Sunday, November 25, 2012

turkey day 2012.


Happy Thanksgiving 2012 to all! Our first stop was in New Braunfels at my Aunt and Uncle's house.


Mom & Dad. 


I dont know WHY this picture makes Nat & Chris look all silver!  Sorry guys--must have been the lighting from the window behind you! I tried messing with it and no such luck. Still an adorable picture, nonetheless.   


 Ron & Carolyn's backyard is gorgeous. 


Awww! Daddy Billy & Blake watching the game.

 
Doesn't get much cuter than this. 




Everyone filling up their plates.  How cute are the girlies at the table? Dylan being the great big sis that she is, helping Vera with her cup.  Iris is the doll to the far right.   


 Dad, Chris, and Nat right before Turkey Day lunch! 


He doesn't love babies or anything :)  Dad with Vera.


Mmmmm! Calories don't count at this meal!



Nat, Daddy Billy, and I during lunch.  

Next stop, Austin! Time for Round II with Blake's side of the family.


Jennie and Sonny.


Georgia, Carter, & Holly. 


Amy & Hank.


Beautiful table all ready for the festivities.  


Lil G's seat at the table.


The day after Thanksgiving I got to spend some time with Jaime and Ava at lunch. 


I love her!

Before we left Austin to head back to Houston, we stopped for lunch at my parent's house.


Mom & I =Twinkies!



I hope all of you had the best Turkey Day with your loved ones.  Onto Christmas we go! :)

Sunday, November 4, 2012

two year anniversary.


Blake,

It's very hard to believe we have been married for two years.  I have struggled with writing the intro to this blog post as it's genuinely difficult to summarize how I feel about you, our marriage, and our connection. Therefore, I decided to write directly to you instead.

On our wedding day, all of the bridesmaids kept asking me if I was okay because I seemed so at peace and calm about everything.  I knew I was marrying the perfect person for me and things such as the flowers and food were the last thing on my mind.  The best moment I have ever experienced was during our "first look" before the ceremony.  You were at the bottom of the hill facing the other direction and I was walking towards you slowly--I can still remember the swishing sound of the bottom of my wedding dress hitting the ground.  Other than this, there was nothing but silence until I tapped your shoulder and you turned around.  I still cry to this day just thinking about it. Pure bliss. It was Heaven. 

Nothing seems more fitting than to repeat my vow to you: 

I give to you my promise that from this day forward you will not walk alone.
May my heart be your shelter
And my arms be your home.
May God bless you always.
May we walk together through all things.
May you feel deeply loved, for indeed you are.
May you always see your innocence in my eyes.
I give you my heart.
I have no greater gift to give.
I promise I will do my best.
I will always try.
I feel honored to call you my husband.
I feel blessed to call you mine.
May we feel this joy forever.

Two years has only made us stronger and deeper and deeper in love.  I adore and cherish you more than words can ever express.

Meredith



Blake and I decided to take a weekend trip to Dallas for our anniversary and stayed at The Belmont Hotel.




As you can tell, this historic boutique hotel has some incredible fall foliage.  The colors were breathtaking.  I certainly did not feel like we were in a big city.


Here is our room!




This cute, quirky space is in between the hotel lobby and bar. 









Below is the hotel's outdoor bar that overlooks an incredible view of the Dallas skyline.






Pretty dang loveable.



This was one of our favorite parts! The hotel provided us with this screened in outdoor area, adjacent to our room.  On both nights we hung out here after dinner to enjoy some cocktails.  All in all, a really fun place to hang out other than your room for just the two of you! 


This adjoining (and award winning!) restaurant and bar, Smoke, was pretty impressive.  I don't think I have ever seen Blake enjoy a meal more!



Below is the view from our hotel room. So beautiful! 


For brunch on Saturday, we went to the bakery/bistro, Bread Winners.  I went here with my girl, Jaime Parker, for her bachelorette a few years ago and remembered loving it.  As expected, it was incredible.







Blake had peanut butter and chocolate chip pancakes.  Delish!


Next, we went to check out The Dallas Museum of Art. & The Nasher Sculpture Center.I'll include some cool stuff we found along the way.














We couldn't have picked a better day to visit Klyde Warren Park.


Blake and I thought this sign was too cute!





These two pictures, above and below, are from the enclosed patio I mentioned earlier.  Party of two!




Happy 2 year anniversary, Blake Edward! You are my world.

Wedding pictures courtesy of The Nichols