Four Seasons of Marriage: Summer Picture Update

Do you remember my post last week about seasonal pictures the first year of marriage?  If not, you can find it here.

Our original idea was to buy pirate hats and have the picture taken at Magic Kingdom while wearing them.  We thought it would be such a cute picture because it would represent us getting engaged in front of the Pirates ride last summer.  But once we got to the park and started looking at the hats we couldn't find any that we liked.  It was fun trying them on though and laughing at how ridiculous we looked though!  I only wish that I had snapped a picture of Chris wearing Jack Sparrow's hat.  Now that was a sight to see!

Chris took the picture, that is why it is blurry! 

Since the Pirate idea was a bust we decided that maybe hats just weren't in the cards for the summer picture.  Since Chris was sick before we left (you can read about that here) he wasn't able to get a haircut so he was wearing his favorite Long Beach hat around the parks.  I figured that our summer picture would look better if he was wearing his "normal" hat and I was wearing nothing on my head.  I also figured that our fall picture is going to be something really fun (hats included!) so it would be okay to not wear a hat this time around.

When we got to Epcot on Sunday we were on the lookout for a photographer to take our picture in front of the ball.  I don't know if they were on their lunch break or what but we couldn't find anybody!  So Chris decided that we'd take the picture ourselves and see how it turned out.  These are the two that came out:

Picture One

Picture Two

Personally, picture number two is my favorite.  

After walking around for an hour or so we found a cast member that was taking pictures.  He was so funny and extremely nice so I felt completely at ease as he snapped away on the camera.  Usually the photographers snap them quickly and are done but he was taking his time.  I looked up the Disney Photopass Pictures online and took a picture of them with my phone.  They're a little bit blurry but you'll get the general idea.

My initial thought was that I liked the ones that were taken by the cast member because all of the pictures will look uniformed when I finally hang them on the wall after our one year anniversary.  But I also really like the ones Chris took on his iPhone.  

So, once again readers, I need your help!  Which picture do you like best?  Help me decide!

A Disney-Filled Weekend

There is something you need to know about me:
I LOVE bragging about my husband.

I'm not saying that everything is perfect every hour of every day but I will give him credit when it is due.  And he definitely gets major points for this weekend.

Last month we decided to use our annual Disney passes and go for a quick visit.  We'd leave on a Friday in September and come back on Sunday giving us just enough time for a few rides, good food, and lots of fun.  But when he came home from work on Friday, we were thrown a curve ball that neither of us saw coming.  Chris was sick.

At first we thought his allergies were acting up and a little medicine would do the trick.  But we later found out that he had a fever, cough, sore throat, and runny nose.  Not a good way to start off our trip.  But we still decided to pack up the car and drive 13 hours down to FL.

We got there at 10am the following morning and checked into our hotel right away.  The plan was to take a nap and then get up, get a shower, and go to the parks.  Poor Chris was feeling horrible by this point that I let him sleep a little longer then we planned to see if that would help.  It didn't.  He was pretty miserable all day but boy was he a trooper.  The Magic Kingdom was open until 11pm so we figured that if we got there around four o'clock in the afternoon and left around eleven we'd still get a solid seven hours to ride all of our favorite rides.

The park was all decorated for Halloween with banners and Mickey pumpkins around every corner.  We were really hoping that The Haunted Mansion was decorated as The Nightmare Before Christmas (like at Disneyland) but we were disappointed to find out they don't do that in Florida.

Since the park was moderately packed we were able to ride everything we wanted to with an average wait time of about twenty minutes.  We also tried to get a peak at the new Fantasyland but you couldn't really see too much because of the large walls blocking the progress.  It was fun to try to guess what we thought they were building and then find out we were right!

The next day we got up and went straight to Epcot.  Every time we go we eat in China because they don't fix the food in peanut oil, which means this is the only time in my entire life that I can have Chinese food!  The orange chicken is delicious.

We were so surprised at how empty the park was!  It was a little warmer on Sunday and I ended up getting sunburned (stupid eczema medicine...) but it was still one of the nicest days I've ever spent at Epcot.

We ended up getting our pictures taken in front of the ball, rode all of our favorite rides, and then left to head back to Magic Kingdom to ride Pirates one last time.

Chris was such a trooper.  I usually don't like to brag publicly (because he'll have proof of what I've said) but I really have to give him credit.  Even though he had a fever and probably wanted nothing more than to be asleep in a bed, he let me drag him around the park for some fun in the hot Florida sun.  Luckily the nyquil seems to have knocked the worst of whatever he had out of him and now he's just left with a cough.  Let's just hope I don't end up getting what he had.    

Last, but not least, here are a few of my favorite pictures from the trip.  Enjoy!

There was barely anyone at Epcot.  We were
trying to get a picture of us with the ball in the
background but failed.

The Finding Nemo ride is one of our favorites! 

Probably my favorite picture from the trip! 
We were waiting in line for Pirates the first night!

He was excited for Philar Magic!

Panoramic with the new iPhone.  The sunset was gorgeous!

We love Michael Jackson!

So cute in his 3-D glasses.  :-)

Four Seasons of Marriage

I came across a pin on Pinterest a while back of a newly married couple who took photos every season the first year they were married.  I fell completely in love with the idea and started scheming of ways to make it work for me.

Chris and I are Disney people.  I'm pretty sure that by now everyone knows that about us though.  We go at least twice a year, got married there, and now have annual passes.  Since we're pretty much obsessed, I thought it would be really cute to do our four pictures at the Disney Parks. And since we've spent a lot of time there this year, the idea just fit.

First I had to look up what days the seasons started on, just to make sure I could make this project happen.

Spring: March 20, 1:14 a.m.

Summer: June 20, 7:09 p.m.

Fall: September 22, 10:49 a.m.

Winter: December 21, 6:12 a.m.

We have our wedding photos that were taken in April so that could be our Spring photo.  But, Chris and I did not go during the extremely hot summer months so I'm going to have to be a little creative with this one.

Since Chris and I are leaving Friday night (the 21st) for Disney, I'm hoping that traffic will be light and we'll be able to get to the parks early Saturday morning.  My goal is to run in, take the picture, and then go back to the hotel for a bit.  I'm hoping that works out the way I want it too!

But, I want to do something cute for the picture.  In our spring photo we're wearing the Bride and Groom Disney hats, and I was thinking that maybe we could wear different hats in each picture.  However, those hats cost at least $20 a person, even more if you get them personalized (which I want to do!).

My question is, what should I do?  I've found some really cute ideas on Pinterest but I can't pick which one I like the best!  Can you help me decide?

Buy regular ears and get our names (or the word newlyweds)
embroidered on them?

Put this on the front or back of a t-shirt? 

Buy Pirate hats!  This would be cute since we got
 engaged in front of the Pirates ride! 

I'd never wear a sweatshirt when it is 80 degrees
out but this would be cute on a t-shirt!

We already have these hats but we could always bring them again
and get our names put on them...

I need some help deciding because they're all such cute ideas!

Disney Trivia

When I helped my mom pack up the house and move I retrieved a lot of my old board games.  I asked Chris if he wanted to play a game with me and pulled out Disney Trivia.  At first Chris was a little disappointed that it wasn't the DVD version (yea, I'm old school) but he learned to love it.

We got all set up and were ready to go until Chris decided to make us some smoothies (yum!).  After a little bit of trash talk and an initial taste test of the delicious smoothies I was ready to kick Chris's butt.    

I could not stop laughing all throughout the game (there may or may not have been a little bit of alcohol in the smoothie) with all the silly answers we were giving.

The best part was that I actually beat Chris!  I never ever beat him in anything and let me tell you, I definitely did not let him forget that I won!  Can you tell I was excited?

Not to brag or anything, but I beat him by a pretty big margin.  My piece was the silver one and Chris was the white one.  Yea, I beat him pretty bad!

It was a pretty fun night and Chris ended up really enjoying the game.  I think this could be a regular staple at our house and I can't wait to continue beating Chris at it!

Encouraging Your Husband for 30 Days

I always seem to start a 30 day challenge in the middle of the month.  Don't ask my why, I just do.

When I came across this 30 day challenge, I knew I had to share it so others could participate too!  The focus of this challenge is to bless your husband one day at a time.  Each day is based on a scripture lesson that provides a simple challenge that you carry out the entire day.

I hope that many of my readers will accept this challenge along with me.  Even the strongest of men need a little encouragement sometimes!

Harry Potter and Legos

To find out how the date night idea started, click here

I'm not usually one to boast but I have to say that my husband is awesome.

When I approached him last Thursday about my ideas for date night he willingly and wholeheartedly jumped in.  I couldn't have asked for a more eager participant.

Some of my plans for Friday had to be changed once the storm hit.  Our electricity went out for a bit so I couldn't cook dinner like I had wanted.  I called Chris in a panic (I hate storms) and he suggested we go get take-out from our favorite Italian restaurant, Rubios.  We broke the no spending money rule, but I chalk this up to an unseen circumstance.  In other words, I'll let it go this time!  ha!  On our way there, I asked Chris what his plan was for our night.  He had come up with not one, not two, but four ideas!  He put so much thought into all of them and I was so touched by his efforts.

-Build Legos

-Go driving (technically that would break our no spending money rule)

-Go walk around Wal Mart or Target and look at new games for our Wii

-Find a game that we could play together at home

My idea was to play a game together as well but after discussing it for a bit we realized we wanted to play something as a team, not against each other!  At this point, we hit a snag because we just couldn't figure out what we wanted to do.  We couldn't think of a game that fit our qualifications so we were stuck.  But then, Chris had a great idea.  Why not play Lego Harry Potter on our Wii?!

Well, that was exactly what we did!  Chris and I spent about three hours playing the game together and had a lot of fun!  We kind of got stuck a few times and definitely got a little frustrated but we still enjoyed ourselves.

But, the fun didn't stop there!

Technically, we had a date weekend.  That may sound kind of odd but we literally did stuff together all weekend long.  On Saturday we watched the German/France soccer game and tried to rebuild the Lego Fire House we broke when we came back home from Seattle.  There was a lot of frustration building that piece because Chris didn't want to take it all apart and rebuild it from scratch.  So, we spent the better part of two days trying to fix it.

Chris was very eager to get started!  Can you see all the  pieces that were already put together?  Pain.In.My.Butt.

On Sunday we watched the Italy/England soccer game (go Italy!) and finished building the Fire House.  I can't even begin to tell you how glad I am that building is out of the way.  I just hope we don't accidentally drop it again because it was a pain in the butt to rebuild.  The good news is that it looks great next to our Town Hall, and we can't wait to buy the Grand Emporium in a few months so we can add on to our collection!   

He built the first two levels in two days.  

Admiring his work and making sure we didn't miss anything!

Putting the Fire House next to the Town Hall.  I was praying he didn't drop it because I did not want to start over again!

We've got the start of a town!  Can't wait to build more!

All in all, date night was a success.  I can't wait to see what we come up with for the next one!

 

Date Night

Have you ever felt like you have way to much stuff?  Like it's taking over your house and there is not a whole lot you can do about it (especially if you live in a rental)?  I never felt that way until I moved in with Chris.  I always thought I had just enough but could have taken on a few more things if I needed to.  Well, once Chris and I merged our lives (and belongings) together, we realized that we have way to much to store in our 1,400 sf. apartment.  Which is why I keep saying we need to move.  But, for now, I have to live with what we have.  And right now, because we don't have much storage space, things are taking over our house.  Like, before today you could not even see where our kitchen table was because my craft supplies were all over it.  *sigh*

One kind of cool thing I've found since living in the apartment is that I'm always finding stuff I forgot we had.  I have books and movies and many other things that end up getting buried that I dig up later once I begin to organize a section of our house.  It's a never ending cycle, but I love it.  One thing I found today was a book Chris's grandparents gave us after we got married.  It talks about how to put God first in your marriage and what we can do and accomplish (as a couple) when we work together with HIM.  It's a really great book and I'm so glad I found it (especially since I've been looking for it for a while).  One chapter I read today talked about having a date night once a month with your husband (or wife).  You need to have that time together to reconnect and rediscover each other.  You continually grow and while people typically grow apart, a great way to stay connected is through spending alone time with your partner.  You don't have to do this every week (they suggest at least once a month), you decide how much is enough for you.  

I've been seeing a lot of lists on Pinterest lately about connecting with your partner and what to do on date nights.  I even made my own board about it so I could pull up any article at any given moment.  I like the idea of having an at home date night which should cost me nothing.  I'm all about using what I have at home to have a fun night with Chris.  Lately, we've been building legos (my husband loves his legos!) which has been a lot of fun.  It's a way for us to work together and we feel accomplished once we're finished.  We like to do the really complicated buildings, like the one in the picture below. 

  

Since Chris and I have been building away lately, I want to do something a little different for a date night tomorrow.  

By the way, Chris has no idea that we're having a date night...I'll be informing him once he gets home.  ha!

I think what I'll do is ask him to plan one part of it and I'll plan the other.  The only rules are that absolutely no tv is involved and we can't spend any money.  I want something where our attention will be completely focused on the other person.  I also want to plan something that requires us to use what we have at home.  It'll be interesting and fun to see what he comes up with and whether or not we enjoy the activities.  

I'll post an update on Monday to let you all know how it goes.  I'm hoping it's a success and that we can make date night into a monthly thing!  

**If you'd like some ideas on what to do with your partner click on the links below**

77 Date Night Ideas from Stay at Home Suzie

50 Fun Date Night Ideas from Six Sisters' Stuff

Changing Your Name: DMV

Today was the day I finally went into the dmv!  I admit, I was not looking forward to this because (1) I've been feeling a little under the weather and (2) I hate the dmv.  Actually, let me rephrase that...I hate the dmv in Chantilly.  No matter what I'm going in for it always takes me two to three hours to get in and out, and it doesn't matter what time of the day I go or what day of the week.  It's always the same.  Part of it is my fault because I never remember to make an appointment, but most of those times I've had Chris with me so at least that provided a little bit of entertainment.

This time, I went to the dmv in Manassas because a friend recommended it.  They have shorter wait times (especially during the middle of the week) and she was certain I could get in and out in less than an hour.  So I decided to test my luck, not make an appointment, and see how it turned out.

I already had all my paperwork filled out beforehand so I was able to go in, get a number, and sit down.  There were so many people already there I figured my wait time would be between one to two hours, so imagine how surprised I was to hear my number called after ten minutes!  The woman I worked with was quick and efficient, getting me out of there ten minutes after I stepped up to the counter.  I got my name changed on my license, car title, registration, and my voter registration card.  So easy, so simple, and literally painless.  Just the way I like it.

Now, there are a few documents you need to have (if you want them before going in).  They are:

1.  Application for a news Driver's License,  

2.  Application to change information on existing vehicle record, and 

3.  Application for a replacement car title.

And make sure you bring your

1.  Driver's License, and

2.  Marriage License

You can also check a box on the drivers license form that says you'd like to update your voter registration information.  I definitely recommend if you want to vote in the upcoming November election!  I would also suggest that you go to your state dmv website and find the office closest to you.  If you're in a hurry and cannot wait more than twenty to thirty minutes call the number listed on the page and make an appointment!  And, if you do decide to wait, bring a book or something to entertain you while you're sitting there.  It'll make the time pass much faster if you do so!

Changing Your Name: Social Security

We finally received our marriage license!  Almost exactly two months after Chris and I got married, but at least it finally came in the mail.  I had done a lot of research online about the easiest ways to start the process and found quite a few helpful hints.  I found this link that told me every place I'd have to change my name at.  It even included facebook and twitter which made me laugh a bit.  Then, I went to the dmv and social security website to print out the paperwork so I could fill it out beforehand.  I definitely recommend doing this because it saves you time!  Plus, if you go into one of these places and there is little to no wait time, you can get in and out of there in no time at all!

Before heading into the office I visited the social security website and looked up how to change my name.  I wanted to make sure I had everything with me so I didn't have to make multiple trips (now that would've been awful!).  When heading over, make sure you have these documents with you:

1.  Application for a Social Security Card

2.  Your drivers license or passport, and

3.  Your marriage license 

To find an office near you, follow this link and enter your zip code.  It'll give you location names and hours of operation!  Don't forget about this handy little tool.

My experience at the Manassas office was not an unpleasant one.  I wanted to go in as soon as they opened (which everyone I talked to recommended) but due to circumstances this morning I wasn't able to do that.  I got there at 11:45 and only waited an hour!  It also helped that I had an amazing friend who came to keep me company during the wait time (thanks Natalie!).  

I was really nervous going into the office because all the reviews on yelp said it was horrible.  I was advised to bring a tent to hang out in, snacks, drinks, and a few books because you'd be there long enough to finish a few!  So, I was all set with a bottle of water, crackers, and my Kindle (I left my tent at home...ha!) but I didn't even need them!  

So...my advise is that you should bring some snacks, water, and a book just in case!  Because it's better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it!  

I Got a New Last Name!

April 20, 2012

I've just realized that I never did a proper update (with pictures) from our wedding.  Many of the people who read my blog come from facebook so I know that you've already seen the massive amount of pictures I posted (sorry about that.  I couldn't choose my favorites so I posted them all!).  But, I hope that you will forgive me for displaying them again and end up enjoying the story behind them!  So...here we go!

The night before the wedding my sister's and I stayed at the Contemporary Resort at Disney (you can walk to the Magic Kingdom park it's so close).  Sam will be the first to tell you that she absolutely loved the rooms, especially the pillows on the beds (ha!).  The guys stayed over at the Pop Century Resort (where both of our families were) and I'm actually not positive if they did anything together.  They all did come over to our room to watch the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom (we had a perfect view from our room!), but after that they left and I have no clue what they did.  The pictures of the girls were taken in our room at the Contemporary and the boys pictures were taken at the Wedding Pavilion.  

The next set of pictures are from our ceremony.  I was really scared it was going to rain that day, but we lucked out and had beautiful sunny weather for our ceremony.  Unfortunately, the weather was not so nice for the bride who got married after us.  

I wasn't nervous at all beforehand.  In fact, I just really wanted to go in the chapel and get married.  As soon as the doors opened and I saw Chris everything else disappeared.  We were both just so excited and happy that nothing else mattered.  He also told me later he was really glad I was laughing throughout the ceremony (when I'm excited I tend to giggle a little bit!) because that kept him from crying.  It really was the most perfect day.

 

The next few sets of pictures were taken after the ceremony ended.  They consist of our family and some portraits of Chris and I.  Chris's favorite (of us) is the bottom left out of the four pictures on the left hand side.  You can see the castle behind us and it almost looks like a painting instead of a picture.  Pretty cool!

I'm going to leave you with these last few sets of pictures.  They're from our time at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa where we ate our cake, danced, and of course...took more pictures!  You can't tell from these pictures but Sam started crying during her speech (which in turn made me cry...thanks, Sam!), and Greg wrote his speech on his android phone (gotta love technology).  All three speeches were very sweet and we definitely felt the love in the room!

Disney provided us with an awesome violinist that played our first dance song (the theme from Beauty and the Beast) and serenaded us with lots of other great tunes!  My favorite was when he played the theme from Pirates of the Caribbean (it couldn't have anything to do with the fact Chris and I got engaged in front of that ride, could it?  ha!) and Sam loved that he played "My Heart Will Go On" from Titanic (yea...I felt like it was a little depressing too...).  Oh...and I didn't ask him to play the Titanic song; Sam did.  It's her favorite movie. 

Anyways.  Enjoy the rest of the pictures!  

Chris's dad (Jim), his brother (Greg), and my sister (Sam) gave the toasts.

All my favorite pictures of Chris and his family

All my favorite pictures of my family

And last but not least, some cute and fun pictures to leave you with!