Honeymoon: Adventures

Our honeymoon was very low-key and relaxing, but we did go out and about around Virginia daily. Here are some of our adventures.

We ate at the amazing Chateau Morrisette Winery (homemade pumpkin ice cream? Oh yes.).

We enjoyed the views on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Jake went into a food coma at Sharkey's restaurant, but we walked it off around Radford, VA.

 We visited Beagle Ridge Herb Farm.

We even randomly visited Bob Evans Farms and toured his home place. Surprisingly, it was super interesting!

And we drove. A LOT. But the views were wonderful, we listened to all of our favorite music, and we spent a whole week together. It was most definitely a week well spent!

Thanksgiving

This weekend was full of travel and family. Being our first major holiday to split time between families, there were moments where I missed traditions I've been accustomed to. This was hard for me. But now looking back on the weekend, I know new is not bad. New husband, new traditions, two new sides of family...this is good.

Small Business Saturday

Did you know that today was Small Business Saturday? It's a day dedicated to supporting small businesses in the midst of the busiest shopping weekend of the year. Jake and I participated by eating lunch at Little Italy in Greenfield (read the "About Cesario" section of their website and be inspired) and buying some holiday candles at Root Beginnings next door. We also tried to buy a ladder at our local hardware store, but they were closed. I felt a little bad at Home Depot but it's the thought that counts, right?

If you didn't participate today, support a local business this week, please. :)

Treats!

I've been craving these for a while now and finally made them yesterday. They're made the same way as rice krispie treats, but with fruity pebbles. You won't be sorry you made them!

Ingredients: 3 Tbsp butter, one bag of marshmallows, 6 cups fruity pebbles

Melt butter and marshmallows on stove over medium heat. When melted, combine with fruity pebbles. Press into a greased pan and let cool.

Little note.

Sometimes husband surprises me with little notes that make me feel special. I've had a great first month as Mrs. Brooks.

Thank you.

I am feeling extremely thankful today for a number of reasons. Tis the season to actually say those things out loud, right?

Today I'm thankful for...

...my prodigal iPod returning to me.

...my new iPhone.

...the instagram app on my new iPhone.

...a smooth visit to the Social Security office to officially become "Kristina Brooks".

...my husband, and the fact that we are linked with a last name now.

...Hanover College and Madison, Indiana.

...spending an entire, uninterrupted day with my husband in Madison, Indiana.

...local chocolate shops and coffee shops.

...Christmas being on the horizon, and all of the fun and togetherness that brings.

Of course I'm very thankful for less superficial things than my new iPhone, but it's good to recognize the little moments as well, I believe.

Honeymoon: Our Cabin

Jake and I started our honeymoon road trip the day after the wedding. We took our time heading down to Hiwassee, Virginia to this cabin. We really wanted a relaxing week where we could just stick around the cabin and do nothing. Here are some shots of our home for the week.

The Wedding: Sneak Peek

We don't have all of our wedding photos back yet, but we have gotten a few. Here's a little peek from the day. So fun. So special. 

Getting Ready

The bridesmaids, ushers, and I spent the night at Mom and Dad's the night before the wedding. It was like one big sleepover with my best friends. Just the way to spend your last night as a single lady. :) We woke up to homemade bread, apples, and dip from Miss Blair to nibble on while we each got our makeup and hair done.

 When we went to the church to finish getting ready, Jake and I exchanged our wedding presents.

 Jake gave me a huge collection of Indie Christmas albums to add to our collection.

 ...and I gave Jake a pair of orange Chucks (which he could wear to the reception), and a copper pick for his guitar that says "I Pick You".

And then on with the show! It's going to be a little bit before I show actual wedding pictures because I don't have them back from our photographer yet. But don't worry, they are worth the wait!

Rehearsal Dinner

The night before our wedding, we had our rehearsal at TVUMC, and then had dinner for our wedding party and family at Willie's in Hidden Valley. Somehow, we had around sixty people at our rehearsal. I guess we tried to include as any family and friends as possible, and it added up quite nicely.

The rehearsal went great, very smooth...until the boys tried on their vests for the wedding and found that I had gotten a European size instead of a US size for one of the vests. Oopsie. Thanks to Jake's very talented Aunt Judy, we got that vest to fit. I guess I had to mess up at some point, right? 

I was quite busy, so I only have a few pictures from the day. Here's a few of Jake and I in our best hipster outfits, complete with dead leaves and old barn.

 Isaiah made friends with the bartender at dinner and had a never-ending supply of ROOT beer at his disposal. He's got charisma, that kid.