Jeff's Back from Baghdad

I am elated to report that Jeff is back from Baghdad! I missed him so much! He was only gone a couple of months, but it seemed like much longer. I cannot tell you the respect that I have for military wives and families. My hats off to you! I can't imagine doing it with kids either, luckily I won't have to worry about that ANYTIME soon. :) 

So, we went to Florida for his cousin Matt's wedding. We started the weekend by lounging on the beach. It was a sunny 92 degrees and the water felt like a warm bath. It was delightful! After spending most of the day on the beach, we went to grab lunch. Lunch started out with just the two of us and then our table started to grow. Maria (Jeff's mom) and many Timmerman's (cousins, aunts, on Maria's "side" of the family) joined us. It ended up being a fun afternoon. This was my first time meeting the extending family. Everyone was incredibly welcoming and I felt like I fit right in. :) 

We went for soft serve ice cream and relaxed before getting ready for the rehearsal dinner. The dinner was absolutely delicious. It was at the Marriot hotel, outside, with a view of the beach. There was a live band also. It was really relaxing and just a great time. 

Maria, Aunt Terry, and Aunt MaryBeth Dancing

Maria, Kelly (Jeff's sister), Jeff, and I at the rehearsal dinner

Rehearsal dinner

Jeff and I with the happy couple at the rehearsal dinner

Most of the Timmerman's at rehearsal dinner

  Biking the morning away!

The next day, Jeff and I worked out and then went walking along the boardwalk. Later, we met up with the Timmerman clan and we rented a bunch of bikes. We went biking along the boardwalk for about the hour. It was a bunch of fun!

Jeff & I after the ceremony

Amanda - stunning bride

We then, of course, had to lay on the beach for a while. After a busy and active morning, both Jeff and I fell asleep! We were super tired and poor Jeff was still quite jet lagged (Baghdad is 7 hours ahead). Soon, it was time to get ready for the wedding! Unfortunately, it was quite windy and there was a possibility for thunderstorms. Matt and Amanda were lucky though! No storms, just wind! :) They were able to still have their beach wedding.

Next up: THE RECEPTION. Beautiful hydrangeas adorned the table, along with candles. Of course, there was wine, wedding cake, and a seated dinner. Grandpa Timmerman prayed before dinner, Matt (the groom) gave a great little speech, their fraternity and sorority friends sang two fun songs/chants, and of course there was lots of dancing! 

All engaged this year :) Super fun wedding for the Timmerman family!

All the girls with Grandpa Timmerman

The "boys"

Bridal Show

 This past Sunday Danielle and I went to the Washington Bridal Show. It was quite overwhelming when we first walked in. There were hundreds of vendors and countless frazzled bride-to-be's and their friends and moms scurrying around. :) It was a great place for ideas! Danielle was definitely my calming force (thanks Danielle)! We had the opportunity to taste some delicious cakes and some not some yummy treats. Looking at flowers was definitely my favorite part, well other than people watching! One vendor brought a wide variety of live flowers and made some "mock" arrangements for me. They were very pretty. It was such a fun day and I am so lucky to have such a wonderful matron-of-honor! :)

My parent's new puppy - Charlie

Since our family dog passed away not too long ago, they decided it was time for a new addition to the family. Enter Charlie. He is an adorable sheltie, only 8 weeks old. He chases Sophie around and she is just not quite sure what to do with him. :) I am sure, once he gets a little bigger, they will be running around the backyard together.