10 Years

Ten years ago today, on Friday the 13th, my husband and I eloped to the beaches of Hawaii after realizing early in our planning that a traditional wedding was not for us. Thus began our pattern of questioning mainstream thinking and opting often for the non-traditional path.

As we walked barefoot along the beach after saying our "I Dos," we recall mentioning how we would probably return for our 10th anniversary. My how times change. In our newlywed, 20-something haze, we couldn't have imagined that a decade would bring us so much happiness with three beautiful children, and very different views on what is important in our life together. When I think back to our goals and perspectives 10 years ago, they were focused entirely on career and success and personal pursuits. Now they are focused entirely on our children.

The one thing that hasn't changed in 10 years, however, is our passion for urban living and our enjoyment of all that the city offers. Sure, Friday night martinis at the latest trendy bar have been replaced by Friday night ice cream cones in the nearby square, but we now appreciate the city as parents even more than we did as newlyweds.