Sunday, August 2, 2009

A LONG overdue (and lengthy) update...

Hey folks! We are finally back in Spokane and trying to figure out normal life now. The past couple of weeks have been very busy. Busy in a good way, of course. The Alison and I are married. At long last...Mr. and Mrs. Pau. I am so happy. I am pretty certain Ali is, too. I am going to make an attempt to speak on the highlights of the recent past. Here goes...

-We got married on Friday, June 26. It was a beautiful day. Me and the boys were running late (per usual) and it rained a little in the morning but cleared up for the ceremony and reception. Ali looked stunning and there were many tears (of joy) shed that day. If you want to see pictures from the wedding, please click HERE. So many people had a hand in making that day amazing. We really appreciate everything you did for us!

-Our honeymoon was stellar. As you know, we went on a cruise to Catalina and to Ensenada, Mexico. Lots of sleeping, lots of food, lots of fun, lots of sun, and lots of appreciating being done with wedding planning. WOO HOO! The casino on the boat did not treat me well...but I will be back to exact my vengeance soon. After the cruise we spent some time in Southern California. We got to watch some fireworks on the 4th from our hotel in Anaheim. There were about 24 different fireworks shows that we could see from our room. Awesome. Also, we got to roll around to our old stomping grounds in Azusa, Pomona, and Diamond Bar. It was really special for us to visit the areas that we lived in when we first met. We also spent some time with our friends Tony, Ruth, and Tim. It was good catching up with them. Ruth and Tim are actually getting married in December so they had questions about planning. Ali and I felt like we could speak as pros having been married for week and a half. Honeymoon wraps up and we fly back to "real" life.

-We land back in Spokane and then Ali goes immediately to work. Bummer. Three days later she leaves for a work conference. Super bummer. Before she gets back, I leave to meet my brother in Federal Way, WA (thanks Katy and Lacey for the rides!). Super duper bummer. It was great to see my brother but rough to be away from my wife (it's so fun to call her that!). I got back a few days later and then Ali and I both left for the west side again to spend some time with my brother (who is relocating there for work with his wife and son and (on-the-way) daughter). Then back to Spokane for 2 days then off to MN for our wedding reception!

-We had an outrageous reception at the Ninmann home in Mahtomedi, MN. They went all out! Dancefloor, DJ, tiki bar (with bartenders), a lu'au style caterer (complete with pig with apple in mouth), a HUGE tent (to make sure any potential rain did not interrupt to party), and more Minnesotans than you could shake a stick at. It was fun to meet so many people that I have heard stories about from Ali. Faces went to names and everyone had such sweet things to say about Ali. It was another reminder of how lucky I am to have her as my wife. It was so much fun spending time with my new family. Thanks to everyone who came out. It was great to meet all of you.

-After the wild party, we went to unwind at the Ninmann cabin up north. I got to spend some more intimate time with her cousins and their families. They are good folks! Again, lots of rest, some sun, lots of Bonnie's cooking, and a few failed attempts at wake boarding. Like the casino, revenge will be mine...some time. Thanks to my new family for your hospitality.

- After our fun in MN, Ali and I returned to Federal Way to greet my sister-in-law and nephew. It was great way to wrap up my summer. I start work tomorrow. Ali goes back to work, too. Real, real life is about to set in.

Thanks for putting up with this really long post. Thanks for attending our recent celebrations. Thanks for being a part of our lives. Ali and I are truly blessed by the people around us. I feel like through this whole summer, I have learned more about the importance of family and friends. Your presence is priceless.

Please continue to check in on the blog. I am going to work to keep it updated about our going-ons, and will keep nagging Ali to do an update every now and again.

PEACE folks.

PS- Once things calm a little, we will post some videos and more photos (of our engagement, of the wedding, the reception, etc.).