Monday, January 31, 2005

Bridal Shower!

I got out of town for a lovely weekend with the ladies, only 1 didn't know we were all coming. We all waited on the guest of honor to arrive with appletinis, lemon drops and cosmos in hand. While her arrival was anticlimactic - no screams from Laura - we could all tell you was touched by us all being there. We enjoyed games that tested our knowledge of Laura as well as Laura's knowledge of Will and our tastes in underwear.

In addition, I was able to enjoy lunch in San Francisco with my mom and sister. The ferry building was gorgeous and it was nice to enjoy a long walk through the city.


Lynly and I walk in San Francisco. Happy Birthday, Mom!


Anna, Erin, and Mollie celebrate.


Laura opens a gift, while my gift is in the foreground.


Laura checks out her panini maker from Will's mom.


Margarita makings from Liz.


Enjoying the festivities.


What does 3am have in store?


Laura's got something good!


The team opens up 4am.


Laura, Anna, and Mollie "chat it up"


Laura gets ready to cut her "I Do!" cake . . .


and Arielle, Anna, Mollie, Monet, Chessie, and Donee watch intently


Mmm . . . Chinese food and Bob


Lucky for me, these ladies let me stay the night!


Larry, Curly, and Moe

Saturday, January 22, 2005

New Year and Fresh Snow

So, I've been incredibly lazy and am just getting around to blogging New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Justin and I spent NYE in Chicago. Justin and I stayed at the Congress Plaza Hotel on Michigan Ave with our friends, Ryan and Megan. After getting ready at the hotel we started at Chubby Larry's Lounge and Sports Bar (aka Derek, Ben, and Phil's House). Unfortunately Justin and I had too much to drink at Chubby Larry's and weren't able to enjoy Duffy's Bar as we had expected, but we did get our money's worth out of our hotel room. We ushered in 2005 asleep! (That's what we get for not eating more than cheese and crackers for dinner).

New Year's Day was spent at Will's Northwoods Inn, a "sconie" bar to watch the Badger butt-kicking. Derek had such a good time he stayed for around 14 hours. The rest of us headed back to "Larry's" to enjoy burritos and pizza. And then later we met for a marathon dinner at Rock Bottom downtown and then bar hopped around. While Justin and I didn't really celebrate 2005 until we woke that morning, it has been great so far.

And then we skip ahead to today. It didn't snow here until just before Christmas and from what I've been told, Wisconsin hasn't gotten much snow the last several years. So we finally got some snow recently. Luckily we don't have anywhere to go and have been able to enjoy the white landscape through our bay window rather than trudging around in it.


Celebrating at Chubby Larry's Lounge and Sports Bar.


A toast to 2004


Ryan, Ross, and Ben


I have nothing to add.


Justin and I drink our $75 glasses of champagne with Ben and Liz.


Shortly before passing out.


Drinking away their hangovers.


Justin and Brian


Phil and Justin


Our house from the corner.


Our backyard.


I think our Christmas Tree might be buried in the snow on the right side of the picture.


Our side yard


A look down Jefferson Street.

Monday, January 03, 2005

Puerto Rico!

Justin gave me a trip to Puerto Rico for Christmas. While in Puerto Rico he proposed to me on the beach at sunset. And I said yes! In addition to the proposal Justin and I enjoyed the sun and sea, delicious food, and beautiful sites. We stayed the first 2 days in Rincon, on the west coast of the island (about 2 hours from San Juan). The resort was the only one on a very long stretch of beach and we enjoyed a really nice walk as well as some lazy hours reading on the beach. We spent our last day in San Juan's historic district (Old San Juan) and checked out the pastel buildings and old forts.

We both had a fabulous time!


As we arrive in Puerto Rico


Justin out to sea


Sipping on strawberry daiquiri


The secluded beach by our hotel


Justin lounging by the pool


Our Sunset


We're engaged


Surfers


El Faro y Justin


The Ring


Pastel houses in Old San Juan


Blue cobblestone streets of Old San Juan (and my foot)


San Juan city wall


El Morro


Justin and door


Big Wall


Cannon at El Morro


Justin standing in the rain.


Justin enjoying Puerto Rican food.