Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from Steve and I (Chewie & Yuri too!)

2011 was a pretty big year for us, who knows what 2012 will have in store. We do know a few things: we are going on a 18 day trip to Ecuador in April, we will be getting back into shape, we will be experiencing more of what this wonderful city has to offer. We hope: to have more visitors so we can show off this place we love so much, to get to spend some short trips to see friends and family members and to not have to go to any funerals this year.

While 2011 had a few sad moments, we lost too many loved ones this year, it had a ton of awesome moments. Steve and I were so busy this summer that I stopped documenting everything we were doing on this blog. So here is a short recap of a few things we did this year...

We made a huge life decision and Steve took a job that moved us to Seattle, WA.

We rented our house in Olathe, KS sold over half our possessions and made a huge move accross the country.

The move allowed us both to take amazing road trips(separately) with our best friends.

I quit my job and then found one quicker than I was expecting.

We visited West Virginia for Rebecca and Randy's wedding. We had a great time getting to spend time with family members we don't see very often. It also was Steve's first time in WV so we did some hiking and saw the bridge and gorge.I got to go and visit with some of my girlfriends in Omaha, NE for Molly & Ben's wedding reception. It was a good time, as it always is with my friends.

Yuri went swimming and loved it. Chewie hated it so there are no pics of him.
We did a good number of hikes. This one is from a 4 mile hike to a mountain lake. Steve got in and said it was so cold he felt his heart stop! It was so beautiful. Too bad I broke one of my toes hiking the 4 miles back to our car.

We took up some water sports. There is so much water here it is hard not to do something on the water each weekend. We did stand up paddle boarding in the sound and once in a lake.

We kayaked a lot also. This is us kayaking through the arboretum, which is really cool with all the lilly pads and secret passages. You even go under highways to get to it.

We had visitors this summer too. Steve's parents and Jessica came out to visit, as did Ellen and my mom and dad.

We celebrated our 2nd anniversary with dinner at one of the nicest restaurants in town.

We got to experience the Cardinals World Series Game 6 win from downtown St. Louis, with two of our best friends.

Goodbye 2011 we had a great time!

Congrats Nickie & Matt Smith!

Last weekend we went to St Louis for a party filled weekend. We had a wedding to go to and a graduation party. The wedding was my friend Nickie. She didn't actually go to Rolla, but to us she is just another Rolla girl. :)

The beautiful bride and her new hubby walking down the aisle.

Kara was a bridesmaid. She looked pretty as well.

And she made the cake! Doesn't it look awesome? It tasted good too! I am so impressed with her skills.

Krista came in for the wedding. We really liked hanging out on this patio at the reception. It was a really nice view.

In between the ceremony and reception we spent time at the Kozlen house for Jessica's graduation party. Lots of family came to town for the get together. It was really nice to get to visit with everyone. Plus Krista and Chung came along, so we got to hang out all day too. Even with lots of family at the party, the only pics I got there were of Leah. Hehe.

She loved the dogs. She kept trying to pet Yuri. They find her interesting too. It's cute.

Leah and I hanging out. Doesn't she look cute in that dress? Her Aunt Sarah got it for her :)

Overall it was a very busy weekend, but a great one!

Jam Packed Summer

Summer is just about here and I am excited for everything we have planned. We have a jam packed schedule for the coming months. Here are the things we have planned from now through the beginning of July. Not many weekends free!

- BBQ to commemorate Steve's first home brewed beer
- Corporate Challenge events, 5K and Softball for sure. I haven't played softball since 7th grade. I doubt my skills are any better now than they were then though!
- SL, Mike & Tina visit to KC, in combination with the Crawl for Cancer
- Jessica Graduates from High School
- Beach House - Texas
- Black Keys concert
- Nicki & Matt's wedding
- Jessica's graduation party
- Kim and Brian visit KC - Boulevard tour and Cards vs Royals Game
- NJ/NYC with Steve and Jessica

Some things we might also be doing:
- Camping with Leslie & Paul
- Dogs Night Out - a 3 Dog Bakery sponsored event where you go out to eat with your dogs!
- Float trip?
- Hopefully going to Schlitterbahn some time.

Congratulations Kristen & Aaron!

Last weekend Steve and I traveled to Ann Arbor, MI for his cousin's wedding. While we did not have the best time traveling, we did have a great time at the wedding. Kristen looked beautiful and her new hubby, Aaron, didn't stop grinning from ear to ear the whole time. Not only was the wedding and reception wonderful, but it was really nice to get to visit with some of Steve's family members that we do not get to see as often as we would like.

We are next! :)
Me and my beautiful soon to be sister-in-law.
Steve's cousins Lauren(in the middle, a junior bridesmaid) and Gracie(the flower girl)

The newlyweds.

Congrats Mr & Mrs Diez!

Just One More to Go!

Last weekend Steve and I went to another wedding. Holly and George got married in Belleville. Allison and I were both in the wedding. It was so nice to get to see her and hang out with her.

Aunt Nancy was kind enough to do our hair for the day(even though she doesn't do "up do's" hehe) Thank you again!

The bride and groom on the bus, between the ceremony and reception.

Allison and I in downtown Belleville, looking really green. hehe

Steve and I do not have any more weddings to go to until August. Just one more to attend then it is our turn! :)

Congratulations Lauren & Nick!

This weekend Lauren and Nick got married!!! It was a wonderful wedding. Lauren (and her mom :) ) did a fantastic job putting everything together.
I got to get a sneak peak of the bride before her walk down the aisle and she looked beautiful.
The happy couple having their first dance.
Some of the girls at the reception.
SL and I dressed up as mermaids at Sandbar, pre wedding.
The bride and Steph looking pretty, sharing Steph's cardigan.

Congratulations Katie & Clint!!!

This weekend we went to the wedding of Katie Gleason and Clint Moss. It was a wonderful wedding. Katie looked beautiful! They are so happy and in love. It was great to get to see them become man and wife. :)

It was a gorgeous day Saturday, so between the ceremony and reception we went to a bar(surprise, surprise) and sat around outside.

The reception was a blast! We dance partied all night and then went to Steak'n'Shake for a late night snack.

Just 4 more weeks and we get to do it all again at Lauren and Nick's wedding! I can't wait!