It has been a while since my last post, most likely because I am now in the throws of working life and my time outside of work has become considerably more precious. We did manage to have a fun weekend, though, spending a lot of time outside and enjoying the beautiful spring weather.
Russ came down to D.C. to see my office on Friday and after work we headed to the Tidal Basin where all the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom. It really is beautiful, and we were lucky to be there at a time when the tourists had apparently decided to take a break from swarming the area.
A few pictures of the blossoms...
(This one above is actually right in front of our apartment. The rest are from the Tidal Basin)
We walked around for a while and then went to
Matchbox for dinner. If you come to D.C. to visit us, maybe we'll take you there. It is in Chinatown and has the yummiest food! The wait is a little long, but if you're prepared it's not too bad. The funny part of the evening came when we were waiting for our pizza and all of a sudden, Russ realized he had parked in a garage that closed at 10 pm. It was approximately 9:40 when we realized this and our food hadn't even arrived. Russ decided to run the 12 blocks to the parking garage (the metro only runs every 15 minutes after rush-hour) and bring the car back. I laugh to think what he must have looked like, running in his suit through the streets of D.C.! I waited at the restaurant while our pizza arrived, paid the check, then waited for Russ to come back with the car. I heard a few of the other people sitting in the restaurant talking about how they thought Russ had ditched me and left me with the check. :-) Good thing that wasn't what really happened!
It was completely out of the blue and I am just so excited! I read about it in the paper on my way to work a few months ago and told Russ, but then promptly forgot about it. What a great Monday morning surprise! It is on Saturday, November 7th and I can't wait to see Giada de Laurentiis and all the other chefs who will be doing presentations and workshops!
I had to throw in a picture of the bridesmaids flowers -
The second wonderful moment of the day was one I have been dreaming about for the past 15 months when I was sealed to Russ. Our wedding day was nearly perfect, all except for the fact that my Dad was 7,000 miles away in Barcelona. I accepted that he would not be there, knowing that at that moment it was necessary for him to be serving the people of Barcelona and his missionaries. His absence was notable all day, especially at the reception when we would have had our Father-Daughter dance. At Rebecca and Gerrit's reception, as they announced the Father-Daughter dance, I left the room with Russ and he let me cry on his shoulder. After their dance, I tried to compose myself to go back in when I looked up and saw my Dad. He asked if we could have a dance as well and he took me out onto the dance floor. Rebecca was sweet enough to let me steal a few moments away from her day and I finally got to have my Father-Daughter dance. It meant so much to me and I don't think words can express how grateful I am for those few minutes on the dance floor with my Dad. I don't even know what song we danced to because I was just so happy to have my dance. I think it was the perfect ending to Russ' and my reception 15 months ago. Thanks to Rebecca and Gerrit for giving me a few moments of their day, and to my Dad for saving a dance for me.
This adorable picture features non-other than my beautiful sister and her wonderful fiance! As of last night they are officially engaged to be married and I couldn't be happier for them! Congratulations, you two!
