The end of our beginning

 I have to write about this time together before it actually happens.  I want to give you this book on our wedding day so it has to be printed before you actually come down for our last non-married trip together.  Crazy.  The Lord has blown me away by His plans and His detail and His goodness.  These few days before the wedding we are planning on going to the Tourist baseball game, having a cookout, visiting Dupont Forest and waterfalls, spending time with family, doing wedding preparations, and having some fun in downtown Asheville.

 I’m excited to see what the next chapter in our life together brings.  So far it’s been quite a story; our story!

Moving

You drove all night (and you are welcome for talking to you for most of it!) in your big moving truck to move all your stuff down from D.C. to Asheville.  We spent most of Friday moving, then visited Leah and now baby Isaac in the hospital, then you hung out with Ryan while I attended my super fun lingerie shower! Saturday we did some pre-marital counseling and really enjoyed our time with Mark.  It seems that as we get to know each other better we are starting to see the strengths and weaknesses of ourselves and our relationship.  I’m so thankful that you are always willing to work on the weaknesses. We did some wedding shopping and preparation went to a wedding, you went up with me to Boone to give a final exam, and we finished off the weekend with Papa’s and Beer and several Margaritas!  I great Cinco de Mayo celebration in my book!

Engagement Photo Shoot

Final Trip to D.C. (for now!)

Juliet and I went up to D.C. last weekend to visit you one last time before you finished working there and we move.  We had a great time!  We got to visit base and Walter Reed Hospital, twice, once to swim.  We went out one night for dancing, Margaritas, and really cheap chips, salsa, and guacamole.  We spent one morning at the Zoo and one afternoon in downtown D.C.  Saturday evening we grilled out with some friends.  So, grilling with you and Nate is extraordinary.  You guys made grilled chicken and fall off the bone ribs in homemade BBQ sauce.  YUM.  You also made watermelon soda drink and chocolate filled lava cupcakes for dessert. So good!  On Sunday we made the not so short drive down to Raleigh, NC to attend Jenique's wedding.  Thanks for taking that trip with me and allowing some college friends to meet you and Juliet. 

Danville Trip

Juliet, my mom, and I headed up to my grandparents' home in Danville, VA and you drove down and met us there.  It was a fun and relaxing weekend!  My mom's best friend, Ann, and her daughter, Hannah, hosted lovely a wedding shower at their home for us and it was fun for you to get to take part in one of our showers :)  I even let you open like two gifts and the one card I let you open said “For the Bride to Be”.  Haha. The weekend consisted of lots of food eaten and time spent just being together.  We went on a 20 mile bike ride together before church on Sunday and enjoyed the beautiful weather and countryside.  It was so wonderful to have you visiting with my grandparents one more time before the wedding.  You just fit in so well!  I loved hearing you and my grandfather just talking about common interests (like guns!).

Fun Dating Weekends

 You came down for a last minute weekend trip.  It was blissful.  I’m still on cloud nine!  Friday you arrived and we headed out to Limones for drinks and appetizers.  They have the BEST Margaritas! You also wore the same striped shirt you wore the first time we ever went out for Margaritas in December 2010.  I love how you are so thoughtful when it comes to the little details! Then we went to Pack’s Tavern for beer and to watch some March Madness basketball. Saturday morning we went to the Mexican tienda, carnicería, and panadería and then had lunch at our favorite: Papas and Beer.  Juliet was with us and you are so incredibly helpful and wonderful with her.  She totally loves you now and reaches for you all the time! That afternoon I had my Icing on the Cake bridal shower at Cecilia Goodrum’s house.  You brought Juliet for the end and we ate way too much icing.  That evening we stayed in and you cooked me scallops and I made you Tinga.  Yum!  Sunday we did church and then spent the afternoon with Ryan and Meredith at a gun show and then dinner at Tupelo Honey.  We then had a impromptu Wal-Mart date and then later that evening we practiced our wedding dancing in my kitchen while drinking some Utah beers. Even though you had to leave early the next morning we stayed up way, way too late talking into the night. Bliss.