San Francisco

When Nick came home earlier this year and said that a generous donor gave ASU's construction program $500,000 and a 'field trip' for some students to tour the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and bay area construction sites--I knew he had to apply to be one of those 10 students! So when Nick found out that he was chosen, I decided that I needed to meet him in SF for a fun-filled 48- hour weekend. So for the first weekend of March Nick had a great time going behind the scenes of these famous bridges. The put on their hard hats and got to go on-site of the building on the new span of the Oakland Bay Bridge, the construction of Univ. of Cal's new stadium that is being constructed on a fault line, and of course the Golden Gate Bridge. I flew in Friday after work where Nick and I met up with my good friend, Lindsay, who lives in the city and was kind enough to let us stay at her so cute apartment. Being that I spent four years living in Northern California as a kid--I have 3 very good friends who live within an hour, so it was great to see them!

We did everything touristy that we could squeeze in 2 days! Double-decker bus tour, Golden Gate Bridge, Alamo Park, The Ferry Terminal, drove down the most crookedest street in the world-Lombard Street, the painted lady -aka-full house row, Haight Asbury, Bay Bridge, Giants Stadium, Alcatraz, Pier 39, Fisherman's wharf, Ghirardelli Square, great food, dancing, karaoke, and lots of walking with a crazy cab ride thrown in as well!! Whew--no wonder I'm still so tired! This was the PERFECT trip! So great. We loved every second of it, and already are wanting to go back. The weather was terrific-sunny, breezy--are you getting the picture that it was just a wonderful weekend!?!

Getting ready to head to Alcatraz

SF coast line

Alcatraz Island

Golden Gate Bridge behind us

One of the jail cells in Alcatraz

Great view from this island

Fisherman's wharf

Breathtaking view of the Golden Gate

Jen, Ingrid, Me, Lindsay

A night out with some great friends in the city

Looking pretty good for 2am!

"I want it that way" Who doesn't love a little Backstreet Boys? Apparently, Domenic loves them! Not to sure where these backup singers came from!

My great friend, Jen, made Nick banana bread that was 'safe' for him to eat! It was sooo good. I'm telling you this girl is going to own her own bakery one day :)

Fork 'em devils!

All the trolleys down by Pier 1-the Ferry Terminal

The painted ladies! This skyline sure brings back good memories of watching "Full House"

Lombard Street

Perfect Day

Such a great trip! A huge thanks to my girlfriend, Lindsay, for showing us all over, letting us crash at her place, and making us want to come back again soon! Oh, San Fran we LOVE you!

PGA Phx Open

One thing you can't argue about is how amazing the weather has been here! So, what better way than to be outside as much as possible. This year in February we went to the PGA Phoenix Open and The Players Club in Scottsdale. Nick has a friend whose Aunt lives on hole #2, so we parked there and walked around the course to sit and enjoy the sunshine at hole 18. Such a great day!

Loving being outside

Nick and his friend, Jesse.

Reno Competition

Despite me really wanting to forget this event, I figured Nick worked so hard that it is worth blogging about. For the second year in a row, Nick, participated in the National Reno Construction Competition on ASU's team. This year he was the captain of the Heavy Civil division and after 7 months of hard works, lots of hours, and study the team travelled to Reno, NV to compete. Several recruiters and ASU professors commented on how it was the most prepared they had ever seen an ASU team. I'm glad it's over--because now I have my husband back! Between the hours spent on Reno each night, all day Saturday prep meetings, and 19 credit hours this semester, I was having to look at the pictures on the wall to remind myself I have a husband!

Memory Lane

I first met Domenic on the 22nd day of January in 2007. He walked in late to FHE and caught my eye. After a brief meeting, and a comment made to one of his friends that "I wouldn't mind to get to know him better," he tracked my phone number done from the ward "menu" as the guys all to often called it. Two days later he called, a week later our first date, 2 and 1/2 years later came marriage (plus or minus a few break ups thrown in there), and 5+ years later here we are! I was going through these pictures the other day and I literally laughed out loud thinking of the diverse dates we went on!

Our first date--the theater

We saw a play that was a comedy based on the game of golf. Very interesting, but all I knew going into it was to dress up.

One of our dates within the first month or so of dating turned into a spontaneous outing of toilet papering one of Nick and Tj's old roommates house. Seriously, who still does this at our age--but we did and it was one of the best group dates I have ever been on.

Valentines day-2007. We hadn't been dating but a few weeks, one of my girlfriends and I decided to make our potential 'guy interests' dinner. I made my mom's chicken parmigana--which explains why Domenic and I got married eventually. Pretty sure my oldest brother made his wife that when they were dating also. I'm telling you, there's something in that sauce!

Life is great these days! Love looking at these old pics with this guy by my side :)

Meet Tess

The first baby girl of the family (grand-daughter for my parents) was born December 20th, 2011 to my brother, Kevin, and his wife, Rachel. Tess Elizabeth, is her name and she is sure one sweet little snuggler! Since Nick and I weren't able to go visit for the holidays this year, I made a special trip in January to meet baby Tess and see those crazy little boys we love so much, Bennett and Liam.

She seriously is a snuggler--who doesn't love that!

Grandma Terry knows just how to calm her down.

Just love the ruffles on that baby's butt!

The most caring, big brother you've ever seen!

Oh Bennett! Sure do love this kid.

Liam--loves playing with grandma and grandpa's new trash cans and ice maker!

Such a great trip as always. Loved getting to spend so much time with my family. My dad and I spend all day Saturday in the kitchen making bread. Haha--never thought that would happen! I guess it's amazing what a new kitchen will make somebody want to learn. And, he's even called me since for help making it since I left. I'm way impressed. Just love my family, never ready to come back to AZ.

It's the Final Countdown!

Yes, it's sooooo on! Tomorrow is the beginning of the end! The first day of Domenic's last semester of being an ASU student! College will be over as we know it! And we are excited (I think I'm more excited, he's more nervous)!

So get out your party hats, pom poms, noise makers, etc--because on May 3rd there are some big things to celebrate! He's getting ready....see below!

119 days---seriously, I'm counting down!

2011 Wrap-up

Christmas=Just the two of us!

New Years=Utah

Details to come and pics to follow :)