Happy Birthday to ME

"Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday dear Taylor

Happy Birthday to you"

So, this is what I woke up to this morning.  Singing in my ear early in the morning will only make me happy on my birthday, and only when pancakes and fruit are waiting for me and when presents were all wrapped for me to open.  It is like a one time pass.  The rest of the year, it is NEVER acceptable to sing in my ear at 6:00 am when I do not have to go to work.  Just clarifying. 

I woke up, ate the yummy breakfast, and then dived straight for the presents.  DISCLAIMER:  We have started a tradition to keep our Christmas tree up for the 12 days of Christmas, and since the end of Christmas is during my birthday week, it did not come down before my birthday.

Hence, my husband thought it would be appropriate to put all my birthday presents under the Christmas tree. 

I know I have probably mentioned a few times, and warning that I will mention it many more times- I have the greatest husband ever.  He listens to me when I am yapping about random things that I would like to have, and then he surprises me with things that I completely forget about, but I REALLLYYY want.

For example, I found the pajama dresses below in July... In Alaska... Did I think he was listening to me when I was wanting these then?  No.  All I heard was that we had no room in our luggage to take anything back with us, so I definitely did not think he was paying attention to what I was asking for, but he totally was.  And can I say that these are the most comfortable pajama dresses ever!

I also got a meat thermometer I have been wanting, a cool wine bottle opener, new tennis shoes, Root-beer, tic tacs, and some beautiful roses.  I am one blessed girl.  

So after the wonderful morning wake up, I got up, got ready, and waited patiently for my sister to arrive.  We headed downtown for some shopping, lunch, and much needed sister time.  Judy, AKA my birthday twin, also got to run over and meet us for a bit, so I was glad to see her even if it was for a short time.

After shopping, we came back to Cypress and went to eat at Shogun with Joseph.  It is one of my favorite places.  Love it.

So, have I mentioned that besides having the best husband, I also have the world's best SISTER?  For the sake of keeping up with these sweet picture collages that get posted on FB since I have a feeling that my FB will be deleted soon, I will share on here... 

"Here's to the one person who has been by my side through it all; to blow out my birthday candles, to share my first cake with, and to beat kids up in McDonald's with. Here's to being asked if you're 17 on a daily basis, to holding Jordyn and I under water for extended amounts of time, and to always having the better Barbie house. Thanks for always being the responsible one, the organized one, and my very best friend. So happy I get to celebrate your 24th birthday with you. I hope it's the best. Love you sista "

I am very blessed, and I am excited to see what 2014 and being 24 will bring this year.  Cheers to adventures, health, and life- The Wiesner Way. 

Cozumel 101

Cozumel 101

So, Joseph and I had been to Cozumel on our honeymoon, but we didn't do any of the tours.  We spent the day strolling the ships, shopping for Mexican blankets and knick-knacks, and eating at off-the-beaten-path restaurants.  It was a great day, but we knew that we wanted to do something else when we went back to Cozumel with his family.  So when his brother Ben found a tequila tasting tour, I was a little hesitant, but we were up for the adventure!

We got off the boat and opted for the 10 minute walk instead of getting a taxi.  DON'T DO IT!  Get a taxi.  The one complaint that I have about this tour is that the walk is very long, and you should just get a taxi.  I can't even sugarcoat it and say that there is pretty views along the walk, because there is not.  Save your limited time in Cozumel and get a taxi.  End of rant now. 

We took a tour through Discover Mexico, and saw some pretty cool art.

Brother-in-law Ben.

Loved this- made completely from sand. 

Once we finished up the art tour, we headed for the tequila tasting, and let's just say I was pleasantly surprised.  When I sat down and saw this... 

And this....

 I was looking for the nearest exit.  Flashbacks from college and Northgate were coming back to me, and I was not about to take 3 shots of tequila.  No thank you.  However, when we sat down Chucho gave us a complete history and "class" per say on tequila.  We learned how to smell it different ways and to sip on it, and it was very much like tasting wine.  Although I do not plan on leisurely sipping tequila anytime soon, it was educational, fun, and something out-of-the-box, so it was right up our alley!!

Our amazing guide- Chucho

The tequilas that we tasted. 

At the end of the day, I had a wonderful day with my husband and in-laws, 

We got yummy margaritas, 

& we got delicious homemade tacos and sides.

 After lunch, we watched a crazy show with these guys climbing the pole below and then spinning themselves out.  I know that is not a good way of explaining it, but I don't know of a better way.  Just see pictures below! :)

After Discover Mexico, we headed over to Chankanaab National Park, and let's just say that the next time we go to Cozumel, this will be our stop for the entire day.  It was amazing, and I regret not taking more pictures of the beautiful beach.  They have a beach, dolphin swimming, snorkeling, water sports, water trampoline, and tons of restaurants on the water.  

Adios Amigos! 

Cruisin' Christmas

So, not sure if I have mentioned, but Joseph and I are practically professional cruisers.  In 1.5 years, we have been on FOUR cruises!  One when we got engaged, one for our honeymoon, one to Alaska with my family, and now one with Joseph's family to Mexico.  However, I will not complain, and in fact as soon as we got off the boat I saw specials for a future cruise, and I was ready to book again already! :)

We all loaded up on the cruise boat with these adorable matching t-shirts that my sweet mother-in-law got us! :)  Thanks Dawn!

We left out of NOLA on December 28, and went on the Carnival Elation cruise line to Cozumel and Progresso Mexico.  

Just like every cruise, there is some stuff we REALLY love, and there is some stuff that we could do without.

I LOVE cruises because...

1.  I love how it gives us the opportunity to see multiple places in a short amount of time. 

2.  I do not like having to unpack my bag, so this way I only have to unpack my bag 1x and I still get to go to a lot of cool places.

3.  The entertainment is great, and the comedians are hilarious.

4. The food is wonderful- melting chocolate cake.... YuMmMyY

5.  The staff is amazing, and they go way above and beyond to make you feel like royalty- I could definitely get used to it. 

6.   I love the towel animals.

Some things that are a little bothersome on cruises...

1.  Communication sucks.  You can't use cell phones.  You can't use apps to communicate because it requires internet.  And the note and plan system just doesn't work.  If I am in the spa and comfortable, I dread when the clock hits noon and I should be meeting my husband to eat lunch.  I want to be able to shoot him a quick text saying let's go later, but I can't.  If anybody has a solution for this problem let me know! :)  PS.  No walkie talkies.  They are annoying to all of the other guests, and I refuse to be that person.

2.  The buffet is a pretty yucky option for dinner.  The Aggie game was coming on one night, so we did what any maroon bleeding Aggie would do, and we skipped dinner to eat the buffet so we could make it to the game on time.  I do not advise this.  Go to dinner. Every night.  Skipping = yucky food.

Overall, cruises are amazing, and we will definitely do them again in the future.  

Taylor

Cruise Part 1 (NOLA Edition)

So to continue our wonderful Christmas vacay this year, we went on a cruise with Joseph's family after the holidays. 

We started out in New Orleans, LA, and we were lucky enough to hang out there a few days before heading out on the family cruise.  We stayed at the Crowne Plaza on Bourbon & Canal St.  (Highly recommend it=my go to place when visiting NOLA).  & soon after checking in the hotel we were off to visit Bourbon Street.

We went to a few bars, listened to some live music, and shared a few stories from my Bachelorette party in NOLA. 

The next day, we were up bright and early to pick up the brother-in-law and his GF at the airport, and then we did what any NOLA tourist would do.... We ate lots and watched street performers.

^^^People, this guy did not move.  He stayed in this position for like ever (or maybe just for the 2.5 minutes we watched him).  & it wasn't one of those gigs that you throw money in his jar and then he moves.  Trust me, we tried it.

& then we walked to watch the Dragon Master Showcase.  Can I just say that no matter how many times I watch them, I still want to go back and watch them some more.  But, not enough to pay $20 for a DVD- that would get old.

But for real, they are awesome.  They are like PROFESSIONAL street performers. You ask- well why are they professionals?

 Because they have the whole gig figured out.  They have the best spot.  They gather everyone onto steps where it would be super awkward if you wanted to leave in the middle of the show or if you got up when they pass around the donation jar.  They harass people walking by.  They make hilarious jokes. And they do awesome flips.  Let's just say that they are funny, they have it figured out, and from looking at all the people giving money, I bet they make much more money than we do.   But hey, it is worth it, and you bet that the Wiesner's will be back to see them and throw 5 bucks in the donation jar next time we are in NOLA. 

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After strolling around NOLA for the day, a Pat O' Brians trip was definitely in store.  

NOLA was a WONDERFUL start to a WONDERFUL vacation.  Stay posted for updates on the cruise. :)

Taylor

Christmas The Wiesner Way

Even though we were not actually spending Christmas day at our house, we still pulled out the Christmas decorations and got in the spirit the whole month of December.

So, since this is our 1st Christmas together, we did not have a Christmas tree.  I found my dream Christmas tree, but I needed $400 and a ceiling that was 2 feet taller!  After much negotiating with Joe, I ended up giving in and buying a $39 pre-lit tree from Wal-Mart.  A few Hobby Lobby trips later, and I think I got it pretty decked out for only spending $55 total! :)

The nativity scene is a very special present that we received from Joe's grandparents, GranGran and Papa.  When her kids (Joe's mom & uncle) graduated from high school, she began doing ceramics.  She made four sets of this amazing nativity scene, and she gave us one at our wedding.  What a special gift.  I am hoping next year we will have a better table to appropriately display it on. 

We ordered our amazing, customized stockings for us and our pups at this adorable little ETSY shop.  Owning an ETSY shop myself, I always try to support other shops and this shop is adorable! I love the dog bones for the puppies! :)

The sign below is a gorgeous light up sign that we also received as a wedding present from the sweet Russell's.  What a great wedding present- we are able to use it every year for Christmas and always think of their adorable family.

I loved the time spent with Joseph and both of our families this year for Christmas.  It makes me feel blessed and thank God every day for the perfect, beautiful life that he has given me.  

Taylor