A Bittersweet Celebration

On Saturday Andrew and I had the privilege to share in a celebration of new life and love as we said goodbye to our dear friends that will be moving to Japan in just a few short days. Although the evening had a bittersweet feel to it, it didn't stop us from enjoying our last hurrah with friends and dancing our legs off.

Laura's wedding hair

Our good friends Luke and Laura got married in a courthouse the day before Luke left the state for some military training. Since then, Luke and Laura have spent more time apart than they have together, Audrey (their daughter) has been born and they found out that Luke will be stationed in Japan. Before packing up their lives and moving over seas, they wanted to renew their vows with all their family and friends as witnesses and have the wedding celebration that they never had.

The day started out overcast and chilly, but that didn't dull the excitement everyone had. Everyone spent the morning getting ready and finishing last minute details. I had the privilege of doing Laura and a few of her girl's hair. What a lovely morning it was helping the bride prepare herself to meet her groom for pictures. Laura looked stunning, like a model right out of a bridal magazine. Not only was her dress, hair and makeup beautiful, but her smile radiated the happiness of the day. She was gorgeous. Audrey was looking pretty dang cute as well. The morning passed quickly and everyone was on their way to pictures. 

Before we knew it the ceremony was taking place. The pastor told the story of how Luke and Laura met, and everything that has happened since then. What an example their relationship is to us that even though times may get hard and life may throw you some surprises, love always overcomes anything. It was a beautiful vow renewal ceremony. Dinner was served shortly after with some delicious cake to follow. With Luke being in the Marines he wore his military dress blues with his sword. He decided to wear the sword so that him and Laura could cut the cake with it. I thought it was a sweet idea.

The sword is hard to see, but if you look closely that's what they're using to cut the cake.

After all the traditional wedding dances happened the real party began. The DJ played music until 1:30am and we danced the WHOLE time! It was the most fun I have had at a wedding possibly ever. There was a variety of music played and every song was danceable. I even learned how to polka. I could have danced all night if they would have let me. What a wonderful way to send Luke and Laura off.

The beautiful bride and me

Me, Laura, and Alice (one of the flower girls) 

Audrey and me

My new career might be in the military… just saying! I was wearing Andrew's coat before we left and decided to try on Luke's hat and gloves. I almost could pass huh?

Me and Karla

Me and my hot date

Luke and Laura, thank you so much for wanting us to be a part of your special day! We had a blast celebrating you guys, your love and your little family. Thank you for your friendship, you guys really  mean a lot to us. Even though we will miss you guys terribly, we are so excited to hear about your adventures in Japan and to see what God has in store for you. Love you guys!

July

Well the month of July sure flew by!  I had intentions of blogging at least once every week, but apparently that didn't happen.  Today is August first and with the first of the month comes a new start.  I will be better about blogging in August.  Here is a recap in pictures of what I did in July:

I shaved Andrew's head to start out the hot month of July.  For those of you that don't know Andrew this is a big deal.  He's always had long hair, hated hair cuts, and he's only shaved his head two other times in his 23 years of life.

I think he looks handsome with long or short hair.

We celebrated the 4th of July by watching fireworks from the roof of our apartment building… One of the perks of being the managers.  The fireworks were phenomenal!  We could see them everywhere we looked! (Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of one going off)

We went up north the first full weekend in July to celebrate the 4th with Andrew's aunts and uncles.

I caught a mouse while we were up north.

We checked up on Andrew's parent's house while they were on a missions trip in Ireland.  This is a photo of Andrew watering the plants.

I got a new summer hat.

I attended the 2012 Monticello Royalty banquet.  My mom and I are both past Monticello princesses.

I did some wedding hair

We celebrated the new marriage of some friends.

I met Captain Jack Sparrow

My Queen Kristine and I were nostalgic and watched the new 2012-2013 Monticello Royalty get crowned.  I can't believe we were getting crowned 5 years ago already! 

We had some lovely thunderstorms in July

Leo and I took advantage of the shade at the park quite a bit this month.

I celebrated the life of a dear friend when he went home to meet his Father.

This was the beautiful sunset the night of Derek's wake.

We got some ice cream with friends at Hometown Creamery (more on this later).

We hung out with Audrey, Luke, and Laura as much as we could before Luke left for training.

A rainy July morning

Here is Lake Harriet where I love to go on morning runs.  I started lifting weights in July, running at least three times a week and eating healthier.  I have more energy, I feel healthier, and my body is becoming toned.

We went up north again just this last weekend in July for some family time with Andrew's family, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  We visited Paul Bunyan land long enough for me to take a picture with Babe.

I took Leo swimming in the pool for the first time yesterday to end the hot month of July on a good note.

He was more interested in the duck than the water.

I hope everyone was able to stay cool during the hot spells we had in July.  I can't believe it's already August!  Part of me is ready for the fall, but the other part doesn't want it to come.  With the fall comes big changes for Andrew and I (more on that later).  I hope you all enjoy your last month of summer!

I'm Back!

Hello all!  It has been quite some time since I've posted.  I got the opportunity to purchase a last-minute ticket to Hawaii to go there for ten days with my dad, his two brothers and their families!  

I got back late last Thursday just in time for a long, holiday weekend and a wedding to kick off the start of wedding hair season.  

Needless to say, I've been very busy!  I will share my Hawaiian experience with you once I get my pictures uploaded and organized.  As for now, I'm happy to be back to seeing this little man two days a week!  He got two teeth and learned how to crawl while I was gone!  

Hope you're having a fantastic Tuesday!