Turning 23

This blog post is a bit late, but better late than never! On July 14, I turned 23. There's nothing special about that age I had thought, but Russell made sure I had a special birthday weekend. The reasons why I love this man increases infinitely everyday.

He surprised me my taking me up to Santa Barbara for my birthday weekend. We stayed in a cozy little Bed & Breakfast that was a block away from the beach and a couple blocks from the zoo. They even had bikes we can borrow for free and ride along the beach.

   

Look at the pretty scenery. And Russell.

Pretty Santa Barbara beach.

Making faces

 We also ate a lot of food and walked around little crafts stands. The zoo was one of our favorites. I'll always have a soft spot for elephants and turtles.

At the zoo

I couldn't have asked for a better birthday. As for my presents, Russell got me a pink phone case and a pink bible. My sweet husband is the best.

We Interrupt This Program...

One day, I will get back to blogging regularly. But for now, check out this beautiful sneak peek of me and Russell's wedding day. Our photographer, Sarah Tamagni, is about finished with our wedding photos and was able to put a few up on her blog for us to swoon over.

The wedding day went by so fast. Russ and I are so lucky to have had a talented photographer help capture these moments for us--beautifully and skillfully so. And without further ado, enjoy!

Russell and Katrina wedding photos: http://www.sarahtamagniphoto.com/?p=2853

The Wait by Richard Brautigan

It seemed
like years
before
I picked
a bouquet
of kisses
off her mouth
and put them
into a dawn-colored vase
in
my
heart.

But
the wait
was worth it.

Because
I
was
in love.

Movies, Beach, and Driving

This past weekend has been so good for Russell and I. He's been doing better and has more energy to go out now.

On Friday, we went to a free event at the OC Great Park. They were playing E.T. at the park and were also offering free stargazing at night. They had brought in a group of astronomers with high-powered telescopes and we were able to see the Ring Nebula, Saturn, and Venus. There were other telescopes pointed at other planets but we weren't able to get in lines for those.

E.T. and star gazing at the Great Park.

 On Saturday, Russell wanted to go to the beach so we went to Laguna Beach in the morning. Russell packed us a lunch and we ate on the sand then walked around afterwards. Later that night, we were able to go out with some old friends and meet new friends.

An overcast morning. 

And on Sunday, Russell drove for the first time since he's been out from the hospital! Look at the artsy photo I tried to take:

Russell driving.

It's been an event-packed weekend filled with lots of laughter and fellowship with new and old friends. It's been helpful being surrounded with people who have prayed for us and encouraged us. We've been blessed with great families, a loving church, and a wonderful community of friends. We're so excited to see where God will take us!

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
                James 1:2-4