The Catch Up Post

Let's just say that I cringe when I see the last time I have even been on this site... But here I am nearly six months later with a few free hours alone, as Greg was off to work at 7am and I don't leave for another two hours.
I guess I should catch you up on our Spring and Summer 2012. The easiest and simplest way would probably be a little summary or bullet list, so here it is:

March highlight: Palm Springs trip with the O'Leary's for Spring break! a great time with lazy river rides, tanning by the poolside, golf day for the boys, shopping trip for the girls, and sweet family BBQs at the resort.

April: I was in a pretty busy season with school, but we did have the time to wake up at 3am and go to SLO for the Easter sunrise service at Mountainbrook Church and to celebrate Dad's birthday. We also went to my cousin Jonathan's graduation from Pepperdine University. And were able to attend a USC track meet with Mom and Dad Jeffrey, Uncle Ron and Aunt Janet, and Nana.

May: I supported my Freshmen year dorm-mates and friends as they graduated from Westmont College on Cinco de Mayo. Greg finally caught up to me in 22 years of life!! We had a fun get-together with friends at our place to party hardy (we've loved hosting even at our tiny apartment!). His parents came down to celebrate and we had a wonderful day with family going to church and lunch with Aunt Betty and Nana too. I also finished my first semester at Long Beach State with straight A's only because of my wonderfully supportive husband :)

June: The summer began with a big trip up through SLO to Lake Almanor for my cousin Johnny's wedding to Mae at the grandparent's cabin. We had a fun few days of wakeboarding and Grandma Nelson's cooking!

July: We were lucky enough to get work off to be in SLO for the 4th of July at the Jeffrey household which was a blast since Jenny, Bella, and Summer were staying there and the Hassons came in from Atascadero! We had great food, sweet conversation, and cozy bonfire while listening to the fireworks from the comfort of the backyard. Greg and I also ran the "Rock to the Pier" 10k with his dad (who beat us both!) in Morro Bay/Cayucos. Another highlight was a two-night camping trip with three other couples at Oneil Park about an hour's drive from LB. It has been really fun getting to know other married couples here in Long Beach :) Also, Greg started school online through University of Phoenix! I am SO proud of him for jumping in and being so diligent to work on it every day. He has two years left to finish a B.S. in Business, emphasizing in Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

August: So this month is only half over, but already a lot of significant events have occurred. Greg and I celebrated our first anniversary if you can all believe it!! That was seriously the fastest year I have lived yet! But the most blessed by far. I know both Greg and I have been stretched, challenged, and have grown incredibly in these 12 months. This "honeymoon stage" doesn't ever really end does it my married family and friends?! I think I fall in love with the man I married again every day. To celebrate our first year of marriage, Greg and I went back to Solvang where we stayed for our wedding night at the Hadsten House. We shopped around, tanned by/in the pool, played cards, went on a hike, went wine tasting, saw "Legally Blonde" at the outdoor ampitheater, had a lovely anniversary dinner and enjoyed each other! :) It was really a perfect weekend for us and took a couple of days to get back into reality.
The other highlight of this month is that Greg finally got another form of transportation that we've been thinking and praying about for months. We bought a used Yamaha motorcycle this week that Greg will use mainly to get to work and back. We are excited and thankful but I have Greg promise me every day to ride cautiously and defensively!

I hope you all feel a little more informed on our life and I am sorry if you felt left out! :P
We love and miss you all - our family and friends - and hope you will take us up on the offer to come visit any time.
Blessings,
Brooke A. Jeffrey