365 Days.

That's right. We made it. Marriage. One year.

So I'm not going to lie, I feel like we have been totally and completely spoiled by life during our first year of marriage. We were able to have the most perfect wedding & honeymoon in Mexico. Then we were able to move across the country to a place that neither of us had been before (Washington DC), and live there for the summer for Tanner's work. He was able to be successful, we were able to save a lot of money, Tanner was offered a 'promotion' to become a team leader for his company, we were able to move back to school and finally use our wedding gifts & buy all new furniture, decorate our first home, buy a new car, watch our team win the superbowl, spend the holidays with family, go to Mexico again on a cruise with Tanner's company, go bungee jumping, get a new puppy and move back out to DC where we are now!

A lot of people say that marriage is an adjustment. I agree. It is. But is it bad that I still feel like we are in our 'honeymoon' stage? Everyone told me that the honeymoon stage would last for the first 3 months of marriage and then after that reality would set in. Reality. Reality? I still feel like I haven't come to terms with reality. I still haven't come to terms with the fact that I will literally be able to spend eternity with my best friend. I still haven't come to terms with the fact that the man that I love more than anything in this world- chose me to be his wife and to spend every day of his life with. Like, what? Every time I think about it, I realize how far away I am from exiting the honeymoon stage. Gag all you want, but really, it's true.

Anyways, for our one year anniversary Tanner was in charge. Tanner knows that I HATE surprises. Like, HATE them... If I know that they are coming. For example: Christmas. I can't remember a Christmas where I didn't know at least half, if not all of my gifts beforehand. The best part of Christmas, to me, is finding out what new place the gifts are hidden each year. I know, I'm messed up. Well Tanner over the year we have been married, has become increasingly better at keeping secrets from me. But that's okay. I love a good challenge. This surprise though, I did not see coming.

Tanner found a great deal at the Ritz Carlton. THE RITZ CARLTON. I feel like for a moment when I heard, I wanted to say "That hotel is real?" I thought it was only a real place in movies. And disclaimer: We are SO NOT fancy people. So this was going to be an experience.

We got a babysitter for Pancake (thanks Brandon) because the hotel wanted to charge $250 a night just for a puppy... (Um what?).

On the way to the hotel we were STARVING. So we did what anyone would do on their anniversary and stop at Taco Bell of course! But really though, sometimes all you need is a good, properly put together, Crunch Wrap. So we grabbed it to go, and headed to the hotel.

When we got the hotel we were greeted by men who looked like they were a part of the mafia dressed in tuxes. As they approached the car Tanner says "What's happening..." and I say "It's valet parking" (i'm telling you. we are NOT fancy). A man opened each of our doors and with hands full of Taco Bell, we struggle a bit to get out of the car. They get out our suitcase and welcome us to 'the Ritz'. One of the men went to grab Tanner's T-bell bag and said "can I take care of that for you sir?" and Tanner replies "Oh, no it's ok. I'm not done yet." and the man just kind of gave us a look of confusion. Ha. Oh and let me also mention that when we pulled in, we pulled in next to cars that were probably worth more than my life. Like ya know, just casually driving my Rolls Royce to 'the Ritz'! 

So here we are, both in sweats (we were going to get ready for the evening later on), walking into the nicest hotel I've ever seen, with my beat up suitcase and hands full of Taco Bell, where people around us are wearing Jimmy Choo's and Valentino like it's their job. We stood out. To say the least. Then another mafia member approaches us in the lobby as we are standing there just staring at the beauty of this place and the man goes "can I offer you a complimentary glass of champaign?", Tanner & I look at each other, and I almost want to say yes even just to hold it and look cool, but tanner quickly replies "Oh, Nah I'm good.... but y'all got Mountain Dew???" HAHA. I lost it. Everything about where we were and how we looked, caught up to me and tears literally started running down my face. Only my husband. Only my husband. 

So then it was check-in time. We were personally escorted to a desk where a man with a European accent (of course), heavy but refreshing cologne and expensive tie was waiting for us. As he was checking us in he looks at us with a smirk and says "First time here?" and we both reply "Yup!" (I mean how could you possibly tell??). He says "Are you celebrating anything special?" and Tanner explains how we are celebrating our one year wedding anniversary. His face lights up. The man is a romantic I tell ya. The man at the counter then says "Oh my goodness congratulations! I wish I would've known and I could've made your stay extra special by having some things waiting for you in your room!" (Okay, you're the sweetest!). We said it was okay and he gave us his card for if we ever come back and he said he would take care of us. We felt like celebrities.

Then we went up to our room. It was beautiful. There was a giant tub (my favorite part), the comfiest bed I had ever been on and a gorgeous view of the city. Tanner opens the closet and says "ROBES! YES!". Obviously you can tell what he was excited about. Simple mind, simple pleasures right?
So while we were still just checking out the room, there was a knock at the door. When I open it, there is a woman there, with a rolling tray. She doesn't speak english but she gestures for me to let her in. So I hesitantly let her, thinking in my head (I really hope all this stuff doesn't end up costing us $5000). She sets up a large tray of chocolate covered strawberries and a bucket with what looked like an expensive bottle of champaign inside of it. Then she says "from downstairs". The man at the check-in desk had this sent up to us, on the house. Adorable. And YUMMY.

Then we got ready for the night and went to Cheesecake Factory for dinner. Yum. And then went to see a movie and do some shopping. I am blessed with a husband that would walk around the mall for hours with me, just because even if he doesn't get anything for himself, we just like walking around, laughing at people (judge us) and more importantly laughing at each other. It was a great night.

The flowers Tanner had delivered to me the morning of our anniversary when he was at work. 

Thank you kind, kind front desk man :) 

I tried to get a picture of all the fancy cars at the Valet.... 

Tanner's improvised room service menu for Breakfast. I had mentioned that I wanted French Toast, which wasn't listed on the menu. So he wrote it in inside. HAHA. Funny thing is, they actually did whip them up and bring them to me! :) 

Massive breakfast. 

In the morning we had breakfast in bed. Our room service was included in the package deal that Tanner got, otherwise we probably would've just left and found an I-Hop. I mean, on the menu a small glass of orange juice was $8! $8! And a small stack of pancakes $16! Whoever these people are that actually pay this much, I applaud you. And your back account. But Tanner, even if he had the money, would rather die than spend that much on 3 pancakes. Haha. Luckily, it was all included so we could order whatever we wanted. And it was DELICIOUS.

We agreed not to get each other any presents, so instead I made Tanner a little somethin'. I have seen this whole 'playing card' craft all over Pinterest but I did a little twist to it. Instead of "50 things I love about you" I did "50 most memorable events in the past 365 days". Each card had a different memory from the past year. It was really fun to be able to reflect and think back on it all. It was also fun making small pictures for each one. Tanner also enjoyed reading through it. I plan to make one every year and keep them all together to be able to scan and look through each year. Ya. We'll see how that goes. But hey, it could happen!

All in all, the past 365 days have been thee best 365 days of my life. And I can't wait for all of the many, many, many, many, many, many x eternity, more to come. 

Pancake the Puppy.

Ever since 7th grade, I had this goal. Someday I was going to get a light colored, cute, cuddly, perfect puppy and her name was going to be "Pancake". I really don't know how I came up with that name. Maybe I saw it in a movie? Maybe I heard it from someone else? Maybe I came up with in a dream? All I know is that I had to make a "Bucket List" powerpoint to present to my 7th grade class and one of my goals was "To have a puppy named Pancake" (dream big!). Well to my 7th grade self I'd like to say cross that off the ol' bucket list missy because it is now a reality!.... Puppy named Pancake 

 

Literally, picking out a puppy is HARD. I knew I wanted a mini doxie and I knew I wanted her to be light colored. Tanner also agreed and told me that we couldn't get one unless it was this color. So I began the HUNT! Seriously. I can't even begin to explain the amount of research I did online to find breeders. Good breeders. That actually care about their puppies. That had recent litters born. That weren't already all taken by people on waiting lists. It's tough! I found out that the specific dog we were looking for was an English Creme Miniature Dachshund. Turns out, there's not many breeders in America that breed English Creme's and the ones that do.... know that they can charge a fortune for them because they are so rare and SO ADORABLE. 

One day I was doing my daily 5 hours of research (but really though... goodbye focus on homework) and I came across this breeder in Colorado. She had a great website and this new litter had just been born. Perfect. I contacted her and after many emails back and forth of pictures and videos and information, we KNEW that Pancake was this little pup right here! We had to wait until she was 8 weeks old so she could be old enough to fly on a plane to us. 

yes.

She got here by plane. 

Crazy right?

When the day came to pick her up from the airport, I can't even tell you how excited I was. I don't think I've ever been that excited for something in my entire life. No joke. (sorry babe, our wedding was exciting too.. but come on..). 

When I very first saw her come off the plane in a tiny kennel, my first thought was "OMG! SHE IS SO TINY!" Which she is. She is soooo tiny. But SO cute and SO precious. 

I thought she was going to be so scared but the breeder had told us that she was pretty confident and I didn't believe her until I pulled her out of her kennel and saw that she was just so happy. She started kissing all over my face and I knew that we had made a great choice :) 

Pancake sleeps for 4 hours and wakes up to pee and poo and play and eat for about an hour and then she will pass out in a little cuddly ball on your lap for another 4 hours. Puppies sleep SO much. But she is SO cute when she sleeps and SO cute when she very first wakes up from sleeping with her little wrinkely face. 

What kind of dog sleeps like this.... seriously! Such a weirdo.

Tell me this doesn't make your heart melt like mine....

Here are some facts about Pancake: 

1. She loves to sleep and cuddle. 

2. She hates her crate and barks at her play pen. 

3. She loves being on her back. 

4. She loves little mini bones and her mini tennis balls. 

5. She can slide about 5 feet on the tile if she gets a good enough running start 

6. She sleeps in our bed..... but she will only sleep on tanner's pillow. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and see Pancake literally sleeping on top of Tanner's head. Straight up. On his head.

It is so cute. 

7. She is doing pretty good with potty training (for only being 9 weeks old). She will whine when she needs to go potty, but if don't catch the whine then she will just go wherever she is. 

8. She loves to have her belly rubbed

9. She loves cuddling up by your neck

10. She has a STRONG bite. She definitely has her sharp puppy teeth that Tanner and I both can't wait for her to lose. She loves fingers. Enough said. 

It is crazy how much joy and happiness can come into your life when you get a puppy. 

For all of you that don't call yourself a 'dog person'... I don't understand you. I mean... look at her face?? 

Dear Pancake,

Even though you're sometimes the weirdest creature I have ever seen, we love you so much. 

Thanks for joining our family and fitting in so perfectly. 

xoxo

-Mr. & Mrs. Clark

Cruising like it's our job.

The funny thing about the title of this post is that it is because of Tanner's job that we got to go on this cruise. Just thought I'd point out how clever I am.

So that's right, Tanner's company- Moxie, provided us with a 7-day, all expenses paid cruise to Mexico. And although it was smack-dab (is that a word?) in the middle of the semester, I wasn't going to let anything get in the way of me missing it! Even if that meant taking 3 mid-terms a week early (in case you're wondering, I highly do not recommend it).

The cruise left out of the Long Beach, CA port. Because of school and work obligations, Tanner and I couldn't leave for Long Beach until Friday night. We were driving. We started the drive at 7pm at night and drove the 14 hours through the night and got to Long Beach at 9am.

Starting the drive! 

Needless-to-say there was lots of energy drinks, singing to the radio, movies on the I-Pad and stops at sketchy gas stations in the middle of the night. By the time we got to Vegas, it was about 4am so we decided, what better time to eat breakfast? We were both craving I-HOP so we found the closest one and demolished plates of grease and fat with some hot chocolate on the side.

By this time, we were pretty much delirious but knew that we only had about 4-5 hours left until we got there. Homestretch! About 45 minutes after we left I-HOP, we had to stop again at a rest stop. I went to go pee and when I came back I found Tanner PASSED OUT in the drivers seat. I could barely keep my eyes open as well, so we took a little 30 minute power nap.

Sleeping Beauty 

Well after the craziest road trip all the way through the night, we finally made it to Long Beach! We got there at about 9am and we didn't have to be at the port until noon, so we wanted to find a place to be able to brush our teeth and wash our faces... we were feeling quite nasty at this point. Luckily our friends that were also going on the cruise had gotten there the day before and had stayed in a hotel. They let us come meet them at their hotel to use their bathroom! After that we felt a little more human again, but couldn't wait to get on the ship and have a chance to lay down! (Thanks Steph and Karl!)

Soon it was time and after a long checking in process, we were on the boat! Our boat was the Carnival Miracle. It was beautiful on the inside. Mine and Tanner's room had a little view of the ocean with a door.

Feeling 'human' again and ready to get to the Port!

Our 'suite' ;) 

Our cruise was a 7-dayer that left from Long Beach to Puerta Vallarta, Mexico and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. We were in Puerta Vallarta for 2 days.

The first day in Puerta Vallarta we decided to go Zip-Lining with a big group of Moxie people in the jungle. We had to take a sketchy bus all the way through the mountains to get to the zip-lining place, but it let us experience the city a little bit more. The Zip-Lining was awesome! It was literally in the Mexican jungle and we got to see all kinds of different animals including monkeys!

Sketchy bus ride 

About to Zip! 

Tanner with his "After Zip-Lining" Pina Colada ;) 

Me with my Strawberry Margarita ;) 

The sunset on our way down from being in the mountains... yes, this is real.

The next day Tanner and I decided that we were going to do our own thing. We knew we wanted to go BUNGEE JUMPING but it was quite a ways up the mountain by where we zipped lined so we didn't know how we would get there. Then we decided... Hey! Let's rent a Moped! So that we did. 

On our bike! 

Hittin' the CRAZY streets of Mexico.... Yikes!

Don't let the smiles fool you... I was scared for my life majority of the ride. 

The drive up the mountain on the back of the Moped was so beautiful and so much fun. It was such a beautiful day and it was time with the hubster. What more could I ask for? Well then we finally made it to the Bungee Jumping place. It looks so pretty and beautiful from a distance, but when you get to the top and you are all strapped up and the mexican that hardly speaks english says "UNO, DOS, TRES-- BUNJEE!!!" and your body doesn't move an inch.... that's when you know you've got a problem. 

Tanner wanted me to go first, but I just couldn't do it! I can't tell you how many times that same mexican homeboy said "UNO, DOS, TRES, BUNGEE!" and then me just stare at him with blank eyes like... wait.... my body didn't move. So after some convincing, I made tanner get all geared up and I had him go first. Of course he just acted like he had done it million times and jumped off backwards with the most impressive swan dive I have ever seen. 

I mean seriously.... Look at that form.

Now.... shall we compare with mine?

 

So much style. So much grace. 

Yeah, I think we can tell which one of us didn't beg a huge mexican just push them off backwards so there was no chance of backing out. Notice how my hands are out and preparing for me to actually hit the ground. I don't know what I was thinking. All I know is that this was the most AWESOME EXPERIENCE ever. How can you beat bungee jumping from a canopy that is extending over a gorgeous ocean in Mexico? It was truly once in a lifetime. And it was amazing. 

So relieved!

Then the third day we were at Cabo San Lucas! This is where Tanner and I went on our honeymoon so it was fun being back there almost a year later. This day we just wanted to take it easy and not do too many adventures. Especially because we had already done a lot in Cabo before. So we decided to sleep in and then we headed into town and walked around. We had some tacos for lunch, rode on a little pedi-cab into the city and walked around the little shops. Tanner bought me a gorgeous real turquoise and sterling silver ring that I still haven't taken off and he got himself a Seahawks Afghan... weirdo. Haha. Then we took a water taxi to a private beach that literally no one was on and we laid out and took a nap on the beach and swam in the ocean. It was perfect :) 

 

All in all, it was an amazing trip with so many memories. We are so grateful for the way that Tanner's company (Moxie) takes care of us and makes us feel special. They are such an amazing company to work for and we owe them a HUGE thank you for providing this 7-day cruise to us, completely free. 

It was a week that Tanner and I both needed, together. 

 

Thank you Mexico. 

We will see you again very, very soon. 

xoxo,

-Mr. & Mrs. Clark