Hiking in Huasna

This weekend was full of adventure as we headed out to Huasna for April's birthday celebration. The goal was to hike until we found the Indian Caves. (our destination) The wildflowers were absolutely beautiful. The Lupin (the purple ones) were the most spectacular. It was about a 45 min. hike and then lots of searching until we found the caves. There is actually a log box out there for people to sign their names once they arrive at the caves. Kind of surprising since it is so far removed from civilization.

Nate and Beth get Married!

Congrats to Nate and Beth for tying the knot this weekend. Here are a few of the highlights of pictures. I'm not sure we've ever had so much fun with a chocolate fondue fountain. The wedding was at the Monday Club inSLO, which made for some good pictures in the gardens.

OH What a Day!

This photo was taken in Templeton next to the grain silo. You would have never known that it was freezing outside. Our photographer, David Pascolla did such an excellent job. This was right after the ceremony on our way to the Paso Inn. I have had many people ask me, "What was your favorite part of the day?" After looking back on it, I actually enjoyed the ceremony the best. This was the part that I was the most nervous for, standing in front of everyone, but it turned out to be the most memorable. Being able to stand up in front of everyone and before God to say our vows was amazing!

Heading to our Limo! Tim booked a bed and breakfast for us to stay in that night on the outskirts of Paso. It was called High Ridge Manor, and it was absolutely beautiful. The views were breathtaking and it was just the relaxation getaway that we both needed after an emotional day.

Another one of my favorite moments was the dancing at the wedding. I just wanted to have a wedding where everyone would dance and have a great time. Corey Templeton got everyone dancing with his DJ skills, and now there are pictures to prove it.
Our first dance... Keith Urban "I'm gonna love you." During the dance Tim whispered to me that it was just like dancing on the hardwood floor in our socks in my old house. We used to just dance by ourselves to Keith Urban many a night.
This photo was taken at the Paso Inn. I was a little worried about not smiling in pictures, because usually when someone tells me not to smile, I either look scared or sad...However, not to fear with David as the photographer. I have always had this small secretive dream of being a model since I have been little, after taking a million wedding photos I realized why I'm not...it's difficult!
My beloved bridesmaids... These girls were so wonderful ever since I started planning this wedding! I was not stressed out one bit the day of the wedding thanks to these girls. We are going to have to have a bridesmaid reunion some day. I am also so thankful to Carly for doing a fabulous job on my hair. It turned out better than I imagined.

• From left to right: Deanna (my sister), Tammy (newly engaged!!) Charity (my new sister), Christa(been with me since high school) and Kacy (my matron)
  

I really like this photo, because it shows off a lot of hard work. From flower arrangements, to the cake(which I absolutely loved) to the favors. I cannot thank April and Heather enough for their behind the scenes work to make sure everything went well.


This is the First Presbyterian Church in Templeton where we were married. I love the quaintness of it all. I think this church came out of my dreams.
My favorite thing about this picture is my brother (Garth) high fiving Charity in the left corner. It makes me laugh every time I look at it. Also, RJ has hops I never knew about!
This is just a sweet pictures showing Tim's tenderness. He is one of the most patient, giving, kind people I know. I guess that's why I married him. (So it makes it all worth it when I am doing his dishes and laundry :)


Matron with an attitude.... The wedding wouldn't have been complete without a few shots such as these. There is never a dull moment in my friendship with Kacy. I love her to pieces!This picture was taken at the Paso Inn inside of the ballroom where the reception was held. I still laugh at this photo as well. It was a rare moment where the bridesmaids were all standing behind me (coaching me) as how to perform in this picture and giggling as I was standing in front of this window. I think he captured the attitude well.
Groomsmen... These guys also did a great job. No rings were lost, boutineers were all pinned correctly, and they all pretty much cooperated for the most part. :)

• From left (Ryan, RJ, GROOM, David(Tim's brother), Garth(Debra's brother), Tim (best man)
  

Honeymoon Pics

The last few weeks have been great! The wedding was awesome, it was so good to see so many of our friends and family and share the special day with everyone. We were so blessed that everything turned out great - the flowers, the photos, the dancing (thanks to all you who burned it up on the dance floor!), the toasts, the incredible athleticism of the garter toss, the list goes on... We sat in the limo on the way to our hotel after the wedding and reflected on the wonderful day that we had. We were overwhelmed.

The honeymoon was a much needed break. The island was beautiful, and the Sandals resort was everything we could hav eimagined. We ate a lot and relaxed at the beach when we weren't lounging at the pool. It was a really good time to hang out and enjoy being married and all the perks!

Of course, all good things must come to an end, but a wise contractor told me (Tim)recently that the honeymoon doesn't have to end. Even though we are working again and adjusting to our routines, every day we are blessed to wake up and fall asleep with the one we love! God is good!

God's Humor (or Infinite Wisdom)

Do you ever wonder why the biggest zits always show up the week of prom, or in this case, my wedding? I got a rudolph zit going on the end of my nose right now that's really bothering me. At least if I was a girl i could wear some makeup or something. And this is after I successfully avoided any injuries to my face at my bachelor party and recent surfing excursions. Oh well, maybe it's God's way of reminding us of the real focus of marriage. It's a celebration of love, not a beauty pageant! Besides, no one will hold a candle to Debra.

All the final preparations have been made and we are ready! For those of you joining us on Saturday we look forward to seeing you! Personally, I think this will be the coolest wedding ever.

Stay tuned, in a few weeks this blog is going to have a lot of new stuff!

Cheers!

Christmas Vacation

Christmas break couldn't have come any sooner this year as I struggled to teach my last few days of school with the flu. I was definitely looking forward to our extended break of 2 1/2 weeks. Luckily, I only spent about three days flat on the couch during my break. Many people told me that this was a much needed break but I was ready to accomplish as much as I could. I have this tendency to go crazy with my time off during the first two days by setting out to do everything that I was planning on doing over the entire break and then sitting back and asking myself, "now what?" The Lord definitely has a way of slowing me down.
So I headed home to Fresno for a week where I spent countless hours with family. Christmas was a little difficult this year with my grandma being in a rest home. I spent most of my time driving to Hanford to see her with my mom daily. Such a difficult transition. This will probably be the last time that I will spend such an extended time at home before I get married, but I couldn't wait until Tim would meet up with me in Fresno.
So from Fresno Tim and I headed to Bakersfield (I know you are thinking this isn't getting much better). But we were headed to Kristen Cater's wedding. The last wedding we would attend before ours! So exciting! I couldn't believe Kristen was up there saying I do after so many breakfasts together discussing the endless dilemma of our singleness. It was a sweet sight.
I was able to end my vacation right back here in beautiful SLO hanging out with friends, getting in some good gym time, spending New Years in Huasna at April's, making our traditional hike on New Year's day, and of course working on the endless wedding plans.

Happy 29th Birthday Tim!

As if this time of year couldn't get any crazier, we celebrated Tim's birthday on the 13th. We celebrated the day with a bunch of friends hanging out drinking warm drinks, eating apple pie, and a white elephant gift exchange. Tim is showing off his new beach cruiser here.