Kristen's Bridal Shower

Catching up on posting pictures still and I wanted to share some from my fantastic friend Kristen's bridal shower from April. Annie & I hosted the shower with our mom's at her parents beautiful home on the White River. Kristen was a stunning bride and her wedding was so much fun. I will share some pictures from that as soon as I get that camera back (I left it at the reception and Annie & Abby grabbed it for me, such nice friends).

Annie's delicious cookies. She is such a Martha Stewart.

Annie & I.

That gorgeous cake looks too good to eat because

it is actually a plaster cake Annie made a few years ago.

Two of the bridesmaids, Buff & Abby, weren't able to be there 

but their gorgeous mom's attended.

Congratulations Kristen! 

Photo Dump

I have been collecting pictures the last few months, but haven't taken the time to upload them to the computer yet. I finally did it today and here are some pretty images from my Mom & Wes' garden to start your week off on a cheerful note.

Doing Life: Summer of Fun

Technically Summer isn't here yet, but it feels like it. It is starting to get uncomfortably hot and it's only going to get hotter. Especially this weekend, just in time for the Indy 500. It's been a few years since we have gone, and since it is Kurt has deemed this "Kurt's Summer of Fun", it felt like a good time to go again.

Here are a few little images from the last time we went to the 500...

Kurt is bummed his "jorts" (jean shorts) did not make the move to Louisville too.

My good friend Annie & I in the infield. Kind of bummed that shirt didn't make the move either.

John I wish you were joining us this year, and not as our DD!

On "Kurt's Summer of Fun" agenda are activities such as the 500, golf, a pig roast, bachelor party, weddings, visiting the lake, and anything else that tickles his fancy. He will still have some studying to do, but not nearly as much. He is only in one class and it doesn't meet every day.

Also, I just wanted to note that we are at our one year anniversary of living in Louisville! We are definitely becoming locals because we have both caught ourselves saying "ya'll" instead of you all. Oops! Hope you won't judge us!

Do Life: Summer Time

Technically it is not summer yet, but we have made our summer plans to Do Life!

First plan, return to running. Now that classes have slowed down for Kurt, I am adjusted to working, and Bailey has the clear to run again, we. are. back. We are going to return to our 5k training program to get us on a program and back into running shape.

I signed up for the Louisville Color Run and I am incredibly looking forward to it. If you aren't familiar with it, here is a little video.

I think the Color Run is exactly the motivation I have been needing to get back to taking care of myself, and I am bringing Kurt and Bailey along for the ride. 

Our second step is to cooking more and eat out less. Our budget and our bodies will be happier. We love chicken wings, so tonight we are making baked buffalo chicken wings, baked french fries and homemade (light) ranch. Yum! Kurt is now a pro at sectioning chicken wings (with a little help from YouTube) and pretty proud of it. If the wings turn out well, we will share the recipe link. I have made the ranch before and here is the recipe link for it...Annie's Eats Ranch Dressing Recipe

Happy Monday! Do Life!

Our Future's So Bright...

We've gotta wear shades!

Kurt is done with finals which means he is done with his first year of dental school!! He is looking forward to a week off of doing whatever he wants, which is basically nothing. 

Things are busy at work this week leading up to the Derby. We are going to celebrate the Derby with friends, then go to the lake for the first time this year. Bailey will need her sunglasses.

P.S. She hated wearing those sunglasses. They stayed about 2.5 seconds.

April's Almost Over??

Spring has been busy in the Rider house. New job. Kurt's birthday. Vacation. My birthday. Work. School. Wedding festivities. I have barely had time to get my camera out. Although I did get a new one for my birthday that is easier to transport, so I should be starting to take more pictures.

Turns out working takes up time, so I haven't had as much time to keep up with our blog. The main things going on here is Kurt is preparing for the end of his first year of dental school. Hooray! Kurt has had quite a bit on his plate this year and has done an amazing job handling all of it. So proud of my little hubby!

Spring Has Sprung!

My Mom, Kurt, Wes and I have an ongoing debate about whether Spring or Fall is the better season. Wes and I agree Spring is the best. Everything is blooming and hopeful. Another two seasons of beautiful weather are on the horizon.

I would like to submit the below pictures from our walk yesterday as evidence. 

I rest my case.

Adios Amigos!

We are fulfilling one of our resolutions and taking our honeymoon! We are going to Cozumel over Kurt's spring break and can. not. wait!

This will be our first real trip just the two of us. We went to Chicago for a weekend for Kurt's 21st, but other than that every trip we have been on has been with family or friends.

Our resort

The snorkeling in Cozumel is supposed to be beautiful, so hopefully we will do some of that, and not get eating by a shark or giant sea creature. It is all inclusive so we are excited to eat and drink until our little bellies aren't so little anymore. We also went to the library and stocked up on books. We basically plan to  be lazy.

Can't wait to share our trip adventures when we get back!

Happy Birthday(s)!!

Two of my favorite people have birthdays this week!

Our fantastic friend Julie celebrates her birthday this week. Julie lives in Arizona and we miss her lots, but we are so thrilled that Ben Does Life inspired her too. She even has a t-shirt to prove it. Julie and I have been friends since way back in the days of St. Pauls and Rite 13 (a youth group of sorts). I can't lie sometimes I mostly went for the donuts.

Julie and I in college wearing our homemade Christmas sweaters.

It is also the birthday week of the handsomest man I know, little Kurt. He has had an adventurous last year and deserves some serious celebrating. We will be in Mexico in a little over a week and I am sure the celebration will continue there. Hello margaritas!

Do Life: Snackies

One of my favorite snacks is tortilla chips, dipped in basically anything. I think this is a pretty popular snack with most people. My mom introduced me to a great alternative, baked corn tortillas and jalapeno greek yogurt dip.

This yogurt is delicious. Kurt puts it on everything. You can find it at Costco. 

We aren't Costco members anymore so I always raid my mom's fridge for it when we visit.

For the tortillas, I use a fat free, sodium free version from a local pasta shop. 

I spray them with Pam then bake them for 4 minutes on each side at 350.

Super yummy alternative.