Home From Hawaii

So Jaime and I had a BLAST in Hawaii! We were upgraded to first class on both flights, and we had an awesome ocean view room at the Marriott. Lian and Mike's wedding on the beach was beautiful. Words really can't describe how beautiful it is there, so here's some of the pictures -

(Jaime and Geoff in front of the garden at the Marriott)

On Kauai is what's called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" - Waimea canyon, which rises more than 3500' above the ocean. There is a road that goes deep into the canyon that has some spectacular views -

(Jaime and Geoff at the top of Waimea Canyon)

We also had fun the day after the wedding zip-lining at a ranch on central Kauai. We got to spend a few hours hanging above the jungle. Jaime didn't even hesitate on her first run. It was an exhilarating experience and is not to be missed whenever you have the opportunity!

Finally, here's a link to the entire non wedding photo album, and a link to all the wedding photos. I won't embed all the videos, but you should check them out, they're cool!

Wedding Video -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8RvGocM0M0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY2smfelRVM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzlyCfm99Bo

Beach/Canyon Video -
View from our room, in the sun

View from our room, in the rain

View from the top of Waimea Canyon, 1 (it's 3500 feet down to the ocean!)

View from the top of Waimea Canyon, 2

Ziplining Videos -

Jaime's first zipline run

Cindy ziplines

Jess ziplines

Jeff Downey on the fast run

View of the canopy/river

View from one of my zipline runs

Jeff Downey zips again

Jaime on another run

My 2nd to last run (Jaime filming)

The last zipline of the day, I fall off backwards

We're Off to Hawaii!!!

I'll try to take lots of pictures and check in!

The Final Forbes Wedding

So I've been meaning to blog about this for a while, but things have been busy since we returned home. Jen and Phil's wedding was absolutely awesome! As my father said, we never expected Jennifer to have the most formal wedding of the three of us, but I'm sure glad she did. Everything was amazing. At the ceremony, Father John Ryan gave a wonderful sermon, reminding everyone in the church of why they are there and what is really important in life. We had a fun ride on an open-air motorized cable car from the ceremony to the reception, which was narrated by one of the groomsmen - hilarious! Then we arrived at the reception, the mansion was beautiful. The flowers were elegantly done, the caterers were serving delicious appetizers and super yummy purple drinks, the cake was georgous, and everyone was talking!

There are a couple of things that I need to point out:
1. We couldn't have done that day without Katie - day of organizer extraordinaire! She took care of everything that day... have a problem? the answer: Call Katie! (by the way Katie, thanks for taking care of the trolley company when they didn't show up to pick up the bridesmaids at the hotel).

2. I have an amazing husband - I can't even tell you how many times Jen or Mom or I needed something and I just had to look at Geoff and he was off... to the store, checking into the hotel, picking someone up at the airport, flagging down limos, bringing me a fleece when I was freezing on the trolley.... countless small wonderful things.

3. We have a wonderful family - Through-out the whole weekend everyone was really supportive, helpful and truely happy to be there. Joe and Susan, you totally rocked. Joe was there with Geoff dealing with our trolley situation and Susan was very graceful and capable of being thrown into a sister situation that has not always been smooth. Everyone had so much fun that we are doing it again in a few years even if there isn't another wedding.

Additionally, I want to point out a few highlights of the evening:

1. Our limo running a red light as the bridal party sang "get me to the church on time".
2. Susan and the groomsman with her did a leapfrog into the reception for our introductions
3. The pictures of all the past cake-cuttings on the cake table
4. one word: "Dancing" (and that word covers a lot of stories)
5. Those yummy blue drinks at the end of the night that I don't remember (Susan and Natasha, I blame you).
6. In-N-Out burger at midnight in a bridesmaid dress
7. How competely happy and relaxed Mom and Dad looked from the minute they walked into the reception throughout the rest of the weekend.

Jen, thanks for such a wonderful, memorable evening. I especially loved how happy and relaxed you and Phil looked, especially once you made it down the aisle. Congratulations and wishes for a lifetime of happiness together.

Winter Storm Aftermath, or, "Oh, SNAP!"

So...the Times is reporting what we already knew...that this region sucks (and blows) when it comes to snow removal/response. And if West Seattle DID get extra snowplow time, you'd never have known it! Here's to you, Greg! Seattle DOT Botched Snow Reponse

Home Again, and rockin' out!

So Jaime and I are home from San Francisco and Jen's wedding. I'd love to share the pictures with you except that well, we didn't take any. Ok, we took like 3. But really, we just wanted to go and relax and have a good time! And we managed to pull it off...

Really what more can I say? Good food, good drink (I had to buy myself some "fancy" beer for the rehearsal dinner) good friends, good family! The ceremony was beautiful, the bride was beautiful, the reception was beautiful. And the best part? In one weekend I managed to eat at In'n'Out on three separate occasions! This is living! Thanks to Jim and Judy for hosting, and to Jen and Phil for pulling off such an awesome party! We love you guys!

In other news...today I received my copy of the "Ten" Superdeluxe Edition Reissue - though it was not signed (only 40-50 out of thousands were) it is still absolutely incredible! If you could see me, you would see the joy I have in rediscovering my favorite band...this is incredible! Now all I need is for Pearl Jam to tour again.

That's all for now, I promise I WILL take lots of pictures when we're in Hawaii next week for Lian and Mike's wedding. That will also be a blast!

Let Me Google That For You

Tired of that lazy person that asks questions they could easily search for the answers to themselves? Give them this...

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

So I picked up a 1/4BBL Keg of Hales Ales Red Menace with the wifey today. I got it home and went to place it in the kegerator - and discovered that it had a circumference that was slightly too large for the fridge. The Solution? Jaime had the grand idea to raise it to utilize the extra inch or so that is taken up on the bottom of the fridge. But what to use?

I am all about being "green" - hence the solution shown here. Yes, that is a former half case wine box (don't worry, it's empty!) supporting the keg. No, I do not drink a lot. Uncle David, thanks for the wine, and for the box!!!