baby on the way and Devin had suggested his co-worker Caroline several times because she is pursuing a photography degree. I've seen some of her photos on Facebook and I didn't think she had the style that I 
was wanted for our wedding photos so Devin suggested she do and engagement photo shoot so I could see her style. Everything posted on Facebook has a fashion magazine, highly edited look and I wanted a more natural style.We had a lot of fun going through the boardwalk and taking pictures of us in our hiking boots. We even got to climb a tree which was lots of fun. Although, getting up the tree was much easier than getting down. Then we ditched the boots and headed to the beach. There were huge flocks of skimmers and she got some
good pictures of us running towards the birds. She said we were naturals at posing for photos. We also had a lot of fun splashing each other in the water even though the water was really cold.
Now we have some nice photos of us which I will eventually get around to printing. Although she's a good photographer both Devin and I are looking for someone else because she's not exactly the style we're looking for.
That evening we met up with Trina and Ryan at Makotos. It was really nice to see them again and we had a very yummy dinner even though I can't eat the appetizers or fried rice because it is not vegetarian. It was a very fun Thursday.
to the wedding to have a chance to meet Devin. It was an awesome, awesome shower. Sarah got there first to help out with getting things ready. She was super prepared and had a notebook and pen for writing down gifts and a paper plate for making the ribbon bouquet. My mom and I made pinwheel cookies the night before for the party and my cousin Heather made the most divine key lime and banana creme cupcakes.
I didn't feel like I had enough time to talk to everybody. Mom had picked up beach themed things for party gifts and grandma also added some stained glass art for gifts. My mom had three wedding games, a wedding crossword, famous couple matching, and how well do you know the bride and groom
quiz. After the games we had food which mom and Babi spent the day before getting ready. Then Devin and I spent the rest of the party opening gifts. We received a lot of generous gifts. While most of the ladies were watching us open presents the guys were in the living room watching the Bears vs. Packers game. It's impressive that this went so well considering half of my family is from Chicago and half is from Wisconsin. I really can't say how nice it was to see my family. I can't believe how big all the kids are getting. I almost wish I was still in Chicago so I could see everyone more often.
play. Tuba gave me a ride and so Tuba, Annie, Dave and his girlfriend, all of the music equipment, and I all squeezed into his van. Tuba gave me my Christmas present which was a super awesome Jack (from the Nightmare Before Christmas) action figure. A bunch of friends were out to play/see the show, Jake, Ryan, Megan, Cassie, and Nicole, and it was great to see everyone. I met the drummers girlfriend who is from Scotland and she was awesome. After Article 101 a Tool cover band came on and played until midnight. They had a woman performing to some of their
songs with fan and a set of sai. Right before the midnight they handed everyone hats and noisemakers. We got really bad champaign slightly after midnight due to the poor management of the staff which I took a sip of and then decided against drinking the rest. So I got to start the new year with my friends which was awesome and then Tuba dropped me off at my parent's house and I went to bed. Happy New Year!!!
shortage of volunteers and since neither of us has family in the area I though it would be a nice thing to do on Christma
s. Devin and I were the only ones in the nursery and between the two of us we fed all of the squirrels, bunnies, tortoises, turtles, and Devin also took all of the tortoises for walks and sharpened all of the knives in the kitchen. It was a nice but very busy way to spend the morning.In the afternoon we took Grant to the beach to enjoy the warm weather and waves. BothDevin and I had a lotof fun running Grant up and down the beach and Grant had a big smile on his face. While Grant and Devin were playing I made a s
and/snowman. There were a lot less shells on the beach than last year and it was much harder to find buttons for him. Both Grant and I were completely soaked by the time we headed home so we gave Grant a shower as soon as we got home. After the beach we took a nap and spent some time relaxing and reading.
couple of weeks. He gave me the rest of his presents - more clothes from Charlotte Russe - and he "unwrapped" his bicycle. We finished decorating our tree which I think tur
ned out awesome. It has white sparkling lights on the inside, colored lights on the outside, white and silver snowflake ribbon wrapped around it, silver beads draped between the layers of ribbon, and of course lots of ornaments. The tree is so tall that the snowflake tree topper is slightly crooked from hitting the ceiling. After everything was setup I made Devin and Grant pose for lots of pictures. I tried to get the rats in the picture too but they just moved too much.
a yummy rum drink. It has been a long time since I've seen the Pizza Gallery people and it was good to see them again. Devin was at the poker table most of the night dealing. I was there for 3 rounds before I lost all of my chips and went to join 
the people playing Rock Band. I am obsessed with that game. I almost want to get an Xbox 360 just so I can play Rock Band. I had tons of fun playing. They also did a white elephant gift exchange and we ended up with a MLB teddy bear. I had originally been planning on stopping just for a little bit and heading home early because I wasn't feeling that well but after I started playing Rock Band I was hooked and I didn't leave until 2am. Very nice holiday party.
