As I’m sitting here writing thank you notes to those who attended Jackson’s party I have tears in my eyes. Tears of happiness and tears of gratefulness. I am overwhelmed with how lucky we are to have such great family and friends in our lives. Jackson is so lucky to have so many people who love him. Knowing there are people who would take a couple hours out of their day to come celebrate him is an amazing feeling and I have such gratitude. These feelings of gratitude make me realize just how amazing life is…

We have been in Des Moines a little more than two years now and I couldn’t be happier. It seems as if things have fallen into place and we were meant to be here. I’ve created lifelong friends and we are in an amazing neighborhood with a house I love. Jackson has a perfect daycare that will be even more awesome this year with his best buddy, Barrett! We have met such wonderful families who inspire us and teach us and feel blessed to have in our lives. We found an incredible pediatrician who we love and trust 100% (she gave us her personal cell phone number for goodness sakes). We live close enough to family to see them whenever we want. I feel like this is the place we are meant to be and it makes me so happy!

Thank you to those who have put so much love in our hearts, smiles on our faces, and gratitude in our lives. Each and every one of you mean the world to us and we love you!

“The real gift of gratitude is that the more grateful you are, the more present you become.” ~Robert Holden