Honeymoon, Part 2

I have a thing for sailboats... and boy did we see some sailboats!!! This pictures makes me happy (even if it is crooked):

Our cruise started in Barcelona, Spain and we did two back-to-back cruises for a total of 9 days. Cruising is our new preferred method of travel. If there is a way to get somewhere on a boat - I'm in! It is all inclusive, there is always something going on, I don't have to plan a lot - love it, love it, love it! 

I had booked an interior room since we planned on spending most of our time actually doing and seeing stuff. Upon check in we were upgraded to a balcony room and we thoroughly enjoyed it!! Every morning and every night sailing in or out of a port sitting on your private balcony was definitely a vacation highlight! 

From Barcelona, Spain we went to Villefranche Sur Mer, France: 

This region is also known as the Azur Coast because of its beautiful water. Since it was April it was still a little chilly, but overall the weather was amazing! 

We hopped the train from Villefranche to Monte Carlo, Monaco!! Woo hoo!! We were so excited to see the Grand Casino: 

This *tiny* country did NOT disappoint. 

But before I get to that, I have to admit that I was extremely proud of my English-as-a-first-and-only-language husband for getting us from Villefranche to Monaco! 

It was LOVELY outside that day and we strolled the streets, ate gellato, and relaxed! It was such a blessing to get to spend time alone. Just the two of us... no skype, no email, no phone, no nothin', just us!  Here we are, looking dapper I might add, enjoying Monaco:

***it should be noted that if you squint hard enough and stand far enough back from your monitor we actually look like Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier here*** If you can't see the resemblance, keep squinting and moving back... 

As it turns out, the day we visited Monaco was Good Friday and a few things were closed - most notably - the actual Casino.

After southern France we had a day at sea (laying by the pool and eating our body weight in food) then sailed to Palma de Mallorca, a tiny island south of Spain (and owned by Spain). Luke and I took several more sailboat pictures from our balcony as we cruised into port. 

One thing that we really enjoyed in every port was hoping off the ship and walking around the boats. Some of the boats in Monaco were AMAZING. These aren't "boats" so much as yachts. Several of the yachts were so large, most of them in fact, that they carried several smaller boats and numerous jet skis. This is the only picture I have of some of the yachts, and they are definitely small by Mediterranean standards, but I'm sure we scoped out each one nevertheless. 

***it should also be noted that copious amounts of gelatto were consumed on each of these "boat tours"***

Palma de Mallorca is a big German hotspot. The Germans like to vacation down here and the Spaniards love them! It is sort of the party city on the island, so what what better way to celebrate than going to a Spanish - German brew house?? Well, we didn't know either, but we went. We had a great time and because we're smart we never photo document these events ;) haha

There was a formal night on the cruise as well. In lieu of pictures from our brewhouse outing I will share those instead: 

It was windy and we aren't great self photographers but you get the idea. And now for the one that makes all the ladies swoon and the gentlemen gag: 

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

After Mallorca we went back to Barcelona for other people to exit the ship and new ones to board. We stayed on -- and ate and drank and laid by the pool -- ahhhh, honeymoons! 

On this cruise we went back to Southern France but this time we stopped in Nice. We hiked around the area. Took one more self portrait -- discussed how we are getting better at them -- hoped back on the boat for more lounging poolside. 

Our next stop was Florence / Pisa, Italy. Here we are happily (and strangly orange in this photo) pulling into port:

Yes, I am sans makeup... it's my vacation... don't judge :P 

We actually paid for an excursion. Not something the TX/NY/Deployed Schmidts really do but the guide was worth it. He was amazing! An Aussie who loved the Italian culture so much he moved here and started opening his own B&Bs about 10 years ago. He knew all the best places to go and was just amazing!!! First stop, Pisa, known for its leaning tower... as you may have heard... 

Look, we're a married couple!! As my husband would say, that's "cool". 

The tower leans A LOT: 

Next we went to Florence. I did take more pictures but I don't believe in overwhelming people with them. Less is more is my motto. You don't need to see every piece of a building I thought might have been cool in the moment but you look at in 6 months and think "wow I don't even care about this picture why would anyone else". So, this is the overall broad view of Florence, enjoy: 

 On our last cruise day we went to Rome. We have both been before, but who in the world can be SO close to SO much history and not visit again. I've heard people say Rome is very romantic. Well, I'm not one of those people who cares about stuff like that. When Luke and I strolled the streets I love being with him, but no more or less than watching Swamp People on the sofa. What I enjoy about Rome isn't the "rome-ance" (tehehe) it is the history. You get to walk where gladiators and emperors and pontiffs have strolled... the very foundations of civilization. A-MAZ-ING. Luke was the perfect companion, but like I said, I didn't swoon more because of Rome -- I love him 24/7. 

*** for anyone who has seen the movie Elizabethtown, which I recommend, I feel for Luke like Chuck & Cindy (the couple getting married in the movie)... we are lovin' life 24/7... haha***

 My self portrait skills may have declined again here, but this is an awesome picture... maybe I can photoshop it into something I can frame... ;) 

After the cruise we toured the Spanish coast... and did not take a single picture. Partially because some of the beaches surprised us by being nude beaches and no one wants that image captured forever. Mostly though we just enjoyed being together, hanging out, being married!!! 

I miss my best buddy and look forward to the Fall and his return. God has blessed us beyond measure... with our families and friends, our lives, our salvation, and each other. Every day I learn something new and wonderful about this man (or have something reinforced). He's my best friend, I love hanging out with him and genuinely enjoy his company, and I SO look forward to actually living together as a married couple for the first time in a few months!!! 

You know if I went on this vacation it wasn't all canned tours and self portraits... no, no, no. For you my loyal friends and family I present the photo I took. One of MY favorites: 

Luke's camera has various settings for borders, etc. I tried to line us up and do a self portrait. I would say the faces say it all: 

Luke "I married her so I'll be a good sport, but I don't think this is as funny as she does"

Me "Wow this is funny! I sure do enjoy torturing my husband"

Luke "She's going to put this on a blog somewhere I just know it..." 

Honeymoon, Part 1

This post has been far too long in the making! I'm breaking up the Honeymoon / R&R trip in sections by locations... we met in Barcelona, Spain so that's where today's adventure begins! 

Luke and I had the good fortune (blessing!) to meet at the BCN airport within an hour of each other! It was so good to see his handsome face again. It was even better that he hurried over to give me a BIG hug! It is so nice to feel loved and wanted isn't it?? We were too early to check in our hotel so we wandered the city. We were close to Sagrada Familia the church designed by Gaudi:

Look at the detail: 

This is our first picture together in 6 months!!! Not bad for two people who had been up for two days straight! I think it has a lot to do with genuinely liking each other.

The first day we walked a little and then slept... for almost 20 hours. Which was pure bliss in and of itself. It was so strange, in a wonderful way, to be able to talk to him whenever I wanted!! And it is always fun to share adventures with your best friend. 

The second day we wandered the city and ate a lot (since we slept most of this day away it was short - ha!)

Day three proved much more productive as we walked the length of the entire city up to Gaudi's park. Amazing architectural elements in one central location. If you ever get the chance to go - do it! We also ate lunch here and had the best time watching the panhandlers scatter when the police would show up. It was so entertaining to us! Also their methods for carrying their merchandise. We had both seen the rugs full of stuff that can be rolled up easily in other countries but these people took a step further... several had jewelry pinned to umbrellas... when it was open you could "shop" all the items easily but it could be quickly closed to conceal the items from the police. Ingenious! 

So, this is the entrance to the park: 

On our trek from one of the city to the other we passed Gaudi's apartment (admittedly by mistake): 

This is also another cool building Gaudi designed. Once again, a serendipitous discovery on our way for even more food and shopping at La Rambla. With that said it should be noted that in the entire two weeks we were in Europe we didn't purchase a single item. I didn't realize it until I got home. We were just SO happy to be together!! 

On the fourth day we checked out of our hotel and onto our cruise!! We were upgraded to a balcony room - blessings abound! This is the view of the harbor in Barcelona. I'll post more on the cruise in Part 2! 

THE Engagement Story, Part II

Okay, okay, the long awaited story...

Luke suggested we go to Lake Placid. I agreed. Did I mention we love it there? And this story only makes it that much more dear to me??

So we headed to Lake Placid and stopped at Lake Cranberry for lunch where we took a few photos...

When we got to Lake Placid we decided to go for a hike. We enjoy doing stuff like this, so I didn't think much of it still. First we hiked near a waterfall and took lots of pictures (all of which Luke is always patient for... even when I try to crawl between stairs to get pictures of mushrooms)...

I distinctly remember thinking "man

he is so patient to wait for me to take 

another stupid picture and pretend

to be interested in it when I'm done"

Next we went to some trails near Wilmington... we had a trail map... a color coded one. The kind that tells you the trails level of intensity... which we ignored. Which of course means the intensity level was "strenuous"...

So we set out to hike! We walked and walked and walked and chattered. Still, no clue on my part... then it started to get really steep... then steeper and steeeepppeeerrrrrr and then... I threw up. Seriously. Gross right? But I just have to say, any man who proposes after a girl throws up (twice) really loves her.

Anyway, I'm sure Luke will be thrilled I shared that part, but since when do I keep things from all of you???

So as I'm hoping for the top of the mountain to come soon... a very elderly couple strolls down and tells us "when you get to the .5 mile marker it just goes straight up, but the view is worth it!" While I appreciate their enthusiasm my gastrointestinal system felt a bit mocked. But we pressed on!

Once finally atop the mountain the views were incredible...

Even our feetsies are best buddies

Luke says "lets setup the camera and get a picture" to which I eagerly agree. This picture isn't great but it is the best non-sweaty one I have (or least sweaty perhaps). I look nervous because we are alarmingly close to the edge. ALARMINGLY close to the edge.

I call this one "Unsuspecting Haley"

After the picture was taken Luke gave me a great big hug and just kept hugging me. I thought he was being a little snugglier than usual and thought "awww, he's probably thinking about the deployment and just needs a few extra snuggles" (I am so clueless)

Then he says, wait for it ladies, this is smooth...

Luke "So what are you going to do with all your free time now"
Haley (because we all know she's never serious) "tehe - probably all those things I didn't do this year so I could see you!"
Luke "After that what are you going to do with your free time?"
Haley (furrowing brow) "I don't know - I'm always busy - I'm sure I'll come up with something..."
Luke "What about the free time for the rest of your life"
Haley (utterly confused and still terrified of falling) "uhh what?"
Luke "I want to ask you something"

:: super cute part of the story where Luke gets down on one knee and I shreek "don't make us fall!" ::

Luke "Will you spend the rest of your life with me? Will you marry me?"
Haley "Oh! Whaaaa... Seriousl..... YES! But wait, are you serious?"

:: then he gave me a snuggly hug around the middle and I was still scared of falling so I patted his head ::

Luke "Oh and I have something for you..."

:: Luke pulls a beautiful ring out of the side pocket of his cargo pants ::

Haley "Ohhhh! There's a ring too?"
Luke "Of course there's a ring! I'm not a hack."

(I am NOT making that up... he really said he wasn't a hack!!! I LOVE that part!)

We headed back down the mountain. Here a few snippits of some post-engagement conversations I think you'll enjoy...

Haley "Are you really sure about this? I mean I get that you're a prize but I can really be a pill" (he still said he was sure-- and I asked three times)

Haley "Oh I don't even remember... did I ever actually say 'yes'? Because I meant to"

As you can see this was a fun day for poor Luke. HAHAHAHA... that man really loves me... and I really love that man!

THE Engagement Story, Part I

To really appreciate the beauty of Luke's perfect proposal you need a little background information...

Luke and I first met in Fall 2006. He quickly became my best friend in 2009. One of our first solo trips was  chronicled here. To save you the trouble of re-reading that blog, I'll just say we went to Lake Placid, NY.

We have returned one other time since that AWESOME first date. So, when Luke suggested we head to Lake Placid I didn't think anything of it...

On our first trip we went on a long hike. A hike where one of my all time favorite conversations took place... no, not the deep ones about life and God... this one... the one where I knew I could love this guy (seriously)...

Scene: Luke and Haley hiking, but not terribly close to each other because we weren't sure we would actually be dating...  ((eye roll))

Luke (in a smug voice, which if you know Luke is still really nice and just kinda playful) "Do you know which direction the car is?" 
Haley (pointing aimlessly) "uhhhh ummmm that way"
Luke (pointing the opposite direction) "Noooo, it is that way. You should watch the sun so you'll know that. I mean what happens if you go blind out here and the stumble on another? They could just point me toward the sun and I would know which way to go."
Haley "Ok, you do that and I'll ask them to lead my back to the car"
Luke ".... .... ...."

Then he laughed. That's when I knew he was alllllright in my book. That's also the first time he touched my hand... helping me jump down from a steep step.

So, that was the beginning... I'll tell you about the actual engagement tomorrow... with pictures! But I need the evening to Photoshop the sweat stains out of the pictures... ;)

Military Ball

Natalie, you were right... it's a good idea to keep up with the fun stories/memories early on... you always have the best ideas! ((for those who don't know, my sweet friend Natalie is preggers- yay!!!)) 

So, here's the Military Ball... 

**on a side note: I am SO glad I bought this dress because I have gotten several "wears" out of it***

Although this was after our First Date weekend, it was the first time I knew we were dating! To be perfectly honest, I left after that trip to Maine not really knowing if he even liked me. I assumed we were still "just" friends. On Military Ball weekend, we talked about it... as long as I live I will never forget that conversation, but it's personal, so you don't get to know... ok, half of you already know... but anyway... 

So, we arrive at the Ball where Luke introduces me in the following ways... 

This is my friend, Haley (Can you see why I was still confused?)

This is my lady-friend, Haley (Seriously??)

This is my date, Haley (Ok, now we're making some progress!!)

In this picture I've actually been upgraded from friend to lady-friend... I'm happy. Do I even need to tell you that he took my coat? pulled out my chair for me? introduced me to everyone (because he is polite and I matter to him)? 

I'm pretty sure he wasn't purposefully testing me, BUT... Luke and another guy had to go practice their parts in the ceremony so they left myself and a sweet girl named Karen standing alone for a reasonable about of time (ok it was a long time - like half an hour)... turns out Karen and Jon (the guy) had their first date at the same event the year before... and she was just as confused then as I was that night! Boy, did we hit it off!! I had the best time with Karen --- God really blessed my socks off with her that night! 

He actually likes me here. Yay!! Exciting!!!  ((Karen took this photo))

I met a great couple at dinner that night, Matt and Jina. I've since had the opportunity to get closer to Jina --  she's a fantastic lady and a great Christian -- again, God blessed my socks OFF that night! 

There was an "event" we had to attend outside -- by the way, do you know how cold it is in upstate NY in the winter??? In a formal dress?? and little strappy shoes? So, what do you think Luke did? Yup, you guessed it... he did what he does... he took care of me... 

I'm cute in his coat -- an infinitely less cold. Either because it was warm or because I no longer cared - haha! ((Jina took this picture)) 

We had a fantastic time -- lots of new friends, a few awkward situations (never created by us only other people), some laughs, some slow dancing, great conversation, bonding, and a ton of fun... it pretty much sets the tone for all of our future dates. 

Also, I would like to just say praise the good Lord who has been SO good to both of us and given us so much time together despite our insanely busy schedules (and that half of a continent between us). I am constantly reminded of one of my favorite quotes... 

Your circumstances and geographical location

do not hinder God's will. 

The Best First Date...

It didn't exactly start out as a first date. We were friends who hadn't seen each other in a while, but had grown very close... he wanted to travel (the bait) and needed a navigator (the hook, line, and sinker I bit into...)

We're on our way to Lake Placid - the first stop (we're still friends here)... 

Lake Placid was quiet and nice... we did all there was to do in an afternoon and decided to take a hike on a local trail... I almost froze to death (totally worth the frostbite that has prevented my fingers from blogging these last few months)... I almost fell, he grabbed my hand (still friends)

We left Lace Placid and went to Albany... dinner was nice (still friends)

The next day I learned something about Luke... he's the nicest person EVER! I was pretty confident of this before the trip, but then he held an umbrella over my head all morning while we traipsed through the rain so I could take pictures (still friends)... 

a church in the center of the city that we both thought was nice (still friends - so I probably thought it was nice and he thought he should be nice - still friends)

The Empire State's capital building. Lovely right? (still friends here too) 

We decided to head to Maine via Vermont and New Hampshire (still friends)... 

we came up with a new slogan for NH -- "Not quite as cool as Vermont"

(still friends)

We liked Vermont a lot (we've since returned)...

We arrive in Portland, Maine but not before stopping to watch a Nebraska Cornhuskers (one word) football game in New Hampshire, which ended up not being televised therefore we got back on the road after eating and I GOT to stream live updates on my BlackBerry (yup, still friends)

Nebraska scored, what Luke would later refer to as an "inconsequential field goal" and I squealed with delight (still friends, but I have a suspicion that this may have been the turning point)...

Portland, Maine... a comedy club and a whole lotta fun... this is where the Good Lord starts really smiling on me... the comedy club was packed so we had to sit very closely... I don't know what the jokes where, but I could tell you how much daylight was between us (still friends)...

it POURED rain, possibly some snow, that night and we walked in it... being helpless I had to hook my arm on his and let him lead the way... (STILL friends)...

We enjoyed a lighthouse and some coastline in Portland (still friends)...

beautiful picture, huh? (still amigos)

aren't the colors rich and lovely? (buddies)

Romantic? (nope- we're pals)

Picturesque! (Still friends)

I've officially started filling out a change of address card to live in Platonic-ville when... 

a

glimmer

of

hope...

I look horrible in this picture because I was going through one of those weird -- I'm not going to fix my hair because if he doesn't learn to like me the way I am it will never work anyway crazy feminist phases.

(I know what you're thinking -- and no, we're compadres here too!)

Once again we hit the road - this time we stopped in Kennebunkport, Maine (because we live like the Kennedys - except that we're friends)

The weather was cool, but beautiful. I obviously love this picture so much I made it my blog title. 

(friends)

He was so nice to let me take all the pictures I wanted and chase sea gulls to my heart's content! 

(buddies)

(pals)

I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt I wanted to be friends with him at this point... best friends... like the really really good kind... the really really good kind that date each other... 

(still buds)

beautiful sunset, beautiful beach... (please hold my hand!!! argh, still friends)

The best part of this story is... 

1. We're still friends

2. We're not just friends

3. The fact that he was such a gentleman the entire time made him the most trustworthy person I've ever known. 

4. I love my best friend - I am blessed beyond measure!