Love & Marriage.

Normally Tim and I are pretty traditional. Since year one we've given each other the "traditional anniversary," themed gifts. It started getting old. We realized we were just gathering things we didn't really like or want just because it was "metal," or "linen," or what-have-you. The past few years we have really come to understand how low key we are and noticed that the things we loved best about our anniversaries was the time we had together, not the gifts. (Though some were pretty cool, I must say) Every anniversary that we've been on Saipan we've gone on a hike together before exchanging gifts and this year we decided that would be our tradition for anniversaries from now on. 

We chose an easy and quick hike but it was beautiful and solitary and we loved it.

In my mind my real life started the day I met my husband. It sounds nuts but I knew deep down I would marry him, even on our first meeting when I was young and stupid and he was dating someone else. Everything I am today I owe to him and my Savior. Before Tim my life, though good at times, was mainly rough and rocky. He taught me how to live again, how to love myself and how to rise to my potential. The day we were married I was so happy. I had visions of our happy life together and it looked amazing. I knew life with him would be amazing, but this---this is much, much more. 

I love you Tim. Much more than you'll ever know.

August: The jist of it.

 

 

 

Cool Mom had a brief comeback for a few weeks and then the baby kicked my trash for it. He pretty much owns me at this point. But with Owen back in school and June in a friend's preschool co-op there's a chance she may return before the baby is born!

Aboard the Jade Lady III.

Tim is the hardest to get gifts for. (Aren't all men?) He always gets me the most thoughtful things and I'm left with this guilt of feeling like I never get him anything cool. (Anyone see that Parks & Rec?) This Fathers Day I kept it a secret and whisked him on a sunset dinner cruise aboard the Jade Lady III. We had talked about going for years now and just never got around to it. It was a little different than we expected but we had a great time.

Highlights:

-Live Music

-Bottomless Sprite

-Amazing Sunset

-Steak AND brownies

-Dancing

-Laughing until our sides hurt when a little boy requested, "Gangham Style," and he totally played it! Even funnier, the little boy and his sister danced to it the entire time.

-Watching a couple who had gotten married on the boat that day dance to a Japanese Wedding song. 

-Slow dancing with Tim.

-Getting the best picture of the two of us in YEARS.

-Watching all the tourists and their crazy dance moves after their 4 or 5 beers.

-Stealing kisses in front of some very conservative Koreans.

-Pretending I was Kate Winslet on the Titanic.

-The YMCA dance ending. Definitely went out with a bang.

Memorial Day Hike.

Tim had to work Memorial day so Christina and I decided to take the kids on a hike. It was a running day but I was feeling a little sick so I thought a nice brisk walk would be nicer. Turns out carrying snacks, water, a camera and a 2 year old on your back is just about the same as pushing two kids up and down hills in a stroller. Ha! It was a 3 mile hike and we were dripping sweat by the end of it but it was a beautiful day and the white sand there looks like sugar. We had a sweet little picnic before heading back. I felt great until the next day and boy was my back sore! Regardless, it was one of those days where I just felt so grateful to be here on this beautiful island. We sure do love Saipan.

Tree Climbing

Tim was finally able to come to the beach with us on his off day a few weeks ago. I feel a little guilty that we frequent the beach so much and he's stuck indoors working. A few snorkeling trips though and he's good to go! The beach was beautiful that day (when is it not?) but our kids didn't want to swim. Instead I tried to teach them how to climb the coconut trees to get a fresh one to drink. I made it about halfway up before I realized I may not be as limber with this protruding belly of mine. The kids were in awe and Owen even tried to go up a few notches. June just kept asking me, "You okay?" Sweet girl. 

Beach Date

We went on a double date with our friends last week. It's always fun to be with other adults without the kids and I love seeing Tim interact with people. It makes me love him even more. Mushy enough for you?

The guys took their ladies out on their scooters and we looked like a mini motorcycle/moped gang. Ha!

We always have the most beautiful sunsets here in Saipan and that night was no exception.
Can you believe we've only had ONE visitor come out the entire time we've lived here?!
Flights aren't cheap but look what you're getting!

Our friends the Hochhalters

Seahorses in the Sky! 

After the beach we head to The Taste of Marianas Festival. It's only once a year and only on weekends for the month of May. The food is AMAZING. We've gone twice and I still can't seem to say no to the barbecue ribs. Tim's gotten the curry twice too so I don't feel that bad.

My man sure knows how to take out his girl!

the babes.

My babies are funny.

That's all.

turn that frown upside down.

I was having a hard day.
So naturally I turned to cupcakes.

Owen Planking.

We also got ice cream. June pretended to feed me and then would fake me out.

 She thinks she's pretty hilarious.

The Mother's Day photo I wanted, just a few days late. :-)

Our kind of playdates

We've been really lucky to have met some really amazing people here. The other day we invited everyone over to the pool for a play date and I couldn't helped but feel blessed with such amazing friends, adorable children and incredible weather.

They definitely make Saipan an even more wonderful place to live.

And my 18.5 week belly.
The little man is quite the kicker lately! I started to feel him move about 2 weeks ago and this week I noticed I can see him move as well! It's my favorite part of pregnancy and I was thrilled that it's finally here! I've been feeling pretty good still. (Thank Heaven!) The fatigue hasn't really gone away but with the heat and humidity here I am doubting that it will. Running has started to get a bit difficult this week but I'm pretty determined to go as long as I can. 

I've been craving:

Fruit. Any kind of fruit. Oranges, Apples, Mangoes, Grapes, Pineapple, anything.

Vegetables. Carrots, and LOTS of salads.

Beyond that I have to really push myself to eat meat. It's just so darn hot!