Our New House in South Carolina

This is our new house! It's a Cape Code style, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, former model home that is approximately 2 years old. There are two large front rooms for formal living and dining areas, making the house about 2000 sqft. You'll have to excuse the brown grass...this photo was taken after the first frost of autumn, and all grasses in the Charleston area have officially gone dormant until next spring.

Here's another view of the house from the driveway side. The house next door is still a model home, so being a corner house next to a model, we have zero direct neighbors at this point!

Now a closer look at the driveway side, with the two-car garage connected to the house by a nice little deck. The window overlooking the deck is one of the main windows to the first floor master bedroom. Behind the house are certified wetlands, so there will never be anyone building behind us. I plan to post some more photos of the interior as soon as I feel that everything has found its place.

Our Honeymoon in Ruidoso, NM

Erik and I honeymooned in the little mountain-town of Ruidoso. The large mountain in the background is Sierra Blanco, home to the popular ski resort Ski Apache. Can you believe this is New Mexico? This town has great shops and a surprising variety of gourmet-ish restaurants. Most of all, it was very peaceful and quiet...perfect for two newlyweds!

Ruidoso is cold and beautiful in January. Erik and I took a walk along the river one afternoon after having brunch at one of the wonderful local restaurants.

Erik peering over the bridge.

Erik and I stayed in luxurious, brand-new cabins. These first few pictures are of the inside amenities, including the jacuzzi!

We loved the 3-sided fireplace and swiveling television. Whether we were in bed, on the couch, or in the hot-tub, we could always see the fire and watch the tele.

The front of our Ruidoso cabin. Blue-eyed boy not included.

The side of our luxury cabin.

These little wooden bears are a popular item in Ruidoso. This bear became the honeymooner's best friend, since he is meant to display the "Do not disturb" sign for housekeeping!

Erik was surprised and pleased with our grill, which he used to make a chicken dinner one night.

The frozen lake outside our cabin.

The little cabin "community."

The Wedding Day!

Mom makes a last minute fix to my shoes before I take the big walk down the aisle.

Dad walks me down the aisle.

The ceremony was conducted by Pastor Bruce, with Hans and Kenny acting as our witnesses.

We're saying "I Do!"

Kenny holds my flowers for the exchange of rings.

A great shot of me and my blue-eyed husband. Photo credits go to Steve Markkanen. Thanks!

After dinner conversation at the reception.

Erik's dad and I dancing to Moonshadow by Cat Stevens.

Erik's mom and brother doing a mother-son dance.

The bride and groom fast-dancing...with my mom and dad in the background.

I think we're all dancing to Stayin' Alive by the Beegees in this photo

Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting!

More Kung Fu Fighting! Hiyaah!

Yes, the groom is still under 25, so the bride had to drive the rental car to the hotel that night!

Brunch at Le Peep the morning after the wedding. Notice that my dad traced a heart in the dew on the window.

Erik and I opening gifts during the brunch. We escaped to Ruidoso, NM later that morning!

Christmas in Omaha

Erik and I spent this Christmas together in Omaha. He had just moved into his cute little apartment just 10 minutes down the road from base. We set up a "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree in the living room.

Cheek to cheek.

Erik lounging on the couch Christmas night. He doesn't know why I like this picture, but I think his expression is just adorable. However that hair is seriously out of regs, airman.

Our one hiccup during the holidays occurred on Christmas Eve. Erik and I returned from a sidetrip to Sioux Falls the afternoon of Christmas Eve, but just in time for all the grocery stores to be closed. Since Erik had just been in his new apartment for a few weeks, food was scarce in the fridge and cabinets. Our plan to have an elaborate Christmas dinner for the two of us ended up being chicken and refried beans!

Sioux Falls, SD

Erik and I visited Sioux Falls, South Dakota during my holiday visit, which is an easy 3-hour drive north of Omaha. I must say, I was quite impressed with this small city. It has a pretty little downtown and a free trolley service that takes you to Falls Park, pictured here from atop the observation tower. One of my top 10 meals of all time was in downtown Sioux Falls at a restaurant called Minerva's.

The city of Sioux Falls has done a fabulous job with the park surrounding the river and falls. Since we visited during the holidays, the park was decorated with lights and garlands. The visitor's center was even playing Christmas music out over the grounds for those strolling the sidewalks to enjoy.

That building used to be a hydro plant. Now it's a cute little cafe, where Erik and I stopped to warm up with some hot apple cider.

There's my beautiful boy sitting next to the icy river.

Taylor's Birthday at Basil

In November, a group of us went to Charleston's best Thai restaurant to celebrate the birthday of our buddy, Taylor. Robyn and I frequent Basil about once a month to partake on their chilled, unfiltered saki.

Robyn and I are getting ready to show the boys how to drink saki!

On one side of the table is John Q in front, me, Robyn, and Joe toward the back.

On the other side of the table is Doug, Taylor, and Anna and Bob toward the back.

Throwing back the saki! One ounce down...17 ounces to go!