Fun-Fetti!!

When it came down to the most important "tasty detail" of our wedding planning, I only had one request... Fun-fetti! Yes, the local baker at a cute little cake shop in Mobile gave me the once over when I, very nicely, asked her to put sprinkles in our cake batter, but she obliged and that's what we got. For anyone that knows me personally, it was icing on the cake! Or the actual cake I guess... but it made the wedding cake uniquely ours, which is exactly what we wanted. So, we have started a new tradition (we'll see how long it lasts), we have fun-fetti for our monthly anniversary! The first two months were cupcakes, but this month in particular I sprang for a cake with our new Kitchen Aid Mixer!

Our new addition to the kitchen! Thanks to all our friends and family who bought us Macy's gift cards. They were put to great use.

My husband of 3 months enjoying his fun-fetti!

The Arizona Biltmore

Sorry I'm a little behind on my blogging... what a busy summer it has been! I wanted to date back a few weeks and share some pictures from our amazing trip to The Arizona Biltmore for the Kappa Alpha Order National Convention. I got to tag along with the hubby's work trip. I learned one major detail.... it's way more fun to go to a convention as a guest! I spent the 5 days exploring on hikes, swimming, sunning, eating, drinking, doing yoga and shopping! It was a fun trip indeed, and very hot- 115 degrees at the hottest!! Below is just a glimpse of my adventures!

My first morning in Arizona I was told that getting up early was the only way to be in the heat, so at 7am we took a trip to hike this mountain. Yep- all the way to the top of that little peak. It was incredable!

Views from our hike.

My morning hiking path down the mountain.

Friday night we went to the Arizona Diamondbacks game.... indoors in the only way to go in Arizona!

The Loyal Order reception Friday night at the baseball game- delicious cake too!

Knight Commander's Installation Banquet and Reception on Saturday night. It's so great to see the boys all dressed up! :)

Staff dinner on Sunday to celebrate a great week of work at a local find.... The Hideaway, that was also a little hard to find. ha

Staff day at the pool! A mango marg for my MANGO's!!

Small Town to the Nation's Capital

This past weekend I made the short drive up to D.C. for work. It was a busy and productive weekend on the job, but I still had time to get out for a couple of jogs in the city and even a quick trip to the shopping mall in Arlington. I was amazed by the constant hustle and bustle of the people all around me. It was almost like everyone was running to the kitchen to get the first hot chocolate chip cookie from the oven- except, there were kitchens on every corner and it seemed that they didn't care whether they got the first cookie or the last... they just kept coming. I sat one evening on the rooftop of one of the taller buildings near Union Station, as the sun set over a beautiful sky glistening behind the National Cathedral, I somehow longed to be in the city. The rush of people, the constant calendar of things to do, places to go, people to meet- it was exhilarating. I was struck by the moment and had to really ask myself- is this what you want everyday or does it just seem exciting?

As I made my way back to the tiny town of Lexington, to which I call home, I was overwhlemed with the scenery. We took an afternoon drive up into the mountains and spent the afternoon on the river, jumping from rock to rock to find a flat rock to bathe in the sun. It was quiet and refreshing. We found an old swing bridge- one out of a storybook that you don't think really exisits....

We stopped to take the fun walk across, with the old boards creaking under our feet, it was scary and exciting all at the same time.... but it made me appreciate where we live. Where in the city would a bridge like this one last as long as it has?? It wouldn't.

Life is about compromises... you learn that while you can't have it all, you can have some pretty great stuff and that's just want small town living is. Quiet drives in the country, beautiful rivers and streams and some quality time with the one you love.

A weekend in the Windy City

This weekend was a fun get-away to the windy city! The hubs had meetings and work events most of the weekend, which meant fun time for me! There is nothing better than a couple days with no meetings, appointments, or phone calls. Best of all I was in a big city with mucho time to explore... which I did.

Just a glimpse of my day in Chicago...

Started the day off with a nice run through grant park and along the riverfront. 80 degrees and sunny is rare in Chicago- but so nice!! Next, a delicious salad at a small cafe on the Miracle Mile... apples, pears, craisons, feta and grilled chicken-Yum!

I discovered many fun new things on this trip... Raspberry Diet Coke is amazing; Forever 21 has an entire section dedicated to JUST floral prints- heaven!; Garrett's popcorn is one of the most amazing things I've ever tasted; and deep dish Chicago- style pizza should be it's own food group.

Shopping....

...and Garrett's popcorn to boot! Yummm!

6 Month's to go!

Today is dedicated to my great friends Sydney & Greg! Syd is one of my closest friends, an Auburn grad and fellow MANGO. She is such an amazing, smart, talented and beautiful lady... who will become a Mrs. is just 6 months!! It's amazing to watch a relationship grow... from college days to post-graduate school, through last night study sessions and road trips with great friends. We have loved getting to know this couple (me- from the very beginning, and Jesse- more recently) and we can not wait to be there with you to say your "I do's" on December 30, 2011!

May 2009... before we had our bling!

With our new rocks!!!

We love you guys!

Summertime Sweetness

Virginia is such a wonderful place to live.... except that I don't have my favorite little ones around the corner. I rely on Facebook pictures and updates from my sister-in-laws to watch them change in grow. It's so hard being away from these beautiful smiles, so I just wanted to share the latest summertime pic I have of my 7 nieces and nephews...

The Mobile Elleard's: Bailey, Landon, Jayden, Baby Elijah & Makenzie

The Key West Elleard's: Baby Lucas & Emilia Cay

It's hard to believe that just one month ago we were sitting on the sandy white beaches of Antigua... eager to see some fun pictures from the wedding. One month later and we are still enjoying all the pictures coming in... since this is my first post, I thought I would share just a glimpse of our perfect wedding day!

Honeymoon pictures to come....