Yes, we sang to each other while my dad watched...

My dearest Checkered,

Do you remember that night so many years ago when we took your boat across the lake? Remember how my parents were here from Kentucky and my aunt and uncle were here from Florida and you wanted to make a good impression? Remember how the waves kicked up just as you were trying to tie the boat to the dock at the restaurant? Remember how you lost your footing and fell into the lake? Remember how we laughed (my aunt and I might have laughed hysterically, but my parents were much more concerned about your safety.) Remember how you had to put on old sweats and a t-shirt you found in the boat and had to eat wearing soaking wet shoes? Remember how you laughed at yourself and were entirely gracious?

That was the night I realized that you would be the most wonderful husband in the whole world. Seventeen years later, you have proven that to be true again and again and again.

Happy early, early anniversary!