Two Years.

At this time two years ago, I was walking down to get coffee for the crew coming in to set up for the reception (and by crew I mean lovely lovely friends and family). I cannot believe that Ben and I have now been married for two years. Since he has to work today we celebrated last night, first by watching the wedding video that Grace and Phil recorded (and I am eternally grateful to have a copy). We watched part of the ceremony, but basically skipped to the end to see the toasts, and comments from people at the reception. 

Ben and I both agreed that not only was that one of the most fun times of our lives, but that we wish we could live it over again, just to have the same group of people all in a room, having a good time. I am sure everyone remembers their own wedding the most fondly, but I just remember an atmosphere of joyfulness and celebration, of love and family, of laughter and dance.

At the rehearsal dinner

 

The past two years have been remarkable, set off by a wonderful night of our families and friends united together (and if I hadn't lost my laptop, I would include more pictures), and I am looking forward to the next 62. Oh, and thank you for the well wishes on the video....they are hilarious to say the least. And if you don't think you made an appearance...don't worry, you did.

The Book Bindery

Here is a pretty sweet write-up in the Seattle Times about the restaurant where Ben is working: The Book Bindery. You know it's pretty popular when only after two weeks from opening, this cook's wife couldn't get in....on a Wednesday. I'm very excited to go someday and feast, or sample wine in their winery, or just peer in through the window, which sounds like it might be my only shot at it until after the holidays!

A sad day for the laptop

Ben and I had an accident on the plane ride to Atlanta a few weeks ago. In an effort to avoid spilling my water all over the laptop that Ben was watching a movie on, I handed him my water glass while I attempted to get back in my seat. He wasn't watching...I wasn't watching...an ever so unfortunate kick...water everywhere...laptop dead...no bueno.

A week later we visited the Apple Genius Bar for help. The nice man helping us told us it would cost $800 to fix and since it was two years old, our best bet would be to probably just buy a new one. Then his further justification led to this conversation:

Man at Apple store to me: "People typically replace their computers every three years."

Me to Apple store man: "Who are these millionaires?"

Ode to Summer

Oh summer, how I enjoyed thee...and how thankful I am that you are over.

Let me start off by saying that my summer was lots of fun. North Dakota, 4th of July with family, weddings, the long bike ride, Vegas, South Carolina, and getting to be outside during the week trying to keep up with the youngsters. (Yes, I even enjoyed the one week of cheer camp).

Shane, Jeremy, Gma, Me, Ben, Sean, Ashley

Grandma's House

Darla, Jen, Liz, Me, Marlene

4th of July in Longview

Self-portrait

STP, Day 2, 6 a.m.

(More Vegas pictures to come)

South Carolina

School doesn't start for 3 more weeks, which I will spend getting ready for the new term. I'm excited to once again teach college students, especially since I won't have to tell them to stop throwing sand, keep their shoes on, keep their limbs in on the merry go round, be good sports, etc. etc. PLUS its FALL (or just on the cusp)!!--where everything feels new again: sunny days, crisp cool nights, rainbow of foliage, football, holidays, and some Trader Joe's pumpkin pancake mix on the way.

Summer you were lovely, but I'll see you next year.

Ben's Nieces and Nephew

In South Carolina, Ben and I got to spend a week with his nieces and nephew. They all have completely different personalities, which were fun to get to know since we don't get to see them very often. Those little buggers definitely kept us on our toes to say the least. We had a blast hanging out with them, and can't wait to see them again.

Laura

Charlie

Ella

Anna