We're on our way!

We finally made our decision and we have accepted Ryan's job offer to work for Olliff & Berridge in Alexanderia, VA. We will still be working out the details throughout the next 8 months, but thought we would let you all know of our plans. So after Ryan finishes his last year at DePaul University in May we will head farther East.

Chicago in the Fall

This last weekend, Ryan and I rode our bikes to Navy Pier, which is a 7+ mile ride. It was perfect weather and a perfect way to spend our Saturday. We stopped mid-way at the McCormick Place to take a break. At Navy Peir we shopped around, got some ice-cream and rode the swing ride. Here are some of the pictures we took of our great day!


My bell is awesome. Check out what it says!
"I love my mom"

Husband tag

1. Where did you first meet? We met at Utah State. He lived above me and we were in the same ward and usually played basketball together with other people from the ward. Though for 2 years we were more of just acquaintances, so to be more specific we became actual friends on April 23, 2006.

2. How long did you date before you got married? 13 months

3. How long have you been married? 1 year and 4 months

4. What does he do that surprises you? He can never surprise me because he can't ever keep a secret from me. He just gets so excited and I'm not good at waiting so it usually works out for the best anyway. Though sometimes when he's really being himself he can talk my ear off which may surprise other people to know.

5. What is your favorite feature of his? There are so many: he's tall, handsome, gorgeous blue eyes with a little brown fleck in one and thick lashes, sexy smile with straight teeth, high cheekbones, curly hair, straight perfect nose, his calf muscles, etc.

6. What is your favorite quality of his? Again so many: he's athletic! He is very smart and works hard in his schooling and has very high standards for himself. He is sensitive and a little naive, which makes me totally want to be protective of him.

7. Does he have a nickname for you? Mel (which everyone else calls me too, but I like it when he calls me Mel especially) and Honey.

8. What is his favorite color? It changes with his mood, but it usually is blue or purple.

9. What is his favorite food? This changes too. Though he usually likes whatever I make him.

10. What is his favorite sport? Definitely basketball. Though he's pretty good at all sports and likes to play any of them. Right now we love playing Ultimate Frisbee and Tennis.

11. When and where was your first kiss? Our first kiss was May 6, 2006 (Ryan's undergrad graduation day). It was on Darwin Ave. in Ryan's apartment. We were cuddling on the couch and it took him FOREVER to kiss me. But I'm stubborn and traditional so I wouldn't kiss him first. Though it probably would have saved me a night of emotional rollercoaster!

12. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Everything. We like to just talk, read books together, relax and watch movies, play sports, go on bike rides, shop, etc.

13. Do you have any children? No, and don't plan on it for a while. Though we teach primary, does that count? Ryan wants 10 kids. I want 4 or 5 and I think I'll win.

14. Does he have a hidden talent? He can sing! I love when he sings to me!

15. How old is he? 25 and younger than me :(

16. Who said "I love you" first? He did. But again, it took him FOREVER and I wasn't going to say it first though it was really hard not to:) And when he said it to me, it just kind of slipped out, I don't think he meant to say it. But he did mean it.

17. What is his favorite music? He like 80's music like Def Leopard, Journey, Metallica. And I'll listen to whatever he wants as long as he sings along.

18. What do you admire most about him? He is a very easy going person. He is usually happy and contend with who he is and I love that. Though sometimes I try to complicate things. I love that he is confident with who he is and doesn't care what other people think. He can be very self assured in his schooling, hobbies, spirituality, family, friends, etc. and I wish I were more like him.

19. Do you think he will read this? Yes, as soon as I tell him I did it.

I'm not tagging anyone, so if you read this and thought it was fun, go ahead and take a turn.
I'm noticing that in all these pictures he has that scruffy look. I like the 2-3 day scruff that makes him oh, so manly. However, this last picture is a bit much, but I told him he could grow a moustache since after this year he'll need to grow up and get a real job and look professional.

Race Pictures

Running in the Rain

Yes, we did it! We ran our race, but we got soaked. It was raining non-stop. On the radio they said it was the rainiest 24 hrs. in Chicago history. I can believe it. Since it was raining so much and we were both running, we don't have any pictures of the race, but here are a few of us after. we had to stand in our kitchen because we were dripping so much (and it gave me an excuse to make Ryan mop the floor).

Ryan ran so fast and so hard! Just look at the sweat! Oh wait, that just from the rain:)

And just for fun! look at what a goof ball my husband is. He's such a little kid.

Visiting my blog?

I put on a new feature so you can let me know that you read my blog! So if you are reading this, please click in the right column and become a "follower" so I can see who visits and in turn visit you. Put this gadget on your blog and I'll become a follower. I would love to know who reads my blog beyond the handful of commentators. It's easy and fun and anyone can become a follower.

A whole new ward

At the beginning of every school year, we get a large amount of new members in our ward. All the new students or returning students who were away for the summer move in. It makes for some pretty crazy and loud sacrament meetings. This year, I feel like not only are we getting new people by way of new students, but our ward has had an amazing amount of births. And if they didn't just have a baby, they are making an announcement that they are pregnant. Really, I never even witnessed this in a married college ward! I guess a pregnant belly is the new fashion trend in the Hyde Park 1st Ward. Too bad I have my own style:)

Tagged

The Rules: Answer the questions using only one word. Then tag four others.

1. Where is your cell phone? Bookbag
2. Your significant other? Perfect
3. Your hair? braided
4. Your mother? busy
5. Your father? supportive
6. Your favorite thing? books
7. Your dream last night? high school
8. Your favorite drink? water
9. Your dream/goal? excellence
10. The room your in? Office
11. Your hobby? anything
12. Worst fear? dark
13. Where do you want to be in 6yrs? West
14. What you're not? Working
15. Muffins? blueberry
16. One of your wish list items? House (with yard)
17. Where did you grow up? Country
18. The last thing you did? Bike
19. What are you wearing? Clothes
20. Favorite Gadget? Nintendo
21. Your pets? None
22. Your computer? Dell
23. Your mood? content
24. Missing someone? Family
25. Your car? None
26. Something your not wearing? socks
27. Favorite store? many
28. Like someone? Ryan
29. Your favorite color? Blue
30. When is the last time you laughed? Today
31. When is the last time you cried? don't know

I tag: Leslie, McKell, Leeah, and Tara

Run, run, go away! Come again another day.

The Chicago Half-Marathon that Ryan and I are running is only 9 days away! I have to admit, I don't feel ready. Ryan and I have been better about getting out and training the last few weeks, but we could definitely be in better shape. Oh well, we can't change that now. I'm pretty sure we'll make it through the race, just don't expect any record times.

Trip to DC

Last week Ryan and I went to Washington DC. He had a call-back interview with a firm in Alexandria and I tagged along. We were only there 2 days, but we were able to meet up with Ryan's sister Amy in DC. We had a good time touring and talking. Here are some pictures of our trip (sorry about the quality, we used Ryan's camera phone since we forgot our real camera).

Ryan and me in front of the Washington Monument

The World War II Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

Ryan and me in front of 'Abe'

Ryan and Amy

Ryan also had a call-back interview with a firm in Houston, TX. Though the interview was done via the phone so we didn't get to go to TX. Now we are just waiting for job offers. Wish us luck!

P.S. Funny thing about Ryan's shirt is it says 'CREW' on the back and Ryan didn't know. And he didn't bring another one since we were only there over night. So after he got back from his interview he changed out of his suit and went to put his shirt on when he suddenly pointed out that his shirt said 'CREW' on it and asked if I knew that. I just laughed. I figured he knew. It really wasn't that big of a deal until he decided to get embarrassed that he'd been wearing it all day without knowing:)