Eric,

You would get a laugh out of this. I changed my password for this google account because I was so afraid you'd find it somehow when using my computer and see this blog before I was ready to show you. So I went to log in and couldn't remember my password. I guess that's what I get for keeping secrets from you! You always find a way to get them out of me, but not this time... at least not for a few more months :)

We have been so excited lately that spring has finally arrived. It seems like it's been months, weeks, and days since we have had a few days (or even 1 day) where it has been both warm and sunny. We have our garden planned out - sorta - and will be planting that soon. Our night time walks haven't been so short thanks to the added daylight and warmth. Despite your northern upbringing, you sure have gotten pretty sensitive to 40-50 degree weather! And you think I'd have a hard time moving North... In addition to our walks, you tested me with a sprint workout this past Sunday, which I still have sore hamstrings from 2 days later. You were a good coach though, I am a tough student when it comes to convincing me I can sprint.

With the ups, we have had some downs lately too. On the list of people who are no longer with us are your Mom Mom, 2 of my family's friends, and my cousin's dog (you consider dogs to be people, so I thought it safe to put Zoe on the list). You impressed me alot with the composure you had at your grandmother's funeral. You got many well deserved compliments on the reading you did for her service, and I know she would have been proud of you. She was always so sweet, and yet spunky, even at the age of 90, and I am very glad I had the opportunity to meet and talk with her some.

On to some happier things, wedding planning seems to have made it past the "major decisions" stage! Once I decided to take the bull by the horns on a few things, the only big thing left to worry about right now is getting a DJ. After me dealing with them for months, I can't begin to say how thankful I am that you offered to handle it from here. Not that they were that hard to deal with, but when you say you are sending stuff to someone, you should send it!! Not wait until they have asked for it 3+ times over the span of 3 months and threatened to go with someone else if you do not get it soon. Deep breath :) I am starting to feel like everything is coming together, although I know there is still alot of details to figure out. We start pre-marriage counseling this spring, let's hope we pass!!

Every time we talk to someone who says "got the save-the-date info, I'm definitely coming!" I get so excited. It's not that I thought noone would plan to come, but I know how life gets busy and complicated and there are alot of other important things that may come before attending someone's wedding. Although I must say, a "decline" becomes really exciting when it means we get to come back after the honeymoon to visit a new baby!

We have some fun stuff coming up in the next month that should be a good break from the normal lately (school work, house work, wedding stuff). Wine festival, beach music festival, easter, and maybe a camping trip! Maybe I'll get better about actually putting pictures up here for some of these :) I also have a play-date with Linda (and Jessica too) for strawberry picking once they come in season. I plan to dehydrate some in my fancy new dehydrator, and make you some strawberry pies (not with the dehydrated strawberries like you thought). Although Linda will probably not be the high-picker for the day, I get excited about just getting to see her. I LOVE to see her smile. I will confess that we drove all the way down to Lee/Jess's the other weekend to pick up a few things I needed for some house projects and to see Linda for even just a few minutes... although my motivation for going was not necessarily in that order, and I had to get you Smithfields to justify the trip for you. While we were there, I was holding her for a few minutes and you were holding Daisy and rubbing Daisy's face. For some reason Linda thought this was funny and she giggled out loud, it was the cutest!!! Although evidently not as funny the 2nd time around since she didn't do it again after that.

I'll leave with this, which I'll title "Eric decorates birthday cake". Tai and Bailey celebrated the big 5, and Eric's mom celebrated her birthday as well.





It's amazing how you can drive me crazy and make me fall more in love with you at the same time.

All my love,
Sarah