Happy Anniversary!!!

Stephen and I celebrated our 3rd Anniversary last night...WOW how time flies when you are having fun :) We exchanged gifts when I got home from work...I went the traditional gift way and gave Stephen a new leather wallet with a wedding pic inside (the traditional gift for the 3rd anniversary is leather). Stephen surprised me with his gift...he did some research and decided to go the modern route which for the 3rd anniversary is Crystal :) He gave me the most beautiful Crystal Earrings and I absolutely love them. My hubby really does know how to give a great gift. After we both took a well deserved nap we got all pretty and headed out in the pouring rain for dinner. Stephen took me to Roman Cucina, which is an excellent southern Italian restaurant in Newport Beach. The atmosphere is quite fun yet romantic. We even received a free dessert, a yummy chocolate chip cannoli :) The day was perfect because I spent it with Stephen and every day I have him in my life is my best yet. I feel so blessed to have found the perfect man for me who loves me and lets me love him. I thought it would be fun to post some wedding pics for nostalgia!

Our Christmas Card Photo Shoot!

Stephen and I decided to go and take pictures for our Christmas card yesterday around Huntington Beach. It was so great taking pictures at the Hyatt where just three years ago this upcoming week we were taking wedding pictures! Stephen was masterful with the camera setting it up on a step ladder to get just the right shot. I absolutely love the pictures and look forward to sending everyone our Christmas Card. Enjoy a preview of the pics!

Unexpected VisiTOR!

As Stephen was finishing class with the 5th grade students today, there was an unexpected visitor. The class had just returned from the library, the door was left open, and a RED-TAILED HAWK decided to try to eat the animated characters on the door poster. After glancing off of the door, it had no where to go, but in the classroom!

It soared to the window on the other side of the room, only to find it was closed. The hawk pivoted in mid-air and swooped over the heads of 16 amazed students. Stephen instinctively dropped to one knee and yelled out to the students "GET DOWN!" The raptor managed to narrow its 4 ft. wingspan and leave through the front door, as quickly as it had arrived. Needless to say the students were wrecked for the last 10 minutes of class and it was all they talked about at recess. Quite a unique experience.

Happy Thanksgiving...I mean HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEPHEN!!!!

We had a VERY busy Thanksgiving weekend!!! For those of you who did not know...it was Stephen's 35th birthday on Thanksgiving :) We had great, crisp Fall weather, which I loved and even some sprinkles of rain to make it feel even more festive.

We started the morning bright and early by attending the Turkey Bowl (organized by our Elder's Quorum) It was so much fun watching everyone give it their all and things were VERY tense at times even though it was flag football...typical LDS competitiveness. I know I am bias...but Stephen is a hottie!!!







After the game, we rushed home to set up our webcam for a scheduled conference session with the Lineberry family back in North Carolina. All went well and we LOVED seeing everyone!! It was the highlight of our day...we miss everyone very much.

While I quickly (45 minutes) made my potato casserole aka "funeral potatoes", Stephen took a well deserved nap.

For Thanksgiving dinner we headed to John and Lynn's house. Lynn is Monet's aunt. Monet is Andy's girlfriend. Andy is my older brother. It was quite the party with over 30 guests, but we had a great time and I admit it was nice to have less stress this year. The food was great and the conversations even greater. I even brought a birthday cake for Stephen and everyone celebrated his special day!!

Our Winter Wonderland Welcome...Disney Style!!

I was lucky to get four free tickets to the private KOST FM party at Disneyland for the kick-off to the holiday season and unofficial lighting of the lights throughout the park! We asked our favorite date night couple, The Parks to join us and the four of us had a GREAT time. We got to walk on all the rides, which is unheard of at Disneyland! My favorite moment was sneaking a smooch with Stephen in the back of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride...it felt so high school :)






We had a fun ride on the Space Mountain Ride...well at least some of us did :)



Scott waiting PATIENTLY to get us some one of a kind yummy Disneyland popcorn!!



A cute pic of the Parks!



The beautiful castle, Main Street all lit up and the festive tree...







The first of many Christmas pictures to come this season!!! I just love Christmas :)