Our first week in Florida

Ok, well our first full week in Florida has been a lot of fun. Since Travis didn't actually have to report till the 5th, he got all of his tests and everything out of the way before a lot of people got here. So he's had time to golf and he even had on off day. So far we've just been playing with the Heisey's puppy Homer, playing with Ryder, the boys have golfed several times, we all went bowling, Travis and I went and played putt putt with the Heiseys (I lost, but it was a much closer game than I would have thought; Lisa tied Travis for second), and the girls and I went to the beach yesterday with Ryder. The beach was packed, but it was a gorgeous day. Ryder made it out there for several hours under the beach tent we found. I was shocked, he made it longer than I usually do. I'm sad that I didn't take a single picture, but I promise I will next time.

Travis and Homer, he reminds me of Abbi when she was a puppy but with a longer nose


Ryder smiling at me



Ryder at the bowling alley, he was so good.


Playing putt putt

Lisa and Chris looking at the gators at the putt putt place

Spring Training Begins

Travis and I left Arkansas around 6:45 Wednesday morning and got into Sarasota around 11 that night. We checked into a hotel until the house that we're renting for spring training was ready.
We're renting a three bedroom house with two other married couples. Derrik and Danielle Lutz and Chris and Lisa Heisey. Lutz is a pitcher and Heisey is an outfielder. The Lutz's have a 6 month old son, Ryder. He's gotten so big since the last time we saw him, I can't even believe it. Having him around is going to be great practice for Travis and I. I'm hoping his mom lets me baby sit while she does her work and the boys are at the field, I don't think it will take too much convincing. The Heiseys are from Pennsylvania and they ran into some bad weather while they were on their way down, so they should be here tomorrow.
I'm so excited about spring training this year. Last year we had two single guys that stayed with us, so it will be a completely different experience this year, and so much more fun for me. The wives and I are planning on some beach days and I know some shopping will happen. This is the Reds last year in Sarasota so we have to take it all in while you can.
Our last few days at home were packed full of trying to see everyone and say good bye. We went bowling a few times with friends and family, had a few family dinners, I had a girls night out with Casey and we went to a really cute new restaraunt called Ya's Ya's and went and saw "He's Just Not That Into You," Travis had a few poker nights and golf trips. He even managed to take a few fishing trips, I even went on one.
Here are a few pics from our last couple weeks at home. I promise to keep everyone updated on how the season goes and I hope to see some of you during the season.

Our fishing trip, we caught well over 200 fish.


167 fish, we gave them all away


We took a trip to Hot Springs for Valentine's Day and Travis decorated the room for me.


While we were in Hot Springs, we went to the Mid America Science Museum. We each had been there when we were younger, but hadn't been in years.

Concert

Last night we went to the Brad Paisley/Dierks Bentley/Darius Rucker concert and it was amazing. Travis's parents had won really good seats and they switched us mid way through so we got to sit much closer. Afterwards Travis headed down to the duck woods. Only one week of hunting left!!!

Our vows and some pics of the honeymoon and wedding

I promised to share our vows with everyone after the wedding, so here ya go.

Brittany,
I have always dreamed of this day. Of the day where I am standing here in this very spot getting ready to marry the girl of my dreams; but in that dream I never knew the woman I would be marrying would be the nicest , most loving, caring and giving woman I’ve ever known. I love you so much. I was born to love you baby. I just thank God for bringing us together. You know, before I met you I wasn’t the best person, but your love saved me and made me the man I wanted and needed to be. So I just wanted to say thank you. And if you marry me today, I cross my heart and promise to give all I have to give to make all of your dreams come true, and I promise to love, honor and cherish you for the rest of my life. I love you so much baby.

Travis,
The day I met you changed my life forever. I have grown to be a better and stronger person because I know that you will be with me through everything, good and bad.
I promise love and support you in everything that you do. I will be by your side through every win, and every loss, in life, and baseball. I promise to allow you to follow your dreams, and I will be with you every step of the way. I will be faithful to you and appreciative of everything that you do for me and our family. You are an amazing man and I am so lucky to be able to call you my husband. You are my favorite, forever and always, and I love you.

It's almost here!

Ok, so the wedding day is less than 48 hours away, and I'm doing really good I think. I'm not stressed out. I just finished my vows, which I promise I will post both of our vows after the ceremony. Travis actually wrote his first, which I thought was cute. He made a playlist he titled "Love" and listened to music and wrote his vows.

Everything is going really amazingly well. I love, love, love our preacher. We had met with a man before and he wouldn't marry us because we lived together. He knew going into that we lived together and met with us anyway. He said he could marry us if we made other arrangements between then and the ceremony, but we didn't really have any options for that, nor did I really want to do that. I understood he didn't agree, but I didn't understand how it would be better if we didn't live together for three weeks. If you don't agree you don't agree, and that should be final. I mean we were already planning on not spending the night before the wedding together, would that have been ok or no? I know I'm being silly, but it was really upsetting to me. However, we found an amazing man that we have really connected with to do the ceremony and I'm so excited. Just another example as to how everything really does happen for a reason.

Tomorrow I have to get my nails done, eyebrows waxed, and I have to attend the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner. So far everything is going extremely smoothly and I'm just ready for it to be here. I'm spending tomorrow night with my closest friends. We got a hotel room to just hang out and talk all night (well not all night I have to get some beauty sleep). I promise to post pics on Saturday if I can remember to have someone take some with my camera.

Last minute advice

Ok, there are only 10 days until our wedding. At this moment I'm not stressed, but I really feel like I am leaving things out. So, I need any last minute tips, thoughts or suggestions for the wedding day. Also, for any of you that have been on a cruise, any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for all of your help.

Bachelor/Bachelorette and Engagement Pics!!!

We had our bachelor/bachelorette party this weekend. We rented a 24 person stretch SUV limo and drove around and went out downtown. I broke my camera so I don't have many pics and I also lost my phone, so send me your phone numbers!!!!


Benny and AJ~I went to kindergarten with them.

Me and my maid of honor, Casey

The girls!

Our photographer came down this past weekend and we took engagement pics. Yes, we are sitting in a baseball dugout and I'm wearing a Reds jersey. Anyways, I'll get more and post them soon. They turned out really, really good. I will post more soon.