Changing

I appreciate this blog for what it is. It has been a photo reel of our marriage. It very clearly depicts how young of a bride and new wife I was. It reminds me of struggles I experienced at times, even if I did write about them. I appreciate it for exactly what it is to me.

Life has become some much more than a sequence of photos and fun weekend events. I am building a life and future with a wonderful man. Through our struggles and through our joys I want to continue to capture the moments. "Do any human beings ever realize life as they live it - Every, every minute?" That is what this blog needs to be for me. A series of moments.

Here is to a new chapter of who I am. Here is to sharing those experiences and growing a little more each day.

23 is going to be a good year...

A couple weeks back we celebrated my birthday. It was one of the more perfect days in recent memory. It felt much needed after a long year in Spokane.

The day began with breakfast at Old European. It was delicious. I love going to breakfast, it is one of my favorite things to do.

We then ran errands for our party later. I also bought myself a bouquet of flowers because I wanted to. It was nice to have Tyler for a Saturday without any distractions.

We came home and I opened presents. I got a killer sauce pan from my mother-in-law and a Kindle from Tyler. The Kindle is a thing of beauty. I'll admit I was a skeptic and there is still something about turning a page that will always have my heart, but oh my the convenience. And the options. Needless to say I was a happy lady.

A few hours later our friends came over for a pool party and barbecue. Last year on my birthday it was 65 degrees and rainy. This year it was 90 degrees and blue skies. Perfect for a pool party.

The men showed off their athleticism with a few tricks off the diving rock.

Tyler was the king of the barbecue. Everyone brought such yummy food.

My sweet friend Kassidy made me a birthday cake so I didn't have to make my own! It was delicious.

We feel so blessed that in one year we have made such amazing friends. They made my day so special. I feel like 23 is already one of the best years of my life. I can't wait to get older, learn more and continue to create great memories.

Booze Cruise

Last weekend we had our summer social for the clinic that I work at. We boarded the "Serendipity" ship and sailed up the Spokane River to Lake Coeur d'Alene. It was a beautiful night filled with a lot of laughs.

Katie, Kadee, Laura, Tyler, Melissa and Kristie

This is Melissa, she is one of the best friends that I have made in Spokane. I am so glad we get to work together. She makes going in everyday worth it.


My favorite co-workers!

Tyler posing for his campaign shot. He is always such a good sport to go with me to these kinds of ridiculous events.

Dancing

Most of the Office

August 19, 2011

Summer came to an end this last weekend with Tyler heading back to school on Monday. We went out with a bang as the newest McAllister family was created! We were able to fly to Utah to see Taylor and Jessie get married. It was a beautiful day filled with lots of love and family. Jessie looked gorgeous and Tay wasn't too bad himself. I was so impressed by all the work that she, her sisters and mom put into the reception. It was picture perfect. We are so glad Taylor found Jessie and that she agreed to marry him!

Taylor and Jessie

Siblings

Tyler and I

Sweet baby Talon

Nieces

Eden and Makell

Visitors

After a long first year of law school we were lucky enough to have two weekends in a row with visitors! It had been five months since we had seen any of our family and it was a blast having them here. The McAllisters came up first. It was non-stop fun with movies, sight seeing, eating out and seeing Wicked. It was a whirlwind weekend, but so much fun to have them here.

The following weekend my parents came into town. We had a lot of fun touring downtown and seeing the raging river, visiting Grand Coulee Dam and planting our very first garden. Thanks mom and dad for making the trip up here and being so much fun to hang out with!

We are counting down the days that we get to see the rest of our friends and family this summer in Utah, but we love having visitors come to our town and see our life! The invitation is open to you all and we hope you take us up on it!

Inspired

My blog lacks in inspiration. It really is pathetic. I am not going to vow to do better because I really don't mean it. I did however have an inspirational night and I want to remember how I felt after it always.

Life is mostly a chain of repeated moments and actions interjected everyone once in a while by something special. Last night was special. Tyler and I had a chance to listen to a very inspirational speaker. This speaker reminded me what it means to be a woman. He inspired me to raise good children someday because that is the most important job anyone could have. He reminded me that it is okay for me to be taking time to make me a stronger me so that I can complete my goals in the future. Yes, life may be mundane, but it is these sequence of events that stitch together our destiny. I am grateful to be the person that I am. I am grateful for the life I have. I am mostly grateful for the life that I get to create. My favorite quote of the night was, "When your heart speaks, take good notes". I am ready to follow this instruction and be a better me.

Our Month on the Road

After nearly 4,000 miles driven, over 5,000 miles flown, and a whole month away from home we are back in Spokane! Christmas was split between the Wilson and McAllister clans. We are so blessed to have such great families that we love spending time with. New Year's was spend in Seattle at Jeff and Brenda's reception. It was a blast seeing the Johnsons and hanging downtown. The following week we were able to fly to West Virginia and help Melissa move. We drove through 5 states and finally made it to Dallas in time to unpack the moving truck and get their cute family all settled in. We made it back just in time for Tyler to start school the next day. It was a whirlwind month but we had a great time. Here are some pictures of our many adventures!

Annual Ugly Sweater Party

Kids acting out the Nativity

Laura and Makell on Christmas Morning

Ruth in her new chair from Santa

Christmas Eve Party

Hot Chocolate Time!

Mom and Kelly

Dancing at Jeff and Brenda's Reception

Laura, Jamie, and Stasia at the NYE party