Love is in the air...

A whole week dedicated to my gorgeous girlfriend, Amanda. Her fiance, Leo, made her an honest woman on June 17th, 2010. They are an adorable couple and I had a great time helping them get ready for the wedding.

First, we went to a park, post-bridal-shower. It was a mental health break, since everyone had reached the end of their ropes with family and home-baked brownies. Topie loves Amanda and spent the evening vying for attention.

You've gotta love this girl...

And this girl.

THIS girl had a few too many brews at the bachelorette party. Bah, the details aren't important!

Sir Brandon made a fashionable appearance. He is so much fun!

Amanda is pretty entertaining herself. We gave her a black boa for her last night of singledom. It looked smashing on her.

In this photo, my friend Lexi is leaning in on the right. She works with us at AVC and she's a fabulous veterinary technician. We walked about 100 blocks together to get to the sushi bar. I like to think of it as an incredible journey.

I love how expressions become a little more sloppy as the night progresses. Translation: we're having a good time.

Once all the debauchery was out of our systems, the big day finally came.

This sweet little boy's mom was busy curling Amanda's hair. It was the least I could do to flirt with him ;)

We had great company for this event. Good food, good friends, good times.

Some dancing was definitely in order. Look how big Kyle's hands and feet are next to mine---I love being small next to somebody.

You've gotta love a bride with spunk!

Although, I'm surprised that my feisty, edgy friend agreed not to smash cake into her hubby's face. Disappointing, for sure.

Ahhhh, Lexi...

Lexi aside, here we have Emily on my left and "V" on the far right---two other girls from AVC.

I've decided that weddings at golf courses are beautiful.

But seriously, how many times do you let gay men catch the bouquet? I'm thrilled to know that it will be easier for someone to get married for whom it's illegal in the majority of the states than for me. It should be a crime NOT to marry me ;)

No really, look how much fun I'm having. Who needs a ball and chain?

Not me...



Anyway, congrats to Amanda and Leo. They are so in love, I'm truly happy for them.

If it's not a picnic, make it one!

Another summer, another day at Liberty Park. Actually, I'm there at least 3 afternoons a week. I run, I roller-blade with Colleena, I kick around soccer balls---you name it, I do it. This was Topie's time though and we spent awhile watching baby ducks and snacking on peanuts. FYI, I love the South Beach diet mix because it has so many macadamia nuts. Mmmmmm.

That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

In my delayed blogging, I've not stopped exploring my immediate world, trying always to live life to its fullest. I can honestly say, I NEVER watch TV. Currently, I'm combining a desire to become an adrenaline junkie with my old ponderous past. That's right---I like to play outdoors, but catch a moment on a warm rock in the sun whenever I can. Anyway, I love this little plaque en route to Lake Blanche. Please pause and appreciate :)

Anyway, this is my newest pal Colleena. She's from New York. In her spare time, she enjoys picking fights with roller-bladers in Liberty Park and convincing me to buy a road-bike. She's my perfect outdoor companion!

Here I am smiling despite having just climbed to the highest peak this little asthmatic could handle. There was sweat. There was blood. Well, maybe not blood, but my feet were soaked and caked with mud. Can't you see why I love hiking?!

Views like this make it alllllllllll worth it.

We probably sat on that rock for an hour---eating egg salad sandwiches (my specialty), planning kayaking trips and talking about coworkers. It was pretty peaceful, if you ask me.

And that's my last shot of the day before running back down the mountain. I heart earth.