2013 The Year of the Walrus

Happy New Year's Eve friends! 2013 will be over in a few hours, and I am ready to embark on a fresh 2014. This year provided so many wonderful things and also reminded me to be humble and grateful for what I have. It's hard to prepare yourself for the hard days or weeks, but if I remember anything in 2014 it will be this "Everyday may not be good, but there is something good in everyday". I wanted to recap some amazing moments this year, because even with the hard times, it was a blessed year!

• I graduated and gave a speech that was quoted in the paper, and had a picture of me and Dr. Citera submitted to the Bisbee paper! Woo-hoo! 
• I stopped working weekends! 
• I represented students at a tuition hearing and thanks to their amazing support and personal stories our small and humble campus was able to get out of paying an $80 fee that everyone else has to pay. The tuition was still increased but hey 80 bucks is pretty awesome for standing up and saying no to the increase
• Brandon and I were blessed with amazing travels to San Diego with my mom and step-dad, Seattle and Seabrook with his family, Kartchner Caverns with Josh, a beautiful day trip to Patagonia and Sonoita for my birthday, two trips to see my mom, and a full day trip to Willcox for pumpkins and wine! 
• Nova-Lynn our inherited niece was born and she is perfect in every way! 
• We paid off a big bill, and should be 100% debt free by summer 2014 
• Taylor, Lauren and Mariah all turned 21 and we haven't let St. Elmo's forget it!  
• April provided weekly Starbucks runs, countless "it will be okay" texts, and kept me on budget when I tried to convince her that I really needed three new nail polishes. (April, I need them!) :) 
• Our amazing friends Taylor and DJ got engaged <3
• I was blessed to have been supported by my amazing girlfriends, who I feel I have grown closer to this year. I hope that this growth continues next year and that I finally get my butt up to Phoenix to visit Christina! ;) 
• And finally Brandon reminded me that the one of best days of my life happened in 2013! I finally saw a WALRUS in person and it was seriously the best thing ever! (I keep thinking about doing a post to explain this....obsession. For now just understand that this is on the same level as meeting Gerard Butler) 

Thinking of these things remind me that with the hard times there is always so much good. I am so blessed to have such a loving family, an equally loving and patient fiance, and such caring (and fun) friends!!

Cheers to 2014 and the adventures that it will bring! 

i'm back in business!

Brandon took this picture at the Phoenix Zoo back in April, and the facial expression sums up the past few weeks!

 

SO! Three weeks ago I was working on homework at the dining room table, and showing Brandon some Christmas cards on minted. I was panicked and tense because I was working on homework and had too many deadlines in my near future. Oskar was on the table walking around and the next thing I see is his body knocking over my water glass onto my laptop!!  (Let me note that I NEVER have water near my computer, and the situation was doomed from the start) I panicked and pulled my computer up and we cleaned it quickly; it was acting fine until I went to work on it the next day and it wouldn't charge. I wasn't sure if it was the water or the fact that I had pulled it up quickly and thought I may have damaged the cord. 

Thankfully it was still under warranty, however the problem was that I still had papers and my internship to finish. I literally screamed so loud when I called Brandon to tell him the issue that he rushed home and was a total champ! So we sent my laptop to best buy and I was luckily able to use my grandpas laptop, but it wasn't the same. I didn't think his security was right and didn't want to enter any personal emails or anything. It was a frustrating three weeks, but I am back and happy to report that I am officially DONE!! I have my bachelors degree! I got an 'a' in my last class and superiors on my internship and independent studies! Everything always works out, and this month has been a reminder of that.

Another reminder I have been faced with is that once Thanksgiving hits, it's basically Christmas!  December flew by much quicker than I wanted it to! :( We celebrated my graduation (a post on that soon!) and Brandon's birthday recently, both being wonderful things that made the computer/finals situation easier to deal with; but the school situation didn't leave much time to get excited for the Holidays. Our tree is up and Brandon went super Griswold on the front porch, but most of our presents weren't purchased until we ran to target and the mall tonight. I'm excited for a Christmas when Brandon and I will be ahead and able to celebrate like the crazy Christmas/Thanksgiving lovers that we are!

A side note: if my computer ever decides to tragically die you can follow me on instagram and see what's happening there! alexisstarr

Thanks for reading!

Christmas Wishlist

Now that it is officially December, I thought I would share some items I've had my eye on and wouldn't mind seeing under the tree! 

 

1. Michael Kors iPhone Wallet  / 2. Every Day: A Five-Year Memory Book / 3. This quote as my next tattoo / 4. Kitchen Aid Mixer in Pistachio  / 5. Trip the Light Fantastic Shoes in Taupe / 6. Grand Canyon Winery Wine Club Membership / 7. Nexus 7 Tablet  / 8. Forevermark Center of My Universe Diamond Halo Earrings

Currently

My mom took this amazing picture when we went to Chicago last summer!

Reading: Nothing right now, but you better believe when the semester ends that these bad boys will be on my nightstand! one, two, three, and four. 

Listening To: Oral Histories on overload!! Only 8 days left and then I can start blaring Christmas music, and not have to worry about homework! (cue happy dance)

Watching: Duck Dynasty...why is this show so funny? Also watching a fair amount of Love it or List it, House Hunters, and Property Brothers, thank you cable!

Eating/Drinking: Still eating too much junk food, and drinking a lot of hot chocolate. Also Brandon and I have developed a strange obsession with strawberry ice cream. Not sure where it came from, but we can't get enough.

Getting Excited For: Alt Summit in January! Getting the weekly sponsor treat has been so much fun! Also getting excited for Graduation, it's only 15 days away and even though I already walked (planning a post on that) it will be a symbol of closure for me :)

Although I'm trying to maintain a positive attitude, the last few months have been difficult. Today is an important day, and it has been all I have been able to think about for the last few months. Hoping that tonight after class I will receive good news, and that the weight will be lifted.


Cyber Monday

Happy Cyber Monday! I've listed some of the fantastic deals going on, happy shopping!

Rifle Paper Co is offering 30% off the entire site with the code CYBER2013

Blossom and Vine is offering 40% off of prints, Christmas cards, and notecards and 25% off stamps! (no code required)

Mulberry Press Co is offering 30% off all items with the code 'weshopsmall'

Gussy Sews is offering 25% off with the code MONDAY25

Lindsay Letters is offering 20% off of everything with the code LLMON

Minted is offering 15% off and free shipping on Holiday cards with the code CYBER2013 and also 25% off on everything else with the code MON25

and last but not least

Stickygram is offering 25% off of magnets, phone cases, and iPad covers (no code required)

I hope you enjoy this and find something that you love! Run don't walk because all of these deals end today!

Thanksgiving 2013

^ This is exactly how we felt after eating all of the turkey and goodies! ^

^Oskar looking mighty handsome! So relieved that his dental fiasco and two weeks of antibiotics are DONE! ^

Thanksgiving this year was harder than most. We celebrated it with a small and intimate group of family and friends; but it was the people who weren't there that had the biggest impact on me.  I am thankful for so much, but this Thanksgiving was a reminder of all of the things I have taken for granted in the past.

Our morning was filled with volunteering for our local Salvation Army; our task for the morning was to serve desserts and make to-go boxes. At first Brandon was reluctant to go (because I volunteered us without asking) but after signing in and seeing the families light up at the food, he looked at me and told me that he was happy that we had decided to do it. The whole morning was really heartwarming, and served as a reminder as to how lucky Brandon and I truly are. We have our months that are tight, and sometimes we are disappointed when we can't do/get something we want; but we have a roof over our heads, food in our mouths, clothes on our back, and wonderful supportive families. What more could we want or need?

After volunteering we headed to my grandparent's house; where we had my grandparents, my aunts, uncle, and cousins, our long time family friend Linda, Brandon and myself. A small group, but still really nice. Brandon and I ate more than we should have and he spent the rest of the night 'resting his eyes'. The day was also special because we celebrated my grandpa's birthday. His birthday falls on Thanksgiving every so often, and you can really tell that he is happiest when it does. Brandon and I were so happy to celebrate it with him, and the family! Happy Birthday Grandpa!

The day was a great reminder of how blessed we are, and a reminder to not take things or people for granted.

October Weekends

Prescott: October 6th 2013

 

 

Pumpkin Patch October 19th 2013

 

 

 

 

These pictures are a few weeks late, but I had forgotten that they were on my camera until I picked it up today! I am so happy that I no longer work weekends and that I am able to explore with Brandon, visit my mom, and just relax on our two days off. We had a busy October, every weekend was filled to the brim; but I absolutely loved it, and have a feeling December will be the same way!

Have a beautiful weekend!

Our Engagement Story

Last year, after not keeping up with the blog like I had planned to, I did a quick recap of the year. This recap included our engagement, and besides mentioning that it happened on top of the Space Needle, I didn't go into much detail, like I had wanted to.

So lets start! Brandon and I had talked about marriage openly; we talked about how happy we were together, and how we wanted to see our life and love grow. Brandon had asked me about rings, what style I liked, and what size ring I wore. It was early in our relationship so I didn't take it too seriously, but appreciated him trying to gather the knowledge.

Brandon and I booked our first vacation and trip to Seattle in January of 2012. Brandon then started to get back in contact with high school friends to tell them about our trip, and planning to hopefully meet up while we were in town. One night Brandon had had a few too many and was on the front porch talking to his buddy; he started to get louder and louder, obviously talking about something exciting, and out of nowhere he yelled "Dude! I'm gonna do it on the Space Needle!!!!" I was sitting on the couch and didn't really know what to say...so I didn't say anything. He came in, and we continued to watch TV like it never happened (even though I was so excited!)

 So March came and we packed for Seattle, we had packed together, and I didn't see a ring box, or Brandon acting secretive so I told myself not to get my hopes up. (I had also gotten my nails painted black for the trip as a reminder to keep myself grounded.) Our trip was beautiful and amazing, I was anxious about the Space Needle for a number of reasons: elevators + heights + odd architecture = nervous me. Brandon had told me he wanted to go towards the end of our trip, and had made reservations for that Thursday.



Dressed up all fancy and ready for the night

On Thursday March 15th , Brandon and I rode the elevator up to the top of the Space Needle. We were pleased to have a window seat and sat in awe of the beautiful city. The night was absolutely perfect and it was only the beginning. After ordering our food Brandon started to act funny; he started looking around, looking in his lap, and rocking back and forth in his chair. Assuming he didn't have a ring I said "Do you have to go to the bathroom?" he shook his head and continued to look in his lap.

 

The next thing I knew he was down on one knee in front of me with a ring box open and he said "Will you marry me?" I stared at him in awe and said "Yes!" he looked at me and said again "Will you marry me?" I looked at him and shook my head yes, and he just stared at me. It seemed like we sat there forever because I ended up taking the ring from the box and putting it on my finger, and hugged him hard. He sat down, shook his head and said, "Did I put the ring on your finger?" I told him no, and he said "I think I blacked out, I was so nervous". We laughed after he had some water, and smiled at each other knowing that it was official.

The night of our engagement is one of my favorite memories. From the night he kind of spilled the beans, to the night where he was down on one knee. It was a night meant for us, and a night I will never forget. 3/15/12 <3

Thanksgiving Must Haves

Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday. I love the food, family, scents, memories...I just love everything about it! In honor of this wonderful holiday coming up later this week, I thought it would be a great time to share some items that I think would make the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving table this year!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11

Happy Links

 'B' Hill! I took this picture last year when walking around Old Bisbee in December. (got to love those blue skies)

 

This week has been so busy/emotional/hectic/irritating/and overall sucky......I thought I'd share some happy links to keep things positive and not overwhelm you all with my personal pity party.

Bisbee is listed as one of the '20 Awesome U.S. Cities You Need to Visit In Your 20's'

Minted has some absolutely amazing holiday cards, Brandon and I are having a hard time deciding which is our favorite! We love them all.

This video made me laugh, things like this make the world a better place.

 

This video made me laugh also, because it reminds me of one of my best girlfriends April. She is amazing, and would totally do something like this for me :)

 

Fun to dream about wedding venues: 31 Insanely Beautiful Colleges You Can Get Married At

The History of Rap always puts a smile on my face

Your twenties ranked from worst to best....

I hope these links provide some inspiration and laughs! I personally can't wait for Thanksgiving next week, I'm ready for the comfort food, and a day off with my man and family.  (also getting the house measured for new carpet next Friday: SCORE!) 

Currently

source

The picture is fitting because when my days are filled to the brim and I'm running low on sleep I have to keep reminding myself that I've got this!

Reading: No good books recently, but I have been reading some great material for my class; we just finished up Women's Rights, which is a topic that I really enjoy. I read The Feminine Mystique when I first met Brandon (he fell asleep when I read it to him), and after finishing this module for class, I'm thinking that I may read it again and see what I think now.

Listening To: I am currently interning for the Bisbee Mining Museum, my job as an intern is to listen to a set number of oral histories and transcribe them. The stories vary, some are about the mining, some are focused on ranching, or a childhood spend during the booming days. I am currently behind (considering I have 6 weeks of school left), but I have grown to love listening to each story, I've laughed, cried and shared shock with many stories. It's so interesting and beneficial to learn about the town/city you live in. In my opinion nothing beats having a little bit of knowledge and connection with the history of the town that you live in.

Watching: Dare I say: CABLE!!! Brandon and I finally joined the 21st century and got cable. Needless to say our overall productivity has plummeted. HGTV has always been a love of mine, but after living without it for nearly 3 years I have a newfound appreciation (read: obsession) for it! It sometimes bums me out that we are renting (because I have so many new ideas) but the shows are so amazing for easy ideas and fixes that make things totally different.

Eating/Drinking: Eating every piece of junk food I can get my hands on. With increased stress of the end of a semester and the holidays, I find myself drinking insane amounts of hot chocolate, and finding every reason not to cook. Making efforts to change that, but we'll see how the next 6 weeks plays out ;)

Getting Excited For: My mom is coming to visit this weekend and we already have a fun mother-daughter Friday night planned. I can't wait! :)

I'm Thankful For: Brandon

Every year when November comes around you see a change in the people around you. Suddenly the weather has cooled, and people have slowed down. People talk about what they are thankful for, and smile at the small joys in life.

I love November, mostly because I love this new found change. I love that people gather, to share food, and talk about things that are wonderful. It's not a time for wishing, or comparing. It's a time for sharing, and smiling.

This year I am feeling so thankful for so many things. I've decided that I want to take some time this month and really talk about what I am thankful for and why; starting with the love of my life.

Brandon and I have been together almost 3 years. Time truly flies when you are having fun! In the time that we have been together, we have experienced so much. I love to think of all the memories we have made, and how we have grown as a couple and as individuals. It excites me to think of all the things that lay ahead of us and the memories that we will make. Brandon continues to make me feel loved, and appreciated everyday. He tells me that I'm kind and that I'm smart, he tells me I look great when we run out to the store and I have no makeup on. He surprises me with flowers, my favorite tea, and cards that make me cry (tears of joy). He is there, and knows when I need him to just listen, and when I'm frustrated he knows when to say "I love you" or "Screw it/them, it isn't worth your time" His honesty and simple nature make him easy to love and even easier to appreciate.

Brandon makes me laugh every single day, several times a day. Whether it is a funny face he makes, or a voice that he does; it's always something new, and it never fails to make my day. I'm so thankful that Brandon isn't shy around me, and makes me laugh hard and smile so much that my cheeks hurt.

I love you Brandon, more than you'll ever know; and I'm thankful for you every day!

Rifle Paper Co Wishlist

I've known about Rifle Paper Co for some time now. I've drooled over the beautiful floral designs, bright colors, fun and original greeting cards; and even though I knew of the brand I had never taken the time to purchase anything (not sure why because the prices are amazing!).

That all changed after I was lucky enough to receive a $10 gift card to Frances Vintage for attending Pepperologie. I was thrilled to see that they carried the Rifle Paper Co brand and quickly picked up the lined paper notepad. I was so impressed with the quality that I took some time to go over the website, and it was like being a kid in a candy store! I had to resist not adding every item to my wish list, but I did decide to share my top 7. Can't wait to order these bad boys! Happy Shopping!

Wish list Items:

1. Synchronized Swimmers Print

2. Botanical Rose Iphone 4 Case

3. Floral Monogram Cards

4. Polka Dot Tin Recipe Box

5. Re-Fill Recipe Pack of 40

6. 2014 Travel America Calendar

7.  Jardin Weekly Desk Pad

15 Before the Next

source 

Since I have now been 23 for a little over a month, I was able to put the finishing touches on my new birthday list. A few days into the creation of my new list I couldn't come up with 24 things. I decided that instead of spreading myself too thin, and listing things that weren't really a priority, I would stick to fifteen things that I really wanted to achieve by next September. Like last year I've included personal, professional, and fun goals, that will help me get the most out of the coming year!
 

1. Do a 3 day weekend somewhere we both have never been before. 

2. Buy a new car (doesn't have to be new, just new to me)  

3. Donate 12-15 inches of hair to Locks of Love

4. Do the 100's at a 45 degree angle. 

5. Throw a dinner party 

6. Make beef bourguignon Julia Child style (a repeat from last year, because I want to do it!) 

7. Get my next tattoo 

8. Apply for Grad School 

9. Go to Disneyland 

10. Learn to French Braid my hair 

11. Go to a movie (in the Theater) at least every six weeks 

12. Eat Sushi 12 times 

13. Volunteer at least one weekend every month

14. Attend blog conferences, take more pictures, and grow this blog

15. Obtain full-time employment and get ahead

These are all important things to me, and I think that by having a smaller list, I'll be able to focus on the goals and getting the most out of them, rather than just crossing them off the list.

Currently

Reading: I finished The Fault in Our Stars by John Green last week, and have been thinking about it ever since. The story left me heartbroken, aching for more interaction with the two characters Hazel and Gus, and the whirlwind romance that the book was about. I knew that the book would be sad, but for me it was so much more, it was a reminder to live everyday to its fullest potential, because 'life is not a wish granting factory'. I've also been up to my ears in political readings for my American Political Ideas class. We are currently evaluating the constitution and have been introduced to Samuel Adams. Pretty fascinating, but Hazel and Gus have won my heart this past week.

Listening To: Lenka Radio on Pandora, Iron and Wine (my go to for fall/winter months) and also a lot of Jack Johnson.

Watching: Watching the new (to us) season of The Walking Dead and New Girl on Netflix. The Walking Dead has gotten so intense that even after agreeing to only watch one episode a night, Brandon and I find ourselves saying 'next one!' after almost every episode. I cherish our nights together and a shared interest in the show. I am also ready to get back to Parks and Recreation, but homework has been keeping me busy, and I know I can't stop at just one episode!

Eating/Drinking: The baked cinnamon apple tazo tea (see above) is absolutely insane. The best way to describe it is that it is fall in a glass. I seriously can't get enough of the flavor and scent. It has quickly become a fall favorite.

Dreaming About: The endless possibilities for Brandon and I when I graduate in December. On MSN there was a list of the cheapest cities for renters, and it was fun to flip through and imagine moving to one of the growing cities. Lots of dreaming about change.

 

23 before 23: A wrap up

Before I go into my 23 before 23 I just can't get over how amazing my little corner of the internet looks!!! The process wrapped up on Friday and my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. After going back and forth with Jenny Highsmith, she created a design that is 100% me, and so much more fun than the baby blue I had before. Everything from the colors used to the polka dots are things that I love and things that make my space more unique. I never imagined it being that easy, and this rewarding, thank you Jenny!! This little change has pumped me up for posts and for the upcoming Pepperologie, and Alt Summit I will be attending in the coming months. It's so much easier to share this blog with others when my space is something I also enjoy looking at.

Now for my wrap up; this 22nd year has brought me so much joy, and has provided me with challenges I willingly put myself through (this list) and others that have made me so much stronger than I ever thought I could be. This was a successful year for my list, and I can't wait to see what the next year has in store for me!

A wrap up of my list and how it went.
1. San Diego Trip
2. Eat Sushi 12+ times August = sushi two times a week, so I definitely achieved this!
3. Go to 12 Yoga Classes: I started going to Pilates (which I enjoy so much more than yoga) and have gone about 8 times
4. Write more handwritten letters to friends: Semi-achieved...would still love to do this more
5. Save up $2,000
6. Recruit 10-15 Student Council Members
7. Buy a pair of heels and walk in them comfortably: nope, I'm coming to terms with the fact that I may never wear heels. And I'm ok with that.
8. Get 4 massages: only got one this year...massages are expensive.
9. Do NOT cut hair, trims only: DID IT!!! My hair is long and healthy and I'm happy <3
10. Make beef bourguignon Julia Child Style: Not yet, but I will do this...someday
11. Tucson Trip with April
12. Ikea Trip
13. DIY Corkboard for office (Anne the Adventurer did one and it is amazing)
14. Read 6 personal choice books: Not 6 but I did read Room and The Fault in Our Stars, and a ton of great history books
15. Drink cocktails in my fancy red dress. Did this at Cafe Roka and it was awesome!
16. Send out birthday cards-on time! Going Strong!! :) Still have some left for the year
17. Purchase a fuel efficient vehicle: Didn't happen, but we are getting closer each day
18. Graduate with Honors: we shall see!
19. Walk on treadmill 3 times a week: Didn't happen, but walks did, and so did Pilates, and that is progress!
20. Style hair more, work on curling techniques
21. Shred unnecessary papers once a week
22. Create a cleaning checklist and stick to it
23. Get my passport: That's the b-day present from my grandparents! <3

I love this feeling of accomplishment, and accountability; now to start the next list!

UA Fall 2013

Classes started this past week, and it is already clear that this will be the busiest semester of my undergraduate career. I'm taking 15 credits for my last semester, one class, and twelve credits of internship and independent study. This semi-full schedule starts to become overwhelmed with the addition of my day job, and my role as President of Student Government for UA South.

In addition to this all, Brandon and I are facing some huge life decisions that need to be ironed out/discussed heavily before December. Graduate School is #1 on the list and it seems like it's going to be the hardest things to deal with. We toured the University of Washington when we were in Seattle and I absolutely fell in love. Museum work is where my heart is, but I fear that in this economy moving to Seattle wouldn't provide us with the job stability and hours that we have here in Bisbee. We were recently reminded of how lucky we are when our friend who has worked at Costco for almost a decade told us how she still hasn't been able to get her schedule changed so she has weekends off.

I feel so lucky, and although I'm all for change, I can't help but feel anxious when thinking about leaving stable jobs, a county/area I've known for my whole life, and a climate that I love. Another issue that has us wondering what moves to take has been buying our first car. We currently drive an almost 20 year old V8 truck who uses so much gas, sometimes I find myself close to tears at the gas station. We know what we can afford, but moving in the middle of paying it off scares me because if our budget/monthly income changes (which I'm sure it will) we will be doomed. 

I keep telling myself there is no 'right' way to do things or to live our life. I have been repeating 'comparison is the thief of joy' over and over in my head, to keep myself grounded and remind myself that when I start comparing my life to others it will take my joy away (and it does). This time has been such a transition, and I know that it is only the beginning. As of right now, I'm staying focused on the positive constants in my life; my amazing family, loving friends, and a fiancé who is here for anything and everything.

My deadline for my 23 before 23 has 20 days left! I've made significant progress (in the sushi department) now to see what I can tackle before the 24th! ;)

two steps forward

In the last two days I've made two huge decisions that will take my little corner of the internet to the next level. I'm no wizard when it comes to design or coding, so I decided that if I wanted people to feel welcome, and stay a while to read my posts I needed a new look/design and layout. My basic blue, with the peace wall is great, but I'm looking for something a little more detailed, and something a lot more 'me'. I decided to contact Maiedae, I've read Jenny Highsmith's blog for some time now and have always loved her simple but beautiful designs. I'm excited to work with Maiedae and see what they can do for my space!

The second step was taken today on a complete whim. Like I've mentioned before I'm a fan of the blog Anne the Adventurer and in addition to reading her blog I also follow Anne on instagram. Yesterday Anne posted a picture of the state of Utah with a plane flying towards it. She said she registered for Alt Slc (Salt Lake City) in January, and I was immediately curious as to what this was. I am semi-familiar with Alt, and what they offer; I watched Maiedae head to their New York conference a few months ago and it looked like an amazing experience.

So after seeing that last night I was so excited that Alt was having a conference on the West coast, and that it was something I could potentially go to. I went to work today and I couldn't get it out of mind! I called Brandon and kept telling him all the great things that it would offer me. After several phone calls to him, and some small research/final justification I purchased my ticket for Alt Slc and I couldn't be more excited.

I then posted the same picture on my instagram and the support/responses have been fantastic! I can't wait to meet so many inspirational people and see the beautiful city of Salt Lake for my first time. I can only image what I will learn and take away from this experience!

Is it January yet!?!

Seattle: The Second Time Around

The word Seattle makes my heart skip a beat; the city provided the most spectacular engagement last year, and my heart has yearned to go back since. Brandon and I recently spent a week in the Northwest, and this trip was more than I expected, and could have asked for.

 

Our time was spent with family, and friends, and the days were so packed that we didn't sleep much the whole time. (the sun also doesn't go down until after 9:30pm, and this proved to be a hard adjustment. if the sun is up, so are we)

 

The first day there was spent with family, catching up, shopping for the reunion. The second day was spent in Seattle, Brandon and I went to the Space Needle for brunch to celebrate our anniversary. The food was insane and the views were amazing. This trip up to the top was better for both of us this year; I wasn't as scared as I was last year, and Brandon didn't have to worry about proposing! :)

 

 I had French toast with Nutella cream, it was fantastic, but...

 

 Brandon had the crab eggs benedict and it was TO DIE FOR. Seriously the best meal EVER.

 

 After breakfast we met up with Anne, and hit Pike Place.

 We saw the gum wall for the first time.

(Really disgusting, but hey it's a tourist attraction, now we can say we have seen it!)

 

 

The next day was the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma.

The Point Defiance Zoo is the most beautiful Zoo I have ever been to, the green landscape and well maintained exhibits made the trip totally worth it. I was also able to see a WALRUS, which was a major to-do on my bucket list.

 

CUTEST ANIMAL EVER

 

 

 Belly up! Watching the animals interact with trainers was so special!

 

Next we went to the Rose Garden that is attached to the Zoo, it was so warm and green, we could have stayed there all day!

 Lunch at the Ram on the waterfront

 

 

 

The next day we went to the University of Washington in Seattle so I could tour the Museology Masters Program. The campus was so beautiful and the program sounded like something that I would love and would fit right in to.

 Our tour guide Andrea

 

 George Washington Statue

 

 Me in the graduate library, also known as the "Harry Potter Library"

 

 Brandon having fun with the UW mascot

 

After 4 amazing days in Sumner, Seattle, and Tacoma, we headed out to Seabrook, Washington for the Hughes Family Reunion.

 

 

 

 In Aberdeen (home of Kurt Cobain) we drove past a Star Wars shop and had to stop.

The owner of the store had a tattoo of Carrie Fisher, he then met her a few years later, she autographed his arm, and he then had that tattooed on his arm. :) we loved it!

The owner showing off his ink with Brandon and Noah 

 Finally!! We arrived in Seabrook to a much colder climate and a breeze from the ocean (which was right across the street)

 

Brandon, Josh, and Noah 

 Brandon and Luke, his youngest nephew

 

 Brandon and his beautiful mother



So happy to have time with Lynn, she is such a wonderful woman, and mother.

We went to Ocean Shores and wrote notes in the sand

 

Anne and I in front of the pool

Such a wonderful day with Brandon and his family

A map of Seabrook

Stairs to the beach

Brandon and his parents

 

The trip was insanely beautiful, peaceful, and full of love. I'm so blessed to have a wonderful man, and his wonderful family in my life!