Andy Garcia

"Hey, you look like Andy Garcia." This is a phrase that Danny hears multiple times every day, and especially knocking doors. There are some people that won't even open their door to talk about pest control but they come running out on their front porch to tell him that he looks like Andy Garcia. He just laughs and says that he gets that all the time but for a while I would get pretty offended when people told him this. I finally confessed to Danny that I hate it when people tell him that. He showed me some pictures online and I came to realize that I was thinking of George Lopez. There is a huge difference. So just for the record, yes, Danny does look like Andy Garcia, but not like George Lopez. (For those of you as unaware as me, Andy Garcia is above, George Lopez is below.)

The NC!

34 hours and 11 states later, Danny and I are finally in North Carolina! We have been here for about a week now and we have already had quite a few adventures. Here is a list of a few things I have LOVED about it here so far:

• Our shower is at least 4 times as big as the one in Logan
• The humidity is great for my dry skin
• It's not snowing here! It's in the 70's and 80's most days
• The swimming pool, weight room, front-step garbage pick-up, and free refreshments at our complex. Feeling pretty spoiled.
• All the quality time with Danny (he's stuck with me now)
• Free cable!
• The beach is two hours away
• Washer and dryer

Here's what we have been up to:

The first day here we went to play with Danny's sister-in-law Margeli and her kids Chiara, Fabrizio and Bella. We only had one day but we got to go to Atlantic Beach and play a few round of hide and seek.

Just eating some lunch.

My husband the mermaid. This was pretty funny because the kids were sitting calmly on the blanket eating lunch and Mar and I were going crazy burying Danny in the sand. We're real mature like that.

Bella is the funniest little girl. She always pulls the craziest faces (a woman after my own heart.)

Ultimate hide and seek. I'm pretty sure Danny has some bumps and bruises from this round but it was totally worth it. Call me crazy but I think Chiara fit better in the cupboard.

Our first day knocking doors. My hair has been perma-poof since we've been here. Something about humidity...

The Raleigh Temple! Beautiful!

Those are our Raleigh adventures for our first week here. I'll try and get some pictures of our apartment to post because our "second home" is pretty incredible compared the the humble abode we occupied in Logan.

Graduation

I finally graduated from Utah State on May 8, 2010! It was five years coming but I have learned a lot about life and a few things about social work while I've been in Logan. Doing the ceremony and walking thing seemed a little bit ridiculous to me because we were simultaneously moving and cleaning but I'm glad I did it. I'm so grateful that I have met so many great people while at Utah State: great roommates, professors, classmates and of course Danny. Its crazy to think that one decision to come to USU made such a big difference in where I have ended up. So glad I made the right decision. Here are a few pictures of the day.

I had to put this picture in because we went out to Dinner at Ruby River after the ceremony and Russell ate a HUGE Buffalo Burger, fries, milk, and part of an onion blossom. I ordered the same thing and didn't get through half of it.

Our first home

As we were packing up our first little basement apartment to move to North Carolina I thought I would snap a few shots to remember our first little place. Half bathroom, half bedroom really too- it was small but has a lot of memories for us. Here is a short tour:

The Living Room (I was watching Gilmore Girls, of course)

The Entryway/Mudroom (really this is just another wall in the living room)

The Office (another corner of the living room)

The Bedroom

The Kitchen

Also Danny took this video a while ago about a month after we moved in so I thought I would post it, it gives a more continuous feel to it. Sorry his face is a little crazy at the end.

The Wedding Day

So it has been almost six months since Danny and I tied the knot so I thought I should start here and work my way up to where we are now. As I was looking through all of our pictures I couldn't decide on just a few to sum up the whole thing so I put them all in a slideshow. I love looking at the pictures, it was definitely the perfect day. I am so grateful that Danny and I both have such amazing family and friends that we could celebrate with. Thanks to all those who helped with the luncheon, reception and everything else. Thanks to my parents for putting up with my bridezilla moments. Also, the three of our sisters that were pregnant and working hard to make things perfect. They are incredible women. I don't know what else to say but here is a list of a few of my favorite moments of the day:

• Going bowling with our friends after the luncheon and before the reception. Because what is a wedding day without a little bowling?
• Driving away from the temple and turning to Danny and calling him husband. Crazy. Still is a little.
• When Danny was taking off my garter at the reception my little brother Russell turned to one of Danny's roommates and asked, "What is he doing?!" over and over again.
• Danny and I's first dance as husband and wife, and as anything really. We had never danced before. The song was in Spanish so I had no idea what it said but I loved it!
• My best friend Amanda caught the bouquet and for the first time I didn't have to fight her for it.
• Last but not least of course, being sealed to Danny in the temple for time and all eternity! I can't describe the happiness I felt kneeling across from him. What a blessing that we can be with each other and our families forever!