August

Where in the world has August gone? I can't believe how quickly the summer has been going! Well, here is what has been happening since my last post.
We took a trip to Minnesota with my in-laws and our good friends. Our last night, the full moon was amazing:

We took the time to experiment with all kinds of chocolate for s'mores. I think the clear winner was the symphony bar. And the big marshmallows were a hit too- although they are a little more messy than the traditional 'mallow:

I love time spent around the campfire, talking about all kinds of important things late into the night:

And a trip up North isn't complete without a trip to Granny's Pantry. Mike tried to steal my ice cream when I was leaning in for the picture:

Our good friends! Thanks for coming! And thanks for sharing your photography skills!

My favorite place on earth:

Since we got back, we had a night with amazing hailballs (that's right- when they're baseball sized, they're hail BALLS). We also had a night with 5 inches of rain (not just outside the house if you know what I'm sayin...)

The next day (after VERY little sleep), my husband dropped his cell phone down this hole:

SERIOUSLY?!? How does a cell phone even fit in there? He kindly sent me an e-mail entitled "Non Life Threatening Tragedy." Boy- does he know me or what?!? Yeah, the phone was unretrieveable, but we did have insurance on his phone (YESSSSSS!)

And, we built a platform bed. My dad is the brains behind the whole operation! We found this DIY website and built the whole frame for under $100. It is amazing, and the upgrade to a king-sized bed was totally worth it!

In progress shot:

Frame complete: (the mattress just sits right on it):

And then Mike finished our grill patio this week as well (thanks again to my amazing dad for his help building the frame):

Until next time! LEAVE A COMMENT!

Anniversary

It was our 2 year anniversary this past week. This is what I found when I got home:
Isn't he so sweet? This is the first time I have gotten flowers from my husband and he did such an amazing job (I had previously told him not to waste money on flowers that would die, but I changed my mind recently.) We went to Blanc Burgers and Bottle for our anniversary dinner. It was wonderful!

Isn't he so cute?? My favorite part was the milkshake and the a la 'cart' onion rings!

Then we went to Des Moines for our anniversary this past weekend. We saw the Hullings who we love and miss dearly! It was so much fun to hang with Josh and Emily and the boys! I think Mike especially enjoyed the dart gun fight!

Liam is ready for the fight!!

Mike showed no mercy!

Then we got to see Gavin's baseball game! It was the perfect day, with the perfect weather, the perfect beautiful field and the perfect Des Moines downtown backdrop!

These little guys just melt my heart (sorry Tate- didn't know that's what you were doing when I snapped this picture!)

We also discovered this amazing sushi place in Des Moines called Samuari Sushi. It was fantastic!

And then we came home to Mother's Day lunch with my parents. Also- cutest couple EVER!!!

My mother in law is in town for a few days for the backyard makeover! Stay tuned!

(Un) Labor Day Weekend

Mike and I were able to go back up to the cabin for Labor Day! I just love this man!
Ahhhhh.... I feel more relaxed just looking at this place! I felt like this trip we took a collective exhale as soon as we got up there! Life is really crazy with me working so much and Mike in school with 18 credits (go baby go!). It was a wonderfully relaxing weekend!

Saturday morning Mike took the kayak out for a spin! It's awesome- you can pedal it and paddle it at the same time! That way you can fish and move!

Then we built a BONFIRE! It was awe-some! (don't show dad)

Beautiful, isn't it? What else could you possibly need? Beautiful evening, note the sweatshirt, the lake in the background, and the BONFIRE!

I LOVE THIS MAN!!!

Our last trip to Granny's Pantry for the season.

(Sappiness ahead) I can just imagine my children running around here like I did when I was a kid. I'm so thankful for my parents and all that they do to keep this place beautiful! Mom and Dad- you are such a blessing!

Finally- the finished kitchen!

So much fun!

Just in case you hadn't seen enough pictures of Mike and I, here are some more:

So many exciting things have been going on around here. I had Lasik yesterday and Mike took such good care of me- especially since I told him that Bunny Tracks ice cream really helps one's eyes heal better.

He also just called me to tell me that he is doing GREAT in his bridge tournament this weekend! So much fun! Wedding in just over two weeks! Yee haw!

Our Story

I have been asked to tell everybody about our story, so here goes:
So Mike and I started dating about 10 months ago. We met through friends of ours, Charles and Stephanie. I knew Stephanie from work, and Mike knew Charles from playing board games. They each knew one single person and set us up at a game night and then took us out for sushi the next weekend. The rest is history:

Saturday Mike came over as planned to spend some time with me. I had heard that World Market was closing (sad) and went there that morning after getting a bad haircut (in my opinion) and got Mike a gift.

I told him I had something for him. When he came over, he said, "so where is this gift?" I took him into the kitchen to show him and he said, "I have a gift for you too" and set a small jewlery box on the counter. I just kept saying, "are you kidding me right now?" He said, "I was wondering if you wanted to marry me maybe?"

I, of course, said yes. I opened the box to find the most beautiful engagement ring! Then I said, "I'm sorry I got you ginger snaps when you got me an engagement ring!" We laughed about that and then spent the afternoon calling friends and family.

Thank you all for being such an important part of our lives.

True love

Mom: "Amy, sorry I didn't get you anything for Valentine's Day this year."
Me: "That's fine, did you get anything for anyone else?"
Mom: "I got two cards: one for your dad and one for me from your dad. It's really quite nice. That way I won't be upset if he doesn't get me anything."

Happy 30 and a half years Mom and Dad!!