Wedding Week: Day 2

We had another great day today! And we are so excited for the arrival of Brandon's family early tomorrow afternoon!

While out on the beach this morning, we spotted a school of rainbow parrot fish right off shore. I circled them in the picture below because they were hard to see - in real life, the pink/green/blue was easy to see! We told Brandon we'd give him $50 if he could catch one and hold it long enough for a picture. He said he would do it.....but when it got near, he said "Nope. I'm not touching that thing. This is his territory."
Right after lunch, my family went on our first dive of the trip to Sunset House. This place is known for having a mermaid statue near a sunken tugboat. We enjoyed diving around the tugboat and had a lot of fun taking pictures with the mermaid. Here I am...Miss Diver!

Here is our friend, Mr. Stingray. I don't think he liked me being so close to him.

After our dive, we got back in time to tan on the beach and enjoy appetizers at sunset. My sister, Taylor, makes the best nachos - and they taste so good while watching an island sunset!

It was another beautiful day here and we had so much fun. This evening Brandon and I, along with Grandaddy, met with the Cayman minister. Here in Cayman, we have to have a "Cayman officiant" in order to have a legal wedding. So, even though my grandfather is performing our ceremony, we will also have a Cayman minister present as well. (He happens to be a long-time family friend...so that's even better!)

Again, we are excited for B's family to come tomorrow. We'll be at the airport anxiously awaiting!

We miss all of Team Hampton!!! Wish you all were here!!!

Wedding Week: Day 1

We made it to the island! YAY!!! Brandon and I are SO EXCITED to share this awesome time with our family.

Here is a picture of us Pre-Cayman. We stopped over to Panera the night before leaving...and Brandon and I decided to sport our Cayman Wedding shirts! We started the party 1 day early!

We had to wake up at 3am this morning to get to the airport for a 5:50am flight. We were all running on low sleep...but high excitement!

For my family back home, this video will look quite familiar. Because the island is so small, the airplane is pretty low by the time you spot land.


We arrived around noon, went through customs/immigration, and got the rental van. In fact, I'm the brand new holder of a Cayman license! Woo hoo!!! We'll see how it goes...considering the drivers side is on the right side of the car, the people drive on the left, and it's a stick shift! I don't anticipate having to drive until Monday when we welcome Brandon's family at the airport...but it will be quite the drive trying to get there!

Once we got unpacked, we headed straight for the beach. And I thought the pedicure was relaxing.....look at this.


Brandon and I spent about 2 hours relaxing in the pool and ocean today. And everyone kept asking me, "Are you the bride and groom getting married this week?" Word travels fast on such a small island!

The sunset was mediocre tonight due to some low-lying clouds...but, hey, any sunset on the beach is better than sunset back home! Some of the "regulars" here said they spotted the green flash a few days ago - so we'll be anxious to watch for that this coming week!

Tonight we ate spaghetti (my favorite) at the condo. We were all so worn out by the end of the day, we just wanted to relax tonight!

We really miss all of the family that isn't here right now, but know that all of you are here in spirit!!! We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Brandon's family - and really look forward to the rest of the week!

Finding a Desk

This was so hilarious to me......

Brandon was trying out the desk we found to see if it would suffice for working purposes. He was also trying out the desk chair. I couldn't help but laugh and video him - especially when I saw that he was actually pretending to hold a computer mouse in his right hand!

Sorry B.....but I had to post this! LOVE YOU!

And FYI, we bought both the desk and chair! YAY!!! Our place is slowly coming together!

Fun With the Family

We are 1 week and 1 day from getting married!!! And, only 1 day away from leaving for the islands - WOO HOO!!! Lately, I have felt so stressed out by all the planning. I got graduation out of the way...but still have things left to do for residency. On top of all the wedding stuff going on, we also have the big move that we are finalizing. Needless to say, it has been awfully busy around here!

So, when the suggestion was made that we all go for "Wedding Manicures/Pedicures" I jumped at the opportunity to relax and enjoy time with my mom and sisters!

Since I only get to be a bride one time in my life, I felt it completely appropriate that I get to wear my "Bride-to-be" tiara. I think my sisters were embarrassed....

And Dad showed up with drinks for all of us!!! What better way to relax than with a mango smoothie, diet coke, and Panera iced tea while getting a pedicure? I can't think of any.... By the way, my gimp sister was here...but since she is still recovering from foot surgery, she wasn't able to get a full pedicure. Thanks for coming anyway, T-Dawg!

Mmmmm....the life!

And here we are with the finished product! The four of us had a lot of fun! Thank you, Mom, for footing the bill (pun intended) - that was a really great way to relax in the midst of a very busy time! Thanks also to Kasey and Taylor for being there!!! And to Dad for the drinks.... And Family Nails for doing such a great job!

And for your viewing pleasure....a glimpse of my mom practicing new dances for the wedding reception! GO MOM!!! (Love you!)

Cross THIS off the list!!!

I did it! I'm a doctor!!! I graduated medical school yesterday and it was SO MUCH FUN!!! Now it's time to start the real fun with 4 years of Emergency Medicine residency!


Thanks for being there with me Brandon!!! Can you believe you're marrying a DOCTOR???

Please check out the blog I posted entitled "Trust Me...Now I'm ACTUALLY A Doctor!" so you can read all about graduation weekend and see lots of pictures!

Money Trees Are Our Favorite Kind Of Trees

Last week, Brandon's office threw him a little "going away/getting married" party. When Brandon walked into the room, they even presented him (us) with a money tree! (It's really a hibiscus plant...which is one of my favorites...and we REALLY love it!)

Here is the money tree!

This is Brandon with his good friend Josh. Brandon grew up going on vacations with Josh's family...and they played baseball together when they were younger. Josh and Brandon now work for the same company!!!

Here is the awesome spread they had at the party. Chips and salsa (Brandon's favorite), chocolate covered strawberries, and cookie cakes! Thank you all so much for hosting this! I really wish I could have been there!

"B-squared" was the theme for the day! Right down to the cookie cake!

Thank you so much to Brandon's company. He has loved working at the office with you all and will miss being in Chattanooga. But, no worries, he will stop in every time he is in town!!! Thank you SO MUCH for everything!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!!! - TAKE 2

I just have to say - I have the CUTEST Almost-Husband in the entire world!

He was so excited today that he even called my dad when he couldn't reach me. Excited because.......

Here is Ryne Sandberg....up close.
Here is Ryne Sandberg with Sharpie and baseball in hand.....

And here is Brandon (and my almost sister-in-law Michelle) with the RYNE SANDBERG getting an autograph!!!

Man, oh man...I wish I could have been there today to see Brandon's excitement in person! He has loved Ryne Sandberg since he was a little boy....and he finally got the autograph! Congrats Brandon and Michelle (since I know Ryne was your favorite as well) for scoring big today!!!

And That Makes 3!

This weekend marked my last, but definitely not least, bridal shower - which was hosted by Brandon's church. It was SO NICE of everyone to come support Brandon and I - and everyone was so kind! The ladies that set up the fellowship hall did an EXCELLENT job. I can't say enough thanks!!!

Here I am with Brandon's mom and Sylvia. Sylvia is the "Preacher's Wife" and the lead hostess of the shower. She decorated with a beach theme - and everything was so beautiful! She even brought in a hibiscus plant!! With PINK flowers! My favorite! Thank you Sylvia...and all the other ladies who made this event such a special one for me!

The tables were decorated with bright colored daisies!!! (Another one of my favorites!) Plus, she kept everything simple - just the way I like it! It was AWESOME!

Now these were a tasty treat...Mmmm! You know when people add almond paste to frosting? It tastes kinda like cherry? Well - I'm not a professional chef - but I think that is just what they added and it was SO GOOD! Aren't the tropical flowers pretty? And to the right, you can see the strawberries....HOME-GROWN!!! Yummy!

Here I am with my Sister-In-Law-To-Be, Michelle! She was SO HELPFUL the whole day! From writing names to completely packing up the car with all the gifts (by herself, no less!) she was a huge help. Thank you Michelle!!! I can't wait to have another sister!

And, finally, a special present for Brandon! After the shower, Brandon was surprised by their very good family friend, Frank. When we got back to the house, Frank showed up with an apron fit for a king - and his "SECRET RECIPE" for spaghetti and meatballs! Brandon has loved Frank's spaghetti for the longest time...and since we will be moving, Frank decided to pass the recipe on. Thank you Frank!!! We (or should I say Brandon) will use the apron and fix the spaghetti often!!! Actually, I REALLY need to thank you....this means I don't have to cook! YAY!

All in all, it was a GREAT shower again!!! Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who attended. You all are such special people in Brandon's life and he has been blessed to be a part of this Church family. Thank you for welcoming me and hosting such a beautiful shower!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!!!

Brandon has been a huge Cubs fan ever since I have known him - and much longer!!! So much, in fact, that when he found out Ryne Sandberg (his all-time favorite Cub) was coaching a Double A baseball team that was playing against the Chattanooga Lookouts, we had to go.

Brandon was SO EXCITED tonight to see Ryne Sandberg and get his autograph. He thought having a "hot blonde" with him might help; instead, he got me! We had it all planned out....we stopped at the store for a couple of baseballs, got to the game extra early, and decided it would be me who would yell for Sandberg's autograph. (I'm kinda loud if you don't know!)

Here we are getting ready to head out to the game. We couldn't wait!


And here is what it looked like when we got there! Black clouds....tarp covering the field!!! And to make matters worse, Sandberg had been out signing autographs....20 minutes before we got there! 20 minutes!!! Can you believe it????

Needless to say, we were quite bummed out.

Then we got a second wind.... We thought that maybe, just maybe, the clouds would clear and the game would still be played. At least we would see Sandberg on the 3rd base line, even if we couldn't get his autograph. Plus, we scored some pretty sweet "Lookouts" batting helmets!

And then THIS happened. Downpour. Talk about your all-time backfires!!!

So, we ended our night at the "Typhoon of Tokyo" - one of Brandon's favorite hometown restaurants. The food was excellent and we had a fun time with Shane and Michelle.

It was quite the bummer that the game got rained out tonight...but hopefully we'll get back while Sandberg is coaching in the minors!

Engagement Party

Well, the party continues around here!

Tonight, we had an AWESOME "Engagement Party" hosted by Brandon's Nana & Gramps. We've been engaged over a year now...but we couldn't call it a "Wedding Party"...because we don't get married for 3 weeks. (3 weeks from today!!!) It was such a special night with very special people. We all had a WONDERFUL time! Thank you SO MUCH to Nana and Gramps for hosting such a fun evening!

Here we are with Nana and Gramps. Thank you!!! Everything was so good!!!

And here is the happy couple!!! For some reason, Brandon always decides to make faces at the camera while his bride looks radiant and beautiful. (That was a joke!!!)

Nana and Gramps had the back porch looking so nice. And even though it was raining, it didn't "rain on our parade." The rain brought a welcome breeze...and another surprise that you will see in a couple of pictures. The center table was set with "Love Birds" for Brandon and I. We had a great time!

Our dinner tonight consisted of hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, deviled eggs, fresh fruit, chili, and chips. It was quite the picnic! Everything was so good...we are STILL full! After dinner, we had homemade ice cream!!! Mmmmm!

This was the surprise I mentioned earlier. A FULL RAINBOW!!! Brandon and I considered this a "good luck charm" for our upcoming wedding and marriage. It isn't too often that you can see a rainbow from start to finish....and this was so close to us that I couldn't fit the whole thing into the picture! It was breath-taking!

We got to witness Nana's nightly routine tonight...

Each night, she goes out the back door and clangs a bell, then she shakes some bird feed....

And the Blue-Birds came swooping right in!!! It was amazing! Within 10 seconds, they responded to the sounds!

We had such a fun time tonight. Once the sun went down, the white lights surrounding the deck just looked absolutely beautiful!

Thank you SO MUCH to Nana and Gramps for throwing such a fun party for us! And thank you to Doug, Sue, Shane, Michelle, Bill, Marsha, Barb, and Frank for celebrating with us!

Only 3 weeks til our wedding day....and we can't wait!!!

Dining Room Table - Almost Complete!

A week or so ago, I wrote a post entitled "Wood Hunters". Brandon and I had been out in the woods searching for legs for our dining room table that my dad was building and I was painting.

Here is the bench my dad made. I wanted a bench for one side of the table and chairs for the other. I've always been a little different!!!
And here is it after the Espresso staining! Looks AWESOME I think!

Here are the finished legs. Far cry from when Brandon and I originally found them!!! They are all ready to be screwed and glued to the table!

Here is the table-top my dad built. He is quite the wood-worker! I am so lucky for all his help!

And here I am finishing up the Espresso stain on the table top!

All I have left to do is varnish the table - then we will be "dining-ready!" I am SO EXCITED!!! It is turning out so nicely!!!

Another Week, Another Shower!

Yesterday, one of my very best friends, Julie, and her mom, Jan, held a "Bridal Brunch" for me. It was SO MUCH FUN!!! Julie and I met the summer before 6th grade when we played on the Renegades softball team together. We quickly became great friends....and stayed that way all the way through high school. We both left for separate colleges, often staying in touch and getting together during school breaks. As luck would have it, we both ended up going to the SAME medical school!!! She is heading into Pediatrics while I am pursuing a career in Emergency Medicine. Either way you slice it, we have and will always be great friends!!!

Thank you so much, Julie and Jan, for throwing such a wonderful party for me!!!

A very special "THANK YOU!" goes out to my cousins, Maddie and Camryn, for coming to my bridal shower. The night before, Camryn got shuttled by 3 different drivers to get her from Kansas City to Des Moines. This took a special effort by my 2 uncles...and I very much appreciate it! Also, thank you to Tori (an honorary member of the cousins) for being here!
**Special note: You can STILL see the boot on Taylor's foot...she made the trip from college to be here! Thanks!!! And Kasey is STILL in the midst of studying for law school finals - but came to the shower as well. THANKS!!!

Below is Julie (left) and Jan (right) after just receiving their thank you signs! I knew Jan would love the sign, because she has a lot of my other artwork! I was so excited to give these to them!

Here I am with Julie - THANK YOU, THANK YOU again for hosting such a great shower!!!

Julie and Jan had everything arranged so nicely! They even had photos of Brandon and I on the table! Brunch consisted of fresh fruit, an egg casserole, and homemade cinnamon rolls! Everything tasted SO GOOD!!!

Check out the sweet place setting!!! The napkins were all different patterns of black and white fabric...I'm thinking of making some for myself!

Dessert was an AWESOME lemon sherbet with a wafer! Doesn't this look like a gourmet chef made it???

One very special surprise came in the form of a wrapped package. When Julie handed me the box, there was no card with it. I asked, "Has a card fallen off? I don't know who this is from." And Julie said, "I think the card is in the box." So, I began to open the package and there were TONS of things inside...but no card! I kept wondering when someone was going to tell me it was from them so I can thank them appropriately. At the very bottom of the box was a card for me - from Brandon's mom!!! Since she was unable to come all the way from Tennessee for the shower, she decided to send me a surprise package! It was SO NICE of her...and we got a ton of Pink kitchen stuff! I was so excited!!!

Thank you, thank you to Diane, Katie, Maddie, Camryn, Susan, Lynn, Marie, Emily, Tori, Taylor, Kasey, and Mom for coming to the shower!!! And thank you, Julie and Jan, for hosting such a great event!!!

The Almost Newlywed Game

I thought some of you readers might get a kick out of the game we played at last weekend's shower. It was called "The Almost Newlywed Game" - a take off of the old "Newlywed Game". Instead of having everyone participate, I was the only contestant in this game.



A couple of months prior to the shower, Cindy had emailed Brandon for his responses. The day of the shower, I gave my answers. You can see below how great of a match we are!!!

The Almost Newlywed Game

by Cindy

Brandon's Answers in Blue

Brooke's Answers in Pink

1. When Brooke puts on a new roll of toilet paper, does the paper fall up and over or down in back?

Wow. Up and over?

Up and over.

2. When and where was your very first date?

2005 - P.F. Changs

December 2005 - Cheesecake Factory

3. What were both of you wearing on the first date?

I'm pretty sure she had jeans and UGGs on, but I'm not sure about the top. I also had on jeans, along with sandals - in minus 3 degree weather!

I was wearing jeans with a black fleece. He was probably wearing jeans and a t-shirt, with a heavy winter coat on because it was minus 3 degrees outside!

4. What is Brandon's favorite food?

That Brooke makes??? Chicken Alfredo.

Chicken Alfredo.

5. What would Brandon say is his favorite hobby?

Watching the Cubs, golf, and softball.

Watching the Cubs.

6. What is Brooke's most favorite store when she goes shopping?

J Crew

Geez, I don't shop a lot. Maybe Old Navy?

7. What is the last movie you saw together?

Confessions of a Shopaholic

Disney's Earth

8. Is Brandon a boxers or briefs sort of guy?

Boxers

Boxers

9. What would Brandon's perfect night at home include?

Alfredo, a Cubs win, cuddling with Brooke on the couch.

Watching a Cubs game. And Brandon is a suck-up for saying cuddling!

10. What one possession would Brandon like Brooke to get rid of?

Nothing.

Whoa. I don't know. My cell phone?

11. What is the color of your kitchen dishes going to be?

Black and white checkered.

Black and white checkered.

12. What is Brooke's least favorite household duty?

Cleaning the toilet.

Cleaning the bathroom.

13. Who says "I Love You" more?

Brooke.

Both of us.

14. If Brooke could replace Brandon with a superstar, who would it be?

No Clue. Matthew Ma____...whatever his name is.

Matthew McConaughey

15. What would Brandon's dream vehicle be?

Brooke knows how much I love the car I have now. Maybe for the future a Hummer SUT.

A big 4 door truck.

16. Who does more cooking?

Brooke

Me

17. What is Brandon's most embarrassing moment?

I don't have one.

I don't know! I don't think he has one!

18. What is Brooke's zodiac sign?

Sagittarius

Sagittarius

19. What is Brandon's worse habit?

I don't think she cares for my sound effects.

He farts!

20. What famous person does Brooke resemble?

Brooke is simple and low key. She is NOT high maintenance. Maybe Reese Witherspoon?

Probably a hottie like Angelina Jolie.

21. What article of clothing does Brandon most like to see Brooke wearing?

She has this black summer dress that I like...

Brandon probably likes me in jeans and t-shirt. I'm low key.

So, there you have it. The "Almost Newlywed Game". It was such a fun game to play...and everyone was surprised by all the answers we had in common! I guess that is a good thing for two people about to get married!!!

***And Brandon made it clear that our first date was definitely PF Changs, not Cheesecake Factory as I originally thought. I have since re-thought my answer...and he is correct. (Dang...hate when that happens!!!)***

First Bridal Shower

Well, the first of 3 bridal showers was today - and HOLY COW!!! - I am overwhelmed! Our very good family friends, Jeri and Cindy, hosted a luncheon that was highlighted by good food, great friends, and AWESOME presents! Everything was beach themed - from the cupcakes, to the decorations, right down to the hostess gifts that everyone received! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Jeri and Cindy for hosting such a WONDERFUL shower for me!!!

Here is the sign we spotted on the way into the neighborhood... They thought of everything!

The hosts for the event were Cindy (left) and Jeri (right). As a thank you, I gave them hand-painted family signs. I think they liked them =) Haha! Actually, I know they did because Jeri exclaimed, "I know just where to put this!!!" And I swear I saw a tear in Cindy's eye....

Here I am again with the hosts. Mara (Jeri's daughter, far left) drove all the way from college to be here today. I've known Mara ever since she was born - and she is much more like a cousin than just a friend.

The food today was SO GOOD!!! Cindy whipped up some chicken salad sandwiches (with grapes in it!!!) on croissants and we had a really good fruit salad and chips.

These cupcakes were a definite highlight!!! I'm such a shark-girl.....and Martha, I mean Jeri, had little shark fins sticking out of the ocean blue! The "sand" was created with natural sugar...and the palm trees were the finishing touch! Aren't they AWESOME??? Not only did they look good, they tasted even better! Way to go Miss Homemaker Jeri!

Look how generous everyone was!!! Again, I was so overwhelmed by everyone's kindness! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to Cathie, Carlie, Arlene, Jane, Kathy, Jeanne, Cyndy, Grandma, Mom, Kasey, Taylor, Karen, Stacey, Kathie, Jeri, Mara, Carole, Barb, and Cindy for coming today to share in this special occasion!!!

I bet you can't tell how excited I was to open the gifts!!! Is that rude??? Who am I kidding!!! I couldn't wait!!! Here I am with one of my MOH's (maid of honor), my sister Taylor. As you can see, the crutches in the back were because she just got home yesterday from having a foot operation. Even though she was limping in a boot with crutches, she was there for me! Thanks T-Dawg!!!

And I can't leave out my other MOH, my sister Kasey. This is what she really looks like. She's in the middle of studying for law school finals which begin next week - but she was also there for me today! Thanks Hollywood!!!


Thank you, again, to everyone who came today!

I heard today that I was "one of the most excited brides I have ever seen!" But, seriously, when there is a table full of boxes from Pottery Barn, Target, Bed/Bath/Beyond, etc...who wouldn't be??? I'm mostly excited to be marrying Brandon though!!! =)

What a fun, fun day! I can't wait to go downstairs and look through everything again!