Thad's 29!

Thad turned 29 the day after we arrived home from New York (July 25). We were so busy we hardly had time to think about his birthday, let alone plan for it. For our birthdays this year Thad and I decided we would only have a $20 gift budget, which was fine by me since when had just spent a crap-ton of money in NYC. I found a documentary about John Coltrane at Best Buy for his gift, and we had sushi at Samurai. But, the real fun began when my family had a belated birthday party for Thad at my mom's house on August 9. My sister made Thad's cake, which was TOTALLY AMAZING tasting and looking. It had a chocolate cake tier and a white cake tier covered in buttercream icing. She free-handed the piping into a piano theme. She's so talented at cake making; I can't believe she's been doing this less than a year! We had some bratwurst, potato salad, and pasta salad...yummy!
It was great to see all the family, too. Cora decided to go back to her Beemaw's bedroom without telling anyone and paint her toenails. Nobody even knew she was gone! I saw her running around and said "Erica, what's on her feet?" Erica said "Oh my goodness! Is she bleeding?" Nope, she had painted her toes! So naturally, we panic and think, "Holy crap! It's going to be all over everything!" So we go back there with Cora and Erica asks her, "Cora, where were you when you did this?" and she said, "I's right here." There were a few little drops on the hard wood, but came up easily. Afterward, we all cracked up because she actually did a great job and left very little evidence that she had done it! Too funny!

The Big Apple!

As stated in the previous blog post, Thad and I had the honor of accompanying Wayne and Amber on their honeymoon to New York City. We had an incredible time, but for Thad and me, it was a lot of work keeping up with Amber, Wayne, and the two seeing-eye dogs. For Wayne and Amber, the best way to experience New York is to experience nice cuisine. We ate at very nice restaurants for nearly every meal. We had sushi, Indian, Mexican, and Bobby Flay's food from the Mesa Grill. We had the chance to visit the Empire State Building's observation deck, the Irish Famine Memorial, and the famous jazz club, Village Vanguard. We all stayed at the Washington Jefferson hotel on W51st and 8th, which was the best location imaginable! If we walked a block and a half outside of our hotel, we would reach Times Square! We visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art and visited the Battery Park area. There were some hairy situations, but everything turned out great. On the last day of the trip which was Thursday, July 24, Thad and I traveled back to Louisiana by plane, and Wayne and Amber went home to Boston by train. I'm going to miss those guys so much...

Congrats, Amber & Wayne!

     On July 19, 2008, two friends of ours, Wayne and Amber, were married in Alexandria, LA. Wayne and Amber are not your average couple...they are both completely blind.  They first met through the Louisiana Center for the Blind in Ruston, LA while Wayne was in high school and Amber was a LA Tech University.  Thad was Wayne's best man, and I was asked to play a clarinet sonata during the processional.  It was a beautiful wedding, and Amber was a stunning bride.  We were even asked to go with the on their honeymoon to New York City which was an honor in itself.  Thad played keyboard for the reception and Wayne got to join in on several tunes.  It was a great day.    




 

Marriage

Thad and I were married August 13, 2006 at Kiroli Park.  It was a most beautiful (and scorching) day. My older sister, Erica, was my matron of honor, and Thad's older brother, Lane, was the best man. My nephew was my ring bearer, and his girlfriend was my flower girl (who thought she was marrying Jay!).  They were a hit at the wedding...they walked down the aisle together while holding hands...it was precious.  We had our friends perform a piece from the Royal Tenenbaum's soundtrack that was arranged for us as I walked down the aisle.  The piece is called "Mothersbaugh's Canon" and was arranged for keyboard, flute, and violin. I had my dress made for me out of satin, chiffon, and silk from a simple Vogue pattern.  Our reception was held immediately afterward in the Kiroli Lodge.  It was far from elaborate, but I will forever remember it as the day I married the greatest person I know.  I can't believe our 2 year anniversary is right around the corner...time flies when you're having fun!              

Well, here we are...

     I can't believe I am actually doing a blog.  I've never desired to do an online "diary," but after seeing my sister Erica's blog, it looks like a lot of fun.  Plus, it's a great way to keep up with the people that I care about.  The question is, "What do I talk about?"...well, I guess I'll start from the beginning of the Thad and Erin story....