Goodbye 2009.....

Goodbye to 2009. This year had a lot of wonderful memories, but also some sad ones. I lost my last grandparent, Grandma Betty, and my aunt passed away as well. I appreciate that my aunt was able to make it to the wedding and share our special day. But 2009 produced some amazing moments as well. Many friends and family got married and had children of their own. My little sister turned 21 and is quickly turning into a young woman, while my mom celebrated her 60th. Craig and I closed escrow and bought a house in Anaheim; a dream come true. I did not think I would own a house in So Cal until after my 30s. But here we are with our own lawn to mow, rooms to paint and decorate and beds to make. It is an amazing feeling knowing that this house is ours. 2009 brought us wonderful vacations as well. We spent a week on the Mexican Riviera for our honeymoon, spent weekends at the River, 10 days in Hawaii, gambling and drinking in Vegas, and a trip to Autzen stadium in Oregon. This year has been really busy. The highlight of 2009 was finally saying "I do," to my best friend. Craig and I tied the knot and I became Mrs. Kobayashi. Our wedding day is the happiest of my entire life and the moments we shared with family and friends will not be forgotten. 2010 has a lot of work to do if it plans on topping 2009. Its off to a good start with tickets to the Rose Bowl game on Jan 1st. I already know some highlights to come this year: my mom's retirement, another trip to Oregon, maybe Cabo, working on my master's, finishing BTSA, and so much more. So long 2009. You were one of the greatest years of my life!!

Jess is 21

The day finally arrived my little sister turned 21! It's been a long time coming, but she's made it. I'm so proud of the woman she is turning into. She's gone from my lil sis that I would pick on to a successful college student. I cannot wait to see what achievements are in her future.
We did a lot in Vegas in 2.5 days. Gambled on strip (lost), drank yard drinks in Fremont Street, went dancing at Prive at Planet Hollywood, did some shopping, watched Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian, and ate at Canaletto. The Phantom of the Opera was great! I'm not a huge fan of the musicals, but I was really impressed with this show. And if you ever need a recommendation on where to eat good Italian food, it would be Canaletto, also in the Venetian. So delicious!! Well, happy 21st Jess!!

Thanksgiving in Hawaii

This year I had a week off for the Thanksgiving holiday. Even with that full week off I took two extra days and Craig and I flew out to Hawaii. His brother and sister-in-law live out there and their twins, Casey and Cara, were turning one. His parents also flew out. This was my first time going on vacation to Hawaii. I have been there three times before but each time I was playing water polo at UCI. Our schedule was limited. But this time around, Craig and I got to do whatever we wanted. The list includes going to North Shore, the Dole Plantation, Matsumoto Shaved Ice, surfing and tanning at Waikiki, watching Ten Feet play, drinking mai tais under palm trees, snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, swimming with a sea turtle, kayaking at kailua, getting stung by a baby man-o-war, getting peed on (it really works!!), seeing Pearl Harbor and gaining a true sense of being an American, was humbled at the USS Arizona, hiking Diamond Head before sunrise, parasailing over Waiola, Thanksgiving with the Irei family, almost getting killed by a huge wave and of course celebrating the 1st bday of the twins. We did a lot. I hope the pictures can give you a true sense of what an amazing trip this was. I had the trip of a life time over there and I do realize how fortunate I am to be able to do all these things.


Here we are getting shaved ice at Matsumoto, sitting at the very top of a small structure on Diamond Head (it was really windy) and parasailing. Parasailing is something I recommend for everyone, even if you're scared of heights. We're wet because they lowered us into the water and then pulled us back up into the sky. Freaking awesome!!



Surfing at Waikiki. The waves were so nice and it was refreshing to not be destroyed by a wave when you fall. Good times! Pictures from the top of Diamond Head. There is Waikiki before the sun came up that morning and then on the east of Diamond Head, the sun breaks through the clouds. The view was spectacular and worth waking up at 5am to see.

At Hanauma Bay before sunrise and before the crowds. Loving our snorkel gear. An amazing view from the hillside. We saw so many fish and even swam with a sea turtle. We felt all alone while we were snorkeling. It was great!!

Pearl Harbor is a very humbling place. I've always wanted to visit here as both my grandpas served during WWII. To be standing over the USS Arizona is an amazing sight to behold and it made me appreciate this country a little more. While at Pearl Harbor, we visited the USS Bowfin (aka Pearl Harbor Avenger), which is a submarine that we toured through. There is also a great air museum to visit which is located near the air field at Pearl Harbor.

We went kayaking with Todd and Tracy. We kayaked to the bird sanctuary which is located on a really small island just off the coast of Kailua. We then kayaked to Lanikai Beach. Craig and I did some snorkeling and then we were switching fins when I stung by a baby Man-O-War. Todd got it out of the water. I wanted to keep it as a souvenir. It got me pretty good on my left wrist and my right triceps. Good times!

Meet Casey and Cara. They just turned 1 and they are wearing the bday gifts we gave them.

Family Photos

The Kobayashi Family

An amazing vacation with my husband and his family. A trip I don't think I'll ever forget. So many amazing experiences. I cannot wait to go back!! Aloha!!

It's been a crazy fall!!

Too much stuff is going on and I can't keep up. Getting my master's, school starting, going to Eugene to watch the Oregon ducks beat the Utah Utes, Star Wars in Concert, Weezer, Blink 182, garage sale, USC vs. Washington, Long Beach Half Marathon (fastest time), Disneyland, Halloween time at Disneyland, Oregon beats USC, Craig's Bday, Grandma Itai turns 94!!!, funeral, and our amazing Thanksgiving in Hawaii. Hawaii updates and pics to come!

Friends

I love the get togethers with my friends. Nothing beats a good friend. It is always nice when we find time to sit down and catch up. Everyone has a busy life nowadays, but we always seem to make time for each other. I get the feeling that that is rare. I love my friends and I'm not sure how my life would be without them.

The Honeymoon

Craig and I took a 7 day cruise to the Mexican Riviera. We stopped at Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta. Everything was amazing. The ship was unreal. We had a balcony which made all the difference in the world.

On the ship, there are thousands of things to do... well, besides eat at every moment. Craig and rock climbed, went ice skating, played dodgeball, got a massage, got a hair cut, played volleyball, saw a comedian, a juggler, watched people dance and sing to the 80's, asked the captain a question in person, watched the Newlywed's Game, swam, sat in a jacuzzi, and so much more. I won $150 playing craps in the casino and Craig won $130 in Bingo. Good times.

We did so many fun and amazing thins. We walked around Cabo and visited the famous Gigling Marlin and Cabo Wabo. In Mazatlan, we went ziplining which was so much fun. Even if you're scared of heights you should do it at some point. I had the most fun doing that. Talk about a rush. And at some points you felt all alone in the jungle. It was unbelievable. Except for the 80+ mosquito bites I received. Forgot about the bug repelent. Ooopss...

In Puerto Vallarta, I had the opportunity to experience one of my childhood dreams: swimming with the dolphings. This was an absolutely amazing experience. My passion and near obsession with these creatures is unreal. I have pet dolphins before and fed them fish, but this experience does not compare to anything else. We were floating around as the dolphins swam around and inbetween us. We fed them and got kisses from them. The highlight was taking a ride. We got to hold onto their pectoral fins and go for a ride side by side. Truly incredible and something I will never forget. There are too many great things to talk about. We had such a blast and cannot wait to go on our next cruise. Maybe Alaska or the Caribbean. Either way we had a great time. Royal Caribbean gave treated us to a lifetime of memories that we will not soon forget.

Can't Wait!!

Craig and I leave for our honeymoon tomorrow!! We're taking a cruise down to Mexico, with stops at Puerta Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo. I cannot wait!! This will be my 2nd cruise and Craig's first. We are both super excited to begin this relaxing and amazing trip!!

Bradley Cooper

Click here to view these pictures larger

The Hangover

The Hangover is one of the best movies I have ever seen!! It is so funny. I've seen it 3 times in the theater and Craig has downloaded the movie, so I've seen it quite a few times. The one liners are just amazing. And each character is hilarious in their own way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OligCf4SyYE

"Who was that guy? He was so mean."

"We don't remember anything, remember?"

"Not at the table Carlos."

"I look like a nerdy hillbilly."

Such a great movie. And the bonus fact that Bradley Cooper is hot!!

TGIF

What a week! Not a particularly good one. On Tuesday, we hosted a middle school swim meet. I left my stuff in the pool office as usual. But I forgot to lock the door on my way out. Next time I come back into the office, I'm missing $$$ out of my wallet. Ugh!! That really sucked. I left early to go hang out with Nicole. Blah! The next day, I'm in my classroom going through some supplies and realize I'm missing quite a lot. I'm missing Styrofoam balls, paint brushes, and paint. Fucking kids!! Sometimes they just get under my skin. I'm just glad today is Friday and that there is a 3-day weekend ahead of me. Woo-hoo!!

UCI NCAA Champs!!

I cant' believe it, but once again UCI men's Vb team are national champions!! Woo-hoo!! They won an epic battle against USC. A 5-game thriller that will be remembered for a long time. It feels nice when your school can bring home a championship. I don't care if it is in a minority sport. I know men's vb is not huge around this country, but Orange County is pretty proud of their Anteaters. That's the way to represent!!

Good Health

Finally, people are healthy again!! Craig's dad, Ted, just got out of the hospital. The Monday after our wedding he went in with appendicitis and was there for 2 more weeks!!! Ugh! He caught a couple of infections once caused by C-diff. A very dangerous type of bacteria. Luckily he is out and home, feeling much better. Also, my friend Karen had back surgery. Her surgery went well and she is now home, recovering and walking around. Hopefully this is the end of hospitals for awhile. Geez!

I Now Pronounce You.....

On Saturday, April 11th, 2009, Craig and I tied the knot. It was the most amazing day! It was perfect in every way. If there was a problem, we did not know about it. My day started bright and early at 6:15am. I actually slept pretty well. Staying up late Thursday night and waking up early on Friday was a great move. Getting ready was when it really started to sink in that I was getting married. Arriving at Eagle's Nest Clubhouse, the girls all got dressed and took some photos. It was great to see everything so nicely put together at Eagle's Nest.

People have asked if I was ever nervous. There was only one time. The ceremony was scheduled to begin at 11am. So at 10:50am, all the bridesmaids and I went to our dressing room to wait for my coordinator to come get us. Well, 11o'clock rolled around and no Pam. Then five after and ten after. I was getting very anxious and nervous to why she had not come to get us. Finally, she came and we went to the reception hall where would begin the processional. Later, I found out that Craig, Bob (our officiant), and our guests were patiently waiting as well. Bob even announced that I would be arriving shortly. It turns out Pam did not want to begin until all guests were seated. We had some stragglers coming in.

Waiting to walk down the aisle was the most exciting part. I could see everyone in their seats and Craig on the stage. I did get a little nervous before walking out. There's nothing like 200 people watching you at the same time. I remember looking around and taking it all in and then focusing in on Craig. He looked so handsome. I don't even remember the music playing. The ceremony was perfect in every way. Craig had some tears of joy which then ruined me. I'm just proud that I was not sobbing. Having my dad hand me off to Craig was special. I was praying that I wouldn't trip as I walked up the steps to the top of the stage. I cannot express the love I felt as I recited my vows to Craig and as he read his to me. And yes, I cried a little bit again. Putting the rings on made it official and I do recall bouncing with joy, waiting for Bob to pronounce us husband and wife. After we shared our first kiss as husband and wife, I was amazed to see all the people who had witnessed our union. I did not recall so many people being there. I think I had completely zoned out and just focused on Craig and Bob.

It was truly an amazing day!! I was able to meet more of Craig's family, visit with my family and catch up with old friends. The reception was a blast. I cannot wait to see the video of our wedding party walking into the reception to the Main Street Electrical Parade from Disneyland. I hear Jess and Todd did a tea pot move. I'm excited to see that. The toasts were fantastic. Jessica did a great job with hers even though she the written version in the changing room. I know the Seal Beach crew had a great time with the Bonzia chant from Todd. And David's toast was great. Almost seemed like a roast of Craig. Warren bringing out the flute was great!

After eating, Craig and I shared our first dance as husband and wife. We danced to 'Amazed' by Lonestar. I then danced with my dad to "God Only Knows" by the Beach Boys and then Craig's mom, Carol, bawled her eyes out while they danced to "A Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong. And then the dancing began. Good times.

It seemed like everyone had a great time! Good food, good music, good company!

And now Craig and I begin our lives as husband and wife; Mr. and Mrs. Kobayashi