Quirky Couple Under Construction...

This morning I couldn't sleep in (as usually). So, I got up before Mr. Sun did and decided to attempt a blog makeover. You now me when I get an idea I just go with it...lol.  I have no idea what I'm doing, and by the looks of my blog so far...this may take awhile. So, please be patient with me! I know I probably should have read about this more but then I figured....AHHH who cares!!! I guess you can say I've added blog makeover to my list of 2013 projects. (My list is growing by the minute.) I figured by starting before the New Year I have a good chance of completing this one. Wish me luck.

xoxo

We HEART Aruba

Okay, I'm obviously a few weeks OKAY Okay a month behind on this post but I told myself I had to post about our tropical vacation before I talked about Christmas...lol (Hopefully that happens before News Year...but based on my record I probably wouldn't count on it.)

This vacation was our first big vacation Mr. A and I had ever really taken like this before (well minus our Belizian Wedding) but that was different. This vacation was just us...24/7 of us, with nothing and no one on the agenda, and it was just perfect!! As I started to sort through our 500 photos all I could do was smile and zone into my happy place. Because it is...and it was an amazing place and an amazing vacation!

Our stunning view from our room! 

The white sandy beaches we walked on everyday...

 ...and basically what we did everyday!

We did venture out of the water a few times and try some island things like a trip on the Kukoo Kunuku Bus! Its a little crazy bus that takes you bar hopping around the island. 

I think the pictures explain it all....lol

One of our favorite dinners where our table was in the water at sunset. PERFECT!

The day we went sailing and snorkeling...

 and finally our amazing views at sunset...

 Aruba will always hold a special place in our hearts with amazing
memories we will never forget.

Gobble Gobble...

Our Gobble Gobble this year felt a little different (in a good way) as we were just coming back from from our tropical vacation. I was worried we would be tired as we were running on about 5 hours of travel sleep but we were good and so glad we made it back to celebrate with family. Thanksgiving just wouldn't be the same without being with family.  Here are a few pictures of our house decorations this year and Thanksgiving dinner at Mom2's house. (p.s. Yes, for those wondering I call Mr. A's mom "Mom2." Can't recall how it really came about, but her and I just started using it and it's stuck ever since. I think it sounds so much better than mother-in-law)

 My favorite Fall decor piece is our Pumpkin Turkey! For those wondering I found him about two years ago at Tai Pan Trading, and yes I use a real pumpkin. 

Beautiful and fun Thanksgiving tablescape at Mom2 house! The kiddo including Mr. A enjoyed the Thanksgiving themed rubber duckies. Our niece Maddie made our amazing place settings again. I love to watch how her crafting skills have evolved over the years.  

This year we all got our hands dirty and helped with dinner. It was fun!! 

The Carvers!

The Mashers and the Seasoners! 

Our Yearly Family Photo! This year we all got cute Snowman!

New Adventures and a Hint of Fall

As you have probably noticed in the past, we always tend to visit my parents during the colder months. Which is completely strange considering I'm not a big fan of cold weather! Did you hear that winter I don't mind if you hibernate this year and allow Fall and Spring to shine for a little bit longer.

We were calling this our summer trip but I would actually have to classify it as a Fall trip since Fall was starting to show, and we were completely okay with that. It's so amazing to see trees actually change color!! I forget how much I love fall there! O parents of mine don't get too excited, this doesn't mean that we are moving, but I can guarantee that more visits during summer and fall are in order.

 Welcome Fall! You are a beautiful sight to see!

Especially considering it's officially October tomorrow and it's still 100+ here in Cali...

 First Stop of the Trip - Park City

 We toured the town and even got adventuresome and went on the Alpine Slide. 

This was a must on Adams list and we even got my mom to go.

 Get Ready...

 Get Set....

  She made it! With a smile and all!

I think they might have had a little fun that day. What do you think?

 

Second Stop of the Trip - Olympic Park

It was cool sight to see... 

 Third Stop of the Trip...Swiss Days

So much good stuff and vendors that I didn't have time to take pics, except for this one of my mom during the crazy thunder storm. It was cool though we eat our Swiss Taco and carried on after the storm passed.

  

Next Stop...Devils Slide (That is what the locals call it I guess?)

Not sure where this was we just came across it on our way to my parents.

Final Stop....Bear Lake 

Spent a few hours visiting my brohter Curtis for the day...Camera died so no pics of the family...

We did try an amazing burger from Merlin's...no one tried the 15 pound Merlinator...Next Time...Next Time

And our Final Stop.....Home!
It was a great trip! See Everyone next time!

26 miles Across the Sea...Santa Catalina

Last month is was off to Catalina we went as Mr. A was humming a song about Catalina Island I had never...I mean never heard. I had to download it just so I could figure out what the heck he was talking about. For those interested its called "26 Miles -Santa Catalina" by the Four Preps.  It was quite entertaining and so was the weekend. It is a slow paced island with a lot of visitors. We just strolled around the island by foot, by boat, and by golf cart. It was a fun short vacation celebrating Mr. A's new job. Here are a few pics from the visit.

 

 Our friend Mr. Pelican greeting us as we arrived.

Where we slept for the weekend.

Just kidding we all know Mr. A doesn't camp...lol

View from atop the Island. 

 Cheese and Wine Time...

Glass Bottom Boat Time...

and some happy pups excited to be going home. 

Mini Road Trip

Another mini road trip time. A few months ago it was to Julian this past Sunday it was a quick trip up the mountain to Idyllwild. It was such a fun relaxing day. I took a few pictures but really the rest of the day we just wondered around exploring. Looking forward to our next mini road tripper...

 

The very curvy road to Idllywild...not going to lie got a bit car sick.  

 

Watch out for the??? 

 Lunch at Cafe Aroma

Guess who had what!

Thanks for a fun day Idyllwild see you in Fall for some hiking!

Chalkboard Wall

I came across this post that I never finished so I thought today might be a good day to do that. I know that this has been done for awhile and many of you have already seen the final results but I'm still so excited about this little DIY project we did.

Before Picture!

This was the only picture I could fine which is from move-in-day 3 years ago.
Look at the white wall to the left.

 On a side note. I owe Mr. A big for this project!!! This wasn't a "Hunny can you hang this little picture frame on the wall for me?" project. Oooo NO!!! This was a "Hunny (while watching football) I was thinking of building a custom chalkboard on our wall? What do u think? Can you help?" - "Sure sweets whatever you want, let me just finish the game" So truth be told I might have left out a few details in the first conservation.... like I wanted it on the ENTIRE wall, this wall might also have a big light switch in the middle of it - O and I would like it to be magnetic now too which means finding a 8ft custom metal sheet which you just can't buy at your local Lowe's. Oops...yeah might have forgotten that part during the asking... Either way Mr. A was a sweetheart as always and did everything but paint...lol 

 Finally Result! I LOVE IT! 

 This was a day after it was done....this is what it looks like now! So glad it's magnetic!!