{Honeymoon Hiatus}

Weeeee're Baaaaack!

Sadly (for us, but not so much for our dogs), we have returned from our oh-so-surreal honeymoon in the Caribbean. Here are a few pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Enjoy!

Mr. Finstad & I at Dulles Airport REEEEAAAALLY early, waiting for our flight to San Juan, PR

This is our ship, the Celebrity 'Millennium'. I had to live on it for 12 days before I could correctly spell 'Millennium'.

I took this shot of our suite's balcony the first morning, just after my breakfast had been delivered. I believe that that is St. Kitts in the background. What you aren't seeing is the private whirlpool off to my right. That's right boys and girls, I said whirlpool.

St. Croix!

I love these hats. Love, love, McLove. We bought them in St. Croix, and I'm pretty sure we would live in them if it were socially acceptable. And yes, I called Mr. Finstad 'Panama Jean' the whooooole trip.

This is how we spent our first Thanksgiving as a married couple. No complaints here! The photographers for this shot are our new friends Kevin and Janice, who we formed an unnatural attachment to and miss very much. Luckily for them, they live thousands of miles away ;)

I happened to wake up bright and early one morning and see this outside our window. Because we were out to sea, we were able to see the entire arc of the rainbow (damn you, non-panoramic camera!).

The Finstads all gussied up for dinner one night. Mmmm...Metropolitan Restaurant, where one can have steak EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT (loved that pretzel bread, too!)

Caught a few naps here and there. Hey, it's hard work eating non-stop and lying by the pool!

Speaking of pool, we did a LOT of this (drinking poolside). I wish people would walk around my house and offer me fruity drinks.

OK, OK...it wasn't ALL eating, napping by the pool, and enjoying fruity frozen deliciousness. We were able to swing an invitation-only tour of the bridge, and they even let me drive the ship! Not...

This is Steve, our Cruise Director. I am almost as sad about leaving him as I am about leaving Kevin & Janice. Despite the fact that he is an exact look-a-like for one of my exes, I really enjoyed waking up every morning and turning on the TV to his show, which would tell me what was going on on the ship, what shows/classes/events/diamond sales were happening that day, and what I should be sure to check out. I miss him coming over the ship's PA system to remind me of events. I miss him meeting us at the port terminals after an excursion with champagne spritzers and iced towels upon our return. Picture it...wouldn't it be nice for someone to greet you with a drink as you return from the grocery store? Wouldn't you enjoy having someone make announcements and reminders throughout the day ('Hey, Mandy! Just a friendly reminder that Jean will be home in 10 minutes!). Ah, Steve, we'll miss you...

Speaking of excursions, we enjoyed some GREAT ones. Here's one of our favorites, the 'Kukoo Kunuku' party bus tour and beach stop we enjoyed in Aruba.

I am REALLY excited about being on this cruise. REALLY excited.

Jean and I on our last night of the cruise, in front of our suite (#6139). Despite the smiles on our faces and the free champagne in our hands, we were pretty darn sad it was over.

~~~~~~~~~

Lastly, I'll leave you with this video. It's a 180* view from one side of our suite's balcony to the other one late afternoon while we were at sea. Yes, it's windy (and therefor loud), but hey, we're in the middle of the ocean, what do you expect? That being said, it's a pretty accurate view into what it's like to BE in the middle of the ocean. Amazing, terrifying, beautiful, peaceful, exciting.

We will be back because you did, in fact, make us feel like a celebrity.

{Whimsical Wednesday}

Every time I see this commercial now, I smile. We chose the song as our 'exit music' for our wedding reception. Those who know us, know just how appropriate this is for The Finstads :-)

And for those who just can't get enough Patrick & Eugene, here's the full song:

Smile :-)

{To Michigan and Back}

We're back! Last Thursday us Finstads packed up Windy the Jeep and hit the road to Michigan for our friends Betsy and Ryan's wedding, in which Jean was a groomsman. Here's a little taste of what it's like to travel with Jean and I:

9:15 AM - We're off!

9:25 AM - 'Man, I could really use some Starbucks...'

9:30 AM - 'Ummm, I'll have a grande Pike Place original roast'

9:35 AM - 'OK, let's go! No more stops!'

10:15 AM - 'We need gas. And breakfast. Sheetz?'

10:45 AM - 'I'm never eating again...'

11:00 AM - (VeggieTales Silly Songs CD plays in the background)

2:00 PM - Stop at Sbarro for gross pizza

6:10 PM - 'So. This is Michigan?'

6:11 PM - 'What the heck is with the no left turns in this dumb state?!'

6:13 PM - 'What's a 'Coney'?'

6:15 PM - Yaaaay! Our hotel!

After checking in to the hotel we researched places to eat and decided on 'Nikolas', where the broasted chicken is mutant.

Seriously, the portions are so huge, and the prices so low, it's a compulsive eater's dream and us fat kids' nightmare. Have a gander at my APPETIZER plate of chicken wings, AFTER I had eaten my fill (I was able to eat a whopping FOUR wings). Maybe I shouldn't have filled up on gross Sbarro.

Friday we were able to meet up with our always-lovely NSA buddy Sarah D'Agostino for more Starbucks (what a treat!), though unfortunately the visit was cut a bit short due to sickie lil'uns. Friday night was the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner where we finally got to see the bride and groom, as well as the rest of the wedding party.

On Saturday, we slept. Seriously, I can't remember the last time I slept that late. Sitting on our butts in the car finally caught up with us! Jean met up with the rest of the groomsmen to 'get ready' (whatever THAT means for guys) while I hung at the hotel. The beautiful ceremony was at 4:30, followed by the gorgeous reception at the Henry Ford Museum at 6:15. If you ever get the chance to visit the museum - DO EEET! SO much fun stuff to see and do. Look mom, I'm a hot dog at the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile Exhibit!

Sunday found us at the home of the bride's parents for a brunch, then back on the road! The trip back was...ahem...not quite as 'quick and easy' as the trip there. That's one LONG drive! We're were oh-so-thankful to see our wee apartment again, as well as our very own pillows.

Eee! That's us!

{Be Still My Heart...}

...and my eardrums!!

One of our favorite couples (thank you Akkermans!) sent a wedding gift this week.

Needless to say, Jean is still dancing around the house with joy :)

{Lead Me...}

One of the shortest but most precious memories from our wedding was dancing together to the song 'Lead Me' by Sanctus Real. We listen to a lot of Contemporary Christian music both in the house and in the car, and this quickly became one of our favorites. Each time I hear this on the radio, I can't help but remember Jean singing along to me while we danced (thank God for memory burn!)

I invite you to take the few minutes to play the video below, listen to this beautiful song, and read along with the lyrics.

Father, give me the strength

To be everything I'm called to be...

{Wordless Wednesday}

Needs no words...

{Top Ten Tuesday}

I might typically choose a Top Ten more closely related to our homestead, but given recent events, I thought you might enjoy a wedding-related post (more pics than this are forthcoming, I promise!!). Enjoy!

Top Ten Favorite Moments From Our Wedding

10. The adorable (and delicious!) cake, copied from an 'Ace of Cakes' design

Chocolate mousse & carrot cake, covered in hazelnut buttercream

9. That stunner of a dress

Not-so-casual dress for our oh-so-casual nuptials :)

8. Dancing with my honey

First dance - 'French Fries and Gravy' by Justin Trawick

7. The touching toasts

Matron-of-Honor Laine Sime gives a heartfelt toast

6. Our day, our way (full of love & silliness!)

Cake cutting?

5. Family

Jean shares a special moment with his grandfather

4. Great music

Ken Francis Wenzel - Crosskentucky

3. Daisies, daisies everywhere!!

Mom and I spent hours collecting flowers, the florist provided even more daisies, and the giant wooden daisy that Jean made for me even made an appearance on the side of the barn.

2. THE video

Jean surprised me with the most touching video greeting of friend from the UK and Ireland who were unable to attend the wedding. I didn't want to 'ugly cry'. So much for that :)

1. Marrying my best friend!

{Say Yes If You'll Be Mine...}

Thank you to all of our family & friends

for making our wedding day unforgettable.

We love you all!

(many more pics to come!)