Sneak Peak

Josh and I head out in the morning for our honeymoon! We will be gone for a week, but I promise, I promise!!!, to continue blogging once we get home.

For now, here's a sneak peak of my favorite wedding photo!

Celebrating Katie

I told you about my friend, Katie, here: Katie Bee. She and Steve got engaged a month after Josh and me, but she got to have her bridal shower and bachelorette party before me. In April, all the bridesmaids and Katie's closest friends and family gathered to celebrate her upcoming wedding.

We first had a bridal shower: 

 

And then we got ready and hit downtown Denver. We first had dinner, and then we went to what used to be called Sing Sings (now called Howl at the Moon). We had a blast! We danced all night, laughed a ton, and then all spent the night at a house we had rented for the weekend.

 Mom and Shannon even joined us for dinner. 

Congrats, Katie and Steve. 

Grandpa Bill

In February, my precious Grandpa Bill became very sick. He was diagnosed with Leukemia and given just a few weeks to live.

Of course, we wanted to see him before he passed away, so Shan, Jeff, Case, Siahna, Josh, and I loaded up the car and took off to Lexington. We arrived Thursday evening, and Grandpa was sitting up and talking to everyone. He had slept most of the day, but he woke up right before we arrived to eat dinner. We got to spend about an hour with him before he fell back to sleep. What was most special to all of us was he knew us all by name, even Josh.

Before Grandpa fell back asleep, he was willing to take a few pictures.

 

Once he fell asleep on Thursday night, he barely woke up again. He passed away Saturday morning around 3 a.m. with Grandma by his side holding his hand. He woke up before passing away and asked for Grandma. She didn't leave his side the entire time.

My sister was able to speak at his funeral, and I encourage you to read her words here: Grandpa Bill. She captured his life so well in her words.

I miss Grandpa so very much. He is the greatest man I have ever known, and I sure do miss him.

Christmas 2013

After NYE, it was finally time to celebrate Christmas with the family (Collin and Kate had been in Colorado with Kate's family, so we had to wait for them to get back into town).

We had a fabulous day of opening gifts, eating food, enjoying the company of one another, eating prime rib, having Grandma and Grandpa over, coloring, playing games, and just loving one another. It was a great day that I didn't want to end.

 

 You can always tell when Kye likes something. His face lights up and his eye balls get really big. 

 The kids each colored their own plate.

 

 And then one of the kids got a hold of the camera and got a few shots of Josh before he could grab the camera away. hahaha.

 Saying goodbye to Grandma. 

Like I said, it was a great day with the family, and everyone left with full tummies and full hearts.

NYE 2013/2014

New Year's Eve came next on our events calendar, and Josh and I celebrated with two of my best friends, April and McGee. Their significant others joined, and we had a night of games, laughs, champagne, dancing, and of course, picture taking. You can tell we had a blast ringing in 2014!

 

I just love this group of people. We had a blast, and so far 2014 has proved to be the best year yet!