This weekend we are being especially nostalgic. August 17th and 18th both hold special places in Alex’s and my hearts for a number of reasons.
![Our first day with Aspen, August 17th, 2012.](http://keepingupwiththeallens.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Aspen-006-1024x682.jpg)
Last year on August 17th we got to meet our little puppy Aspen. Alex’s mom flew her out from Illinois to come and live with us.
![I'm pretty sure Alex fell in love with her the first day we met Aspen.](http://keepingupwiththeallens.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Aspen-039-1024x682.jpg)
![My little pup Aspen!](http://keepingupwiththeallens.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Aspen-033-682x1024.jpg)
August 18th comes with some bittersweet memories. On August 18th, 2004, Alex and I met for the first time when we were moving into our dorm at Iowa State University. While we didn’t start dating for over a month, it really a day that opened the door to the rest of our lives.
![Freshman year at Iowa State.](http://keepingupwiththeallens.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/aa.jpg)
Three years ago today we closed on our first house! We have lived here longer than anywhere in the last 9 years and we are so happy and thankful to be here. Being a homeowner is an enormous responsibility, but we are loving all of the pros and cons that come with the territory.
![Our new front door.](http://keepingupwiththeallens.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/In-front-of-new-house.jpg)
And sadly, last year we said goodbye to Alex’s beloved grandfather “Papa” who passed away on August 18th.
![We are so thankful that Papa was able to come to our wedding. We have such fond memories of him there.](http://keepingupwiththeallens.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Allen_Wedding-387.jpg)
There are always memories to celebrate and dwell on. This weekend we’re doing just that!