Blubel Studio

Last Saturday was probably the last window of opportunity to have our 35th anniversary pictures taken before the weather turned to the rainy season. In May Michelle arranged a photo shoot with photographer, Kim Harris (Blubel Studios) for our 35th anniversary. It seems like we started a tradition of posing for pictures in my wedding dress on our 25th and 30th anniversaries. However, for our 35th anniversary we wanted someone to take them with a professional eye.
It seems like the summer was overly hot and busy so we leaned more toward a fall date ... and then I got sick and had to cancel. Last Saturday Kim had an opening @ 4p.m. and it was the perfect day ... blue sky, gorgeous fall colors etc.
Our photo backdrop was the Nike campus ... what a beautiful place! Kim is so organized. She had a list of poses, location for photos ... so many great ideas -- even a bouquet! If you ever want a family photo taken, you will definitely want to consider Kim. She is also very fun to work with and puts you at ease.
Here's a link for a "sneak peak"-- http://blubelstudio.com/ That girls does wonders with her camera and photoshop skills. Also, check out the other photos she captured over the weekend ... just below ours. Fabulous!
Thanks, Kim ... you're the best : ) We loved working with you!

Wedding Dress 2009

I think the tradition started in 1999 ... putting my wedding dress on every five years and taking pictures. Even though we have a professional photo shoot coming up we had to take a few on our anniversary last night.
There's always a little anxiety ... will it still fit after 35 years? Whew ... I can still get it zipped but I'm sure it's not the same fit as in 1974 : )
We enjoyed a delicious dinner at Olive Garden ... thanks, Barb! Still keeping with the Italian theme for this year.
We have enjoyed celebrating our 35th anniversary this summer!

Las Vegas, OREGON?!?!?!?!?

Today's high was 102 degrees but within hours we went from this beautiful sunny day...















to this -- Yes, that's a downpour! No sunglasses required here:




















Since this is the evening for our outdoor gondola ride we moved our reservation to an indoor ride. It is clearing up this evening and the temperature has returned to the upper 90's. For some reason this weather event reminds me of our Wallowa vacation. There's one common factor ... the weather always changes there when Tim comes to town (heeheehee) Sorry Tim, I couldn't resist! : )
Tomorrow ... the all-day Grand Canyon tour!

Adventures in Las Vegas

We are enjoying the sights, sounds, and the sun of Las Vegas.
We arrived early Sunday afternoon and after checking in to the Venetian we set out on foot to explore the strip. A walk can be quite a workout in the 100 degree heat.
We are enjoying the atmosphere of our hotel ... the ceiling has been painted to look like the sky, "streetlights" are dim giving an evening ambiance, storefronts resemble Venice and the canal/gondolas tops off the effect.
We have a adapted well to a daily routine. Up early. Out for a walk in the cool morning temps. Lounge by the pool to read and sleep in the afternoon. I'm halfway through my second book ... I hope I packed enough books! I just finished the 8th Confession by James Patterson and now reading Summer on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber. I think I'm starting to unwind from the "craziness" this spring.
Monday night we went to see Beatles Love ... it was an awesome experience! Definitely something I would see again. Our show started off with technical difficulties and we were a little worried they might cancel the performance ... bringing back memories of our canceled cruise visit to Catalina! But the show did go on and it was breathtaking.
Yesterday we walked from the Venetian down to Manadalay Bay ... probably close to 2-3 mile journey. We walked through each hotel and as we were trying to find our way out of the MGM we heard a familiar voice ... Tim and Rae. They had just arrived and were heading out to the pool. It was a fun moment to share our vacation adventures thus far.





Not one to gamble ... we did play a few penny machines. I was excited to find a Bejeweled game. Here's my take home winnings ... hahaha!







Tonight is our gondola ride ... an anniversary gift from Tim & Rae. More vacation news to come ...

Then and Now

Our wedding day was captured by a very contemporary 1970's Portland photographer, "Photography by Fudge". They were not your everyday modern snapshots typical of that era. They were creative, the lighting soft and very unique. I remember we made a decision to make our wedding pictures top priority in our wedding budget. We wanted a keepsake from our special day to look back on and to love what we see 25, 35, 50 years later. I still find JOY in looking through our album. No regrets in the investment we made.
I scanned a few photos of me and mom taken before the wedding and combined it with one from our anniversary party. We look more like sisters than mother and daughter. It's hard to comprehend all the life that's happened over the last thirty-five years. I'm thankful for those who have come alongside us on the journey ... especially our parents.

"Fancy Family Foto"

Here we are ... fun and fancy on our anniversary celebration.

35 Years Later ...

... I go on choosing you!

Just a quick photo from blending our 1974 wedding picture and our recent celebration at Fiorano's with family and friends.
More photos to follow ....

35th Anniversary Party

Saturday ... on a beautiful warm evening ... we were joined by 25 friends, family and our wedding party to celebrate our 35th Anniversary ... a month early.
We spent an enJOYable evening at Fiorano's on the Lake of the Commons. Since our dream has always been to go to Italy this restaurant had all the atmosphere we were looking for. The food and wait staff were wonderful and they made us feel comfortable -- "at home" -- since we used a majority of their restaurant for four hours.
It was fun getting everyone together and a great time to reconnect with those we haven't seen in years. Each person in this picture represents someone special who has had an impact on our marriage and in our lives. God has truly blessed us and we felt so honored to have them celebrate with us.
More pictures to follow ....