Sunday, February 20, 2011

First Blog

So this is our first family blog.  It might be hard to catch you up on the last combined 44 years of our life (lives), so we will start on the last few months.

I met Jess at a get together a few days before the semester started in August 2010.  It was a "Thirsty Thursday."  I don't remember what was served, but it's usually slushies in the Summer and hot chocolate in the Winter.  We quickly became friends (through the encouragement of my roommate over the Summer - Jaiden Olsen).


Jaiden told me in the middle of the Summer about a girl he wanted me to meet.  She was in Israel at the time, so I had to wait until the semester started.  Was it love at first sight?  We don't believe in that sort of thing, but Jess certainly had a lot more interest than I did at first.  But I have since repented - obviously!

We were engaged on Nov 10, 2010.  We had dinner up here at Hamilton's Steakhouse (courtesy of the diamond store) and then went up to the Logan Temple.  It was freezing!!  And super-windy! But the sight was amazing.  In the unused, southwest doorway I got down on my knee and asked Jess to marry me.  She said yes!!  I hopped up and gave her a great big hug and kiss.  I must have only been on my knee for about 3-4 seconds.

We planned our wedding in a matter of 7 weeks.  We were married in the Manti, Utah Temple (Mormon Temple) on December 30, 2010.  It was such a great day!  It was great to have so many people we love at our reception.

We had a honeymoon in Florida.  Let me say that Florida is a LOT nicer at the beginning of January than Utah in January.  We then had another reception there for my family and friends in the Southeastern United States.

Here are some pictures of our honeymoon.



I didn't even notice the painting at the restaurant in Disney World until after we had finished eating. (I certainly chose the best path!)

Cinderella's Castle at Disney World

Jess and I at the Orlando Temple

View of the beach in Florida (from the road)

Jess says she could have put her head in farther.

But we all know I'm the one that came up with this crazy photo

Castillo de San Marcos in St Augustine

Castle fort in St Augustine

The lighthouse in St Augustine (it's a famous one)

View from top of lighthouse (it was VERY windy!)

Spiral staircase in the lighthouse



Since then we have moved into our apartment, started a crazy school schedule, and moved into a great ward.  We are in the Logan 19th Ward in the Logan Central Stake.  We've been making great friends and have great neighbors.

So far life has been great!  Our first dinner was cooked with some imagination mixed with ingenuity...



Yes!  Those are eggs frying on a pizza pan.  We have since gotten some kitchenware.

Next time we will add pictures of our wedding.

Today we are thankful for (Pres. Monson's counsel): 
Jess - Friendly neighbors/ward members
Matt - A wonderful wife

p.s.  If you want to know about anything, just ask!