Since we moved, we have not yet set up our computer. It's really a pain in the neck because all my pictures on there and I have no idea how to use my mom's new Mac computer(s).

Sidenote: David and I recently counted how many computers are currently in use at my parent's house: a total of 7 if you count David's work laptop. Radiation anyone?

Anyway, I have to tell you about some things going on. First, Mother's Day was really sweet. We were going to be out of the house by Sunday, so David gave me my present early so I could enjoy it in our house. He picked me up the most beautiful bouquet of flowers, a delish bar of Godiva dark chocolate and 3 children's books (Flotsam, The Higher Power of Lucky and Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!)

Sidenote: I need to buy The Penderwicks. I am in love with these books and rightly so. They are charming, innocent and down-right lovely. Anything with this delightful of a cover must be good.

I love that David was thoughtful enough to get me a gift for Mother's Day even though I'm not a mother. More than that, I love that he was thoughtful enough to think of getting me a gift that I will use as a mother in the future. He's pretty darn great.

Moving has been quite the process. We were scrambling to get out of the house only to find out that we still haven't sold that darn sofa and we can't afford to move our piano! Drat! Now we are in the middle of figuring out the details but the transition to my parent's house has been great for one solid reason: my parents are awesome.

Our other exciting news is David's upcoming company party. Can I even tell you how excited I am? Is it OK that I'm this excited for a company party? Well, here's why I'm excited.

A) The company is not my company - since David recently switched jobs so we no longer have the same parties to attend.

B) The event is "out of town" (READ: Carefree, Arizona) and they are putting us up for the night at the Carefree Resort and Villas. Do I care how nice it is (or isn't)? No. Do I care that it is only like 40 miles from our house? No. Do I care that it is excessively decorated in the Southwest style? No. In fact, I'm kind of happy that I get to stay at a resort in Arizona. I've never been on the tourist side of things here in the Phoenix valley. Plus, I've never been to the North side of the valley so it should be fun.

C) I get to "gussy" myself up for the formal dinner and awards banquet that night. I'm going to look so hot - just you wait.

Here's the big problem: There's a BIG FAT nothing to do in Arizona in the summer. Maybe we'll get lucky and be blessed with some more of this awesome weather we've been having. I doubt it. Does anyone know of anything remotely fun to do in Carefree or Cave Creek?

Oh, and since I have no recent pictures to share - here's one of my favorite (less well-known) engagement photos. I thought I'd throw this in for good measure. I love California.

{a few favorites}

Today . . . meet my husband, if you haven't already. I really love these pictures of him. I have a lot of favorites but I wanted to expound on why these few are special to me.

1. This picture perfectly encapsulates David because a) it was taken at the beach and he lives for the beach b) because he is tan (way, way tan) and it's disgusting how tan he is c) because his hair is blonde, curly and total "surfer" (which he is and always will be) d) because he is wearing a Rip Curl sweatshirt and loves Rip Curl more than any other kind of clothing - except maybe Vineyard Vines or Brooks Brothers. When I met David, he still had this summer tan and I was drawn to his bright blue eyes and charming smile (see picture). Even though I was on a semi-date with his friend, we immediately hit it off. A week later, I politely told his friend "No thanks." and David politely asked his friend "Do you mind?" and the rest is history.
2. Getting engaged is probably on just about everyone's "favorite memories" list but I think mine is the best. I love that I was surprised when he proposed. I love that I was worried that he would never propose. I love that that morning I had cried to my sisters about it. I love that we went on a walk late at night at my dad's ranch and I couldn't see a thing. I love that he kneeled on the hay of my dad's barn while my heart skipped several beats. I love that David cried and I giggled (a lot). I love that his voice cracked when he called his parents. I love that the next morning we burned our names into the wooden post next to where he proposed and I love that I'll always have the memory each time I go to my dad's ranch.
3. We love La Jolla. We love it A LOT. So, of course, we took our engagement pictures there! My amazing brother flew in from Seattle and we took off to the La Jolla coves and Point Loma where he proceeded to take several great shots. This isn't the one that we used for our invitations but I love it just the same. This picture is special to me because I remember thinking how happy I was when my brother was taking the pictures. I didn't have to pretend to smile and that was a great feeling.
4. I love this picture because I have no doubt that David was whispering something funny in my ear and making me laugh. He's really good at that. I also love it because this wasn't our "first dance" - it was just a dance. No one was watching. No one really even cared all that much. It felt so intimate in this group of people around us. Talking, mingling, eating. I love this picture because it reminds me of that night and how I felt so excited about every little thing. My heart didn't beat at a normal rate all evening. Mostly, I love this picture because it was the day that we were sealed together forever and nothing will ever top that.
5. David really wants to own a boat someday. I'm not talking about a cheap fishing boat or even a decent skiing boat. I'm talking a yacht. Like, a several thousand dollar yacht. He wants to retire and sail around the world with me while stopping at fine places like Greece so we can eat delicious food, walk around the city and then sail away on our next adventure. I'm fine with this dream. Maybe someday, Sweetie. I love this picture because it was taken in Hawaii for our 1st anniversary. I love the colorful sails in the background, the serious look on David's face and how his chest is somewhat puffed up with pride. Most of all, I love how when he realized that I was taking the picture, he got somewhat embarrassed and gave me a goofy smile. Secretly though, he loves this picture too.

I married a very, very, very sexy man.

A Visit from M

Did I mention that seeing M was awesome? I guess I didn't since I haven't blogged in more than a week but it was so great to see her! We had a blast going to Rosa's for salmon tacos and Mexican hot chocolate (drool), sipping my "Campfire" hot cocoa and M's "white chocolate mocha" hot cocoa at The Coffee Shop (new love) and talking as we drove around town trying to find a killer deal (which we did on my accounts). I am so glad she came to visit! Love you M!

M's account was much more detailed so you can see it here.

{reuniting and painting}

I've been painting like crazy lately. 4 paintings in two days. I guess I'm just excited for M to come on Thursday! I cannot WAIT! The wall in the guest bathroom was painfully bare but not anymore! I'll try this one out for a while.

The itinerary o' fun for the reunion of M and E starts Thursday morning with a trip to Last Chance (many hours will be spent in this heaven), lunch at La Grande L'Orange, shopping in downtown Scottsdale, browsing art galleries and shops and then a Valentine's dinner at home of steamed artichokes, ginger chicken with roasted peaches and red onions and hot co-co-cocoa for dessert while watching Jane Austen's Persuasion. It'll be great . . . even without our manly men. I'll be missing David while he's in Reno for a construction convention and M will be missing her man, Steve, who's alone in Utah because I begged and pleaded for her to come visit me on Valentine's weekend! Besides, their love lasts all year long! They can celebrate on Monday like we are! Updates to come.

{philly}

Last night's American Idol premiere in Philadelphia made me think of my upcoming trip out there for work in two weeks. I've never been to the City of Brotherly Love and I'm a little nervous about it. I really won't be there for long (only 2 days) but if anyone has some suggestions as so something I have to see (or eat for that matter) while I'm there - please share.

{cabin weekend}

There was a lot of snow at the cabin and we had a good time cuddling next to the fire(s), watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy (yes, all three), making s'more brownies (soooo good) and sledding.

Here are our sledding videos:

P.S. My bum is "Larger Than Life".
P.P.S. They sang "Larger Than Life" last night on Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann.
P.P.P.S. I watched Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann.

{adachef's restaurant review}

Look. I love me a good hamburger, especially when it is homemade. Maybe that's because I find gross enjoyment in squishing raw meat between my fingers (especially in the summer when my hands are hot and sweaty).

Post-script: Save your "ewwww" comments for a rainy day. You can't sway me or my love for raw meat touching.

Anywho, David and I went to the cabin for a weekend getaway (more on that tomorrow after I download our crash-and-burn sledding videos off my camera). On our way home, we stopped at The Red Onion in Heber, AZ for dinner. I've been wanting to go to The Red Onion for months and he said, "Yes". And I was pleased. And I was very, very pleased. How often do you order a hamburger at a restaurant and they bring it out to you in such a way that you feel like you're at a summer BBQ at a friend's house sipping Izze's from the bottle and watching the kids do cannonballs and flips off the diving board? That's what I thought. Never.

Delicious, perfectly portioned, hand-formed hamburgers (a leetle disappointingly "unpink") with a generous slice of green leaf lettuce, 2 plump tomato slices, pickles, and of course - 4 slices of red onion. Ba doi. Top that toasted bun with some condiments and you have yourself a summer day, my friends. We will be going back for that bad boy (for $4.75 you better believe it).

{rainy days are love}

It's a cold and rainy day today and I am wishing I could be wrapped up in a goose feather duvet in bed with this guy.

We woke up to the annoying sound of the "whirlybird" on top of our house because the wind was blowing so strong. I dressed warmly, ate my shredded wheat for breakfast and have been hugging my space warmer all day.

Hopefully, we'll get up to the mountains this weekend like we planned. Some snow might do us good . . .

snow in seattle

The wedding of Stephen and Leone

was wonderful! I love having a new sister-in-law!
She looked beautiful.
My brother looked like he would explode with happiness.
It's all good.

As we walked in to the temple,
we were commenting about how nice it was to have blue skies.
As we walked out of the temple,
we commented (in rather loud tones) about the BLIZZARD
falling all around us!David made funny faces
as I switched between my peep toe pumps and
knee length black boots so as not to get frost-bite
after taking bridesmaid pictures.
My mom insisted we have a sisters and sisters-in-law picture.
Can you tell which of us are related?
The facial cheeks give it away.
Then, the photographer insisted we have a bridesmaid picture
with the bride. Naturally.
There's me on the right, Leone's sister, Leone, Leone's aunt and Leone's best friend.
Oh, wait, what? You want to see a picture of the bride and groom?
Whatever.
Aren't weddings fun?
They are especially in Seattle.

{david's dance}

I really love this video of David in Hawaii. I wish I knew how to flip it but just turn your head a bit to see the joy of how funny it is. I just love that boy!

{favorite faces from hawaii}

Well, I’m back from our wonderful trip to Hawaii! We got back early Saturday morning and spent the whole rest of the weekend, just trying to catch up on some sleep. We took a lot of pictures, so I’ll try to do these in segments. Of course, some of our pictures turned out really ugly/funny so here are a few of my favorite faces from Hawaii.

First, David got really excited about the dragon fruit that he cut in half. It tastes a lot like kiwi.

















Then, somebody took a really beautiful picture of this valley along with a really ugly picture of me. {Please enlarge the photo to get the full effect}
















Then, David made for a dashing sailor pose on the Catamaran while sailing around the coves. {He secretly looooves this picture}

















Then, I made a "spooky cave face" while my veins exploded out of my neck in the lava tube at the volcano.














Then, David made a “happy-I'm-so cute-cave face” while he was supposed to be making a "spooky cave face" in the lava tube at the volcano. I was really disappointed.

















Then, we took this cute picture of us at Akaka Falls.












Then, we took my favorite picture of all! The beach was the best part and bodysurfing was a blast, but nothing compares to our facial expressions in this picture as the waves crashed us upon the shore. {Once again, click on the picture to enlarge. You won't regret it. I probably will though.}







Then, we took this other cute picture of us in downtown Kona that I think we will use for our Christmas card photo. What do you think? It's either this one or the one above. Feel free to vote for your favorite in my comments.

{aloha - hello and goodbye}

Well friends, we're off to Hawaii this afternoon for our anniversary tomorrow! Can you believe that we've been married for a whole year now? I really, really, really love my husband.

{the many faces of my links} will continue when we return. My brother, Strawbs, is next!

I leave you with this picture so that when you are missing me, you can remember that I am sitting on the beach like this. I am going to have such a good time!

Aloha!

{to marty}

Dear Marcus,

Remember how cool and hardcore we were in front of the British Museum?

Remember how you got totally wasted in Wicklow Jail and those Irish fiends put you on the slow boat to China?

Remember how I was punished for your prohibition crimes and put in the gallows??

Remember how you played the lute at the edge of the Irish Sea like a leprechan . . .

and then, remember how you played "Scarborough Fair" for me on the stone wall overlooking the Irish Sea?

Remember how we sang silly Irish drinking songs even though we didn't know the words?

Remember how cute we were at Tivoli Gardens?

Rememer how high you jumped at Hamlet’s red doors?

Remember how we strolled along this path before we came to the shore of the Baltic Sea?

Remember how your sister loves you?

Remember how she is proud of you for serving a mission in Germany?

Me too.

Love, Elizabeth

21 days until Hawai'i means: 21 days until I might get a tan and roll around the sand knowing that I'm not at work, but instead, dipping my toes in the blue ocean. I will eat sushi and other delicious items known as fruit and icy drinks. I will take long, dusky walks with David on the surrounding greens at the 8th hole cliff to watch the sun set over Kona. I will snorkel (even though it scares me half to death) and hopefully sail again. We will celebrate our one-year anniversary by doing lots of romantic things - I'll spare you the details. I will hike in the rainforest to waterfalls and other beautiful scenes. I will sleep in and on a beach towel with a delightful book and fully appreciate "doing nothing".

Here's where you (my wonderful readers) come in: Where can I get a cute swimsuit this time of year? Does anyone have a good book recommendation?

We're off to California to visit David's family for the weekend.


Wish me luck!

As most of you know, my brother (a.k.a."Strawbs") is getting married in Seattle in December. I am so excited for him . . . and for me cause I get to go! I love Seattle a lot and David has never been so we are planning on doing as many cool things as we can pack into 3 short days. These are the things I know I want to do:

- have a breakfast of fresh strawberries and raspberries at Pike's every morning
- eat fish 'n chips at Ivar's (too touristy?)
- walk along the Pier and look at shops

I would love hike Mount Rainer but that will have to wait for another time since it will be December and too far away. I don't really care about the Space Needle (although walking by might be necessary to satiate David's construction interests). I also think it would be awesome to do a whale watching tour through the Seattle Aquarium but we don't have that kind of time or money. So, do any of you Seattle-living (or loving, for that matter) readers out there have any great ideas of fun things to do that are inexpensive and within the city? We also LOVE to eat so whoever recommends a good restaurant wins!

David and I love a lot of restaurants but one of our favorites is George's At The Cove on the Ocean Terrace. It is in La Jolla, overlooking the La Jolla Coves. The view is wonderful, the service is spectacular and the food is unbelievably good. When we were there about a month ago, I ordered the herb crusted halibut over white corn, snap peas with marinated cherry tomatoes and a basil salad. (The picture to the left is not of this dish.) It was so good that when we got home from our trip, I tried to recreate the recipe . . . without a recipe. So, here's my attempt:

1 pound fresh halibut filet
8 ounces frozen white corn
1/4 pound sugar snap peas
8 cherry tomatoes
1 bunch fresh basil
Rosemary
Thyme
Sea Salt
Freshly ground pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Slice cherry tomatoes in half and trim the snap peas for later use. Trim the halibut and sprinkle generously with rosemary, thyme, sea salt and pepper. Heat a large saute pan with about 1 Tablespoon butter. Lay halibut filet herb side down and let saute for 5 minutes until crusted on the bottom. Remove the halibut from the saute pan and place on oven sheet with the uncooked side up. Cook in oven for about 5 minutes until flaky. While the halibut cooks, add another Tablespoon of butter to the saute pan and add the snap peas. Let them saute until slightly cooked and add the white corn, stirring until the corn is warm adding the cherry tomatoes at the very end until they are juicy. Place the vegetable mixture on the bottom of a plate. Place the halibut filet on top (crusted side up) and sprinkle with torn basil.

(both images from George's At The Cove website)

One year ago today, David proposed to me in a barn at my dad's ranch.

Click here for the juicy details.

So today, in honor of our engagement, we are heading off to the ranch to celebrate the event. Well, actually, we are going more to see my parents who have just returned from a summer mission to Kirtland, Ohio and all my siblings and their children that I haven't seen in ages. Did I also mention that my brother, Strawberry Steve, got engaged and he and his fiance announced it on Wednesday to everyone already at the ranch? I'm so excited but I'm sad I wasn't there to see their reactions (since NOBODY knew he was going to propose).

I will see all you girlfriends on Monday.

The first pictures of our San Diego trip:

David and I built this sweet wedding cake complete with feathers and seashells,
then we built this awesome human.

Well, we're off to San Diego this afternoon.

It's going to be a SPLENDID time. I can't wait! This picture was from last year's beach extravaganza and as you may be able to tell if you have seen me lately, I AM much more tan. I seriously recommend airbrush tanning.

Anyway, I will be on hiatus for a week. See you when I get back!

Love, Mrs. Bryant