Happy Anniversay and Family Pictures

Yup, one year ago today I married my best friend! He's been so good to me and I love him more and more everyday. 

Here are some of my most favorite things about Neil, this is not a comprehensive list and it's not in any particular order. 

1. He does the dishes FREQUENTLY without being asked

2. He does the laundry FREQUENTLY without being asked

3. He cleans the bathroom

4. He takes out the trash

5. When I have a bad day, he is there ready with a smile and a snuggle

6. He is a hard worker and gives 100% in every task he undertakes

7. He makes dinner for me when I'm busy

8. He laughs at my really dumb jokes

9. He encourages me to run and has started running too, to show his support

10. He loves me all the time

It really has been the greatest year of my life and I'm so happy that I get to spend eternity with such an amazing man.
I know we don't have kids yet, but I really don't care. I want family pictures every year with out without kiddos!

Anyway, I asked a friend of mine if she'd be willing to take some pictures of Neil and me and she said yes!

Here are some of my favorites. 

 Just warming up. ;)

Having a good ol' time.

 This tree was "leanin'." Jackie, that's for you.

Hello tree.

 I really love this picture. I think it's very "us".

On the road of life.

Off the road of life. ;)

I may or may not have stolen the idea for the following picture from Pinterest. Okay, I did but I really liked the idea and LOVE this picture. We're holding our favorite picture from our engagement pics and no, I am not wearing the same outfit even though I AM wearing a jean jacket. Deal with it.
Anyway, next year we'll hold this picture with us holding a picture. Do you see where this is going? Fun, right?

Engagement & Year One.

 I love my man. He's the best.

Tender.

 Another shot I love to bits and pieces!

I love this one.

BAM! Waterfall.

Bridal Veil Falls

Love.

Sunrise.

Getting There

It's been harder the second time around to train for a race. In 8 weeks I've gone from not being able to run a block to being able to run 2.6 miles. 

I'm training for a 10K (6.4 miles) so I've still got a long way to go but I am getting there and I can feel a difference in my body, even though I don't think anyone can see it just yet. 

This week has been better than any previous running week BY FAR!! But it didn't start so happy.

I went to the doctor the other day and received some frustrating news that really kicked my confidence to the ground and then that "bad" news decided to do a  Mexican hat dance on my confidence as well. 

It's funny though, after learning this news and what I needed to do to take care of it, I realized that, in a really round about way, that news I received was the Lord's way of saying "I'm answering your prayers, just not in the way you thought I would." 

 It's been a HARD adjustment but I am hopeful and I know that the Lord is aware of my desires and goals and I know that He is on my side. 

It's going to be a fun, crazy and challenging three months. 

This was from the other day. I'm getting nervous/excited for the race. And I had a really good hair day.

Vacation Day 10: Chocolate

 Day 10 was a half day with Grandma, so that she didn't have to fight Friday night traffic. Anyway, it was a great day. We went to Ghirardelli Square. Which means we had chocolate. Yummy, lovely chocolate.

The Cannery. I thought was pretty. It was on our walk down to the square.

Before we reached the square we ran into a LeRoy Neiman art show and stopped in.

Down the hill...

Across the street.

Bingo! My favorite flavor is still the caramel chocolate.

We watched some chocolate being made.

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. Yummo.

We shared. :)

After treats, we headed around the square and popped into a couple of stores where I found some absolute gems and we were able to laugh at some silly books.

Reminds me of all the babies I know.

I would really enjoy owning this book.

From the south side of the square.

 After we said good-bye to Grandma, Neil and I wondered around a little more and then headed down to the Embarcadero where we watched the lights on the bridge from a little, secluded bench on the dock. It was actually very romantic and quite relaxing.

It was a perfect last night in San Francisco.

 

Vacation Day 9: On Our Own

Day 9 was all about going back to the places we liked a lot and wanted to visit again. 

Grandma didn't join us this day so we were guideless but we still had a good time. 

Basically, we spent all day at Pier 39. 

We found magnets applicable to my line of work. :)

Basked in the sun while it was out .

And tried to shield ourselves from the EXTREMELY cold wind.

We watched this guy do his thing. It was fun.

While we were waiting for the cable car, we were entertained by this guy.

 He was singing, blowing bubbles for the kids and flirting with me. I'm not kidding. He kept calling me out and asking me how my feet were holding up, if I liked what he was singing. Guys, there were SO MANY people in that line. Why me? I'm just a cutie I guess. ;)

We headed to Lori's Diner for Dinner. 

It was delicious.

We sat next to the pump.

And this was a real car. Inside the diner.

Vacation Day 8: Alcatraz

Day 8 was probably tied with day 9 as my favorite day on the San Francisco adventure. 

In the morning, we headed to Pier 39 just to scope it out and see what it had to offer. 

We were mainly down there to make sure we could get to our Alcatraz ferry on time 

The Pier was fun. We walked around and saw all sorts of fun shops, we stopped and watched the seals for, I don't even know how long. By that time, it was time to go!!!

We booked it over to our docking pier and waited (for me impatiently) while the ferry docked, people got off and the ferry was searched (security reasons, there was no active threat). Finally, we were on our way to an island that has actually peaked my interest for a very long time now.

It was a great day on the island and actually took most of the afternoon.

View of the city from the Ferry.

View of "The Island"

Closer...

 

There were a lot of old, beautiful things on the island.

During it's Pre-infamous years when used as just a prison, they would lower prisoners into this hole.

I got so close to these cute babies and Daddy goose got all fluffed up but nothing happened. Sheesh.

The inmates called the clock, "Times Square"

The Yard. It was big and I felt like I was in a movie.

Can anyone tell me who the guy on the left is? Hmm?

Neil in D Block

I actually really like this pic.

The dark cells. Or "D Block". This is where they sent the misbehaving/dangerous inmates. Not light, no bed.

This way to the library! If inmates behaved, they could have reading privileges.

On our way out we passed by the Warden's House. This is all that is left.

Good thing we were able to leave!

Good bye!

 After a lovely day at Alcatraz, we headed back to Pier 39 for dinner.

We went to a seafood place so that Neil could have a Clam Chowder bowl and crab cakes and Grandma could enjoy some seafood as well. Seafood doesn't sit well with my stomach so I ordered a burger. It was massive but delicious.