The Duncan Family

Chandler's surgery

2012-01-31T18:10:00.000-08:00

On the Thursday before Christmas Chandler fell on the stairs, dislocating it and fracturing it 3 places. It was quite a few days! The doctor reduced his dislocation in the ER, and then admitted him to the hospital. The next day (Friday) he had surgery, and then came home on Saturday (Christmas eve). It was quite crazy having family in town, and a husband in the hospital! But thanks to my wonderful in-laws who stepped in and helped us out SO much!!! Here's some pictures...

getting ready for surgery

Finally getting to go home!

The x-ray... can you see the dislocation and fractures?

Christmas 2011

2012-01-31T18:00:00.000-08:00

We had quite a Christmas!! So I think that I will focus on the more positive aspects of the Christmas holiday in this post. On the Wednesday before Christmas, Chandler met his Dad (John) and Step-Mom (Carol) in Maine to pick out and chop down a Christmas tree. They then drove back to Massachusetts, and John and Carol stayed with us through the holiday. On the Friday before Christmas John made a fantastic lasagna lunch and we celebrated Christmas with Chandler's brother (Cameron), Sister-in-Law (Lynn) and their kids, Christopher and Mackenzie. We had a GREAT time!!!!!! We opened presents, ate lots of yummy food, and enjoyed celebrating Christmas. The highlight was when Christopher insisted and volunteered to say the blessing over the food. It was a sweet and memorable moment! On Christmas eve, we did the Duncan tradition of lighting candles on the Christmas tree. It was my very first time experiencing this tradition, and I have to say that it was amazing!!! The tree and the house looked beautiful, and we read "A Christmas Carol", "A Christmas Story", and "Twas the night before Christmas." It was a beautiful evening! Then on Christmas day we had a traditional Christmas dinner of goose and plum pudding. It was a wonderful meal, and I then I headed off to work. We had a wonderful Christmas- full of family, and amazing blessings from God.

Christopher and Mackenzie opening presents

Christopher, John, and Carol opening presents

Cameron showing off his new Celtics shirt!

Lynn opening presents

John's wonderful lasagna

Candles lit on the Christmas tree- isn't that beautiful?

Another Christmas tradition--Tiger pie. It is a VERY yummy desseret!!!

Chandler getting ready to lit the Christmas Pudding....Is there a theme of fire in our Christmas? LOL!

We are still alive!!

2011-12-25T19:21:00.000-08:00

Yes, The Duncan family lives! It has been one heck of a Fall 2011! We have had many adventures, including work, school, Our 2nd wedding anniversary, and the Holidays. We are proud to report that Alaina got straight A's her first semester in graduate school! Also, Chandler was asked to speak at the annual Transportation Research Board meeting to present a paper that he wrote!!! Yay! Stay tuned for more details as we attempt to catch y'all up and what has been going on in our lives the past few months...

Climbing Mount Wachusett!

2011-10-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

Chandler and I have been trying to get out and do more outdoor activities lately, and last Saturday we decided to hike Mount Wachusett in Princeton, MA. It was forecasted to be a beautiful and sunny day. About halfway through the hike the heavens opened up and it began to rain, hail and the wind started blowing like crazy!!!! We decided to take refuge under some trees, and eventually the rain and hail stopped. Even so, we got SOAKED! By the time that we made it to the summit, the sun was out and it was beautiful! What a crazy day! In spite of all the weather craziness, we had a BLAST!!

Chandler all ready for the hike!

After the hike. Can you tell how soaked we are?!

Romance 101

2011-10-07T12:20:00.000-07:00

Last Friday night Chander surprised me with a romantic dinner, candlelight and flowers!! He even made Chicken Parmesan from scratch!! I have the most WONDERFUL Husband!

After dinner, he took me to see "Courageous". It was by and far one of the best movies we have never seen, and would HIGHLY recommend it!!! Please go see it!

Cape Cod national seashore

2011-10-07T12:06:00.000-07:00

Neither Chandler and I had ever been to Cape Cod, so we decided to take a day trip to the beautiful Cape Cod national seashore. We spent a gorgeous day at the beach, and even ate at quaint little restaurant. I can't believe that we have lived here for over a year and hadn't been to Cape Cod--we definately want to go back!

That is one HUGE lobster roll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Manse September 2011

2011-10-07T11:51:00.000-07:00

The day I got back from Alaska, Chandler and I headed for Maine. We were able to stay at The Manse, which is a family owned home right on the beach. We stayed through Labor day weekend, and had a wonderful time!!!! We went shopping, the movies, and generally enjoyed being in the same time zone!

The view from the Manse at low tide.

Chandler relaxing on the front porch of the Manse.

A sailboat crusing by in front of the Manse

Long awaited update....

2011-10-06T14:28:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Sorry it has been so long so I've updated our blog. I did make it back to Boston from Alaska, and it has been go, go go since then! Stay tuned for updates of what is new in our lives.....

Denali National Park!

2011-08-13T02:32:00.000-07:00

Chandler and I were lucky enough to be able to travel by train the 7 hours from Anchorage to Denali National Park. We rode in an open dome train car and the scenery was AMAZING!!!! We also had a lot of fun doing several excursions while we were there....

Our train car

On the train waiting for departure.

We stayed at a gorgeous lodge, with fireplaces and everything! These are some pictures from the lodge.

We even got to pet and feed real reindeer!!!!

We got this great picture with a cut-out of Sarah Pallin--SO funny!!

We even were lucky enough to go dog-sled racing!! It was a blast! However, because there was no snow on the ground, they actually pulled us in an oversize golf cart, but it was still really fun!!! We were told that each of the dogs can pull up to 400lb!! How amazing!!

The oversize golf cart that the dogs pulled us in.

They would not allow us to pet the adult dogs, but they brought out 2 week old puppies for us hold---SOOOO cute!

We were also able to go on a jet boat safari! We had a great time cruising up and down the Neena river (run-off from the Neena glacier). We even saw a moose, but I was not fast enough to grab a pic!

We even got to go panning for gold! What a fun time!

I asked Chandler to be excited about the gold that he found, and this is what I got. TOO funny!!!!

Overall, we had such a great time and we cannot wait to go back to Denali National Park as soon as we can!! Check out more of our pictures on my facebook page. =)

The Summer Solstice Festival

2011-06-21T23:48:00.000-07:00

In Alaska every June and December the 21st there is a solstice festival. It is a great excuse to get out, meet people, and have fun! There are lots of vendors, performers, and of course food. I was lucky enough to be here for the Summer festival 2011! I had a TON of fun!

They had the "HERO GAMES" which pitted Police vs. Fire Department vs. Army vs. National Guard vs. Air Force. This is the obstacle course they had to endure!

The tank that they brought for the kids to play!

The police even did a canine demonstration

Yummy Spanish inspired dessert pronounced WA-HA-KAH.

A self-portrait of my enjoying the dessert

A beautiful performance by native singers and dancers. (The singers are sitting behind the dancers with the drums)

Anchorage Ghost Tour

2011-06-21T23:32:00.000-07:00

One thing that I have always wanted to do was go on a ghost tour. Some of my fellow travel nurses decided to go on Anchorage's Ghost tour. It was so fun! The tour guide, Rick, told us some really scary stories and took us to some of the most haunted places in Anchorage. It would have been more scary had it been dark (land of the midnight sun), but it was great getting to know the area better.

Christa, Julie, the tour guide-Rick, Kristi, and me

An old picture of the the Empress theatre in downtown that is said to be home of several ghosts including a lady in white which people could see reflected in the mirror as they are descending the grand staircase.

The tour guide told us this is THE most haunted place in Anchorage. It is said that there are 30+ ghosts that make their home here. Looking to have a paranormal experience? Staying in the hotel would give you a pretty good chance!

Us waiting for the tour to start--don't you like that we accidentally lined up according to height??

ALASKA!!!!! Warning: Lots of Pictures!

2011-06-21T23:21:00.000-07:00

So, Alaska here we are! Chandler was able to join me for a few days and we had SOOO much fun exploring Anchorage and the surrounding area. I even saw a glacier for the first time!!!!! Alaska is SO very beautiful!!

Parts of Alaska remind me of Utah!

Yes, that is a GLACIER!!!! The beautiful Portage glacier that is about a 40 min drive from Anchorage

It was SOOO cold that day we went to the Portage glacier!

Chandler getting eaten by a bear!!!!

I look pretty funny because I am not tall enough! LOL!!

Check out the King Crab legs that Chandler ordered!!

Yes, there is actually REINDEER HOT DOG on the menu!! Chandler said it was delicious!

Marshy area around the beach

One of Anchorage's beautiful walking trails. I can't believe how green it is here!!

On our way....

2011-06-21T22:52:00.000-07:00

The other piece of news is that after my (Alaina) local travel nursing assignment here in Boston ended, I was offered an assignment in Anchorage, AK in the NICU. So, I couldn't go to Alaska without visiting Utah and all of my family and friends, so first stop was good 'ol SLC! Boy, oh boy, was this trip memorable! I ended up loosing my wallet on the plane, my cell phone broke and I had to get another one, AND I fell and my right elbow was BLACK for about 2 weeks from the bruising! The other not so great thing was that my wonderful husband couldn't come with me. He didn't have enough time off of work, and wanted to spend what time he did with me in AK. But, all in all I had a FANTASTIC time in Utah!!!!! I was able to spend time with many of my family and friends and it was great just being in Utah again. Thank you to everyone for such a wonderful visit!! Miss and love you all!!!! Here are some of the pictures from Utah............

Sisterly love! Elisabeth, Melissa, me and Raven

The Ladies of the family
Me, Mom, Melissa, and Grandma

Suzi

Uncle Mark and Aunt Connie

Grandpa, Kyson, and Aunt Debbie

Brett and Bryan

Charissa, Me, and Jill

Melissa, Me, Mom, and Brett

Nick and Jill

Arron being goofy!

Melissa

The company at dinner

Northeastern University

2011-06-21T22:19:00.000-07:00

The first piece of news for our family is that I (Alaina) was accepted in to graduate school at Northeastern University! I plan to study to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, taking care of preemie babies.

My acceptance letter

I thought both of these cartoons were cute! =)

Update!! Update!!

2011-06-21T22:07:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
WOW! It has been a long time since we have blogged, and A LOT has happened! So stay tuned for fabulous updates from the lives of the Duncan family!

Adoption Miscarriage

2011-04-18T17:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone, this is one of the hardest posts I've had to write. Our adoption is not going to happen. We found out last Monday that the parents decided to not go along with the adoption process. Please keep us and their family in your prayers. May God be glorified through all that we say and do, and may His will be done always. We hope you all have a wonderful Holy Week!

WE ARE EXPECTING?!?!

2011-03-12T07:46:00.000-08:00

So, Chandler and I have great news!! In late January we got a phone call from a relative telling us that they were wanting to place their baby (due in September) in adoption, and wanted for Chandler and I to be the adoptive parents. Of course, we are definately interested, and so we have began the amazingly intricate and complicated process of adoption!! There is still quite a lot of work for all of us to do, and Chandler and I may not be the parents that God wants for this precious baby, but we are confident that no matter what happens, God's will and timing are absolutley perfect. We are VERY excited about this new little one, and we ask for your prayers for not only Chandler and I, but for this young couple and their family.

Cursillo reunion

2011-02-12T19:47:00.000-08:00

Last night Chandler and I went to our Cursillo weekend retreat reunion. Cursillo is a wonderful retreat weekend that allows participants to become closer to Christ through study, prayer and community. We both had a GREAT time on our weekends, and it was fabulous being able to reconnect with everyone! I only took a couple of pictures, but these are some of the ladies on my weekend. (There are separate weekends for men and women). Thank you to all of our wonderful Cursillo family!!! You all are wonderful! If you are interested, please check out bostoncursillo.org

Susan, me, Rose, Kate, Donna, and Erin--almost all of the awesome, authentic table of St. Anne!!

Susan, Rose, Kate, Donna, Tina, and Erin

Winter Wonderland

2011-02-12T19:38:00.000-08:00

Here on the East coast we have had quite the winter!! We have had MANY major snow storms and the snow just seemed to keep piling up throughout late December and January. So far, February has been relatively quiet. Everyone here keeps telling us how unusual this type of weather is for this area. So, I thought I would post some fun snow pictures. Here's to an early spring! =)

The snow piled up all of the way to our porch!!

Of course all of the snow involves a LOT of shoveling!! Lucky for us our landlord has been wonderful at taking care of that for us!

One of the trees in our front yard with snow piled around it,

Chandler and I "enjoying" the snow.

Birthday and visitors from the West!

2011-02-01T10:38:00.000-08:00

Over my birthday, my Mom (Linda) and Step-Dad (Brett) came all of the way from Utah to visit us! We had a lot of fun! We explored downtown Boston, including having dinner at Top of the Hub restaurant. It is this fabulous place at the top of the Prudential Center (the 56th floor) that over looks the harbor. It was a beautiful place!! Chandler surprised me with roses, and a specially made birthday cake. Thanks everyone for all of the birthday wishes! The next day we went and watched the Green Bay Packers make their way to the Superbowl! Go Pac! (P.S.-they aren't my favorite team--The Denver Broncos are, but I sure as heck like them better than the Steelers!!!)

Brett, Mom, Me, and Chandler at the restaurant

Brett and Mom--thanks for coming to visit us! We had a great time!

The view from the Top of the Hub restaurant

The night view. Sorry about the glare! I couldn't figure out how to fix that... =)

Chandler and I

Mom and I

The beautiful cake

They even had sparklers in the cake when they brought it out!!

Weekend in CT!

2011-01-20T14:22:00.000-08:00

Chandler and I decided to head to Connecticut last weekend to visit our good friends, The Rosamond family. We had a lot of fun visiting, playing games (including a game called "Pit" that we had never played before. It was a fast and challenging game of trading) and catching up. Thanks Rosamond family for having us!! We had a blast!!

Chandler, Luke and Isaiah

Chandler, Chad, Kelly, Luke, and Isaiah

(Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of John-Paul and Mary Grace who were napping at the time! =)

Random picture of us...

2011-01-20T14:13:00.000-08:00

Earlier this month Chandler's sister was here from North Carolina. I asked her to take a picture of us because we haven't had any pictures taken of us in awhile-- what do you think?

Christmas Baking

2010-12-13T11:23:00.000-08:00

I worked a night shift this past Friday night, and when I woke up on Saturday afternoon, I found Chandler baking! We both have family traditions of Christmas cookie baking, and so we decided that is what we would do together. I jumped in to help, and we made sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, and Toll house chocolate chip cookies. It was so much fun baking and decorating the cookies, and we have had even more fun giving them away!

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-13T11:13:00.000-08:00

Chandler and I hosted our first Thanksgiving dinner as a married couple. We had John and Carol (Chandler's Dad and Step-Mom), and Mary Katherine (Chandler's sister) from North Carolina. We also had Cameron, Lynn, Christopher and Mackenzie (Chandler's brother, sister-in-law, nephew and niece) all from Rhode Island. We watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, LOTS of football and had a blast just hanging out. Of course, what Thanksgiving would be complete with GREAT food?? Thanks to everyone for coming, and for all of your help in preparing and cleaning up dinner!! We have so very much to be grateful for! We have a very blessed life! Happy Thanksgiving!!

Cameron, John, and Mary Katherine

Mackenzie and Christopher

Harvard-Yale Football Game 2010

2010-12-13T11:04:00.000-08:00

John and Carol (Chandler's Dad and Step-Mom), Bob and Lucinda (Chandler's Uncle and Aunt), and Chandler and I were all able to go to the Harvard-Yale game. It was a lot of fun to be able to spend time with all of them and the best part of it was that Harvard won! Go Crimson!

Carol, John, Bob and Lucinda

OUR 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!!!

2010-12-13T10:52:00.000-08:00

Chandler and I celebrated our first anniversary in November and we had SOO much fun! We decided to go back to New York. We stayed at a little bed and breakfast in the village, explored Times Square, and took a long walk through Central Park. It was a GREAT weekend! Of course we also dug in to the top of our wedding cake. It was still yummy even after a year! Happy Anniversary sweetheart!! I love you!!!!!

Look at this studly man! I am SOO very lucky to be his wife!!

The top of our wedding cake (after we had dug in to it--I forgot to grab a pic beforehand!

The skyline of New York from Central Park--isn't it beautiful in the fall?!

Long awaited update

2010-12-13T10:50:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Sorry it's been so long since I have updated our blog, but we have been incredibly busy! Stay tuned for several new posts and updates!

Apple Picking in Rhode Island

2010-10-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Chandler and I went to visit the Rhode Island Duncans. We had SOOO much fun!! We went apple picking, had lunch at Cracker Barrel, and even played a rousing game of Family Feud on the Wii. I have never been apple picking, but it seems to be a very popular thing to do in New England in the fall. So I am very excited that I got to experience this fun tradition!

The Orchard

Christopher petting a hen the they had at the orchard, Mackenzie pet the hen once but decided that she was much more interested in the self-playing piano! Unfortunately, I didn't get a pic of that! =)

Chandler and I enjoying the apples

All of us

Chandler, me, Christopher, Lynn, Mackenzie and Cameron.

Thank you so much Cameron and Lynn for having us!!! We had SOO much fun!!!!!

The Duncan Men of Boston....

2010-09-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

I caught this cute picture of Chandler being "loved" on by our sweet cat Valjean. Even though I adopted him long before I met Chandler, I think Val likes him better than me! Ha..Ha.. just kidding. But I did think that this was a sweet picture and wanted to post it.

Weekend in Connecticut

2010-08-07T13:32:00.000-07:00

Last weekend my husband was such a gem and fended for himself so that I could go to Connecticut to visit our friends Kelly, John Paul and my God daughter, Mary Grace. (Chad, Luke and Isaiah were at a camp out) It was such a fun trip!! Kelly and I did a lot of talking, and took John Paul and Mary Grace to the Children's Museum. They had such a blast!

Mary Grace and John Paul playing in the "pool".

Mary Grace...isn't she getting SO big?!

Kelly helping John Paul to ride the rope chair--he LOVED this!!

Great Picture....

2010-08-06T14:31:00.000-07:00

While we were in Maine, Chandler had a great 2 1/2 lb hard shell Lobster!! I thought this picture that I snapped was pretty funny! Love you sweetheart!

Our weekend in Maine

2010-08-06T14:14:00.000-07:00

Hi! Sorry we have been away from blogging, but a couple of weeks ago Chandler and I went to Maine to meet up with Chandler's Dad (John) Step-Mom (Carol), Sister (Mary Katherine) Brother (Cameron), Sister in law (Lynn) Nephew (Christopher) and Niece (Mackenzie). Also, of course, to visit Chandler's Grandmother. We had SO much visiting with everyone! We had a BBQ at the Manse, and even made s'mores! Being the fabulous aunts that we are Mary Katherine and I found HUGE marshmallows to make the s'mores with that we almost the size of Mackenzie's head! Thanks everyone for a wonderful weekend!!

One of my favorite pics...Cameron wearing Mackenzie's glasses and trying to look cool!

Gotta love the s'mores!!

Chandler and Lynn

Mackenzie

Christopher

Our first visitor to Boston

2010-07-07T16:37:00.000-07:00

This past Monday Chandler's sister, Mary Katherine was able to come and visit us on her drive from North Carolina to Maine. We took her to some of our favorite places to eat including Boston Burger Company, and Sweet for dessert. Then we took a walk in Harvard Yard. It was such fun visit!!

Mary Katherine and herPina Colada cupcake from Sweet.

P.S. to our family and friends: When are YOU coming?? =)

Independence Day weekend and RED SOX game!!!!

2010-07-07T16:16:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Chandler and I had a GREAT time! On Saturday we took a picnic lunch to Boston Common. It was SO beautiful!! It was fun being there during Independence day weekend because there was lots of activities going on--including a parade of sorts with men dressed up as revolutionary war soldiers and beating drums. They sure know do know how to celebrate! Isn't Boston Common beautiful?

Near Boston Common is one of the earliest cemeteries. The first Governor of MA is actually buried there! There were even grave stones that dated back to the 1600's! I liked this grave stone, and it was the picture that turned out the best--isn't that neat?

Then, it was off to a RED SOX game!!!!! I have always wanted to go, and we were finally able to go!! We had such a great time and the Red Sox won!!! It was incredibly hot, but we had such a great time tailgating, and spending time at Fenway!

Our tickets

Not the best picture of us, but we HAD to get a pic of us at the game!

Our 7 month anniversary!

2010-06-13T12:46:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I know that it is a little silly to post about anything less than a year anniversary, I thought it would be fun to blog anyway! Yesterday, Chandler and I celebrated our 7 month anniversary. It was kind of a low key affair--we went to dinner at a great restaurant- The Boston Burger Company- that is quickly becoming one of our favorites, and then went to a movie. We are loving Boston and we are settling in well. Some days I still cannot believe that we live here--I keep waiting for someone to say "Ok--it's time for this vacation to end and go back to Utah!" But we are here and we actually LIVE here! I am so blessed to have such a wonderful and amazing husband. Chandler is such a wonderful man of God and such a great blessing in my life. Sweetheart--I LOVE YOU!!!

A long awaited update

2010-05-18T12:52:00.000-07:00

First, I thought I would post some great family pictures:

Granny and Christopher

The silly Duncan Bunch

Cameron, Mary Katherine, and Chandler

Ok, so now on to the update--we are here in Boston!!!! When we arrived this past Saturday we took a quick swing by our house to get the keys, and of course so that I could see the place first hand. It is incredible! Then we took off for Connecticut to visit our good friends, The Rosamonds, and pick up all of the various things that they had been so gracious and kind to hang on to and look after for us over the past couple of weeks. (THANK YOU so

much--you guys are such wonderful friends!!!!!!) The next morning it was back to Boston! We are finally here! So far Chandler's job is going REALLY well, and I have found a job, too! We wanted to give a big shout out and Thank you to all of you that helped us throughout this whole moving process!! We are so blessed to have the most amazing family and friends!!!!

Shortly after we got to Boston, Chandler's Grandfather, Roger, passed away. He meant so much to Chandler and I absolutely loved the time that I was able to spend with him and Chandler's Grandmother. We love and miss you!

Stop 4-Greensboro, North Carolina and MARY KATHERINE'S GRADUATION!!!

2010-05-18T12:41:00.001-07:00

From Ocean Isle to Greensboro to celebrate Mary Katherine's graduation from college! She earned Bachelors Degrees in History and Classical Studies. We attended both departmental graduations, and then got to watch as she marched with the other graduates from University of North Carolina at Greensboro the next day. Then it was time to party!!! There was a celebratory dinner at a great restaurant in Davidson, and we had a lot of fun toasting and roasting (well that part might just have been my wonderful Husband!) Mary Katherine's accomplishments. Congratulations!!!! We are so proud of you!

John, Amanda, Mary Katherine, David, Carol, Me, and Chandler

The graduation

Mary Katherine and Chandler

The proud graduate! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Stop 3-- Ocean Isle, North Carolina

2010-05-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

So, from the mountains and woods of West Jefferson to the beautiful sandy beach of Ocean Isle! We had a wonderful time staying at Ocean Isle! The only hiccup in the entire time was when we first got there the Army corp of engineer were replacing all of the sewer pipes on the beach. So, needles to say we had a great view of fork lifts and sewer pipes and no beach access for the first 2 days we were there. But, then we were able to walk the beach and have a GREAT time!

The view from our room--can you see the sewer pipes on the beach?

Chandler and I sitting in the infamous "Josh Harris" hammock! Incidentally, this was one of the only pictures taken of both of us while on this trip! =)

Chandler's friend Leighanne, her husband John and their daughter Emily were able to meet us in Ocean Isle and we had a great time by the pool!

We actually arrived in Ocean Isle on Mother's Day, and were fortunate enough to be able to spend it with Chandler's Mom, Jane. We went to dinner that night, and before we even got our food we were attacked by bugs!! They were little Nat-like bugs that made eating outdoors impossible so we took our food back to Jane's house and ate there. The next evening we again went to Jane's for some wonderful home cooked seafood. Thank you Jane for everything!

Chandler and his Mom, Jane.

Stop 2-- West Jefferson, North Carolina

2010-05-17T15:29:00.000-07:00

We decided that we wanted to visit Chandler's family and decided to go to North Carolina. Chandler's Dad and Step-Mom have a wonderful house in the mountains that they let us use for a few days. It was beautiful!!!!! Here are some pictures:

The Blue ridge parkway

I can tell why the call it the blue ridge mountains! Isn't that spectacular?

I couldn't believe all of the Christmas tree farms!!

Our road to Boston Stop 1- LAS VEGAS!!!

2010-05-17T15:11:00.000-07:00

Chandler and I decided that we would take a couple of weeks off during this moving transition to have some extra time together, to work on our marriage, and just plain have some fun! So, since Chandler has never been to Las Vegas, and wanted to go we made that the first stop. (Yes, we realize that it is in the totally opposite direction! =) We had a lot of fun seeing shows, gambling, and enjoying the great cuisine that Las Vegas has to offer. The only sort of annoying thing was that we were ambushed continually by some people trying to sell us time shares!! But we had a GREAT time!

Chandler waiting for Excalibur's "The tournament of Kings" show to start

I actually won some money playing the poker slot machines, so I bought...a purse--what else?!

Chandler didn't have as much luck at the machines as I did, but he still had a lot of fun playing! =)

And, of course we did go to Mass while we were there. This is Chandler outside of Guardian Angel Cathedral in Las Vegas.

So bye Utah we will see you soon!!

Family goodbye party

2010-05-17T15:02:00.000-07:00

Since Chandler and I were leaving Utah my Mom and Step-Dad Brett thought it would be a good idea to have some family over to have a going away party. It was so fun! It was a little cold, but we still managed to BBQ outside and it was fantastic!! Thanks so much for organizing it!!! Here are some fun pictures:

My sisters Raven, Elisabeth, and Melissa

My cousins Makayle and Brandon

My Uncle Mark and Grandpa Wayne

Me, Chandler, Mom, Brett

Melissa

Our goodbye open house April 2010

2010-05-17T14:51:00.000-07:00

Before Chandler and I left Salt Lake City for good we had to live it up and party a little right? We decided to have a goodbye open house for all of our friends and family. We had a great time, and even went out to dinner afterwards. Of course I totally forgot to get out my camera until we were at dinner, so I apologize to all of those to came to the open house and I didn't get a picture! But seriously, THANK YOU to all of our family and friends to came to give us a sending off and wish us well. We have the best friends and family ever!!!!

Gabby, Charissa, me and Arron---knowing Arron are you surprised?!?

My sisters Elisabeth, Raven and Melissa then Arron and Gabby

A group shot

Top: Suzi, James, Raven, Arron, Charissa, Gabby, Chandler

Bottom: Elisabeth, Melissa, and I

Our New House!!

2010-04-16T13:27:00.000-07:00

Last week Chandler went to Boston to find us a place to live. We had looked at pictures on the internet, and with the help of some great real estate agents we found a GREAT place!! It is an older home, with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and TONS of living space! We are SO excited! It continues to amaze how much God has been a part of this moving experience! We were able to find tenants for our home easily, the finances have all worked out, and of course Chandler getting the job at just the right time. And the latest sign from God? During our engagement our friend Kelly asked us about choosing a patron Saint for our family. After much research and discussion we chose St. Raphael. After Chandler and I had signed the papers on our new house, Chandler went for a walk in our new neighborhood and about a 15 minute walk away (making it the nearest Catholic parish) is ST. RAPHAEL Catholic church. Isn't that neat?! Anyway, enjoy the pictures of our new home! 2 more weeks left! It is coming SO soon!!!!!

The living room

The kitchen

more of the living room

the dining room

We are moving!!!!

2010-03-26T17:24:00.000-07:00

Okay we can now officially announce that we are moving! Chandler got offered a great job in Boston!!! So we will be leaving Utah at the end of April. We are both SO very excited!! Thanks everyone for all of your prayers and well-wishes!! Oh, and I posted this picture of Chandler and I because I really liked it, and wanted a picture to go with this post! =)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHANDLER!!!!

2010-03-08T10:51:00.000-08:00

On March 5, 1973 a lot of great things happened, but the best thing is my AMAZING husband was born!! We had a wonderful relaxing day together celebrating, watching "Coal Miners Daughter" and going to Soup and Stations at Church. On Saturday we had a bunch of friends over to celebrate, and on Sunday we celebrated Chandler's, my Step-Dad, Brett's, and my sister Melissa's birthday with family. It was a GREAT weekend, and Chandler said he had a wonderful "birthday season"!! Thanks everyone for helping us to celebrate! HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHANDLER!!!!! Love you!

My wonderful Husband and birthday guy!

Jeana and Dominic at the party

Arron and Charissa

Charissa, Melissa, Matt and Sue

Suzi's traditional "cool" pose.

Boston and Beyond

2010-02-04T14:43:00.000-08:00

This past weekend Chandler and I were able to go to Boston!! I have never been there before, but Chandler has quite a bit of family in the New England area. We actually hit 3 states in about as many days, but it was great fun! On Friday we went to visit MIT, and then drove to Rhode Island where we were able to visit the Rhode Island Duncans (Cameron, Lynn, Christopher and Mackenzie), on Saturday we met up with our friends the Rosamonds' and went exploring the Boston Aquarium, Sunday found us driving to Maine to visit Chandler's Grandparents where I had real Maine lobster for the first time, and Monday we were back in Boston. We were having such a good time that we even missed our flight home and had to stay another night in Boston--too bad! =) Overall, we had a great time and I look forward to going back some day!! Here are some random pictures from the outings where I actually remembered by camera! Thanks everyone for your hospitality!

The sunset view off of the pier right outside Granny and Grampy's house

Chad and Mary Grace

Mary Grace, Luke, and Isaiah at the Aquarium

Chandler, Granny and Grampy

Me, Granny and Grampy

I AM 30!!!!

2010-02-04T14:36:00.000-08:00

Yep, I know this post is a little late, but I wanted to share that I had such a GREAT birthday!! My wonderful husband threw me an 1980's themed birthday bash that was filled with trivia, great food, the movie "13 going on 30", a yummy ice cream cake, and great friends!!

Arron and Rob

Melissa and Charissa (yep-we even dressed in 1980's fashion!!)

Chandler and I (I'm getting ready to low out birthday candles)

Then the next night Chandler made me an amazing candlelit dinner, gave me the most beautiful flower, and ALL 10 seasons of one of my all-time favorite shows "FRIENDS"!

The beautiful spread for my birthday dinner--don't I have a FANTASTIC husband?!

Of course no birthday would be complete without celebrating with the family. We had a wonderful birthday lunch at Chili's and even had the waiter snap this picture. We we actually celebrating two birthdays--Mine and my Grandpa's.

L to R-Melissa, Grandpa, Grandma, Mom, Brett, Me, and Chandler

Thanks everyone for helping to celebrate my birthday!! I LOVE being 30!!!

Game night fun!

2010-01-20T17:08:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, Chandler and I decided that we would have some friends over for a good 'ole fashioned game night. We had pizza, snacks, and had TONS of fun playing games. Thanks so much everyone for coming!! We had a blast!! Congratulations Suzi for winning (again)!! You are a dynamo when it comes to games!!!

Chandler reading a question for Suzi

Suzi, Chandler, Charissa, and Melissa

Charissa and Melissa

even Valjean got into the fun and was walking over the game board!!

The joys of being home owners

2010-01-02T10:05:00.000-08:00

Last night Chandler and I had my Mom, Brett, and Melissa over for a goose dinner with all of the trimmings. It was a great and yummy dinner! After everyone left Chandler and I started to get to work on cleaning up, and we discovered that the sink was clogged. My wonderful husband then ran off to the store at a very late hour to buy some draino. We tried everything that we could think of when he got home and still could not get the drain unclogged, so we called roto-rooter, and there we going to come out today. Meanwhile, we still had lots of water in both sinks. About an hour or so later Chandler and I were sitting in the living room talking, and we heard what sounded like someone trying to break in the house. We jumped up and realized that the sink had collapsed!!! Not only that, but when it did it broke the pipe!!! Luckily, it was just draining the sinks, and it wasn't the actual water line, but we still had a MESS!! The roto rooter man came today, fixed the drain, and we now have to find someone who does cabinets to fix the sink. What a pain!

The sink--you can tell on the right side that it has come apart

The pipe that broke

Our first Christmas

2010-01-02T09:50:00.000-08:00

Chandler and I had a wonderful first Christmas being married! We went to Mass on Christmas eve, and then cooked a yummy dinner! We were able to actually relax and have a quiet and prayerful Christmas eve at home, which was great! Christmas day we woke up and opened presents, and then headed off to my Grandparents for brunch and then to my Mom and Brett's for dinner. It was a great day! A few days later we had dinner to celebrate Christmas with my Dad, Melissa, Raven, Elisabeth, Charlie and Ashlie. Unfortunately I didn't think to snap any pictures!! =( But we still had a lot of fun!!

This is our Christmas tree-it was SO much fun to pick it out and decorate it together! Thanks Melissa for helping with that!

Our stockings

Chandler and I opening presents at Mom and Brett's house

Melissa opening presents

Mom and Brett

Our Honeymoon to New York City

2009-12-28T13:30:00.000-08:00

From the time that Chandler and I got engaged, Chandler has been planning a surprise honeymoon for us. With the help of his Mom, Jane cousin, Sally, and a wonderful travel agent, we went to NEW YORK CITY!!!!!!!!!!!! It was so much fun! We were able to spend an entire week there and experience the city life! We stayed at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Manhattan and it was such a beautiful location!!! We explored Ground Zero and the World Trade Center Museum, explored Times Square, went to Mass at St. Patrick's cathedral, met up with our friends, the Rosamonds as they were driving through, went and saw Wicked, Mary Poppins, and Mamma Mia!. We went to opening night of Radio City Music Hall's Christmas spectacular, went to the top of the Empire State building, went on a foods of New York tour, went for a carriage ride in Central Park, and overall had a FANTASTIC time!!!!! It was truly the trip of a lifetime! Thank you Jane and Eddie, and of course my wonderful husband, Chandler, for making this possible!!!

Times Square

Chandler and I in front of the Chrysler building

Chandler and I at Mamma Mia!

Carriage ride in Central Park

The very beautiful St. Patrick's Cathedral

Our Reception

2009-12-28T12:55:00.000-08:00

Here are some fun pictures from our reception. After getting lost in the limo, we finally arrived at The Point for our beautiful reception!

Chandler and I cutting our beautiful wedding cake.

Our first dance

Chandler dancing with his Mother

Everyone blessing us as we left our reception.

Our Wedding Mass- November 12, 2009

2009-12-28T12:44:00.000-08:00

Our wedding Mass was so very special and spiritual! We had so much fun, and the day was more than we could have ever imagined! Thank you to all of our family and friends that helped to plan organize, and pray for us--we couldn't have done it with out you!!

My Dad walking me down the aisle

Our whole wedding party

Husband and Wife.... the journey begins!

The Wedding Day--getting ready

2009-12-28T11:36:00.000-08:00

I had such a fun time getting ready for our wedding, I thought that it would be fun to post some pictures of us all getting ready. My wonderful Groom was running around so much that day that we weren't able to get pictures of him getting ready. =( I took my Mom, my Bridesmaids, and my sister to lunch and then we went to get our hair and make-up done. Then it was off the church for the wedding Mass.

Raven and Mary Katherine enjoying lunch

Me traveling in the car all beautified for the wedding Mass.

Me and my Mom waiting to get hair and make-up done--and having fun doing it!!

Jennifer and Charissa waiting to get their hair done

SOOO funny! Me caught talking on my cell phone waiting for the wedding Mass to begin!

Midnight Madness!!!

2009-12-28T11:16:00.000-08:00

After our rehearsal dinner we had a city-wide scavenger hunt guys vs. girls. We called it Midnight Madness in honor of a 1970's movie that Chandler loves. The best man, Chad, and maid of honor, Charissa, organized the whole thing! The first clue was a complicated math equation (thanks Chad!) that led us to a friend's condo where they read a scripture and gave us the next clue. It was also a place where we could drop off all of the cars and ride Trax. That clue led us to the theater at the Gateway Mall. The third clue led us to temple square where another friend met us with another beautiful scripture reading and the final clue. The final clue led us to one of our favorite coffee shops, where we were able to meet back up and socialize before heading off to bed. But of course, one team had to win. And the winning team of the Midnight Madness challenge was.......

Waiting for the Trax train

Some of the Ladies' team
Melissa, Mary Katherine, Jennifer, LeighAnne, and Charissa

Amanda

All of us scrambling to get in the doors to get to the clue first! I was even knocked on the ground!! =)

All of us hanging out at coffee break as the winning team was announced--the Ladies got there first!!!

Charissa, Melissa, Arron, and David

THANKS SO MUCH CHAD AND CHARISSA FOR ORGANIZING THIS!!!!! IT WAS SO FUN!!

Our rehearsal and rehearsal dinner

2009-12-28T10:28:00.000-08:00

The evening before our wedding Mass, we had our friends and family to St. Catherine's for a rehearsal and then to the Alumni House for a wonderful dinner. The rehearsal was a little chaotic, but it was a lot of fun. John and Carol, Chandler's Dad and Step-Mom, hosted the dinner and gave a wonderful slide presentation about our lives. Thank you everyone for a very fun evening!!!

Chad (the Best Man), Brett and Mom waiting for the rehearsal to begin

Chandler and I. My Matron of Honor, Jennifer made me this "practice" veil and bouquet. Isn't it great?!

Charissa (my Maid of Honor) and I

My AMAZING bridesmaids!!!!

Mary Katherine, Melissa, Jennifer, and Charissa

Chandler and I at the rehearsal dinner

Welcome to our new family blog!

2009-12-10T13:35:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone! Welcome to our new family blog! We had a wonderfully spiritual wedding and recepiton and an amazing honeymoon, which I will be posting about soon! Until then, Welcome and please check back soon to follow what we've been up to!