One Year Ago...

Dec 1st 2010 marked my one year anniversary of having corrective jaw surgery. This has probably been the best, most fun year of my life! I lost 30 lbs, no more braces, my face is finally symetrical, and I even have a chin now!

I still feel like me, just happier and more confident. I spent so many years trying to hide my teeth, and hating my face, and now i don't have to feel that way anymore. It's really a huge relief because i never thought i'd be able to get myself "fixed".

Here are some more pics from our recent trip to Nebraska, courtesy of big sister, Jennifer, of Jennifer Pinkerton Photography

It Feels Like Fall

Pumpkin/apple picking in Nebraska with the cool kids! More Nebraska/vacation pics coming soon...

Photo Shoot

My big sister Jen is an awesome photographer, and she took these great photos of me and my sweetie! Check out her blog here.

They Did It!

The big day finally came. This was my first time being a bridesmaid, and it was so much fun!

Sarah Came to Texas!

My little niece came to visit this summer and we had so much fun together!
We took a road trip to Abilene for a wedding and to visit with family (Wolfy came too).

We rode the train downtown with Nonna.
While there we explored the Austin Children's Museum......and our great state's Capitol.

We had to cool off with a dip in the FREEZING waters of Barton Springs pool.
Of course we ate a lot of Mexican food--here's Sarah and Uncle Steven with matching bibs.

We had a great day at Volente Beach waterpark on the shores of beautiful Lake Travis when Angie and Chris came to visit.

I already miss the little gooberhead, and her twin sisters, so we are planning a trip to visit them next!

Wedding Showers are Fun!

We had a Vegas Casino themed couples shower for Kristi and JJ.
I never knew how good i was at Blackjack!

If you're gonna get married...

...you have to have a bachelorette party!!!

Aquapalooza on Lake Travis

Aquapalooza came to Austin this year. Brad Paisley headlined a concert on July 10 that was only accessible by boat.

Our weekend started when we launched the boat about 5:45 am Friday morning, July 9th. There were already tons of boats lined up, despite the rain and early hour!
Once we got tied up and settled in and had a short nap, the sun came out. We cruised around on the dinghy to check things out.
A shuttle boat took us to shore to get free goodies and souvenirs. Saw Brad Paisley's trailer but not the man himself. Rumor has it he was out on his jet ski until showtime.
Waiting for the concert to start, Betsy and I (yes, two Betsy's) got in a friendly wrestling match. I cheated and she STILL won!
Finally, concert starts.
They claim over 7000 boats showed up! We were about row 6 on the left side.

This Will Make My Hubby Happy

He LOVES Crystal Bowersox, from last season's American Idol. Looks like she finally got her teeth fixed.

Meet Gerard

We caught this naughty raccoon on the back porch one night, sneaking dog food out of Rosco's bowl. Decided to name him Gerard, since he lives in the yard.

betsy: "So how do you get rid of a raccoon once he discovers you have food out?"

steven: "You don't. You have to shoot it."

betsy: "Well, guess you'll have to shoot it then."

steven: "Can't. We already named him. You can't shoot them once you name them. It's a pet now."

Great.

Oh, Bad, Bad Dog

It's been so hot, i got Rosco a little kiddie pool to cool off in. He won't get near it. The pool is really scary. But he likes the lake, and the river...i don't understand.
I left him alone for an hour to get used to the idea of it, and came back outside to see this destruction in my garden. He dug up the cilantro and sat on the mint.He's in big trouble.

Camping Fun

We recently spent the weekend at McKinney Falls State Park, south side of Austin/almost to Bastrop. The park was beautiful!
We had a nice shady campsite.
There was a pretty swimming area at the waterfalls.
I was so brave. I jumped!

Great hike and bike trails too!

And I finished up the evening with cosmos...
...and s'mores around the campfire!

POOL PARTY!!!

Friend Stacey is moving to D.C., so we had a going away pool-party/bbq to say goodbye.

Let's All Go to the Movies

My friends from book club decided to go see Sex and The City II at the new Gold Class Theater at the Domain. The theater is amazing! Yes, it's a little pricey, but totally worth it for the experience.
We had cosmos and cocktails in the lounge before the movie.

Big comfy seats, and they'll bring you a pillow or blanket if you like.
They even turned caesar salad into a finger food--hearts of romaine dunked in caesar dressing!