It's My Birthday: Disney for a Day

Well, technically it's OUR birthday....

Disney is running a great deal this year: free admission on your birthday. Naturally, being a twin, this is an opportunity that we just cannot pass up! And, coincidentally, we also have a mutual friend who shares our birthday, so a girls day at Disney is the perfect present on the best day of the year: Feb. 9th.

The question now is: where do we go, which theme park?

Should we spend the day reliving our youth at the Magic Kingdom?



Should we enjoy an international experience at Epcot?



Or should we check out the new additions at Disney Hollywood Studios (aka MGM)?



Decisions, decisions, decisions....

At least I know that whichever park we choose, I will have a blast hanging out with Dawn and Kathryn!

I love living in Titletown

Last night I had a dinner meeting with the lovely ladies of the Junior League Thrift Shop Committee at Stonewood Grill in Gainesville. I had forgotten how great the food and atmosphere was at that restaurant, and apparently Urban Meyer agreed, as he walked near our table and everyone turned and stared like he was a movie star! In honor of seeing the great Gator Football coach, I wanted to recap our recent Gator Football National Championship....

Thursday, January 8, 2009
Florida Gators vs. Oklahoma Sooners
Miami, Florida
BCS National Championship Game

James and I decided to watch the game on the big screen TV at the AGR house, and our good friends Justin and Lori joined us for an unbelievable game. It was definitely a nail biter through the first half, but Tim Tebow came through during the 3rd and 4th quarters and Gainesville once again erupted into craziness as everyone took to the streets to celebrate our 2nd football championship in 3 years.
Final score: Florida 24, Oklahoma 14



During the beginning of the celebration chaos Justin, James, Lori and I decided to watch the running and yelling from the front yard of AGR....








But, ultimately decided that we wanted to be actively participating in this historic moment, so we joined the crowd and walked to mid-town...





Considering this is our fourth Championship in 3 years (Basketball: 2006 & 2007) (Football: 2006 & 2008), I feel pretty spoiled and excited to have been a student and resident of Titletown for this Championship era. In the end, it was worth the lack of sleep and impending exhaustion at work on Friday to experience another win for the Gators.

And, considering that Tim Tebow is returning for his senior year...I have a good feeling about 2009....GO GATORS!!

I really miss this girl....

Today is Alli's first day at her new job in Washington D.C. I am really excited for her, and I hope she is surviving the cold commute in to work (it was 25 degrees this morning in Gville, I can only imagine the frigid north!). We have been friends since my later college years (her undergrad and grad years) and took the ultimate girlfriend adventure to Taiwan in March 2007 (recap of that coming soon!). She has been my buddy since pre-James (right?) and I love hanging out with her- especially our lunches to The Gelato Company. Although I am missing her terribly, I can't wait to visit her new home in Alexandria VA, and our future trips around the world.

This is a picture from our last lunch together before Alli skipped town, at The Gelato Company in downtown Gainesville.

Happy Old Anniversary

Today, January 16th 2009, James and I have been officially together for 5 years. Wow. That sounds like such a long time. Since our wedding in July, we have a new anniversary. However, I still like to recognize the beloved, and important, milestones in our lives and relationship. Happy old Anniversary honey, I love you more everyday, and can still remember meeting you for the first time. Here is to another 5, 10, 25, 50+ years together!

One of my all time favorite pictures...our first big date at the Melting Pot. This was in early February 2004, as we were celebrating my birthday and an early Valentine's Day with a group of friends. I love how we look so young!



And in respect of our new anniversary, July 19th, I have to include a picture from our wedding. The happiest day of my life to date. Photo by Dawn McKinstry Photography. http://www.dawnmckinstry.com/blog/

My first married Christmas

This year was definitely different for James and I, regarding the Christmas vacation. In the past we have routinely embarked upon the Christmas Day driving marathon: James' Mom's house in the morning, James' Dad's house for lunch, then to Lakeland for my family. It has always felt to rushed, like we don't get quality time with anyone. This year we slowed it down, and spent Christmas morning together, with the pets, in Gainesville. Then we drove to Clermont, and slowly made our way to Lakeland. In all, it was a wonderful first married Christmas! I can't wait to spend many more holidays with the love of my life, my new extended family, and my family. Enjoy the picture recap!





Bumble really wanted her stocking! She is so cute and gets so excited about Christmas!


The Simmons, Modica, and Keli family picture. It was a difficult task getting everyone in the picture!









Someone was happy to receive a Bass Pro Shops giftcard!



Thanks for the Happy First Married Christmas card Dawn and Bill!