All roads that lead to wherever we are going.

It seems like since the day Jake and I started dating, we have been trying to get out of the continental US. 

I remember sitting together in his grubby college apartment and making a list of all the countries we wanted to explore together. 

The list was long. 

Somewhere between writing that list, and well, up until two weeks ago, life hit us at a fairly high speed. 

Marriage, death of a parent,  new careers, starting graduate school, pregnancy,, parenthood all with in the first 3 years of being together; and through it all I never lost that piece of paper. Every now and then I'd pull that paper out of our old dusty memory box of pictures, concert tickets, love notes and dream of all 65 countries we once thought we'd so easily journey to.

 Through the whirlwind of life's changes I never lost hope in us either.  

It's so easy to do  when your relationship is focused on a situation rather than relation.

I knew one day we'd trek together.

I have so many stories to share, friends.

 It's going to take me a while to process our experiences so please stick around, there is much more to come

Wiebe Married.

Many of you remember this sweet little marriage proposal with our long time friend Jordan, and Channelle.  After 6 short months of planning their dream celebration their big day had finally come.  

What made this day unique:

Everything, from the music, decor, attire, venue was them. They threw conventional wedding "guidelines" out the window and said, hey. forget what Martha Stewart said, let's make this day about us.

There is no other way a community of people can express it's love for one another by using their hands to help. Jordan and Channelle are not short of love.

Almost all the decorations were rented from a local second hand store, hanging lamps, random vintage collectibles as center pieces& rocking chair lounge. Not to mention a music recording "studio" to write and record your little diddly for the bride and groom

Nikki and I were asked to help coordinate the day of duties. We felt pretty important with our walkie talkies in hand. 

The beautiful bride in her hand made gown made by her mother.

Violet and Sophia taking a break from their flower girl "duties".

Can't track down the bride and groom for a picture? Not to worry, There were life size cut outs for this type of situation. Here are my favorite from the night:

Jordan and Channelle opted out of having a wedding cake and had a doughnut bar instead. It was obviously much appreciated.

Dancing break with my love.

So glad to share this day with some of the best people I know.

July 1st, 2007

On this day, four years ago...

I got ready with my nearest and dearest friends and family in the room I grew up in

Received well wishes.

Headed to the "chapel of love" with my posse.

Waited for the ceremony to start. Obviously showing zero signs of apprehension.

Experienced some firsts, and lasts.

Saw Jake's face for the first time that day.

Walked arm in arm with my partner to be.

Made some height adjustments.

Had our first kiss of equal proportions.

Felt at times, overwhelmed with organization.

Thinking, this is more than what we could ask for.

Loved that there were NO hesitations on the dance floor.

Got lost in a sea of Armenian dancing.

Had a whirlwind of fun. Literally.

Tuned out all the laughter, music, dancing, and let us, be us,

Happy fourth anniversary Jake. 

To many more years of letting us, be us.

something is in the water.

As some of you may, or may not not know. Jake and I met in a bath tub in 1984 (read more detailed story here). Our Dad's were roommates in college and have stayed friends for over 30 years. There must have been something in the water;  I'd almost swear that some how, secretively they arranged for us to get married, only to trick us into thinking it was our "choice".

We tried desperately tried to recreate this "courtship moment" with Violet and Jake's old roommate Mike's son Levi. 

I guess you just can't force love can you?

friday, saturday & sunday.

Our Friday night was spent celebrating the engagement of our two friends Jordan and Channelle. It was by far one of the best surprise engagements I have ever been a part of and probably the best night out I have had since Violet was born.

We all met at Fresno's fabulous Fulton 55 to see the city's own Fierce Creatures.

The plan was, toward the near end of the set, Jordan would get up on stage and heroically his love for Channelle. After she of course, would tearfully say yes, the two would be escorted to the near by Iron Bird Lofts for a surprise party with all those near and dear to their heart.

Things couldn't gone better than they did.  Nikki and I were front and center holding back tears, reminiscing of getting engaged to our husbands (apparently we are old veterans now) and trying TRYING not to give away the surprise.

We succeeded, and so did they.

Jordan and Channelle, ringing in their love by rocking out with the band, They're so cool.

See the video below and TELL me you don't get all warm and mushy inside.

I had to add this picture. This is the FIRST TIME Nikki and I have been out together AT NIGHT, past 12 AM, TOGETHER, since we had our babies. This night goes down in the books.

Saturday came too fast the next day,  Jake and I decided to take much needed detoxifying hike not too far from our house.

Not to mention we needed to see the spring's wildflower selection before the heat dried them up.

Our hike didn't last very long. Violet's patience was low that day.  It's amazing how we still have moments where we need to remind ourselves that life with children is DIFFERENT. Hikes may be cut short, but at least we were out there, a 1.5 mile hike is better is better than no hike at all. RIGHT? (by the way feel free to giggle and violet's crazy face in this picture)

the latter part of the trip took much longer than anticipated. Violet wanted to walk by herself. And really, who are we to stop her?

Easter Sunday was spent at my Aunts house. Violet  has become an avid egg hunter. She even asked me later that day to hide eggs at our house. "mama? EGG? EGG? EGGGG??"

All the cousins under 5. Deran's face (the one with the tie) is priceless.

generation 1 with generation 4

love.

Au revoir weekend, you treated us well,

I think I'll take Monday to recuperate!