Backyard Vows, Backyard Chaos

HELLO.

It’s 67 degrees outside. No wind. And my children are frolicking around the backyard, squealing with delight over a massive snail that’s claimed their splash pad as its new home.

It’s hard to believe that this was the same place Ankur and I got married 9 years ago. Back then, it was strung with fairy lights, filled with some of our favorite people, and buzzing with all sorts of wedding day (well, engagement-day-turned-wedding-day) energy. The idea of children – OUR children – felt lightyears away.

And now here they are. Loud. Joyful. Chaotic. Very much HERE.

Ishu can kind of understand that he “didn’t yet be alive” when we got married.

Riyu is, obviously, clueless.

And not tryin’ to rush time or anything. But I am so looking forward to the day when they’re just a teensy bit older and GET IT. That this special place we call home is also the place where their mama and papa stood and promised to love each other forever.

It’s pretty dang special.

Our wedding story.

Our life story.

Sometimes I get so caught up in the chaos of everyday life. Just trying to focus on getting to bedtime. That I forget that it’s ALL part of our story. The snail discoveries. The sibling snuggles. The cross-country flights. The Chicago winters and California sunshine. The battle over one more Wild Kratts episode.

This backyard isn’t just where we got married. It’s where we became a family. Where vows turned into diaper changes, sleepless nights, hard days, and the most intense epic love I’ve ever known.

One day, they’ll understand the magic in it all.

For now, I’m taking it all in. Watching them play where the mandap was set up. Feeling so grateful that these two little humans are part of my story.