Skype

We just downloaded Skype so Tyler could talk to his girlfriend, and for those of you who don't have an apple, it is an awesome free way to talk. If you want to chat, just let us know, and we'll set up a date!!

Ending of Summer

I can't believe all of our summer travels are over, and that we are starting school already! It really feels like we just got out of school, and now we are getting back into the swing of things. We had an awesome summer, and spent some amazing time with friends.

After Nicole and Jon's wedding we headed up to Oregon with Susan for a week!! We stayed with Mer, and it was awesome to see her!! We were also able to meet up with Melissa so it was great to see her three times in the last six months! We don't know when our paths will cross again, but it's nice knowing that we have friends who will always be there.

We also made plans with Susan to have another road trip next summer. We don't know where we will go for sure, or when, but at least we know we have a traveling buddy! Hopefully we'll get to see Susan around holidays this year.

After we left Mer in Oregon we headed back to my parents house for a couple of days. There we were able to spend a couple of more days with Susan. She spent our actual anniversary with us in Oregon, so we thought it would only be fair to share our cake with her too!! Tyler finally got his wish and we smashed cake in each others face. The cake still tasted really good though! We were really excited. We also got to spend a couple of more days with Kevin and Breeann!! We love them, and miss them, and it's awesome to know every time we go to my parents house they are there to hang out with!

Then we headed down to Bakersfield to hang out with Kris before her wedding! We had an amazing time with her family, and it is so nice having a family that takes you in. Her wedding was amazing, and we had a lot of fun hanging out with our new old friends Alex and Lauren. We also got to see a bunch of other people from Concordia like Karen, P Lo, Rizzo and a couple of others. It was an amazing week and an awesome ending to our vacation!

Here are just a few pictures from the highlights of the end of our vacation!

Part of our undergrad clique looking over Eugen! Miss you girls!

Catching up with Love YOU Most!!

Tyler misses his lover and pink cadillacs!

I miss my beautiful boyfriend :(

Celebrating our two years with our wedding cake!! Still tasted amazing!

I ♥ her!!

Tyler and his girlfriend Gracie!

Twins at Nicole's Wedding!!

Twins at Kris' Wedding!!

I love her!! She's moving to Palm Springs!! :D

Tyler, Alex, Lauren and I after an awesome wedding week with Kris.

Family Picture at Kris' Wedding

Steller Wedding Week

On Tuesday Tyler drove me out to Pleasanton so that way I could ride with Megan down to Cayucos for the bachelorette party. We had an entertaining three hour drive, where Megan and I got to know each other a lot better. We talked about college, our summer so far, teaching, and of course one of my favorite weekend activities, drinking.

When we got to the house we met up with the bride to be Nicole, Kristin, Paige and Kaelyn. Then Kimmy came and met up with us too!! We started by playing a long game of Phase 10. It was a good ice breaker, and a fun way for us to start the trip. After we finished our long game, with Nicole winning, we got ready to go out to dinner. We went to Nicole’s favorite Mexican place, Lo Lo’s, and shared margaritas around the table. We did a toast to Nicole to start off our trip. Then we went to the grocery store to buy wood, and smore stuff. Nicole got upset because I took her ATM card away from her so she would stop trying to pay for stuff. That girl is crazy thinking we would let her pay for anything!

Our margarita’s at Lo Lo’s

Our first night together!

When we got back from our little shopping trip we all changed into sweats, sweatshirts, and socks with our flip flops. Yes, of course we were styling. Then we headed out to the beach to build our bon fire. Nicole started digging the hole, and then we headed back to the house to get the drinks. :D By the time we got back the fire was going, so of course Nicole was a little sad that we missed the lighting process so she picked up the lighter fluid and got a little happy. We sat around the fire for a while just drinking, chatting, and making smores. We had an awesome time, until someone turned on their spot light up at their house, and we could see all of the sand crabs crawling all over the beach!! We got freaked out, buried our fire, and ran back to the house for cover. When we got back in the house we realized the bags that had all of our stuff in it were moving, so we threw them outside because none of us wanted to find the sand crabs to take them out!! We started crawling into bed, but Kristin, Megs and I stayed up to watch Jon and Kate, so sad.

Nicole and Megs ready for our bon fire!

Wednesday morning we woke up and sang happy birthday to Megs!! We had breakfast at the house and then tried to figure out what to do for the day. We decided on shopping and lunch at downtown Slo, so we were off. We did a little walking around, and hanging out. Had an awesome lunch at Firestone, and Nicole found her robe for her wedding day. After we were done shopping we went back to the house to hang out and wait until our big night out. We watched 27 Dresses, and then watched E for a little bit. We also had some Sex on the Beach. The best bucket I have bought! One bottle of Vodka, some sugar, water, and eight hours later, a delicious drink!

We enjoy a little sex on the beach!

We headed out to dinner around eight, and went to this place that had moose heads on the wall. None of us were that hungry, so we really just had some appetizers. Then we headed across the way to our first bar. There we all started with Cherry Bombs! Not as good as a jager bomb, or cactus cooler, but a good first round drink. Then we made Nicole and Paige do blow jobs!! For sure it was funny to watch!! Then the bar tenders made Megan and I get on the bar so they could take the shots though!! Everyone in the bar was watching! Megan and I took a gummy bear while we were still sitting on the bar, I need to find the recipe for that, because it was DELICIOUS! Then we headed over to Mother’s where there were live bands playing. They had some good music. Then the MC called us out and these two guys came over to buy Nicole a drink. Overall we had an awesome time at the bars!

Our night out on the town!
Cherry Bombs!!
Gummy bears!

Thursday morning we woke up, and went for a walk on the beach after we cleaned up the house. It was a good way to end the trip, as we were all strolling down the beach, and just reflecting on the week, and what was coming up. While we were walking we almost stepped on a crab!! Nicole ran away because she hates crabs! Then we all drove back to Fresno to begin preparing for the wedding! When we got back Megan and I ran around and did some errands with Nicole. While we were getting ready to go Kristin came in and told us Michael Jackson had died, so then we had to turn on the news to find out what was going on!! It was crazy because then when we were driving around every one was playing tributes to him. Even the tanning salon was only playing Michael music!

The little crab!

Our last day together before the wedding starts!

Friday Megan and I did some more running around in the morning. We had to take our dresses into to get steamed, and we had to run over to Victoria’s Secret to pick one last thing up for Nicole. :D Hopefully it is getting some good use this week while they are on their honeymoon! When we got back to Nicole’s house it was time to head out to the wedding venue to begin setting up for the wedding! We carried everything in, and started setting up the tables and candy. When we were finished we ran home to eat lunch and get ready for the rehearsal and dinner. We drove back out to the wedding site and had a quick rehearsal!! We were off to the park for our dinner and softball game. It was the Steller team against the Lampe team. It was a very close game, considering the guys thought that they were going to destroy us! The Lampe team won the game 4 – 3! We won thanks to Dominic, who hit a home run! After the game we tried to go see Transformers, but the next showing was going to be at 10:30, so we just went home to help Nicole finishing packing!

Making posters with directions!

The boys helping set up!

Concordia Girls!

Wedding party!

Saturday morning we woke up bright and early to start our days. We got our nails done at 8:30, and then we went back to Nicole’s house to hang out before it was time to head out to begin prepping. We left around 12:00, and headed out to get ready for the big day. We had a lot of fun hanging out in the locker room, all of us getting ready together. We had two girls come in to do our hair. While everyone was getting ready Megan, Kaelyn and I took Jon his present from Nicole. We had a fun time watching him open it. It was a very cute present, and I’m sure he loved it! After we got back from giving him his present it was time to get dressed, and go take our pictures. The girls went out and took some pictures, and then we had to hide again. Then it was 6:25, time to line up. The ceremony was beautiful, and my favorite part was when Bret pulled out the stool for Nicole to stand on to give Jon his kiss at the end! Once the ceremony was over it was time for some more pictures. Then it was time to party!! Megan and I had an awesome time at the reception dancing the night away! Eleven came way to early, and we had to say goodbye to our newlywed friends!! They went off with a BANG in a model A!

Twins!

Megs, Lynsey, and I at dinner!

Jon and Nicole we love you both, and wish you the best. Nicole thank you for asking me to be a part of your wedding party. We can’t wait to watch you guys grow in your marriage, and for our many family dinners. Always remember you have some where to stay in Phoenix, and we can’t wait for our friendship to continue to grow!

Day 10 - 12

We are at my parent's house now.

We had a fun ending to our Lake Tahoe vacation. Friday my parents, Tyler and I went to Monte Blue to see the corvettes, and to look at the arts and crafts stuff. We didn't buy any thing of course, but we just looked around. Then we went into the casino to see the Wizard again. My dad put in a twenty, and then walked away with forty-five. On the other hand, Tyler and my mom just had fun playing. I went and played the Village People, which is also a lot of fun. Different from the Wizard, but pretty much the same idea. Tyler and I came home with $5 more than we started with, but it was a lot of fun.

Friday night we went to the Sage Room for dinner. Once again another delicious meal! We had such good food on this trip this week, I don't think that Tyler and I will be eating like that for a long time!

Saturday we drove home and stopped at Aunt Michelle's on the way for Ashley's graduation and engagement party! It was a blast to see everyone, and to have all of the family in the same place again.

I hope that you enjoy these pictures!! If you have facebook there are more on there too!

Tyler and I at my favorite place in Tahoe, Eagle Falls.

Tyler and I on our last day at Lake Tahoe

All of the cousins with Grandma. Missing Rachel and Steven.

The next generation in couples. Tyler and I, Corey and Michelle, Ashley and Bobby.

Lake Tahoe

Our vacation started on June 10, and we headed out to Orange County. There we stayed with Dustin and Julie. They are always willing to let us stay with them, and for that we are very grateful. :D We got in early Wednesday, and just hung out all night. Wednesday night we played World Tour on XBox 360. I have to say, the drums aren't that bad and Tyler and Dustin did an awesome job singing!

Thursday Tyler headed off to St. Paul's too see all of his friends. We spent the morning there. For lunch we meet up with Dustin and Julie and went to The Counter. This place was awesome. A very good burger, and who knew that fried pickles were good!

Thursday night Tyler went back to St. Paul's for graduation, and I went out to dinner with Kevin. Tyler loved seeing the kids, and hanging out with his old staff. After graduation he went out and had a drink with his friends. While Kevin and I were at dinner we figured out that we went out last year on the same night too! So we have now made it our yearly tradition. Too bad Tyler will probably only go back for graduation for two or three more years. :(

Friday we left Orange County, said goodbye to Disneyland and the beach (both of which I did not see on this trip), and headed up to my parent's house. We made it to my mom's work by 11:00, and told her it was time for her to leave! Then we headed home to have yummy Kinders for lunch, and Cinco for dinner! I love going home and having delicious food!!

Saturday we drove up to Lake Tahoe with my parents. It was an awesome trip. Of course we got to the hotel before our room was ready, so we killed some time playing cards. It is a family tradition to play cards and games whil we are here. It's pretty much all we do while we are in our rooms! Once we get back I'll post more about our beautiful week in Tahoe, and put up lots of pictures.

We did lots of fun things like hiking to a lake, Brandon's hike, going to the beach, seeing the Wizard, eating amazing food, and doing some scrapbooking! We made my mom's wedding album, so that was really cool!

Tomorrow, Sunday, we head back to my parent's house for a couple of days. Tuesday I head off to Nicole's wedding shower! The wedding is next Saturday! Tyler and I are very excited to share in their wonderful day!!

We leave for Oregon to visit Mer next Monday, June 29, and are very excited that Susan might be going on this journey with us! It's going to be an exciting couple of weeks!

Miss every one in Phoenix, and can't wait to see every one else in the next two weeks!

Sorry every one

I know that I have not been very good at this blogging thing, and keeping this updated!! I apologize to all of you out there who still have not seen pictures of the house, and are waiting to hear how things are going.

So things are AWESOME!! We love the house. It has been good to us for the past two months. It's hard to believe that we have almost lived here for three months now. We got our keys in the middle of March, during our Spring Break. It was an awesome time to move because we didn't have to take off any work, and every one was around to help us move!! Thanks to Andy, Katie and Matt we were able to move all of the big stuff in the morning. Thanks to his mom and dad we were able to finish every thing else in just a couple of loads. His mom did a lot of work helping us pack too, so we are very grateful to her as well!!

Tyler's favorite room in our house. The master bathroom!!

Our living room, including our awesome NYC wall. I love these pictures, and want to go back again some time soon!

The pool doesn't get a lot of sun, so it's still a little cold to go swimming in.

Since we moved in to the house we have had a few parties here. I tried to throw Tyler a "surprise" birthday party, but it didn't work out too well. Instead he found out, but at least I was able to keep the surprise of Jeff and Karlee coming up!! We had a lot of fun that night, and it was awesome to see all of our Phoenix friends in one place.

We have made some awesome friends since we moved here, and I know that God had a plan for us in moving here. Tyler and I will both be returning to our schools next year, and both of us will be teaching the same grade. This next year I will be teaching sixth grade math instead of third grade math. I am pretty excited about this. I love math, and am excited for the change in pace. I think that it will be a lot of fun, and I can't wait to see the relationship that I will have with these sixth graders!! I have grown very close to some of them because of volleyball, and can't wait to spend some more time with them.

This summer we will be traveling all over the place!! I will try to keep you updated on our travels!! Until then, enjoy God's Love!

Papers

We signed papers today!!

We get keys tomorrow!

We are moving on Friday!!

House

I know it's been a little bit, sorry, but we have news.  Our offer on the house was approved!!  This happened about two weeks ago, the Friday I was leaving to get on a plane to go to my parent's house for the weekend!  We were so surprised to be finding out that we were getting the house.  We just moved into Christie's house, and were planning on being here for a little while.  Things have been going great here.  But, we were super excited to be getting a home of our own.  We had the inspection, and things went pretty well.  There are three big things that need to be taken care of, so right now we are just waiting for those to be done.  We still don't have a closing date, but we should be in the house no later than March 20!  Thank you all for all of your prayers over the last eight months.  We really appreciate all of them!

News?

So, we had to sign new papers for the bank, because they said that they didn't want to pay for some of the things that we had originally asked them to pay for.  Now by doing this, it is suppose to expedite our process.  Our realtor doesn't know if that means two weeks from now, or two months?  We are probably moving out next weekend to our friend Christie's house.  Now the bank has until February 1, to give us an answer.  The joy of trying to buy a house.

Happy New Year!

I hope that every one had a safe and fun New Years!!  We went to Matt and Katie's house for the night, and it was a blast.  We were able to hang out with them, Andy and the DaPenas.  We are so excited that Jeremy and Rachel are here now, and that we are going to start a young adult bible study!  It is exactly what Tyler and I have been looking for, so it's going to be a lot of fun.

Christmas was a very exciting time for us this year too.  We started Christmas in the beginning of December when Megan and Dan came to visit.  We had a lot of fun while they were here.  We went out to dinner with Christie one night, and went bowling.  We did Christmas on Saturday since dad was in town, and he made our traditional strip and go nakeds.  Don't worry, it's just a drink.  :D

With the money that Tyler's parents gave us for Christmas I was able to buy plane tickets to come home in February to go see Wicked with my mom, sister and aunt.  I bought some other things too, like new boots, Nicole's bridesmaid dress, and a plane ticket to Orange County to see Nicole graduate!!  Tyler bought his new computer!!  :D  It finally got here when we got back from Northern California, so he has had fun playing with that!

We both had really good Christmases at school.  My school gives each teacher a gift card to a local shopping center, so I am looking forward to going and buying some new clothes, books, maybe a jacket, shoes, and whatever else I can find in the mall!  Tyler got tickets to a Suns game on Jan 31, that are 13 rows from the floor!!  He is going to take Daniel with him since they will have way more fun at the game then I would going with him.  Tyler got a lot of other really cool stuff from his kids too, and a lot of gifts that show how much the kids enjoy having him as a teacher and that they listen to the crazy stuff he tells them.

We left for my parents house the Saturday before Christmas, December 20.  We left bright and early that morning, and when my parents picked us up from the airport, we went over to Aunt Michelle's house.  I tried to get out of dishes this year, and it just didn't work out.  We were so close, but no one else was helping, so of course I stepped in.  My aunt cooks all day, and the few days before Christmas dinner, you think other people would step up and help, but that's okay.  We will probably only have a few more years of those family Christmases so I need to enjoy them while we have them.

Sunday was Corey's birthday, so we all went to dinner at Claim Jumper.  It was a lot of fun to spend some extra time with them, and see Brooke again.  She is getting so big!  My friend Susan, who I graduated from Concordia with, came down to spend the day with us too.  She lives up in Santa Rosa now, and we haven't hung out since Tyler and I got married, so it was awesome to see her again.  We reconnected at teacher's conference in November so I'm super glad we were able to meet up with her.

Monday we drove down to Fresno to see Nicole and Jon!  We had a blast with them.  They took us to their two favorite places to eat.  Amazing places!!  If I knew what they were called I would tell you all to go!!  One was this tri tip sandwhich place, almost as good as Kinders, and the other is the little Mexican place, that was amazing!!  It was so nice to see them, and just hang out.  We went to Christmas Tree Lane too, which was a lot of fun!!  There were so many pretty lights, and the houses were beautiful.  One day we too will have a front yard all decorated for Christmas.

We spent the night in Fresno, and woke up the next morning to see Chris and Ashley for breakfast.  We haven't seen them since our wedding so it was nice to be able to see them for a little bit before we headed back to mom and dads.

At my parent's house we didn't do much of any thing.  My mom got really sick from all the babies at my aunt's house, so we had a very low key week.  Christmas morning I was up at six of course, I couldn't sleep in for yet another year.  Maybe one day I'll finally be able to sleep in on Christmas.  Santa brought us some really cool things, and then we opened presents.  My mom and I go shopping together the day after Thanksgiving, so most of the time I know what my presents are.  My parents totally surprised me this year though, and bought me my new computer!!  It's super nice, and I love it.  Tyler and I were saving money so I could buy it because my lap top just doesn't seem to like to work some days.  Now we are going to be able to use that money to buy furniture whenever we finally get a house!

Saturday night before we came home, we finally were able to see Breeann and Kevin.  It is so nice to have friends at home still, and to know that we are going to keep being awesome friends even though now we live in different states, and time zones.  We were admiring their Christmas tree and decorations, because there tree was all red.  Tyler had talked about wanting to do a themed tree, and I told him it wasn't possible with all of our other decorations we have.  Then we came home and looked at what we had bought last year after Christmas, and we had all red ornaments for our tree that we didn't have this year!! haha  Great minds think alike!

Now we are just enjoying the last couple days of our break, and getting ready to go back to school.  This month is going to be an exciting one, getting back into the swing of teaching, and being with the kids all day.  It's a good think we have a day off in two weeks!  :D

For those of you who have made it this far, and are still waiting to find out, no news about the house.  We are still waiting to hear.  We gave the bank an extension to January 21, due to the holidays, so we are hoping to know by then. My principal Andy had put an offer in on the house two doors down from us, and he just found out that they did not select him.  That's a huge bummer, because we were really hoping to all live next to each other.  We're hoping the house works, but if it doesn't, then we know that there is something better out there!

So from us here in sunny Arizona, to you out there in Cyberland, we love you guys and we miss you!