One Year Anniversary

In a way it seems hard to believe we have been married one year, until I think back to that cold, but wonderful week in Boston and all that has happened since. It has definitely been an amazing year. We are enjoying the time we have now, just the two of us, while we can spontaneously leave for a day or two. Cali is a fun place to live as newlyweds because there is so much to do. We haven't been bored and probably never will be as long as we live here. People often say the first year of marriage tends to be the hardest but I wouldn't label our year that way at all. We have made a happy home in California together, and aside from missing our family, things couldn't get any better so far. If anything, moving away has brought us closer. I couldn't ask for a better husband and friend.

The highlights of our first year together:

Making new friends that are our family away from family

Kyle's new job with Merrill Lynch and passing two major tests that secured his new career

Kristen building a clientele at work that is (finally) continuing to grow

Having my parents, all of our siblings, nieces and nephews, and some friends come to visit us

Our annual passes to the happiest place on earth (aka Disneyland) and being able to experience that with our nieces and nephews

Several road trips to Utah and lots of time with our family there

2 trips to Michigan

A week (late honeymoon) in Cancun!

For our anniversary we went to the temple in Newport Beach and then stayed at the Hilton Suites in Anaheim so we could watch the Christmas fireworks at Disneyland. People rave about how great they are and I was so excited because we were supposed to be able to see them from our room on the tenth (and top) floor. And then it rained. A lot. So there were no fireworks. Not outside at least. ;)

We brought 2 of our favorite games to play. Is that lame? We played while we watched movies. We don't have cable at home so it's always a treat for us to watch TV at hotels.

Tabitha

We had the pleasure of Justin, Leslie, and Tabitha's company in December when Tabitha was only a couple months old. Justin worked a few long days in San Diego, and I was able to spend lots of time with Leslie and the baby. Kyle was able to see her soon after she was born, but it was my first time and I just melted when I saw her. She is the sweetest thing, and her hair?? To die for. She wore a harness to help with her hip dysplasia and even that was the cutest thing ever! She recently got it off, and is doing really well. We miss that baby!

Romano's Italian Restaurant....my fave

Sea World

I forgot to post our Sea World pictures!

Splashing the crowd

They showed the kids how to make the sign, I think it was for the whales to splash but I'm not sure. I love her cute little hands in this picture.

This trip reignited my love for Killer Whales.

I've always been fascinated by them, especially by the tricks they perform at Sea World

Waving

Skyler loved the sea otter show. She giggled so much, it was so much fun.

Wiped out

Ryan and Stacey's visit!

It has been way too long. I started too many posts at once because I was having a hard time uploading pictures. I finally figured it out!

We had so much fun with Ryan and Stacey and our adorable niece and nephews in November. Maddox was so cuddly from the second they arrived and I loved every minute of it. He was especially cuddly right before they left, which made it really hard for me to say goodbye. He is at such a fun age. I was able to spend a whole day at Disneyland with them and we had a blast. I was so excited for Aiden to ride the Toy Story Midway Mania ride. Although they were here for almost a week, I still didn't get my fill. Like always when our family leaves, our apartment was quiet and lonely as soon as they left. I loved the one-on-one time I had with them. It is so nice to have that time with them here, because when we go to Utah we see everyone at once and don't get a lot of time to talk to each person.

So cute!

Maddox

I would skip every ride it I could do this instead

Aiden was picked to be trained to be a Jedi!

He couldn't have had a more magical experience at Disneyland. The boy has had a sword in his hand every time I see him! This was right up his alley.

The green army men

At the mall. I love these pictures! Foxy ladies

How cute is she? With her front teeth missing, LOVE it!

6 going on 25. (She's 7 now) This just killed me when I walked in the room. So adorable.

I asked for a picture of the two of them and this is what I got. Go figure.

Lydie getting her groove on at H&M. She is so fun. She lights up a room with just her smile. But you should really see her dance.

Aside from the warm weather, Disneyland, beaches, and palm trees, my favorite part about living here is all the visitors we get that want to come to Cali. But Here's to hoping everyone comes again this year! (HINT HINT....)