Mexico

We spent our honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta Mexico for an amazing 4 days. Our trip started off early the 8th, which was great because that marked 1 year of when we met in Folsom. We had a 4 hour
layover in Texas that I think we managed 3 hours of sleep. We stayed at the Barcelo all inclusive resort and spa, which was so nice because we could eat and drink all we wanted without having to pay.
The days were spent swimming in the 5 pools,
on the beach, kayaking, sleeping,
and eating.
One day we went downtown and I really got to see Matt's spanish in action.
I'm really not sure how people that don't speak spanish can go there. I would be totally lost. Another day we did zip line tours through the jungle where the old Predator was filmed. So much fun! It rained with thunder and lightening every night, but we didn't care it just made it more romantic. We came home on Thursday and we were sad to leave, but excited to come home and just be us. On the return we had a 5 hour lay over in Texas, that really wasn't too bad, but we were getting anxious. We arrived home at 1 am and Matt let me open a wedding present. We had invited the fam over to open gifts Friday but I couldn't wait. The weekend after we got home we stayed busy trying to arrange the apartment to fit all the great gifts we received. Let's just say our next place we for sure need more cupboard space, but it's fun taking everything out to get the one item you need that is of course way in the back.

We Did It!

Matt and I were married Thursday August 5 in the Oakland CA LDS temple for time and all eternity! The weather was perfect, the temple was perfect, and over all the entire day was perfect.
Wednesday my friend Rachael took me for a day of pampering at a spa in Walnut Creek, while Matt and Daxton met up with his family for a day of fun at Marine World in Vallejo. Rachael and I got full body massages, facials, and foot treatments. It was amazing, and I was totally spoiled by her. After we went back to the hotel and tried to take a little nap, which didn't happen. One by one family members arrived to the hotel and then it was time for dinner. There was a large group for dinner that included all of my family, Matt's Mom, Dad, 2 of his sisters, his brother Mitch, nephew Mason, my aunt Karen, Kira and Andrea, all of the Richin's, except Eric, and Rachael. We had reservations for 7 and we didn't end up getting out of there until 10:30. Let's just say we won't be going back to Cheesecake Factory for any large party. The service was very slow. After dinner everyone went back to their hotel rooms, and Matt and I spent a little time alone talking about what was to happen the next day. We both couldn't believe this day was finally here.
Thursday I woke up and had to refrain myself from calling Matt. We had decided that we wouldn't speak or see each other until the temple, and it was killing me. My family came to my room for a family prayer and then it was go time for all to get ready. Gretchen did m makeup, Rachael my hair, and before we knew it it was 8:35. We were to leave at 8:30. Rachel drove Gretchen, Kristi, and I to the temple in record time. We made it in less than 20 min. I was a little worried about the overcast, windy weather, but was very thankful for it when we were taking pictures and I was baking. The ceremony was wonderful, and I will never forget the amazing feelings that were felt that day. The way Matt looked at me gave me butterflies and melted my heart.
Uncle Randy and my cousins husband Justin, were kind enough to take pictures for us on the temple grounds. Which turned out amazing. I think they should do photography as a side job. After all the pictures were taken my parents good friends Jan and Don Preston had graciously offered their home for our luncheon. We had Johnny Corinos cater it, and everyone seemed very happy. After lunch the pool was invaded and Matt and I were whisked away to Sonoma in a car he had come pick us up. It was so sweet, a huge surprise, and very romantic.
We stayed the night at the Renaissance Lodge of Sonoma, which was way more than I had expected. We ordered room service for dinner and sat out on our little balcony and then ate at the restaurant for breakfast. We made our way up to Redding to join everyone at Brandy Creek, but due to a semi roll over we sat on I-5 for over a hour and showed up a little late to the lake. We made it though and everyone had a great time. That night Adam, my dad, the Richin's, Matt and I, and Matt's Mom, Dad, and sis Sonja went bowling. Let's just say it's not easy with fake nails on.
Saturday was our reception, and all the planning paid off tremendously. The decorations were perfect and the whole place was beautiful. Gretchen was the main person in charge, and if anyone needs a wedding decorator she does amazing work. The night was a blast with yummy desserts and lots of dancing. Poor Daxton after on the way home just kept saying "can I go to bed now?" Then early Sunday morning at 4 am Matt and I were off to Sacramento to catch our flight to Puerto Vallarta for our honeymoon.

4 more days!

The time seems like it is going so slow but now that the "big" day is only 4 days away, it has seemed to fly by. I have been thinking a lot lately about when Matt and I met almost a year ago. We were so crazy in love just that first time we met. We have had our fair share of ups and downs, but all has been worth it. I love him so much, and can't picture my life without him. Lately I have been the biggest cry baby over any little lovey thing. The other day I was at Target reading cards, and was in tears. Today Matt told me how excited he is, and again tears. My dad asked me today if I was scared and ready. I said at times I'm scared and at times I feel ready. I'm not scared that I"m making the wrong choice, just scared/nervous of all the changes that will be happening. On Thursday I started packing up my room, and it slowly started sinking in. Everytime now that I drive out to my house I can't believe that these are the last few days that the house I have lived in my entire life will no longer be where I come to after work, or anytime. Also on Thursday Rachel, Gretchen, and Olivia met me at the MAC makeup counter to learn how to do my makeup for the wedding. It was so fun to have them there with me, and not really having to stress for that time we were together. After Rachel, Livi and I went shopping. We were trying to find new dresses to wear. Well none of us had luck. After Matt got off work we took some gifts back to Bed Bath and Beyond and then went to dinner. It was fun cause I still had my makeup all done up, and just being out alone with Matt is a treat. We stopped by Gretchen's and grabbed her vaccum and started cleaning "the place." I always call it Matt's place, and it drives him crazy cause he says that although I don't live there it's mine too. We vaccumed, dusted, organized, and after all of that there still seems to be so much more that needs to be done. I really don't know how all my stuff is going to fit in the apartment, or all of our wonderful gifts we have been receiving. If nothing else maybe Dad will let us rent out a corner of the garage.
Friday we woke up and hit the gym. Matt and I have a goal to work out as much as possible before the wedding. It's a good goal, but with work and little last minute things we will see how well we stick to it. Matt had to work 1-9:30 so I spent the day running errands, and doing more cleaning. Today the floors were done. It's so nice now to walk barefoot at the place. For Mother's Day Matt and Daxton bought me a certificate for a 1 hour massage, and I kept it uil now. It was amazing. It was just enough pressure to kind of hurt, but I found myself falling asleep towards the end. I really think they should offer 2 hour massages. Thanks boys for a great treat! Once Matt got off of work I was dead. From cleaning, running errands, and then a massage I was ready for bed but Matt wasn't. He wanted to go out and play. Well we settled for going to the store, and making brownies out at my house. It wasn't the night out I'm sure he wanted, but it was perfect.
So now I'm back to work for 2 nights, and it's so hard to be here. I want to be home with my family and Matt. He has to work everyday til the wedding so the night's I have to work we only see eachother for the 15 mins comes to visit on my breaks. I'm hoping when we're married and he's going to school and working full time we'll see eachother more.
So the final countdown has begun, and we can't wait!