Discovering Oahu (Day 3)

For those of you waiting for a post - HERE IT IS!!!!! Mardell left me in charge of yesterday's blog so of course that means I'm just now getting to it (there will be a new one after todays activities).  

The day started out bright and early with a great breakfast by the beach.  While eating we decided that we would spend the day exploring the island and would start by visiting Pearl Harbor.  When we arrived back at the hotel our silver Mustang Conve

rtible was waiting for us with the top down - with a quick glance at the map we were off.

Pearl Harbor was an amazing experience.  Mardell and I decided to visit the Bowfin Submarine, the Aviation Museum, and the

 Missouri ship.  It was unbelievable and amazing to see the history that remained on those ships and to see the memorabilia showcased in the museum.  After spending a few hours exploring we decided to move on with our day - but will hopefully make it back before we leave to visit the Arizona Memorial.

After leaving Pearl Harbor we drove up the road to the Aloha Stadium where there was an amazing flea market - which I definitely enjoyed much more than Mardee!!  I tried to remember there wasn't much room for souvenirs to keep myself from buying up everything... and Mardell was just ready to get back to driving the car.

When Mardell finally got me away from the flea market we went towards the middle of the island to visit the Dole pineapple plantation.  We opted not to do the worlds biggest maze and settled for a train ride around the plantation where we saw all of the pineapples, banana trees, and many different BEAUTIFUL plants.  Lucky for us we choose the train because by the time

 we returned to the train entrance it was raining and had we went into the maze we would have been soaked and not even half way through.

The rest of the evening was great.  We completed our way around the island - stopping at many different beaches where we searched for shells, discovered local villages, enjoyed road side fruit stands, and took in the amazing scenery.  Everything about the day was perfect - back home Mardell and I often dream drive and it doesn't get any better than dream driving in paradise.

We've Finally Arrived (Day 2)

Aloha! Greeting from Honolulu, Hawaii.  Jessica and I have had a full two days of travel but the beauty of paradise makes it all worth it!

Our day started at 4am to catch a flight to Chicago and then we boarded another flight, which lasted 8 hours to Hawaii.  Nevertheless, we had a successful flight and we're enjoying our ocean front view of Waikiki Beach.   

Because Jessica and I lost a day of vacation we had to revamp our entire trip.  So when we arrived in Hawaii we decided to walk and discover the sights of Waikiki.  On our exploration we found one of our favorite restaurants... THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY!!!  This was not any ordinary cheesecake factory.  The seafood was much bigger and more fresh then what can be found in Kansas.  Also, the portions of cheesecake served was much larger!  So we learned very early that we would eat very well while in Hawaii.

The day ended with a slow walk on the sandy beach.  Jessica and I didn't talk much while on the beach.  We were so "in the moment" that it was like having a conversation without any words.  This peaceful silence led me to look up the word "honeymoon".  The dictionary defines the words as: An early harmonious period in a relationship.  To be in harmony is to be in agreement in feelings or opinions.  When love is truly in sync or in harmony it can be a satisfaction that words can not describe.

Today I take pleasure in being in harmony with my new wife.  

Honeymoon Day 1

Hawaii it is!  Thank you to everyone that voted and helped us pick our honeymoon destination.  Now that the wedding day is over it is time for some relaxation and fun in the sun.

Our day started bright and early at MCI airport for our much anticipated flight to Hawaii. Our bags were quickly checked in and our airplane was waiting to fly us to paradise. We boarded the plane and everything was going as scheduled... UNTIL.... the pilot announced that the plane was having mechanical problems. Jessica and I assumed that the problems would be easily fixed until we sat in our seats without moving for 45 minutes!!!

Just when we thought it couldn't get any worse, an airline representative announced the flight had been cancelled. Yes... CANCELLED!! In addition, we couldn't get a flight out of Kansas City to Hawaii until the next day. We both were very disappointed but decided not to let the circumstances hinder our honeymoon. So we went out to lunch and quickly readjusted our plan.

Sometimes life throws curveballs, but we definitely were not ready to strike out on this honeymoon. So the best way to cheer up is to spend a day at Worlds of Fun! Jessica and I had a blast riding roller-coasters, water rides, and spending quality time together.

So the moral of today's story is... its not important where we are but that wherever we are, we are together. See you all tomorrow!

Wedding Day

So here we are... a new chapter to this fairy tale has been written.  Jessica and I are now married and our wedding ceremony was BEAUTIFUL!  I could type all day about how great the ceremony was but I'm not sure this blog can truly capture the magnitude.  But I will share that my bride was breathtaking.  I've found myself replaying in my head the first moment I saw her in her gown.  She came around the corner with her father at her side.  Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion when she walked down the isle.  I was so overwhelmed with happiness that tears streamed uncontrollably from my eyes.  I was no longer aware of the music, running fountain, birds singing, or the wind rustling through the trees.  All I could comprehend was her... and she was perfect... 

Time to Give Thanks

What are you thankful for?

Jessica and I went to Branson, MO to spend Thanksgiving with her family.  It was a wonderful weekend that was filled with plenty of food and fun.  We stayed at a beautiful seven bedroom home that had a little something for everyone to enjoy. 

Inside, there were three main attractions: 

1. Pool Table

The family had an absolute blast with the pool table.  Every night we had a pool tournament in which the highlight was Grandma's participation.  Classic!

2.  Beautiful patios with beautiful views.  

Sometimes a change in scenery is a good thing and we surely had a beautiful change.  Our inclosed patio/balcony was the perfect place to sit, relax, and ponder.

3. Charlie!!!

We just can't get enough of baby Charlie.  In case you missed the previous submission, Charlie is the newest member of the family and I think he enjoyed the vacation just as much as we did.

In addition to the beautiful home, we also saw a few shows.  All of the performances were good but my favorite was the "Noah's Ark" show.  The performance featured real animals along with an amazing set and lighting.  But of all the activities, my favorite was the dinner spent as a family.  We all gathered around the table to share a wonderful meal and each other's company.  

So this leads me to what I am thankful for this year. Most years my "Thankful List" is inspired by material things, and the excitement of having one month left in the school semester.  But this year is different... I realized that I have been blessed with not one, but two wonderful families.  My father always told me to surround myself with good people and Jessica's family has been nothing but good to me.   27 days until Christmas...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Update

Mardell and I have been really slacking on this blog... Lately life has been crazy.  When Mardell isn't working at the grade school he is working for the K-State Athletic Department where he is a security supervisor.  I have been very busy with homework and lesson planning.  I only have one week left in my second grade classroom at Lincoln Elementary in Junction City.  I recently found out where I will be placed for Student Teaching, and I am looking forward to spending next semester in the first grade classroom.

We are both really looking forward to our upcoming trip to Branson with my family to celebrate Thanksgiving.  My family decided it was time for another trip and my Grandmother picked Branson.  So starting Wednesday morning we will be head out for five days filled with many shows and lots of family.

Here are a few things that have happened since our last post:

November 16th was baby Charlie's baptism.  Mardell had to work the basketball game on Sunday so we headed to Waterville Saturday night to so that he could spend time with the family.  Charlie was so good during the service, but definitely did not enjoy having to wear shoes.  Following the service the celebration was concluded with a wonderful lunch.

 

A couple weeks before Halloween, Mardell and I got festive by carving pumpkins.  We decorated our patio with pumpkins and two of them got smashed by pumpkin thieves, so we had to make a quick trip to Dillons first to replace them.  We had a blast cleaning out the pumpkins, Mya and Ellie even tried to help!

At the beginning of October we decided that we needed a weekend get away so we headed to KC.  Mardell surprised me with tickets to see The Lion King, put on by the traveling broadway actors.  It was absolutely amazing!  I have never seen anything like it and would love to go again.  I was really disappointed that we were not allowed to take pictures during the play, but pictures would not have done the play justice.  

Dress Shopping

This post is long overdue!!!

On August 23 my mother, sister (& baby Charlie), and I decided to hit up Kansas City in search for my dress.  I had made appointments at David's Bridal and at another boutique in Overland Park.  I had been browsing online for dresses and came across the "perfect" one and I could not wait to try it on.  As soon as we got into the boutique my sister and I started pulling dresses for me to try on.  Of course we saved the gown I thought I wanted to try on last.  Surprisingly I fell in love with the gown I tried on right before "the one".

We still had to go to David's Bridal so we stopped and picked my cousin up for lunch (and margaritas) at Old Chicago.  We then made our way to David's Bridal but after trying on the other gowns nothing caught my eye.  We browsed the bridesmaid dresses but I really just wanted to go back to the other boutique to try the dress back on... so of course we went back and ended up buying my dress!!

It was a great day and my mom and my sister were so much help!  So now I'm just anxiously waiting for it to arrive and for my fitting!  Here are a few pictures from the day, but none of the actual dress since I do not want Mardell to get a sneak peak :)