July in Instas

Can you believe July is over?? This month was so much fun, but went by way too quickly! 

We had our last hoorah of the summer this past week and were able to see some family and friends before reality kicks in again. It was a great way to wrap up the month, but I'm so not ready to get back to the real world... I told myself I have to get serious this week. That means organizing and setting up my classroom, getting on a running routine, and starting to eat right. 

I'm determined to make August my month of motivation! But for now, here's some highlights from July:

We took a little day trip to a nearby town to see Dorothy's heritage, tried the "Best Burgers in Kansas" {though I'm not completely sure I agree}, and reminisced about our big day. So hard to believe it was a year ago!! Read about it here, here, and here.

We were able to spend some time with my parents both here in GC and in Missouri. We love having company, but hardly ever do since we're so far from everyone. Our visits included a trip to the zoo, movie night, and a piece of our "wedding cake." My mom had one made for us since we weren't able to save our top layer {didn't want to transport it 9 hours!}. So sweet!! 

We celebrated our first year by taking a trip to Kansas City... I surprised Derek with an original page of a  Captain America comic by an artist he likes, we went to a Sporting KC game {so much fun, we love soccer!!}, and Derek indulged me by taking me to a fancy restaurant and letting us stay in a nice hotel! We had a blast!! {And I may or may not have made up for the fact that I never shop in Garden City... shhhh! Teachers need new school clothes too! ;)}

After Kansas City, we decided to head down to the Springfield area to visit family and friends for a few days before heading home. I was able to spend some quality time with my favorite little girls, kill myself relax at the lake with friends, and stuff my face full of the best Chinese food ever. If you live anywhere close to Marshfield, you've gotta get yourself some Oriental Inn!! It's sooo good, people!

Such a great month!! What were some of your July highlights?

Year One...

{via Twin Town Studios}

This is the year I moved nine hours away from "home" to build a new home with my love.

This is the year I probably cried everyday for six months.

This is the year I started a "big girl" job, and didn't think I would make it to December {let alone May}.

This is the year I realized that marriage is awesome! But it's not always awesome.

And this is the year I learned that I might not be as perfect as I probably thought I was.

but...

This is also the year that I realized even a couple hours with the man you love is better than 24 with anyone else.

This is the year I learned to truly appreciate my family and friends and not take a single minute for granted. 

This is the year I realized that joy, happiness, and gratitude are decisions I must make everyday.

This is the year I learned that it really is the small things that make life great... and that a dance party with the man you love can turn your whole week around.

And this is the year that confirmed I've found my other half.

Crazy, crazy year one, you have taught me so many lessons in your short 12 months. Thanks for the memories!

Love you Derek, thanks for choosing me!!

Best Day Ever, part 2

In honor of our anniversary month, I've decided to share some of my favorite pictures from my favorite day. Today I'll be sharing our more "traditional" wedding pictures. I shared our wedding details here and the story of my wedding dress here! Be sure to check them out if you haven't already!

We definitely wanted to get the pictures out of the way before the ceremony. It was nice to be able to simply relax and enjoy ourselves at the reception and not have to worry about extra pictures.

We decided to keep our wedding party pretty small. Derek chose his two brothers and a friend he's had since middle school {Josh was actually in all 3 of the Thompson weddings, he's practically a brother}. I chose my 3 bffs who are all basically sisters, since I don't have any of my own. I've known Maryl since I was born, Kimberly since she was born {6 weeks after me. We're cousins, too}, and Anna since first grade. Don't know what I'd do without those girls!! Our flower girls were Kimberly's oldest daughters, Addie and Emme and our ring bearer was my cousin Eli.

Here's Derek, Brady, Josh, and Chris making sure we're on schedule. They all wore antique pocket watches passed down from their grandfathers. How cool, right?!

 Maryl, Kimberly, me and Anna chillin' at the reception. We just pose like that naturally.

I didn't want a boring traditional family photo, so we made a heart! :) Everyone in this picture is related to us, but there's a lot more that couldn't make it. Fun fact: out of all these people only 6 of them are from Derek's side... I have a big family!

We had a community prayer with our immediate families and wedding party after we lit the unity candle... maybe my favorite part of the ceremony.

Don't let this picture fool you, we lasted on that bike for about 15 seconds... that's why we don't have a better picture!

I hope you've enjoyed a peek at our special day. I can't believe it was already almost a year ago! Do you have your wedding pictures posted? I'd love to check them out! I love weddings!!

Our photographer was Adie Gateley of Twin Town Studios and I absolutely loved her! We had a horrible experience with our original photographer after our engagement pictures and were fortunate enough to book Adie pretty late in the game. She understood exactly what I was wanting and was so great to work with. I would definitely recommend her! 

*Some of these pictures were also taken by our friend Les. He doesn't have a business, just a nice camera and a good eye. Thanks Les!