Last one...I promise!

I promise this will be the last post about our engagement pictures. I got the disc with all the photos in the mail today and had to share just this one picture with our beautiful Capitol in the background. Thank you again Michelle for the amazing photos!

**Back to cleaning, the little brother comes to visit tomorrow!

Our Newest Family Member

Introducing the newest member of our household Archie! We adopted him through a rescue in Pennsylvania last week. When we got him, his name was Howie and we quickly changed it to Archie. He is named after two famous Marines: Archibald Henderson (longest serving Commandant in history; 1820-1859) and John Archer Lejeune (the 13th Commandant).

When the rescue got him, and his brothers and sisters, they were only a day away from being put down. After jumping through all the puppy adoption hoops, we were so thankful to finally bring him home. He's such a sweet little guy and is adjusting really well to life in our home.

Engagement Pictures

As I mentioned in my previous post, Steve and I had our engagement pictures taken a few weeks ago. Let me start by saying that our photographer was amazing. I first saw Michelle Cross's work on one of the many wedding blogs I check regularly. She had photographed a Marine proposing to his girlfriend in front of the Lincoln. She drew me in with photos near the monuments...she sealed the deal with Marines. I contacted her and she agreed to shoot our engagement pictures in the city where Steve and I met, Washington DC.

If you've ever lived in DC you know that mid-March is when the masses in jean shorts, socks with sandals, and fanny packs start to flock to the city. If you haven't lived in DC, let me assure you its a mad house. There are people everywhere and none of them know how to use a crosswalk or the metro (especially the escalators). Since it had started warming up we decided to start our session at 7:30am (and thanks to Daylight Savings Time, it felt like 6:30am). The up side of an early morning shoot, the light was great and there were only a few DC residents milling about.

You can see a few of our engagement shots on Michelle's blog. And if you're in need of a photographer, I'd highly recommend her - she's wonderful (Michelle's website)!

I Love DC!

It hasn't been that long since we were last in DC, but I was really starting to miss it terribly. Thankfully, Uncle Sam sent Steve to class so we had an excuse to spend a few days in the city. It was SO wonderful to see our friends again. Here's a recap of the weekend (I apologize for the length...we had a great time):

• Thursday: I started my day out with lunch at Old Ebbit with my friend Nick. After a great lunch, I headed over to the Hill. I spent time visiting with the members of Team Bonner and my friend Robert. Roaming those halls made me both happy and sad all at the same time. I know I may never have the opportunity to work in DC again, but I truly cherish my time spent there.


• Friday: After spending time with our good friends, Nat and Adam, Steve and I went our separate ways to different events. I was able to spend some much needed girls' time with some of the most amazing women...the women of MBW. After a lot of good food and great conversation at Belga, we headed out to Molly Malone's to toast Dolly Madison! Things got a little crazy, but it certainly was a lot of fun!


• Saturday: Steve and I kicked off the morning with brunch with the Popelkas (SO great to see them and spend time with them)! After a 2 hour chat-fest, I kicked it into high gear in preparation for a surprise bridal shower. Louise, Steph, and I threw a surprise shower for our sweet friend, Kerri. She is an amazing person and friend and I was more than happy to help celebrate her and spend more time with the MBW ladies. I simply cannot wait to continue celebrating her and her future husband in California! (I also got to meet sweet Ada...Steph, she's too precious). Steve and I met Adam, Nat, Vickie, and Nat's friend Kacie at RT's for dinner (if you're ever in the DC area and love Cajun food, do yourself a favor and eat at RTs). It was wonderful to spend time with them, especially Vickie and Nat. Had it not been for them, I might not have stayed in DC; and for that I am eternally grateful.


• Sunday: Sunday morning started EARLY but felt even earlier due to DST. Although I was very tired, I was happy to get into the city and meet with Michelle, of Michelle Cross Photography! I saw some of Michelle's work on a wedding blog and I fell in love with her work. Thankfully, she was willing to come up from NC to take some engagement shots of me and Steve in DC. I can't wait to see how they turn out (stay tuned)!

All in all it was a wonderful weekend, spent with wonderful friends. I was bummed to make the drive back to our house, but I know I'll be back in the city soon!

Sweet Boy

As most of you know, I have not found a job since we moved to the sticks. Most of my days include cleaning, laundry, pre-wedding workout, and job hunting. I am slowly but surely losing my mind. In an effort to keep me sane, sweet Steve thought it'd be nice to send me to the spa. I had a wonderful massage, facial, and haircut thanks to my generous fiancee and the wonderful people at Thomas Scott in Frederick. I am so lucky to have such a thoughtful, caring, and giving person like Steve in my life.

We're spending the weekend in the city, so I'll have an update of our fun adventures on Monday!

Unseasoned Blogger

Welcome to my blog, My Life In Between! Since Steve is in the military we recently moved to rural Maryland, which is a huge switch from the fast paced life of DC. With that move came many changes...I went from being at the center of everything going on in Congress to job hunting in a small town.

I'm very new to the blogging world, so bear with me. I hope to share new hobbies, ambitious undertakings, fun finds, and occasionally, wedding planning. I can't promise my life will always (or ever) be interesting, but it's my life and I am extremely thankful for each new day!