December: A review in pictures

December was full .... here is a glimpse in pictures.

Home in Tacoma during the freaky snow storm weather - - - we made the most of it with a friendly snow man. We never make them in Minnesota because it is just TOO TOO cold when the snow comes. Josh and Mike both came into town in early December. Josh had training for his new job, and Mike missed Minnesota so much he just had to come back. The Cathedral is in the background.

Minnesota sunset. Even thought it is freezing, the sun comes up every morning and it is so pretty!

Trying on one of the veil options for the wedding. Cathy D (My mom's friend from high school) is helping me put it on (the veil she wore at her wedding), and my mom is just watching.

My mom putting together some bows from my 1st shower. Her grade school and high school girlfriends threw me my 1st wedding shower (Bath and kitchen themed). It was great!

Joe and I trying to recreate a pose similar to one my grandma and grandpa had, Christmas of 1965 in front of a tree. I should get the original up on here. They are pretty similar .... we framed it and gave it to her for Christmas - side by side with the original. She just loved it.

Christmas and the New Year

I was home for 2 weeks, by home I mean Tacoma, Washington. It was so great to be with my family and Joe's family for the holiday. We love being home and the trip back to MN is always a little hard - leaving our family and the ones we love to come back to MN .... where of course we love our life as well. There is just something about being home that makes you want to stay.

Wedding plans are going well. We are all ready to go, now we just have to wait until July 18th!
Thanks to the help of my dear friend Kate - we actually addressed all the invitations and sent "save the dates" to the out of town guests. 5 of my ladies already have their dresses, the cake is settled on and I think the flowers are too. As far as wedding cakes go - I am not a fan. I haven't ever had one I LOVED, and I just don't like cake in general. I would much rather have ICE CREAM - but that was not approved by the wedding committee - - - my mom ;-) --

The snow in the northwest over Christmas made for a few changes in plans, but it was nice to rest and slow down for a change. When it snows in MN, nothing slows down!

Now we are back in Minnesota, have the weekend to regroup and adjust to life in the Midwest until we head back to work on Monday.

Pictures of break to come soon!