Day Fifteen Hundred and Thirty-Nine

The Best Part of Waking Up is...Seeing Grandma

Grandma drove me all the way over to Olympia and stayed the night at Grandma Katy's just so she could spend some extra time with me. I have the best Grandma ever! She listened to my scream in the car, she listened to me sleep with my sound machine, and she even listened to my half hour long Baby Einstein show without complaining once! Then, she hosted a dance party in the front seat while Daddy and Mommy ran inside to rent a car. She's the nicest girl, really. And the most fun. I loved that I could wake up to her cuddles yesterday morning before she drove all the way back to Spokane - a five hour drive at least! 

Thanks for the ride, Grandma! And thanks for the extra time, mostly. Those hours mean so much to me. And to my mom and daddy too. Especially since we don't get a whole lot of them. MWAH! See you in February! I love you with all my heart and I'm so glad and lucky and blessed and proud that I have such a generous and thoughtful woman in my life to call my own. Oh and PS, please come to Florida so you can sleep in my room with me. You can help me paint it too. I want gold and cream horizontal stripes. I heard you're good with a paint brush.

I woke up to my grandma, but I went to sleep to all these friends! 

It was a reunion that was much anticipated and exactly what we needed to make this trip even better than it's already been! We miss you and love you, Oly friends! Dad and Mom were sure glad to see your faces!

Day Seven Hundred and Forty-Nine

The Reality of It All

Yesterday was just as crazy a day as any other day this trip. 

But yesterday had one thing that the others didn't: Reality Olympia...the first church Adam and I ever attended together.

We spent our Sunday morning praising with old friends...friends who played a tremendous role in challenging and changing our lives for the Gospel. We've forever grateful and thankful for their genuine, overflowing passion for the Lord. And we're especially excited about what God's doing in Adam's hometown.

12 hours passed before we sat down here.

At a little bar outside the terminal, an hour before our 6 hour flight from Seattle to Jacksonville was scheduled. We had a VERY long night/day ahead of us, so we decided to enjoy one little drink together before our lives turned another level of hectic. Inhale. Exhale. We got this. Just not a home yet...

Day Seven Hundred and Forty-Seven

The Conley Crew

Adam and I have been on a Washington whirlwind for the past 16 days. It’s been such a rewarding trip, but we’re a lot - A LOT - tired. Last night though, we were able to take a little break from our crazy schedule and sat down for a nice Olive Garden dinner with Dad, Tracy, and Alex. And yes, dessert too. I ate half a pumpkin cheesecake slice and it was every calorie worth it! Mmmmmm.

Love my Conley men!

Looky this! Larry opened up the Jacksonville Suns’ website last night to show me a little surprise. See that big lefty on the right?! That’s Adam on the Suns’ homepage! How awesome!

And then...there was a groomsmen pyramid in the living room...

And then a wrestling match...

Put half of Adam’s best friends in one room and there’s bound to be silly shenanigans! My boy has missed his boys, and since being back, he’s been able to spend some good, quality moments with them. And we’re so thankful for that! 

Day Five Hundred and Sixty-Four

The Ugly Purple Sweatshirt

This photo cracks me up.

Adam and John are locked in a heated lesson about dividends and interest and gains. 

Marty is on the phone with their secretary regarding our taxes.

You can't see me, but I'm selling a locket to the waiter.

All while sitting around a Hibachi grill trying to figure out what to order.

:)

We just love these two.

They've taught us so much. And have helped us even more.

Last night, they took us to dinner once again and in the three hours around the corner of that table, we covered a lot of ground. Adam and I have so much to consider in the next few months, thanks to their willingness to be completely honest and upfront with us. They're all about Jesus, so it's easy to trust them in their suggestions. We feel so blessed to have them in our lives and truly cherished the time we got to spend with them this week. Love you guys!

But we really hated your sweatshirt, Marty

Get that Husky nonsense out of my sight!

GO COUGS.

Day Five Hundred and Five

The Smith Pickup

Miami: round 2!

For the second week in a row, we found ourselves exploring the very narrow lanes of Miami, Florida. It's an hour and a half drive from Jupiter, and road sign mile markers are almost unnecessary. You just know when you're getting close to The Magic City - magically, all the lanes shrink half a size. And in our truck, it's not an easy transition. 

Waiting for us only 80 miles away from our home were these two beauties. RHYAN SMITH EVERYONE! Rhyan and his wife Kari returned from a week long cruise in the Western Caribbean and, lucky us, we were there to pick them up from the boat and drive them 20 minutes north to Fort Lauderdale. Rhyan (you've all met him before, but I'll refresh your memory) was Adam's Young Life leader and mentor in high school. He holds a very dear spot in our hearts and played an integral role in shaping the relationship Adam and I share with each other and with the Lord. Rhyan is a man whom we hold in the highest regards and cherish every moment we get with him and his sweet Kari. Sitting beside Fort Lauderdale's oceanfront for lunch, the four of us got a chance to catch up and talk real life. My favorite.

And just a little fun diet update:

Shepard's Pie on the left plate. Cavman's Pie on the right. 

His contents: beef, corn, mashed potatoes

Her contents: beef, broccoli, sweet potatoes

Day Four Hundred and Ninety-One

The Head Coach

By: Adam

Technology can sometimes be a disastrous thing. I remember talking with Josh Martin in college about students who walk around campus for 4 or 5 years, headphones in, disconnected from the world around them, disconnected from the people around them. Technology can also be a blessing. On the screen of my phone in this picture is my High School Varsity Baseball coach Todd McDougall. He was recently diagnosed with brain cancer, at age 36. Todd is a Husband to Julie, and a father of his daughter Marlee, and twin boys Andrew and Dylan, He loves Jesus. Todd is also the offensive coordinator for the varsity football team at Olympia High School, and a huge part of the community there. 

One of Todd's best friends Steve Roth has been by his side for years. I don't know how long they have known each, or what they have gone through. I have a lot of great stories about the two of them. Steve also works with the football team, and is the Junior Varsity baseball coach at Olympia High School. Steve also teaches a biology class that all the students are terrified of. I felt that way, now I realize that Steve's intentions were never to scare anyone, or to intimidate them. But to motivate them, to show people they are capable of so much more than they realize. I can think of no one better to be along side Todd than his friend Steve Roth.

When I first heard the news about...(if I say Skip, or Mac, or Dougs, or coach, I'm talking about Todd...we never called him Todd) Mac, I was in dis-belief. Kendall and I were stunned to hear about the growth of the tumor, and that this could be happening to such an awesome husband, teacher, coach, influence, and mentor. We started praying.

Todd recently started radiation and chemotherapy in hopes to reverse the growth of the tumor in his brain. We pray that God's light be shown in Olympia, and that Todd will be used for God's glory. As someone who has made such a big impact on a city, and community, we believe God can use Mac for some amazing things. Updates on Todd can be found on a Facebook page called Friends for Todd McDougall, and on twitter found under the same name. God's movement in Olympia has been awesome from what we hear, Coach has given so much to Olympia, it only seems fit they would give in return. Opportunities to give, and support the McDougall's can be found on Facebook as well, but what they need most is prayer for a miracle. We love you Todd, "Attitude and Effort."

Day Four Hundred and Twelve

The Perfect Game Tournament

Running the base paths of the Marlins/Cardinals Spring Training fields are a group of highly talented high school baseball players from all over the country. They're here for The Perfect Game Tournament: by invitation only. Two of the Pacific Northwest prospects currently attend Olympia High School, where Adam graduated a year before these boys were Freshmen. Oly's varsity coach, McDougall, called Adam and let him know Cameron and Michael would be in town this weekend...so, we all got together and Adam did his best to paint a picture of what professional baseball looks like. And they got an ear full.

Cameron (left) is already committed to Washington State (GO COUGS) and Michael (right) has offers from several colleges, but has yet to decide where he'll play next year. If I had to make the choice for him, I'd tell him to march his way on down to Pullman. They've got a rad church there! (Yeah Resonate!) Oh, and an outstanding baseball program too ;)

Day Four Hundred and Five

The Routine Begins

Since the move from Greensboro, my workout routine has been anything but routine. Actually, the exact opposite. Some weeks, I'd be lucky to get in 3 workouts, and this past month in Washington...forget about it. I did what I could, but not nearly what I wanted to. So, now that I'm home and beginning to settle into the pace of Florida life, my exercise routine is being resuscitated back to life. And my body's going to love me for it! Juno Beach is only 4 miles away from our front porch, making bike rides an easy option. I'll be riding my bike a whole lot more now and I'm excited to see how my body responds to the brutality that comes with the territory of long rides. It hurts. But it hurts so good!

This is Ocean Drive...The Atlantic is on the left, about 50 feet from those bushes. This strip of road is one of the most popular places to be here in Jupiter. And it shouldn't be a guess why!

After my 10 mile ride, Wal Mart was up next on the list. We desperately needed to fill our fridge, and this is a little peek into what it looks like. Mix nutritionist with 14 year-old-giant and that should give you pretty close to the right idea. Adam's recently taken up bacon sandwiches, but doesn't know exactly what type of bacon he likes best. So, we bought two. Of course.

Washington kids unite! Although Adam hasn't exactly been in the mood to do much of anything lately, some of his friends from Olympia were in town and wanted to say hi. Hannah and Brett both came down to Florida to work/learn at Florida State University, which is in Tallahassee. They came through Jupiter on their way to Miami for the Miami/FSU football game, so we went to dinner with them!

Day Three Hundred and Ninety-Six

The Hectic Day of Peace

I really want to write. About so many things. But because of our schedule, it’s now 1:00 AM and we’re leaving for Spokane in less than 8 hours. Of all the days in Olympia, today was the busiest. Physically, emotionally, and especially spiritually. Adam and I grew a lot in the past 14 hours. It’s late and we have a lot to do, a long way to travel, but I feel that it’s important to express the lessons we learned in an appropriate and thorough way. I’m mentally drained and cannot focus well enough to fully elaborate on how we’re feeling right now. I think I’ll write a separate blog to explain myself in a couple of days. For now, I just can’t cover all of it tonight. Not nearly.  So instead, a slideshow will have to suffice.

If you live in Olympia and haven’t been to Cutter’s Point Coffee, do yourself a favor and go. Mmmmm. That’s some gooood coffee. They have superb management too…

Ryhan Smith, everybody! I could never, ever, say enough about how thankful Adam and I are for this man. He’s impacted our lives in a way that I am so grateful for, and the reason for why I’m feeling like I’m feeling today. The story and lesson I want to tell comes from our meeting with him this afternoon…it’s so good, but too much for right now. We love you, Rhyan. Thank you. Thank you so much.

Bonsai Teriyaki is the real reason we love coming to Olympia. But shhhh, you didn’t hear that from me! BEST food ever!!! (Besides Chipotle…then again, maybe they can tie).  We are crazy about Bonsai. Can’t get enough.

John Kiley, everybody! Just like Rhyan, this man changed the course of our life forever. We met John through Ryhan…totally and completely a God-Thing…and have since become very close friends. John and his business partner Marty are a couple of the most charismatic Christian men I’ve ever met. They’re wonderful. Just outstanding people. And without their guidance, I don’t know how Adam and I would’ve been married 13 months – to the day – ago. Another lesson and work of the Lord that I couldn’t even begin to explain right now. We love you, John. Thank you (and Marty) from the bottom of our hearts. 

Dad knows just how much Adam loves the Olive Garden, so he and Tracy treated us to dinner! We’ve been so incredibly busy - as have they - that we hadn’t really gotten to spend a good amount of time with them before tonight. With Alex now in Driver’s Ed, school in full swing, and Dad working a bunch of overtime, it’s been a bit of a struggle to find a time for us all to get together. BUT, we really had a wonderful evening with them over an especially delicious dinner. Adam misses his Pard immensely so it was a nice way to end our short visit here.

But before saying goodbye to Olympia, we made one last stop to the Harkness residence…where we got married! Alice and Dwayne are the model of what Adam and I would eventually like to see become of our marriage. They’re good, honest, hardworking, faithful and loving people who have raised an incredible family by putting the Lord at the center of their lives. It’s always a joy to see them, always a pleasure to pick apart their brains, and always a conversation that takes at least three hours to complete…we’re tired! Time for bed!

Day Three Hundred and Ninety-Four

The Friend is the Man Who Knows All About You, and Still Likes You

                                                        -Elbert Hubbard

Over the course of a year of blog writing and pitcure taking, I've managed to accumulate a few Know Better Love super fans. Wooo! I half-expected some of them - both mine and Adam's parents and all our grandparents - but others I wasn't expecting, and have since been blown away by their support. Every morning to begin her day at work, Rhonda opens our blog and gets an honest glimpse into Conley life. She's witnessed all of our highs and lows, happies and sads, and is always quick to send me a message at just the right time. I am so thankful for her kind words of encouragement and am blessed to have her continual support.

The funny thing about Rhonda and I is that we've only met once - and that was at our wedding. Adam and John were the best of buddies in college, which meant that Adam was also close to John's family. Rhonda is John's mom (Mike is his daddy!) and tonight, we all finally got to sit down together over a delicious sunset dinner. From our online conversations, I felt as though I already knew my new friend, but tonight, I gave her the biggest hug I could and confirmed every thought I ever had of her: just wonderful. Thank you for a perfect night, Rhonda, Mike, John, and Caroline!

This is the definition of collegiate disaster-ness. These three idiots (I say that in the most endearing and loving way possible) spent two years of their lives at the bottom of bottle. Since then, they've - of course - grown up a whole lot and Adam became a Christian. So, no more nights at the bottom of a bottle, but tonight they're back together and laughing over the crazy stories of life at WSU. We love John and Rick and are so happy to see them!!

So...it got really late here and we made the responsible decision to stay the night. We're about 70 miles north of Olympia and I'm much too tired to drive back. John pulled out the air mattress that we were to sleep on and in one minute, realized that that wasn't going to happen. There's a gigantic hole in the mattress. 

So, the boys spent a good portion of 20 minutes trying to brainstorm ways to plug the hole. To no avail. They sat there, throwing out preposterous ways to fix it, but really, they had no idea what they were talking about! John ditched the mattress and said, "Hey, effort was made guys. Effort was made." At least they have a nice leather couch for us to sleep on!

Day Three Hundred and Ninety-Three

The Feeling of Fall

Now that Adam and I are seasoned married people who live alone and cook for ourselves (ok, let’s be real…I do most of the kitchen stuff…that’s my job!), it’s always nice to return back to the premarital days of Mom’s cooking. This woman over in Olympia sure knows how to bake a turkey! I should have watched her prepare it because the finished product was some of the moistest bites of bird I’ve ever tasted! Tonight’s meal sure kicked off the autumn season for me. With Washington’s thermometer quickly plunging, the coziness of our turkey meal made the brisk chill outside a bit more manageable. Adam and I certainly aren’t used to these temperatures up here, but we’re surviving it and really enjoying the changing colors all around us. 

Adam is enjoying the change, so much in fact, that he decided to take his bathroom break in its beauty this afternoon! Ha! When he said he was going outside to relieve himself, I assumed that he’d take his business at least a bit into the woods for some privacy. Not so! The side of the shed was just enough for him! Good thing Katy doesn’t share a backyard lawn with either of her neighbors…only the trees! And no, Adam doesn’t just randomly decide that the toilet isn’t suitable for his needs. He’s house-broken man, just like the most of them, but today, we learned that until further notice, the potties are off limits until the park manager fixes a mishap in the sewer system somewhere. Booo.

 In completely other news: Sundays in Olympia totally rock. The Lord is alive in Washington State’s capitol city and we’re so thankful to be back here, praising and worshipping Him in a place that we love with people that we love.

Oh! And a GIGANTIC CONGRATULATIONS to my sweet friend Susan (Day 390...remember?!) who became a fiance today!!! Kyle finally proposed this afternoon and she said YES, of course! Wahoo! So excited for the two of them! MARRIAGE IS THE BEST!

Day Three Hundred and Ninety-Two

The Great Blue Yonder

My Mom surprised us with yet another first this afternoon, Kendall and I for the first time ever went sailing. it was so much fun, but proved to be very challenging, especially with little food and water. We were unsure what to expect, and essentially only brought our willingness to learn and a pack of beef jerky on the adventure. we learned a few terms about sailing, and also that baseball chatter has nothing on sailors. there is all sorts of names for the parts of the boat, what to do with them, what to do with yourself, and what direction to go. We had a blast, and wore ourselves out doing it!

Not only did we go sailing today, but it was a race. It was awesome seeing all different types of boats, ranging in size, color, design, and crew. We were the only rookies out on the water today as far as we knew, but we confidently took the lines (rope) and pulled and tied and did our best to sail our boat with flying colors...figuratively and literally. the race was a two lap circuit around a flagged cone on the other side of the Puget Sound. On our way back to the Capital building side, we cast our Spinnaker, its a sail that as I would describe looks most like a pirate ship sail, and we were cruising! Well only 6 knots or so...which I think is like 7 and a half miles per hour. OK so it wasn't an afternoon necessarily cut out for adrenaline junkies, but we had a great time learning about how hard but peaceful sailing can be, what a year of experiences!

There she is! Kendall did great this afternoon, but without gloves our hands started hurting. She wore herself out and insisted I write the blog tonight. She has been doing so well in Washington but has definitely worn herself out. After helping her dad, grandma, and brother move, spend all this time away from home, and live on the road for three weeks, SHe has been holding up great. We have been having a great time, and we have mom to thank for the last two days of adventure!

Day Two Hundred and Seventy-Six

The Plastic Bins and Surprise Guests

This is what my husband looked like at 2 o'clock this morning. Beer in hand, backwards hat, and packing up the remnants of our life at Madison Woods Apartments. He decided last night that the best thing we could do for our marriage at this point was to move out of our current living situation. And so, he packed. Until 3 AM.

When we woke up, it was more packing for the Conley duo. I haven't seen Adam more determined in his entire life. Ok, that's a complete lie. But he was definitely on task, and constantly asking what he could do "next." We got all of our things packed up in less than 3 hours. Pretty good. 

And then my man left me. With an apartment full of bins. So? Alejandra and I moved them. In the pouring rain. And it was cool. It's always cool when I'm with my sweet Uruguayan friend. I can't get over how wonderful she is. I'm a lucky girl. Really lucky. She hauled half of those bins up the stairs right alongside me. As if they were hers. I'm so thankful for Ale!

And Adam informed me that next time, maybe we won't bring as much stuff. I'll have to think about that. 

Our things will be boxed up for a little while until we find another place to stay. Fortunately, Alejandra and Jose were kind enough to let us park our things in their living room! Here we are after moving 25 pound bins in the pouring rain! Stinky and sweaty, but still managing smiles!

Look who Adam found!!!! Surprise!!! 

Damon and Malia made the 8-hour drive from Montgomery, Alabama to Greensboro today...a pitstop on their mission of cross country driving over the next few weeks. From Alabama to Washington! Adam was so happy to see two of his best friends. It's not often that familiar faces make an appearance on this side of the states, and it was quite the needed refreshment. Adam lights up whenever he's around Damon. And Malia is irreplaceable. They're wonderful people, and friends that will forever remain by our side. We love you two and are so happy you're here!!

Day One Hundred and Forty

The Magical Embrace

DisneyWorld is three hours Northwest of Jupiter. And I couldn't have thought of a better way to greet the Magical Kingdom than in the arms of Rhyan Smith, Adam's Young Life leader from high school. And a man who's forever changed the course of the relationship between Adam and I. He's played a monumental role in Adam's walk with the Lord and helped to spark a conviction in the two of us that we're forever grateful for. He's a powerful tool in God's hands, and I can only pray that one day I'll be able to have touched the lives of as many people as he has, in the most sincere and graceful of ways. Our three hour trip parked us in the front of the Orlando World Center Mariott, a massively intense hotel equipped with more amenities than all the hotels I've ever stayed at combined. It's truly an impressive sight in itself. We visited poolside with him and his wife for a few hours, sharing the ins and outs of life, before they rushed off to finish another day of the National Young Life Leaders Conference, which is the reason for their trip 'cross country. It was so refreshing to find comfort in familiar faces, knowing that these people are the ones you hold onto forever. In recent days, they've seen the tremendous highs and lows that life can bring: from his father's murder to his new position as a pastor. In all the changes, sufferings, joys, accomplishments, and tears, they've rested in God's sovereignty and have faithfully served Him with an open heart. I can't say enough about what a beautiful example they've given us. Of strength. Of faithfulness. Patience. Forgiveness. Sacrifice. Trust. Perseverance. Love. Priceless gifts, indeed. 

A few more silly stories and a precious farewell marked the second part of our journey. We found our way to Downtown Disney and walked the streets of a fairytale scene. What a sight! But it wasn't long until a chilly breeze swept in and the sky started fading pink, so we decided to call it a day. Our short time spent in a free corner of Disney was enough to leave me craving for more. Next time we go, it'll be at least a weekend trip, full of magical rides and a child's imagination. Oh, and maybe by then, Adam's case of the 24-hour sneeze attack will have subsided. Goodness!

Overheard: "My hair looks that good in the back and you never said anything?!" 

(Yes, that was my husband. In all seriousness)

Day Eighty-Nine

The Harkness-Wannabes



A trip back West would've been incomplete without a special visit to the Harkness home. And we're not the type to leave business unfinished. We polished off a day of packing and consolidating with a much needed reunion. Alice and Dwayne welcomed us into their arms with unmatched enthusiasm and a bear-like grip. I could hug those two forever. Their passion and excitement for life and love is worn boldly on their sleeves, and it's just as contagious as any bug out there. Adam was blessed enough to watch their family dynamic over the years, and after meeting them last summer, I confirmed what he'd been thinking all along: this is the family we'd be lucky enough to call our own someday. And with their continual guidance, we'll be sure to give them a run for their money! They've truly got a GoOD thing going. It's hard to articulate just how much of an impact they've had on our lives, and in no way could I ever do them justice, but whenever we leave that home, our passion for life and family explodes into a frenzy of Harkness-emulated ideas that will mark the path of the Conleys forever. We are grateful for these two most wonderful people, and miss them dearly whenever we have to say goodbye. Thank you for all you've opened our eyes to.

Day Eighty-Eight

The Real McCoy

I need to stop cheating. And no, I'm not talking about the integrity of my game play. Originally, I said I'd post one picture a day for the entire first year of our marriage. But then there's nights like tonight when my indecisive nature gets the best of me and I end up with three different images! I should have suspected as much out of myself. Sometimes one just isn't enough. Except in the context of marriage. (Just needed to make that clear. Haha).  So, this trifecta is what I decided upon. And I'm happy with my choice. Adam and I enjoyed a long day with some of our most loyal and supportive friends, with conversations that always seem to revive pieces of our spirits. We're so grateful for true, honest, bold relationships in the name of the Lord. For dinner, we grubbed on pork and potatoes at Larry and Tracy's, and made sure to beat Alex in the real game of Scrabble. The words pard and wife graced the board, so you know that the battle was a good one. But as always, in the end, I came out the victor, beating my measly opponents by an embarrassing margin. Would you have expected any different? ;) 

We'll be headed to Spokane early Friday morning, making tonight the last time the five of us will be able to hang out...for a long time. A family picture was therefore in order, just so we'd have proof over the years that Busy-Adam wasn't always MIA. Love you guys!

Day Eighty-Seven

The Wedding Buddies

Niqalia and Nate walked down the aisle at our wedding together :)

Boys:
I woke up to a cuddle fest. Man-style. These two have been friends since 5th grade, and together, I question if they've made it to the 6th. Their late night shennanigans led to a slow, groggy morning, but the constant bursts of laughter and giggles made the night well worth it. However, I'm slightly concerned with both of their futures. They decided to drink the mead that was given to Adam and I at our wedding. Unbeknownst to any of us, mead is traditionally given to a couple at a wedding and drinking it is supposed to help fertility and having sons. I texted my aunt, who actually made the mead for us, and told her that they thought it tasted really good. She sent a quick response, saying, "I hope neither of them gets pregnant!" Me too, Aunt Kelly, me too. Although that might just be worthy of a picture of the day.

Girls:
This beautiful blondie has been my best friend since the very minute I was born. And don't let her small, vertically challenged, petite frame fool you: she's got me beat by three days. She stands a mature 4'11" but her personality boasts much taller. She tried telling Adam that the picture he took of the two of us somehow made her look abnormally shorter than me. His response? "There's no camera on Earth that'll make you look as tall as Kendall." Touche. Niqalia came down from Seattle on her day off to hang out with Adam and I. We reminisced in distant memories, shared new stories, perused Olympia's stores, and made intricate plans to change the world. She's a permanent memory storage bank, creating conversation that's especially rewarding. I've missed her dearly and was grateful that she was able to visit us! Love you girl!

Day Eighty-Six

The Batdorf Letters

Batdorf & Bronson is our favorite coffee shop. Ever. And Florida coffee pales in comparison. So, a trip to the local Olympia hangout was a must for us. We sprawled out across the giant table and began the thank-you-card process. And had so much fun! I started to miss this place more than I thought I would. The trees, the smells, the people, the colors. All so beautiful. But I soon realized that my toes were numb, my nose was dripping, and gas prices, well, they're just ridiculous. I guess 77 degrees matched with bad coffee and $3.21 Unleaded isn't so bad after all :) We later met Nate (one of Adam's groomsmen) at St. Martin's for a frosty toss of the ol' pill and finished off the night with a bottle of leftover wedding drink and some infamous Olympia High School story telling. Together, Adam and I paired up to create a perfect depiction of marriage for Nate, and I think given the right girl, Nate might just follow in our footsteps in a couple years. He just needs to learn this as a man:

You're either right, or you're happy.