Next stop...Maui!

Aloha...



After the excitement of our wedding day, we had even more to look forward to. We left for Maui the next day. Allen and I didn't have a lot of plans for what we wanted to do in Hawaii, we just knew that we wanted to relax and enjoy our first vacation together as husband and wife. We had the best time. Exciting, mellow, and relaxing.






After the arrival to our condo we headed to Kimos for a mai tai. Delicious!




We splurged and went for the convertible. Totally worth it!



We spent a lot of time snorkeling while on the Island. One of our favorite snorkeling spots was in Napili with the giant sea turtles.



Allen had never been to a Luau, so it was a must-do. Our concierge suggested we go to a sit-down Luau. In the past I had been to buffet style Luaus, with long tables and hundreds of people. This Luau was much more intimate and relaxing. The show was very up-close and personal, and we enjoyed a five course meal with dishes from Hawaii, Samoa, New Zealand, and Tahiti. We finished off with a desert that was delivered to our table with "Congratulations" written in chocolate sause. It was special. On top of it all, fresh flower leis and all-you-can-drink cocktails!

July 11, 2009

On July 11, 2009 Allen and I were married. Our wedding was amazing and we felt so blessed to have been surrounded by so much of our family and friends. For many weeks after we continued to talk about how much fun we had! It was a joyous day and although the wedding was fabulous, we were looking forward even more to the new beginning of our life together as husband and wife.

Nearly a year ago...

It has been nearly a year since my last blog post. How did time pass so quickly? Since February of last year, so much has happened. My beautiful niece, Amelie, was born on June 7th. She has brought so much joy to our family; it has been a glimpse into the reality of how deep a mother must love her child. It's been precious watching her grow these past seven months and Allen and I look forward to the many years to come with the little munchkin.

Valentine's Day!

I know that many of us perceive Valentine's Day as another holiday created by our consumer culture; another excuse for us to buy cards, chocolate, and flowers, and to make that dinner reservation...but I still enjoy it :). I went so many years without a "Valentine", sometimes moping in my singleness, and other times rejoicing in it. I remember what it was like dreaming about love and what it would feel like. Love is so much more than a dream or a feeling. Love is action. Allen and I celebrated our second Valentine's Day together and it was so much fun. I enjoyed the little details and the planning. It wasn't about the gifts, although the flowers were lovely, but it was about the conversation, the hugs, the kisses, and just being together. I'm in love, and I never knew that I could love anyone like this. I'm blessed to have found the man I will marry and I truly believe that we are the perfect match for each other. Love to you all.

Happy 2009!

New Years Eve was a blast. We started off at Luciano's, an Italian restaurant near downtown. The tables were decorated with balloons and party favors, the disco lights were going, and the music was playing. I didn't expect the place to be so festive, but with the owner, Luciano, anything is possible. Luciano is a little Italian man who looks exactly like Einstein.

After dinner we went downtown to The Poet and the Patriot and then ended up at Cypress because The Red was packed. We met up with Emily, Shera, and Nate York and danced the night away. I'm excited for 2009!

Go Niners!

Mark and Marcie Kubisch invited us to go to a 49ers game with them, and it was awesome. Allen was super excited and it was my first pro football game. I'm not a huge "sports person", but I love watching live games, and the hot dogs and cracker jacks were quite yummy. The 49ers won!

Christmas 2008!

Christmas was great. Lots of family time and lots of food. Allen and I celebrated Christmas Eve with his family in Prunedale, and we celebrated Christmas day with my family. Christmas was very mellow this year which was nice. I'm looking forward to next Christmas...our first as a married couple!

Celebrating Allen and Michael's birthday at Tyrolean!

Allen and Michael turn 29! To celebrate we gathered at the Tyrolean, one of Allen and Mike's favs, with good friends, good beer, and good food! Everyone had a great time. Earlier that day, Sara and I made an apple and a berry pie for the boys since they both prefer pie over cake. It was the first time I made a pie from scratch, I was very proud. Everyone had a great time and the staff at the Tyrolean were amazing...very friendly and fun! We love that place. Enjoy the last year of your twenties boys!