Home for the Holidays

I have been blessed this Holiday season to be able to spend a lot of my time with family and friends and also have some special events happen. Like most of my life I traveled around like crazy but it was all worth it. Traveling is always enjoyable it when you get to be with the friends and family you love.

My first adventure began in Texas where I flew over to be a part of my some of the best friends, Meredith and Brian's wedding. Dennis met me out there the day of the rehearsal dinner and was a real trouper with being jet lagged after a 12 hour flight and switching time zones. The wedding was a blast and the bride looked so BEAUTIFUL! I was so happy that I could be a part of their special day. During our Texas trip, Dennis and I also got to take some photos with the amazing photographer and friend, Leaha! Here are a couple of previews and a link to the video. She did an wonderful job and I was thrilled when she agreed to come out to Maui to photograph our wedding : )

The video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcwl27XyW8w&feature=youtu.be

The Ladies at Gallatrios in NOLA

Next we made our way to New Orleans to spend some quality time with my new family. On this trip I got to be more like a tourist which was so much fun. We went down to the French Quarter and had some beignets at Cafe Du Monde and did a little shopping. Also got to hit up the infamous Gallatrois with all the ladies which is the place to be and be seen. What a fun evening that was. It was a wonderful trip. I  then left Dennis in New Orleans and went to go spend my Christmas with my family down in the sunny West Palm Beach. This will probably be the last Christmas that Dennis and I spend alone with our families so it was very special to us. Next year we will probably be in Maui for Christmas : ) and after that we will probably be switching every year from WPB to NOLA.

Christmas Eve at Grammy's with the cousins

Christmas with my family is always a special time for me. It is probably my favorite time of the year since I get to spend it with the ones I love. We have Christmas Eve at my Grammy's house where all the family attends and we eat and open presents. My favorite part of that time is giving Grammy her presents. Dennis and I got her the symbol of love from Korea carved in Jade. South Korea is a big deal to my family since my Grammy adopted my Uncle Kenny from there many years ago and now Dennis and I got married there. So I thought this gift was very appropriate. Christmas Day is really special because it's just my immediate family, Naner, and Uncle Scott. It's such an intimate family setting with gift opening and giving. We followed Christmas morning with our traditional waffle breakfast that Aubrey and Scott made and it was delicious as usual. At night time we invite the Glynn family over and eat a big feast followed by an intense game of Guesstures. Naturally my team won again this year. I love our Christmas traditions, they are really what make the holidays such a wonderful time.

One of the best endings to our year is the annual Do Nothing Day (DND)which was held on the 27th of December this year. It is a day where Uncle Scott, Aubrey, and I do nothing but sit on the couch all day and watch movies. When I say nothing I mean nothing. This year our t-shirts came in a little late but they were well worth it once they arrived. Another successful Do Nothing Day in the books.

Do Nothing Day T-shirts

As most of you know Dennis and I got legally married while we were over in Korea and will be having the whole official ceremony over in Maui this coming December. We thought it would be nice to have a celebration at home with family and friends especially since most of them will not be able to make the trip out to Hawaii. The celebration was at my Grammy's house on the porch and it was PERFECT!  The weather was beautiful and with all the elegant decorations there was nothing more that I could of asked for. My mom catered the event and had the most amazing hor-dourves and dinner. The DJ was fantastic and we danced the night away. I want to thank everyone who attended this special event. Especially my friends who flew and drove in from out of town. Thank you also to all the people who made this event possible and helped with the set up and clean up. Thank you Grammy for allowing us to have this event at your beautiful home. It wouldn't of been possible without all of you. Thank you for making Dennis and I's night so special. We truly appreciate all your love and support in this special time in our lives.

Florida Reception

After the celebration some of my friends stayed in town and we got to celebrate New Years together. I took them to downtown clematis where we got to watch some beautiful fireworks at midnight. It was a fun evening and thank you to my pregnant friend Megan for being the DD and keeping us all safe. After that I got to show my Texas friends, Megan and Jeremy, around Florida a little bit. Took them to the beach and some of the hot spots in the Palm Beaches. It was so great having them in town a little longer. One of the nights we were out to dinner Megan and Jeremy asked me to be the Godmother of her baby girl, Tegan. I was so honored that they chose me to be such a big part of their daughters life and I can't wait to meet their little bundle of joy in late March.

Only a few days after dropping my last friends at the airport my family headed down to Fort Lauderdale to hop on a flight to the Bahamas. This was a special trip for my family since it was just Me, my parents, and my sister, Aubrey. Sadly, it will probably be our last trip together just as a family since I will be moving to Japan in August so it was going to be extra special. We had a great time in the Bahamas as usual and did a lot of gambling, eating, and laying out in the sun. My family loves to laugh and have a great time and this trip was no exception. Thank you Mom and Dad for giving Aubrey and I such a wonderful Christmas present.

Hayes family in the Bahamas! 

After I got back from the Bahamas my mom and I went wedding dress shopping again and I was set on this being my final time. Thankfully I found a shop that was carrying a dress that was exactly what I was looking for. I tried on that dress and finally had that feeling that THIS IS THE ONE!!! I can't wait to wear this beautiful dress in Maui this December!!

So last but not least I headed to Texas one more time for my friend Megan's baby shower. Every time I visit Texas I have a wonderful time. My friend Meredith hosted the baby shower at her house and made it so special for Meagan. She did a wonderful job and I think Megan really enjoyed it. My Texas friends brought me to the airport and now I am here making my way back to South Korea. I am excited to see Dennis but will miss being with my family and friends too. Dennis and I will be heading back to the states in early March and probably going straight to New Orleans for our at home reception there. We can't wait!!

I hope all of you had a Happy Holiday season and I look forward to seeing you all again in the Spring!