Monday, May 21, 2012

jacqueline's bridal shower.

Last Saturday, the other bridesmaids and I had the pleasure of hosting a bridal shower for one of my best friends. Jacqueline and I were randomly partnered up as roommates our first year at Pepperdine, and I could not be more thankful! We joined the same sorority and were connected at the hip from that point on. No matter how far we have lived apart, she has always been there for me. Two years ago, she stood next to me on my wedding day and I can't wait to do the same for her! We spent a beautiful sunny day celebrating Jacqueline at the M Cafe at Calamigos Ranch.
 Craft Project 1: burlap banner reading 
"Honoring Jacqueline With Love"
 Craft Project 2: moss block letters
the place cards.
 ava, jess, jacqueline, me & coral
 jacqueline with her mom and aunt
 with mom and mother-in-law to be
 me with the beautiful bride-to-be
 andrea & jacqueline
 the group
 andrea, marissa & jess
 jacqueline reading her 'advice from the heart'
 and gift opening begins..
The wedding festivities have officially begun... 
next stop: VEGAS in June!!

so it continues...

where did the time go?

Time seriously does fly when you are having fun!! I can't believe that we have been home for a month now. We have been keeping busy by seeing the ones we love... and finding a little time to enjoy our new (very new) hobby. Here is a quick update of what we been up to in a scroll of pics and one-liners.

We were trying out our new clubs...
 this was Jonathan's day at the range, me not so much ;)

My daddy and me at dinner... I had not seen him in 5 months. 
I was the happiest girl in the world!!

At theTea House in San Juan Capistrano for Pearl's bridal shower...
 Pearl opening her presents

 Our lil' bro's (Doug Astor's) graduation party.. so proud of him!!
GO WAVES!

 Dinner in Carlsbad with Kai and Ryan... this made my heart happy :)

 Tammara's Birthday Party...
great company + fun games = perfect afternoon!

 Cinco de Mayo dinner with the Pommers...
great friends are great for the soul.

 Jonathan and I at Moonshadows celebrating Christina Brown's graduation from UCLA law school

 Watching USA beat Canada to go to the Olympics... GO USA!!

Mother's Day...
the Russell ladies
 mother's day dinner

 We loved taking in the view and catching up over dinner at Hotel Laguna with the Lindquists

Now that we are settled back in, we I will be better at keeping up with all of the craziness.

so it continues...

Thursday, April 19, 2012

back back in cali cali.

We are back home in the good ol' USA!! It was so tough to leave France, as it was one of the most fun, adventurous, and belly satisfying seasons yet. We challenged our brains through taking French lessons, which we loved but still had a difficult time committing to the studying aspect. We thought it was just better to get out there in practice, at least that was the excuse we used to justify all of the yummy restaurants and cafes we enjoyed. 

Since being back, there has been a few adjustments. First off, it is always weird to hear everybody speak English again. I got so used not understanding most of what was going on around me, I now feel like I am ease dropping on people's conversations. The time change wasn't too bad, except for the fact that once 7:30 pm came around I was told that I looked tired by every one I came across. Yes, I was tired but no you do not have to tell me that. When I was a little girl my dad once told me, if you tell a lady she looks tired you are telling her she looks bad. Even if she does not, that is how she will take it- smart man indeed because that is exactly how I felt. I was trying to stay up to get myself back on pacific time, but I guess my appearances suffered a bit. Other than that, we jumped back into the swing of things right away. We arrived into the country on Thursday night, Jonathan was back in the gym with USA on Friday morning. After his practice, we were off to Fresno to see my siblings for the weekend. We had not all been together since Thanksgiving, so it was so great to be able to spend some quality and (always) fun time with them.
the walberg kids.
my brother-in-law conner, heather and ian
 snuck jonathan in a picture
We drove back to Orange County on Sunday morning, as we were looking forward to a BBQ with Jonathan's parents and the Ong family. We could not wait to see our nephews and niece. It was so fun seeing and chatting with them on Skype while in France, but we were so ready to hold them and play with them. They are just the cutest kids and bring so much light and laughter to the family. 
uncle jon and our adorable niece London.
 those cheeks are to die for
 look at those 2 front teeth
our nephew mason.
nana and (camera shy) braden
Little did I know, four of our closest friends were planning a surprise with Jonathan. Jess and Justin were the first to surprise me. I actually was looking down at my phone and when I looked up Jess was right in front of me... I was quite startled which was displayed by a scream and me throwing my phone in the air. They drove an hour to hang out with us, saying they could not wait any longer- it was so special! Of course, I cried. I have not seen Jess since she found out she was pregnant (with twin boys, nonetheless). She is four months along and looks so beautiful... motherhood already suits her.
Surprise #2: Jackie and Alec! Once again, I was completely oblivious and did not see them walk in until they were right in front of me. I used to think I was an aware person, but now I am doubting that. Jackie and Alec made the journey from LA. The last time we saw them was at their engagement party in November... and now they are 3 months away from tying the knot. Such big events are happening for both of these couples this summer!! In the midst of all that is going on in their own lives, they still found time to come see us. We are so thankful and overwhelmed by the love and support they show us. 
 we are truly blessed to have these amazing people as friends.

It is so great to be back and we are looking forward to a very busy but fun summer ahead of us!

so it continues...

au revoir france.

Even though Jonathan's season ended with a disappointing loss in Poitiers last Sunday, they did win the first match in the series that previous Tuesday. We thought this win would swing into another, but unfortunately it didn't. Either way, TLM won their last match at home in 5 sets, which was exciting and entertaining for all of the fans!!
the wives/girlfriends
The night before we left France, TLM had a fun little get together for all of the players and their families. It was so fun to see all of the wonderful people that made this season so special one last time.
tammara, maike & me
emilie... love her!
This season, I was so blessed to have such a wonderful group of girlfriends. We loved, we cried, we laughed, we lived... I will miss you girls so much!! I hope we all keep our promise and get together somewhere in Europe next year. 

so it continues...