Grateful for Los Angeles
It's pretty wild to see how far we've come. We've grown up together, and it's been a beautiful journey—even when things felt hard in our relationship.
On Friday, my husband and I landed in the city where we fell in love. Los Angeles, California. No kids, just us. After five long years since our last visit, we were back. There's nowhere like California to us. It feels like a home away from home. We both get so excited when we're back in that city. We've been back separately a few times, but being back at LAX together, driving around the city, walking through farmer's markets—it was different and so needed. I felt like I was in my twenties again. There were so many memories flooding my mind. We drove past the old places we used to visit. We walked around with nowhere to go, taking our time. We bought donuts and held hands. It was so comforting to be together in the city where we got to know each other so intimately nine years ago. Time sure does fly. It's pretty wild to see how far we've come. We've grown up together, and it's been a beautiful journey—even when things felt hard in our relationship.
I'll be 33 this year, and Ryan will be 36. It still feels surreal that we chose to create a life together. We've come incredibly far as individuals and as a couple. Time has shown me that growth, love, and companionship are possible.
We were in town filming for a documentary we're a part of—and even though the trip was quick, I feel so grateful for the time we were able to spend together one on one. I don't often realize how much time we barely get to spend together until we are alone. There's a deep sense of calm when it's just me and Ryan. Likely because our kids aren't cuttin' up and carryin' on around us. We have such a lively life as a family of five, and we love it. But when we are alone, a whole new energy sets in. For me, my husband feels like home. Not because we're married, but because of the deep friendship we've cultivated over the years. Our foundation has strengthened tremendously. Our laughter has become even louder together. We have a great time with one another, regardless of whether we're talking and joking or just enjoying the hush of silence. Over the past five years, in particular, our bond has become stronger than ever.
Before we got together, I knew that I wanted a friend as a partner. I knew I wanted laughter and silliness. I knew I wanted kindness and compassion. I knew I wanted a connection that made me feel seen, safe and supported. I got that and more with Ryan. California reminds me of the feelings I'd never felt before. It reminds me of real love and joy, and ease. It reminds me of everything we've walked through to get here and have the life we have. It reminds me that we cannot live without donuts, and neither can our children now. We've created a life with our simple pleasures and traditions. I am so grateful that we have one another.
I am so grateful for California.
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