5 + 10 year reunion.

This past weekend we headed out of town to visit friends and attend Jared's high school reunion. I was really bad at taking pictures on this trip. So, I have no pics of us in Montara. We spent one night with our friends Brooke and Nanishka. They are so fun and easy going. We thoroughly enjoy our time with them because we don't get to see them nearly as often as we would like to. The boys got in some surfing at half moon bay and I was able to completely relax. It was a perfect day.

On Saturday afternoon we headed to Livermore. We stayed with Jared's dad who lives right by where the reunion was. We had a lot of fun at the reunion. Most people say this event is no fun for the spouse because they do not know anyone. However, I loved seeing Jared interact with all these people that he has known his whole life. I really enjoyed hearing stories about him from his high school days. He is still very good friends with people he has known since kindergarten....seriously.

Can't remember the first guys name, Chris, Amie, Garry, Phil and Jared

Amie and Jared (grew up together like brother and sister)

We are headed up the coast to Montara Beach this week to visit friends for a couple days. We will then go to Jared's home town (Pleasanton) to attend his high school reunion. Then we plan to top off the trip with stopping in our favorite little town, San Luis Obispo, to grab a delicious tri-tip sandwich at Firestone. I can't wait to get on the road!

Babies.

No....we are not currently having a baby. For right now we are content living through our friends.

As I am attempting to put together some overdue baby gifts, I realized that all our friends who had babies recently have had girls. I'm always interested in hearing what people name their babies. So, below is a list of the new arrivals.

Ainsley Hughes

born to Jeff and Jen Hughes 

Jeff and Jared have been friends since kindergarten. Jeff and Jen live in Houston, so we hope that we can visit them sooner than later. (see in a past post, Jeff and Jen got married the month after us)

Seattle Caroline Trejo

born to Brock and Nicole Trejo

Brock and I have been friends since we were freshmen in high school. I'm so bummed that we missed them at Christmas time. They live in Ohio, so we probably won't see them for awhile.

Sarah "Sisi" Tranquillo

born to Kat and Gimmy Tranquillo

Kat and I met in college and have been good friends since. We live really close to each other (neighboring cities) and have still not be able to meet up. I can't wait to meet this Italian cutie.

Rylee Aloe

born to Mike and Jaylin Aloe

Jared and Mike have been friends since elementary school. The Aloe's also live pretty close to us. I hope we can see them soon.

Charlie Louise Elmer

born to Dave and Toni Elmer

Toni and I met in college in Utah. She is amazing, runs her own business and is a mother of 4 now. She has 3 little boys and finally got her girl. I am thrilled for her. They live in Texas and we haven't seen each other for a few years. I miss her and could use her endless energy....you inspire me Tone.

Unfortunately, we have not met any of these sweet babies in person yet. Everyone is spread out and of course very busy. We plan to make it happen very soon. We are so excited for all of our friends and look forward to the new babies that are due this year.

Obsessed.

I am not ashamed to admit that I am obsessed with THE BIGGEST LOSER. I thoroughly look forward to Tuesday nights. This shows captivates me for many reasons. I love Jillian Michaels, she inspires me to stay in shape. I asked for her work out game for the Wii and at the time I did not even own a Wii, I had planned to use it at my aunt's house. The stories of the individual contestants really touch me for some reason. Jared continues to ask me every week, "Babe are you crying?" My emotions seem to get the best of me. I do not think my husband shares my enthusiasm for this show. However, he will always watch the very end with me to see the weight loss results. The truth is this show continues to encourage me every week. They have great eating and exercise tips in between the segments of the show. 

P.S. The Kennedy's 2009 calendar is a Biggest Loser calendar. It is awesome, it has great training advice and meal plans. The best part for me is, it helps keep me accountable for working out. (My New Years Resolution.....of course!)

Brian and Anne.

This past weekend my cousin Brian married his sweet girlfriend Anne. It was our first wedding of the year. The festivities started off on Friday night with a rehearsal dinner at Maggiano's at The Grove. It was definitely a family affair, Anne is the youngest of 10 siblings. So, needless to say there were a lot of people there. We had a great time.

On Saturday they were married in The Los Angeles Temple. Their wedding was so beautiful. I am so glad that we were able to be apart of it. We then headed down to Ranch Santa Margarita for the reception. The reception decor was amazing! I wish I would have taken more pictures. I know someone in my family has pictures of the set up. It was a really fun night of catching up with old friends, dancing, eating and entertainment. 

I am so happy for Brian. He is one of my best friends and has helped me through some tough times in my crazy life. He has been such an example to me of the type of person I am striving to be. I wish them all the best and I am so glad to gain another cool girl in the family. I love them both so much!!!

Rehearsal dinner. 

Me, Maren, Jocey, Trish, Brittany, Aunty Dolly and Mom.

Waiting outside of the temple for Brian and Anne to come out. 

Tom, Mom, Jared and I.

Jared and I with the happy couple at the reception.

Anne and Brian.

Love.

Home at last.

Technically, we have been home since Sunday evening. This week has flown by so quickly that I don't even feel settled in yet. We had left all our Christmas decor up (including our live Christmas tree) while we were away. So, when we came back there was much to do; take down  all decor, unpacking, laundry, cleaning, organizing etc. etc. We were quite the travelers these past 3 weeks. Jared and I spent 10 days in Utah and had a great Christmas with his side of the family. We came home for 1 night and then we were off to Temecula for 5 days.

Now that we are home and slowly getting back into our routine, I realized just how wonderful it was to have time off work to relax and spend quality time with our families and friends. We are truly blessed in so many ways. Here are a few pics to reflect on 2008. Onto a New Year with the hope of new adventures, experiences and good times. Happy New Year!

Married

Honeymoon

Weddings

more weddings...

and more weddings...

Concert w/the fam

Us in San Fransisco

Dylan, Jared and Cameron

This pic deserves an explanation. We went to our 3rd Bunko New Year's Eve Party. The theme this year was "ugly Christmas sweaters." Jared and his best friend Gary took it to another level. The picture speaks for itself.

A Busy Slacker.

I'm pretty sure my title does not make sense...however that is the perfect description of how November and December have been for me. I have been sooooo busy since returning from Singapore which has resulted in slacking on our blog.

There is much to update everyone on. We are currently in Utah spending the holidays with Jared's family. We will be here for 10 days. This is the first Christmas I will spend away from my family... a little sad for me. However, I love my in-law family. They are truly the best and always so much fun to be around.

Last night they had their annual family party. Jared has a much bigger family than I. There were over 40+ people including MANY children. I thoroughly enjoying being around all the kids. The youngest person in our family these days is my little sister, Jocelyn, she is 17. The family gathering includes a Christmas program with performances and more, a white elephant gift exchange and the infamous spoons game.

The spoons game in this family is NO JOKE! They have had to limit the game to age 12 and up because things can get rowdy at times. The game usually starts with about 10-15 people. My dear husband has tried so hard to win this game for the past 5 years. He has been in the championship round each year. The past 4 years his cousin Shad and his wife Jenna have won. We are determined to win next year.

I will give a full update with pictures when we return home. Until then, we want to wish all of our family and friends a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

P.S. I had planned to do my Christmas cards when we came up to Utah. Shortly after we arrived, I realized I left them on our sofa. So, we want everyone to know we are thinking about them and that we hope you all have a wonderful Holiday Season.

Lots of love, The Kennedys