June 7 - A Day In My Life

I had originally intended to take pictures on Tuesday, Bill's birthday, because we had lots of fun things planned.  But, since we had so many plans, I totally forgot to take pictures.  Instead, I took them yesterday, which ended up being really fun too - since we had more good plans!  We went to City Fair in downtown Portland which is a carnival set up during the Rose Festival (Portland is the City of Roses).  It was a fun fair and it was also Fleet Week so we saw some ships.  In the evening, we celebrated our anniversary since we won't be together next week for our actual anniversary.  It was a good day.

I didn't take a picture when I first woke up, so this was after a shower.  It's not as early as some of the days I've taken pictures - but still not late enough to enjoy sleeping in!

  

Feeding Ubi in the rain.  He's still not sure what to do about this Oregon weather.

Looking at pictures while I eat Life cereal.

Driving (in the rain) to pick up our special anniversary cakes.

We had JaCiva cakes at our wedding so whenever we get a chance, we order them again to enjoy the deliciousness.  This time we ordered Chocolate Cappuccino and Luscious Lemon.

We rode the MAX (tram) downtown to the fair.

Getting a tour of a Coast Guard cutter in town for Fleet Week.

A Canadian Navy sailing ship.  It was pretty cool.

We traded our challenge coin (that I randomly had in my purse) with a coin from the ship.  We were very proud of ourselves!

Entering City Fair ready for some good food!

I had a delicious corn dog.

Bill had a Walla Walla Burger (smothered in Walla Walla onions).

 

We splurged and bought wristbands for unlimited rides at the carnival!

Riding the swings high above the fair.

We sampled a smoothie made in a blender powered by a stationary bike.  It was OK, but I was just there for the free Walmart reusable shopping bag!

Riding in the ferris wheel high above the city!

Bill rode this ride without me!  We rode so many rides that spun us around in circles that we both felt a little sick at the end.  But, we definitely got our money's worth out of the wristbands!

Waiting for the MAX on our way home.

This isn't the usual "picture of me in a mirror", but I thought it was creative so it counts!

Our special anniversary dinner - PIZZA!  This is the same pizza we had at our wedding reception so it was the appropriate celebratory dinner.

Oh, so tasty.  It really is GOOD pizza!

Eating our special cake.  We cut the cake using my mom's crazy cake-cutting tool.  It actually worked really well.

My only time-check of the day happened to be right before bed.  It was a long, busy day!

Week 25

June 19
We went shopping at Pricesmart and we took a couple guys who are new to Panama. It was a good outing - we all bought some good stuff. Then we ate lunch at the food court...tasty fried chicken and pizza!

June 20
Bill gave me a punch bowl for our anniversary. The 3rd anniversary is crystal. I love it and can't wait to use it.

June 21
I recently started playing my computer game. It's not new, I've just been waiting to play it for several years...I'm not sure why I was waiting. It's a fun game, but I've discovered I'm not a very patient person so sometimes I cheat!

June 22
Bill doing his homework with the dog. They were cuddling on the floor and it was really cute!

June 23
I'm sick again! I've been sick more here in the last 1.5 years than in any of the other places I've lived. Thankfully, NyQuil makes me feel better.

June 24
We had delicious kebabs for dinner. Chicken, onions, and peppers grilled to perfection. It really was a wonderful meal.

June 25
This is the "spare change" can that I've filled up for church. The youth group collects the cans to raise money for their missions trip. Time to turn my can in.

Week 24

June 12

We were invited to a birthday party to celebrate several June birthdays, but it was on Susan's actual birthday. She shared the candle-blowing-out responsibility with Kayla. I made Susan a chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting, one of my favorites!!

June 13
Half the time, Ubi doesn't even sleep on his bed...he sleeps next to it or on the carpet. Silly dog!

June 14
Happy Anniversary to us! I can't believe it's been three years! Looking forward to many more. We celebrated by going to dinner at our favorite restaurant - of course!!

June 15
We were supposed to drink this on our anniversary and forgot. It's still good the next day - I love sparkling cider!

June 16
I made stuffed red peppers in the crock pot. They weren't the best, but they were ok. I might have to adjust the recipe a bit if I decide to make them again.

June 17
Another going away party - this one for Katie. We will really miss you, Katie and our fun Tuesday lunch club! (I don't know why my eyes are so huge in this picture!!)

June 18
It happened again! I'm so sad. I carried my camera around all day. And we did fun stuff: we went to the mall, we ate at the food court, Bill got a haircut, we went to another mall, and we went to a movie with new friends. It was a great day and I just forgot to take a picture. Sorry...I guess it has to be Project 363 now - sad!!

Week 14

April 3

We went to the mall to eat at the food court and do a little shopping. There are so many choices at the food court that it's really a good place to eat - everyone gets what they want. The mall we go to is HUGE, and now they're building more. They do not need more mall, they need more parking - but instead they build more building IN the parking lot...great! Arrocha is one of my favorite stores here. April 4

We bought a Scat Mat. It's intended to keep animals off counters and tables. We're trying it out to see if Bacon will stay off. It gives her a little shock if she touches it. Hopefully it's working! April 5

Today was Bacon's 1st birthday. At least, today is the day we picked to be her birthday. Since she was a rescue cat, they didn't know her exact birthday, but our veterinarian friend guessed her approximate age and we picked a date to use as her birthday. She is a small cat, but we're saying she's 1. Bill gave her some treats to celebrate her special day. April 6

These are two of my very favoritest candy bars. Maggie came back from America and brought them for me since we can't get them here. April 7

I got a new tote bag because Bill supports OPB. Last time they sent him a bookmark, but he sent more money so this time we got a tote bag...yay!

April 8
I can't remember if I already took a picture of this. Oh well, it's pretty cool (and I'm sure I'll repeat some pictures before the year is over). This is the wall hanging Bill gave me on our last anniversary. I LOVE it!! April 9
Bill made pancakes again. He even made a few chocolate-chip pancakes. I love eating pancakes on Saturday morning, thanks Bill!

Another One

I feel I must post another Anniversary picture because our day was just that good! We had pizza for lunch (because I insisted on having pizza in Bellagio), but we also went out for a more "fancy" dinner, lest you all think we are uncivilized, pizza-eating cretins. That's right, we even made reservations and got dressed up (sort of!). We reserved a table right on the water's edge at the oldest hotel/restaurant in Bellagio, and it was beautiful! I thought the dinner would be really expensive, but it was about the same as our lunch (since lunch included appetizer and dessert). We didn't include any extras for dinner because we were still full, but it was delicious and the location was unbeatable. Its going to be really hard to top this anniversary, and it was only our first!

Happy Anniversary!

Happy Flag Day to everyone. Today is a special holiday when we celebrate the Stars and Stripes. Oh yeah, and its also our anniversary, so Happy Anniversary to us!

We have been married for one year. That's amazing. It seems like just yesterday that we were in Oregon at beautiful Bridal Veil Lakes having a wonderful wedding ceremony and spectacular reception. It was such a great day and we both have very happy memories of all the special people that were there to share it with us. Thanks again to everyone who made our wedding so incredible.

Now, one year later, we are still happily married and enjoying life. We have accomplished a lot in the last year. Bill is no longer in the Marine Corps and is now a full time student. He joined me in Italy and is living the good life! I received my new assignment in Panama and we're in the midst of getting ready to transfer. We have also traveled a lot this year: we spent our honeymoon on an Alaskan cruise; we've been to Milan for a Formula One race; we traveled to Elba, Pisa, and Lucca with visiting family; we went to Paris and EuroDisney; Bill traveled to Florence with his mom; we rented a car and drove around Sicily; we spent 9 days touring Egypt; we took a quick trip to Pompeii, Sorrento, and Capri; Bill flew to Texas for a wedding; and we are currently enjoying Lake Como. I guess its fitting that my blog is called "Taste & Travel" because we do a lot of traveling. (We also do a lot of eating, so the whole title is appropriate.) A lot has happened this year and we are happy to be experiencing it all together!

One year ago today we were eating delicious pizza from Bellagio's Pizza at our wedding. Now, on our First Anniversary, we are enjoying pizza in beautiful Bellagio, Italy. The food and the scenery are different, but we are still very happy and in love!

Anniversary in Bellagio

Pizza in Bellagio (not as good as Bellagio's Pizza)

Enjoying the pizza!

We even had cake that was similar to our delicious wedding tortes - but not nearly as good

Happy in Bellagio!

We are definitely enjoying our anniversary in Bellagio!