Niagara Falls, Palmyra and Kirtland

In September John and I went to Niagara falls for the first time.We stayed on the Canadian side -- it was such a nice weekend. We also headed to Palmyra NY to visit the Sacred Grove and then randomly hit Kirtland, Ohio on the way back.  It was a great trip!

We got soaked on the Maid of the Mist! I couldn't stop thinking about Jim and Pam's wedding on the Office -- which is a little silly since it is just a tv show! But that is life I guess...

Niagra falls is well... kind of tacky besides the falls. A lot of Ripley's Believe It or Not and the like. So heading to Palmyra, and then Kirtland we found some much needed peace and quiet.

Kirtland Temple

We also saw the Palmyra temple on our trip -- we are trying to see all of the temples in the world (perhaps I have mentioned this before?) We had such a nice time on this trip. It was the perfect balance of fun, spiritual, serene and relaxing. I love fun travel weekends with John-David.

The Best Pumpkin Bars

I made these a few weeks ago... these are hands down one of the best bar recipes I have used. I have been craving pumpkin and chocolate left and right this fall, and this definitely hit the spot!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Squares from Martha Stewart

What yummy fall treats (or eats) have you been cooking up?

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from your favorite potato pals!

Angela and Andrew's Wedding

As I mentioned in my last post, I had the honor of being a bridesmaid to my good friend Angela two weeks ago as she was married. Angela is what I can only describe as a kindred spirit. John and I are truly blessed to know her and Andrew.  We just get each other. Those are the best kinds of friendships --  you don't have to use words.  You share the same dreams, values and ideals and it is uplifting to be in one another's company.

Their wedding was nothing short of a perfect day. The spirit was rich in the church they were married. I loved how the Priest talked about how with each marriage that takes place the entity of marriage is strengthened across the world. I felt strengthened in my own marriage as I saw them join their lives as one.

It was a long but fun day. We took photos after the wedding at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford house, and they were just stunning.  If you live in the Detroit area you should definitely check it out, it is definitely worth a tour. 

The reception was a ton of fun, we danced the night away. Here are some of my favorite photos I captured from the day: 

 

Getting ready for the big day with  Angela's Mom, Nonna and Maid of Honor Jessica

John said he was the "entourage" to the entourage. He was there all day helping and hanging out. And isn't he studly?

Walking down the aisle after the wedding.

Andrew and Angela were married at Grotto Assumption Catholic Church. It was a simply perfect day.

Celebrating!

I love this one! They are some of our favorite friends.

Hanging with some AGD's plus Bekah!

Happy Couple! I got to sit by Andrew and his brother Mark (best man) during the reception.
Andrew and Angela both have awesome families.

Fathers Day in Texas

John and I went to Dallas for Father's Day and celebrated my dad a little bit. It was fun visiting my parents and sisters and getting to relax for a weekend. Joey (John's youngest brother) drove down from Little Rock with me, it was fun getting to know him better and chat on the car ride. Joey really enjoys doing magic tricks and had my whole family pretty convinced. One night my mom woke up to my sister screaming while we were there. It was because Lauren was screaming "But I  THOUGHT MAGIC WASN'T REAL??!" Joey may have had her convinced :)

me and my momma. Isn't she gorgeous?

Tough guys sporting staches

Hello, Hello!

Hello, hello!

It has been way too long. Life has been a whirlwind and I haven't really felt like blogging. Sometimes I feel guilty about this -- but ultimately I blog because it is something I enjoy doing so there is no value in getting too worked up about it.

Since we last chatted....

John-David finished his PhD! I am now the proud wife of Dr. McElderry.

We spent a week travelling in Northern Michigan with our families. Michigan is truly a spectacular state. I swam in the chilly Lake Superior for the first time. My mom and I were like teenagers and went in with our clothes on.

I began travelling full time to Little Rock, Arkansas for work. It stinks being away from John-David, but I love getting to be near his family and getting to know the in-laws (and nieces and nephews) better.

Sister in Law & my nephew I get to see often

One of my best friends, Angela Lee got married and I had the honor of being one of her bridesmaids.

John and I have spent much time dreaming, praying,  planning, applying, interviewing and generally trying to figure out what is next in our lives. We still don't have any firm plans but know we will be in Michigan until the end of December.

We have an exciting fall coming up with a lot of exciting travel and probably a lot more praying, dreaming, applying and so forth. It is sometimes unsettling not knowing what is next. But much of the time... it is exciting. We are at a unique and incredible turning point in our life -- the world is truly our oyster.

Almost there...

Guess who is almost finished with his PhD?

This studly man!!! He is the ying to my yang, the peanut butter to my jelly, my one and only!

I cannot express how proud I am of him and all he has accomplished. 

His defense is in T minus 4 days!  This is a photo of us dropping off his dissertation for final review. 180 pages of pure, unadulterated text that I can not really comprehend.

 If you can, please send him some encouraging thoughts/notes/texts/vibes this week and he prepares for this huge milestone!

Over and out for now... regular posting to hopefully resume shortly.