Flagstaff Fun

I have been wanting to get out of crazy hot Scottsdale since I left Washington and I figured a hot summer weekend was just the reason to do it.  So up North to Flagstaff we went.  Sedona was very excited!

The first night there we camped.  Now, this is only the 2nd time Sedona and I have camped, but I swear it's totally growing on me.  The tent was called "The Cabin" and I'm not kidding it was like being in a cabin; AMAZING and HUGE.  I don't know what it is but there is definitely something about the cold, fresh air that makes me sleep so incredibly well.  

The next day I woke up refreshed and ready to make my way to downtown Flagstaff AND to the hotel for a shower haha.  On the way out of the forest we made a stop by a lake.  The last time I brought Sedona to natural water was 2 years ago when I took her to the beach for the first time. To this day, that trip remains one of my favorite memories. I could not stop laughing at how crazy excited she got playing in the ocean.

This was no different...

I think it is safe to say that Sedona LOVES water! Seeing how happy she gets when she gets to play in water, I could watch her play in it all day long.  Of course I had to get a quick picture with my girl, but as you can see she was not happy that I interrupted her "play time."

We spent the rest of the day and the next say outdoors as much as possible. I found a great hiking trail near Northern AZ University and when S and I finished our 5 mile hike...sitting in the cool grass surrounded by pine trees was just what the doctor ordered.

The weekend was such a blast  spending time in cooler weather.Sedona definitely played her little heart out because as soon as she got in the car to go home she couldn't keep her eyes open and I couldn't help but smile.

I saw this on the hike... One of my favorites as a kid.

**Make a wish **

Happy Daddio(s) Day

Father's Day is today OR what I like to call "Daddio Day."  When I was young and I would call my Dad "Daddio."  No idea why (haha), but it always made my Dad laugh when I would say it and Valerie and I would then laugh too.

I never knew I would one day be blessed with Two Dads.  It is interesting when I think about My Dad's and how lucky I am to have both as part of my life.  Both of which love(d) and care for me immensely which at the end of the day that is all I could ever ask for.

Dad #1

I have so many memories of my Dad. Some that date back to when I was a toddler. Scary I know.  My older sister says I have a crazy good memory and she is right.  I don't know how I remember events that happen so long ago but I do.

My Dad had this super old white car and Valerie and I would love running errands with him because that car had a bucket seat in the front and we could ALL sit in front together. Then to top it off, my Dad had this cassette player with a tape that he NEVER switched out.  It had the 80's song "Sweet Dreams" on it and I would push it in and all three of us would sing as loud as we could the entire song. Some times we would designate parts and laugh the entire song, but never the less we would sing out hearts out. When the song would end, I would press rewind and we would do it all over again.  Some times my Dad would say "Are you sure you don't want to listen to the radio?" haha.  Needless to say, when I hear that song on the radio in my car today, I blast it as loud as I can and sing my heart out.  I always feel as if it is my little sign from my Dad in heaven letting me know he is with me.  You would be surprised how often I hear it it play too. :)

I am thankful I had the opportunity to experience and take on some of the many talents my Dad had.  His cooking rocked! I am almost positive I have my sweet tooth because of him (thanks Daddio), but really, his home made birthday cakes growing up WERE TO DIE FOR.  My love for movies is because of him too.  Our weekend outings would consist of a movie and a lot of critiquing after it.  I miss being able to do that with him but treasure the times we did.


Dad #2

I have equally as many memories with my Matt! For starters, I would never have been the soccer player I was if it wasn't for Matt.  To this day, I am certain Matt is one of the very few TOP female coaches that we have here in the United States.  His ability to relate and listen to females on a daily basis (NOT easy) and to be patient all at the same time is what makes Matt not only and extraordinary soccer coach but an extremely special person and Dad in my life.  The older I get, the more our relationship grows even closer and I am truly thankful for that.

One of my favorite memories I have with Matt is when I had the wonderful opportunity to visit HIS home; England.  I always knew Matt was a legend but to be able to experience that first hand with him was truly special.  He took me to my first ever England soccer match! It was honestly one of the coolest things I have ever witnessed. There were so many people wanting to see Matt while we were there it made me realize how grateful I am to have him in my life all the time. Living in different states makes it hard at times, but the times he is able to come to AZ on recruiting trips he makes sure to see me even if its only for a cup of coffee and that does more than I am sure he realizes.

I am thankful for things Matt continues to teach me.  His kind heart and patience is something I will always admire and look up too.  He always finds a way to see the good in situations and people and I find that to be an incredible quality to have.

Happy Father's Day Daddio(s)! 

Hoping your day is as special and dear as you both are to me and my heart.

Mr. and Mrs Haas (Part II)

Okay I am back! Unfortunately I have to be at work this Saturday morning... buuuuuut it allows for me to finish Part II of Valerie and Carl's wedding!

Valerie was one of the most "relaxed" brides on her actual wedding day that I have ever been around.  Not that I would expect anything else from her.  We started getting ready around 9am the day of the wedding at the house my Mom and Matt rented for the festivities. I was thouroughly impressed with how in sink all the hair and make-up artists were. 9AM on the dot 3 hair people and 2 make up artists were at the door ready to go. Valerie and I sat outside waiting for our turn and while doing so I was lucky enough to capture Valerie's reaction seeing her bouquet for the very first time.

Wasn't her bouquet absolutely stunning? It took my breath away that's for sure. UNTIL I saw Valerie just about done with her hair. 

Cassidy mentioned that she looked like a brunette Marilyn Monroe and she sure did :)

I was able to get this photo quickly before things got a little crazy with putting Valerie's dress on and trying not to fall out of mine hahaha.

 And THEN... The dress was on!!! Ahhhhhh it was just as beautiful as I remembered. Yes ladies, it is totally okay if you are drooling over this beaded tea length wedding dress!

 I wish I had photos during the ceremony but I don't have any to show yet. Valerie's friend took this one of all of us waiting to walk down the aisle of the church

My goal was to not cry.  I failed horribly.  As soon as My Mom and Valerie walked down the aisle; Snot every where, tears falling kind of lost it.  I am sure it will look just lovely in photographs (haha).  Thankfully I know everyone's attention was on the jaw dropping bride and soon after we had

MR. & MRS. HAAS!!!

The reception turned out to be everything my sister had hoped for (and more if you ask me). 

 Obviously the dessert bar was my favorite part. SO creative and so delicious.

My two grandmas loved the chair area they created next to the dance floor

 

Cocktail hour started the party off. Auntie Vera, Uncle Rob and Auntie June had the right idea. Rest the feet as much as possible before the dancing started

And then it really got cracking with DJ Gumbo from New Orleans haha. Here are some of my  favorites...

I love my sisters so very much

Every time I look at this picture my heart melts...

And then you have some that I can't stop laughing at

 

 Sweaty and Tired...

We danced the ENTIRE night. I even hurt my hip from dancing so hard (no joke people). Apparently I can't "drop it like it's hot" without stretching anymore. Like all things, the beautiful day had to come to an end and if it didn't I am pretty sure I would have had to be carried back to my hotel room. Cheers to the newlyweds and to a loving and Happy future together!

Mr. and Mrs (Part I)

They did it! Holy moly, Valerie and Carl are officially married! Man oh man and I am still recovering.

My Abuela came to AZ (from Colombia) so that she could fly with me to Washington for the wedding.  I felt so blessed that she was finally able to meet  Sedona.  If Sedona could talk I am certain she felt the same way. Boy did she love her Great Abuela...

We left on a Thursday afternoon so that we could get to Roche Harbor with plenty of time.  I say this because the journey consisted of a 3 hour flight to Seattle... a 2 hr drive to the coast... 1 hour ferry ride to the Island and then a 20 min drive to the resort.  But it was well worth it! Not only was I reunited with the bride-to-be,  our view from our hotel room was breathtaking!

The largest tulips I had ever seen!

Shortly after settling in, I was able to meet up with the rest of my family. It is the absolutely best when we are all together.  They complete me (haha)

It was such a good night catching up with my family.  The following day was the rehearsal.  I could not believe it was time already. Here are a few of my favorite pictures

    Dinner took place right off the harbor.  It was a bit chilly but the view was incredible as well as the food and company.

A seal joined us for dinner too :)

It was truly a special evening prepping for Valerie and Carl's special day.  I loved seeing and feeling all the love that everyone had for them. 

This concludes Part 1 of my post.  Can't wait to show you what their wedding day was all about!!!