Welcome

Well we are starting a new life together, and figured we should create a place where those we love can follow what is going on in our lives, and keep in touch with us quickly and easily.

We are married and settled into our new home.

The wedding went off without a hitch. The day dawned bright and clear, a miracle for this area. Britt and Nikole ran around all morning (after church) trying to get everything done; the reception hall set up (with the help of the guys), the flowers picked up (they used blue roses which Nikki had asked them not to do, but it looked pretty), spent 2 hours in hair and makeup, and then went upstairs to get married.

The ceremony was beautiful, the only drawback was that we had forgotten inserts for Nikole's shoes, so her feet were killing her from the get go. We had a Russian documentary film crew filming the wedding for their documentary, and hopefully we will be able to get ahold of their footage. We took the lots of pictures, and left under a cloud of beautiful bubbles.

The reception also went well, there was plenty of food, wonderful toasts, and Nikole was thankful she didn't trip on the first dance. Herman did smash the cake into her face though.... which she was not expecting, but it was funny

People left during the first dance, which saddened us, but we were able to go to the hotel somewhat early and get some much needed rest. Interestingly enough, we were in the room next door to the matron of honor, Lu.

The next couple of days were stressfull since the weather decided to become foggy again, and flights weren't making it out. Everybody had to stay an extra day, but they all finally made it off the island, and we moved out of the trailer.

Apartment hunting was frustrating. We either over qualified for an apartment (meaning we're too rich) or underqualified (we're too poor). The stuff that we qualified for never seemed to be as nice as the stuff we over or under qualify for. We were in Herman's sister's nursery... and since she was due in the next month, we wanted to get out of her way ASAP.

We found a place finally which had two bedrooms, was close to the freeway (practically on top of it.. although surprisingly quiet) and Nikki now has her baby boys back. We were approved on the morning of St Herman's feast day (Herman's patron saint), so we are very grateful.

We are now settled into our new home, unpacked and have survived the first wave of visitors.

My mom was in town this weekend and stayed with us in our office/guestroom. The visit went well, even with Herman being gone for most of the weekend. He attended his best friend's wedding in Eastern Washington Saturday evening, then drove back that night and arrived early in the morning on Sunday. He was exhausted so he slept while Mom S and Nikole went to church.

Then Tim (Nikki's youngest brother) and his friend came down Sunday afternoon to go to the VANS INTERNATIONAL something or other at the Lloyd center. So they stayed the night and everyone left Monday morning.

Today Nikole had an interview for a counselor position, and our cable, internet and home phone are hooked up. Now we won't have to drive the 20 minutes to Herman's sister's house just to check e-mail and job boards.

Our newest nephew was born August 15th, 2007 (three weeks early) and both mother and son are doing well.

Life is good, and we are doing well