Honeymoon in Hawaii

Just getting a jump start on my New Year's resolutions of journaling/blogging more frequently. I have loads to catch up on. And since I've now been married for 8 months, I figured I should add a new post to follow the wedding one.

The Honeymoon!

Mike and I enjoyed 7 wonderful days in Hawaii. I'll spare you the details, but since this is my online travel log, I need to at least share some pictures. We split our stay between Oahu and Maui, which turned out to be a perfect combination of busy and relaxing.

Upon arrival to Honolulu, we met a senior missionary couple at the airport and when they found out we were on our honeymoon, they offered us free tickets to the Polynesian Cultural Center. I'm so lucky to be married to a man who loves to strike up conversations with strangers wherever he goes! We took a day to drive the North Shore and stopped for shaved ice and shrimp trucks! We pretty much ate our way through Hawaii!!! We also took a day at the PCC and enjoyed it thoroughly!!! We stayed for the luau and fire show that evening. Our last day in Oahu, we spent in Honolulu visiting Pearl Harbor and Waikiki Beach. We arrived to Pearl Harbor around 10 am and found the tickets to see the USS Arizona sold out for the day. Then Mike, being his charming self, politely told the ticket person we were on our honeymoon and only there for one more day and that we really wanted to see the Memorial. They informed us that there are stand by tickets if we talk to the Park Ranger. Of course, we did and 4 minutes later walked right onto the boat taking us to the Memorial! I love that Mike doesn't mind asking for anything!!!

Our first Dance!!! We won for the newest married couple at the Luau!

Making friends at the PCC

Then we headed over to Maui. Spent a day at the beach snorkeling, swimming, lounging, drove the road to Hana and did all the side stops for waterfalls, tree swings, cliff jumping, and swimming in the Seven Sacred Pools. Maui was absolutely perfect with beautiful beaches and outdoor adventures!!!

We loved Hawaii! It is the most perfect place and I only wish it wasn't two 6 hour flights away!!!

Happy Day!

April 20, 2013 - Happy Day!!!

Everyone says that your wedding day should be the happiest day of your life. And they are right. April 20, 2013 was PERFECT! Nothing could keep my spirits down that day, not even unusually cold spring temperatures, rain and clouds. It was the best day of my life!

The wedding festivities started Friday night with a wedding dinner. We kept it really low key and just wanted a chance for families and wedding party to mix and mingle. Mike created a slideshow highlighting our dating story that we previewed for everyone. It was really sweet and I think we even saw some happy tears from Mike.  The evening turned out great! Thanks Kurt and Alisa for hosting!

Saturday started off with pancakes and bacon! Who says you can't eat on your wedding day! The morning flew by as my talented friend, Michelle did my hair and make-up and before I knew it, it was time to head to the temple!!

It was cloudy and rainy when arriving at the Draper Temple, but in all honesty, I didn't care. I was so excited to go inside and see Mike. I love being inside the temple as I always immediately feel peaceful and at home. I found Mike right away and I knew everything was perfect. The sealing was just right and all I really remember is smiling the entire time. I loved looking around and seeing all the people I love the most in the same room supporting me, it truly was a very special and tender moment.

I guess the rains came down hard while everyone was waiting for us to come out of the temple, but they stopped moments after exiting the temple. MIRACLE!!!

The rest of the day is a blur. The reception turned out beautifully. Thank you to everyone who helped plan, decorate, paint, and prepare!!!! I know that I might be biased, but my reception was the most fun wedding reception I've ever attended. Even Mike, who wasn't so sure about all the wedding festivities,  admitted he enjoyed every minute of the day! I only wish I could have spent more personal time with everyone.

Now some pictures to introduce Mr. & Mrs. Squires!!!!