My aunts threw me one of the nicest baby showers. It was at my parent’s house up in Folsom, in their newly redone backyard that was finished the day before! The backyard turned out really great, and it is hard to believe it is the same backyard that I used to play in growing up.

The shower was during some of the best weather and was very relaxed. As always my family made some great food and there were even blue candies on the tables. My mom made a cute diaper cake and there was chocolate cake with the words “See you soon baby Samuel”.

Everyone sat around eating and chatting until the gift time came. There were so many gifts to open because everyone was so generous. Samuel is going to have a lot of nice things that I’m sure he will love.

It was also a great time to see family and we got this great shot of all of the ladies in the family:

However, my favorite picture is when the future grandpas and father are putting together the stroller:

See all of the photos in our gallery.

Joe and I had a great time going down to San Diego to visit his side of the family. The food was great, his family is a lot of fun, and we did a bunch of shopping – even on Black Friday.

We went shopping Friday, Saturday, and Sunday both in San Diego and back home – in 3 cities on the coast. We got a bunch of great deals, used up some gift cards, got some Christmas gifts, and prepared for our Gingerbread House Making Party. Needless to say, I’ll be glad not to see the inside of a store for a while, although I need to go grocery shopping soon…

Here are our wedding vows and the seven things we liked about each other.

Joe:
I take you, Kristen, to be my wife, before God who brought us together; to love and protect you even as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for it, to lead you and cleanse you with the washing of water by the Word. That through His grace we might grow together into the likeness of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Kristen:
I take you, Joe, to be my husband, before God who brought us together, to love you, respect you, honor you, to submit myself to you in all things, and to follow you as you follow God. That through His grace we might grow together into the likeness of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Seven things I love about Kristen:
Attention to detail
Geek
Cute
Support she gives others
Patience she gives me
Knowledge of the Word
Constantly Seeking God’s Will

The seven things I love about Joe (in order):
7. The way he wraps his arms around me and says “Mine” – And continues to like the seagulls on Finding Nemo
6. When he laughs and says jokes – He always knows how to make me smile
5. How he loves others – He desires to have a home that is welcome to guests
4. The way that he looks at me – He makes me feel like I’m all he ever wanted
3. When he directs time in the Bible – God always shows me something new through him
2. How he leads us in musical worship – His love for God is really evident
1. The way that he prays – I can really see his heart for God

~Joe

So as people have been fond of saying, things went off with a hitch. So it finally happened, we are married. I finally got my ring which I had been looking forward to and got to have some Linn’s cake once more. We actually had a lot of fun during our reception and I don’t think it could have possibly gone any better. Thanks to everyone that was able to make it and sorry for those of you that couldn’t. When we get back and get our wedding photos we will be sure to post them all for you guys to look at.

- Joe