’s slides (even though they like slides at parks, etc.)
I know that this looks like we’re playing video games. But we’re not. I’m teaching Many how to ride a motorcycle. It just so happens that this motorcycle simulator is in an arcade.
Micah riding with his friend Alvin (from Alvin and the Chipmunks)
Me and the boys getting ready to hit the pools.
Amazing how two little boys can change the lives of two grown adults. We love you, Manu and Micah, more than you’ll ever know.
I knew that you were the best spouse anyone could ask for, Judy. But I didn’t know you would be so much better than I ever could have imagined. Thanks for giving me the happiest years of my life! I love you.
ugh! you guys are so adorable and i love you both. thank you for marrying each other and for being my friends. you two are the best.and thanks for inviting us to your anniversary celebration. 😉
I echo Steph in the sentiments of “thank you for marrying each other.” I truly believe the world can become God’s kingdom and strong marriages are the impetus, the launchpad, the initiator for a renewal of this world. You are both an inspiration in your transparency. When you share your joys and struggles, people are helped by it and drawn closer to knowing God because of how He has worked in your lives. John and I are only a couple of the many who have benefited.I’m still moved when I think about what John told me about your wedding day — the purity of it, the beauty. Don’t ever forget the way you felt on your wedding day and let that feeling be preserved as your love grows (as does your family). We’ll be married four years in a couple of weeks. John says, “Feels like five.” Booo!
So very sweet of you Israel! Pssssttt….Judy, you are blessed! and I know you already know that. 🙂
aw, congratulations you two!! 🙂
Awww! This is really sweet Israel. I know you guys are equally blessed by each other, and we are very blessed by you both as well. Looks like you had a lot of fun. We were thinking of you on the 11th. And also today in Sabbath school when we sang about the “Spider IN his web” (or was it the spider ON his web?) We are back on the Farm program, and missing you as always. Hope we can get together soon.love you guys!
wow, nice! we are so happy for you guys…you truly make a beautiful, fun couple :)…God has blessed you a lot already and i know He has more in store for you :)…Israel, that was so sweet to write a post for your wify :)….well, 5 years of marriage are great, but wait until you reach 5 and a halh…it’s getting better…even with a child on the way…..(i’m talking from personal experience…we’ve been married over 5 and a half years…hehehe). God bless!