China Iphone Pictures

Day 1 Exploring Beijing

Today was our first day exploring china. We were all up by 5am and not by choice, I think we can blame jet lag... We had breakfast at the hotel buffet. They had the traditional breakfast food, but also some strange options like baked beans and a salad bar. I tried to fill up on breakfast because I had no idea what would be served at lunch. We started our tour soon after. Our first stop was a jade museum/factory. We learned about the different colors and types of jade. We also made a few special purchases. Next stop, the Great Wall of China! It was so amazing to see in person. Little sister and I almost made it to the top section. Some parts were so steep. All the stairs were different heights. Many of the steps were worn down from all the people visiting. The section we visited was called JuYong. By the time I got down my legs were so shaky and tired. I am going to be sore tomorrow! After the Great Wall climb we went to a group lunch. There was quite a few dishes to choose from and I tried most of them. I also used chop sticks to eat, not an easy tasks. In the bottom part of the restaurant was a cloisonné factory. It was so interesting to see how they make everything. On our way back to the hotel we drive by the Olympic park and saw the many cool buildings built for the Olympics. 

We made it!

After over 24 hours of traveling we finally made it to our hotel in Beijing. Our flights went very smoothly but we are exhausted. We explored the hotel looking for some dinner options but decided to go the safe route and order room service. Spring rolls, beef dumplings, and fried rice with soy sauce really hit to spot. Although by this point anything is better than airplane food. Met a few families in our travel group tonight and tomorrow we will meet the rest at orientation. Going to bed in a little bit... It's only a little after 6pm here. We will definitely be well rested for the Great Wall of China tomorrow.

Wordless "All Packed for China" Wednesday

Fixing the boat

Before we went on the house boat trip we had a lot of work to do on the boat. Well mostly Trevor did. The motor was leaking oil and water and needed new gaskets. Well one thing led to another and we ended up gutting the whole boat and putting new carpet in. 

I helped a little... unbolting all the seats and feeding all the workers. 

Trevor worked on the boat every night for about two weeks in order to get it finished for the houseboat weekend. Thankfully he had lots of friends who helped too. 

Trying out the boat after the new carpet is in. Now it just needs more seats and a motor! 

 Trevor finished everything 10 pm the night before the trip. Lots of hard work but we had a lot of fun with it out on the lake. It floated and everything ran pretty good! Trying to get in a few more trips before summer ends. 

House Boat Trip

For our anniversary weekend we rented a houseboat with a group of friends. We had perfect weather, low 90's. There were 12 of us total. We had lots of fun just relaxing on floaties and hanging out. 

Trevor and Jeff tired out the relaxation station first. 

Then Alissa and I kicked the boys off and took over. 

Trevor decided to tryout the alligator. 

All the girls! 

Sisters :)

 

All the boats lined up. 

 Sun Tanning on the top deck

 My little sister even came to help us celebrate!

 My hubby and I together one year!

We had so much fun we already put our deposit down for next summers trip! 

So fun for Trevor and I to celebrate our one year of marriage with a great group of people. 

One Year Anniversary!

We celebrated our one year anniversary on August 11th!

I can't believe a year has gone by. I still think back to that perfect day.... I can't imagine a more perfect wedding and I love being married to my best friend. 

Trevor surprised me with flowers and the sweetest card for our anniversary. We also celebrated by going to dinner at Texas Road house and renting a redbox. 

Thank you for the best first year of married life I could ask for! Can't wait to spend many more with you! 

Annie and Ruby meet!

My sister got a little black lab a few months ago named Pistol Annie or Annie Oakley. I think her name changes every day. My mom currently calls her butter butt because the little mischievous puppy has ate a tub of butter. Twice. 

So Annie and Ruby finally got to meet when we went to the beach. Cousins forever! And that calls for a doggy photo shoot! 

Ruby rockin' her 4th of July attire. 

Annie was over the photo shoot before we even started... 

Ruby is almost to big to carry! 

"Do we have to kiss??" 

Annie Oakley. 

Daddy and Ruby.

Mommy and Ruby

Time out together.