Baltimore

We have taken to visiting Baltimore recently after realizing that it's the halfway point between us and some good friends, Christine and Kyle, who live in Delaware. The first time we went we met Christine and we walked around the harbor for the afternoon. I actually really enjoy walking around the harbor. It's quite lovely. The top corner pic is Christine and Jason on a cool lighthouse along the harbor.

The second time? Well, I'll let Christine explain that one because she took the better pictures.

But I'll give you a hint: mmmeat.

Concerts. Twice is Nice!

Remember a little note I wrote back in July at the bottom of a post? It went like this: "I swear I haven't been listening to [Katy Perry's] music non-stop since then or trying to convince Jason to get pit tickets to see her live again while we're on vacation so we can be THIS CLOSE to her..."

Well, I'll admit that I've listened to nothing other than Katy Perry in the car since the show in June. And that includes the entire drive from Seattle to Los Angeles. And no, Jason's not sick of her yet either.

 I have to fess up to something else as well:

I convinced him. 

It wasn't hard to do. 

Clearly he likes her music if he's not sick of it yet.

Not to mention he thinks she's a knockout.

(Who doesn't?)

We got tickets to see her while we were in Seattle. We were in the pit, right in front, and it was totally worth it. It was so much fun being right there up in the action rather than watching her when she's as big as an ant like last time. She's my first true pop love and I'm having fun with it. It kind of makes me feel like I'm in middle school again.

We saw Guster live again too when we got back home. We saw them with Jack's Mannequin who were okay (once upon a time we liked Something Corporate and it's the same singer), but we won't see them again because we didn't think they were that great and I wasn't digging the music anymore. I guess I've outgrown it. Guster, on the other hand, is one of those bands that is even better live than they are on albums. In fact, I really only listen to their one live album. I'd love it if they would release another!

And the venue? Wolf Trap. I love seeing shows there because it's so beautiful and it just so happens that the first time I saw Guster in 2004 it was there (along with Ben Folds and Rufus Wainwright - now THAT was an incredible show).

Seattle, Part 3: Maitha and Andreas' Wedding

Maitha and I have been the best of friends since we were 11 years old. We grew up together until we headed off to college in different states and from then on out we've lived far apart (*sniff, sniff*) but have never grown apart. She's one of my oldest friends and one of my very best friends. Neither of us grew up with sisters, so I'd say we're the closest thing either of us has to a sister. We shared and experienced all the fun and silly things you do as girls growing up: clothes, make-up, hair, school, our love of Hanson, our terrible clarinet skills, boys, dances, birthday parties, travels, summer camps, school, learning to drive... the list goes on and on. We had so much fun growing up together. She was also by my side at some of the saddest times in my life like my mom's death but also my happiest times like my little brother's birth and my wedding - all monumental moments - and she was there for all of them.

I had only met Andreas once before their wedding (way back when I was first engaged and flew out to LA), but when I met him I knew there wasn't a better match for Maitha. I was so happy she found a guy that appreciates her for who she is, treats her right, and loves her unconditionally. To top it off, he has an amazing and loving family that she can now call her own, and because I love this girl like a sister, that means the world to me. I've never been so happy to see two people get married. There were some very touching speeches given, one given by Maitha herself, and I know that at times there were no dry eyes around. It was an absolutely beautiful and touching wedding.

I was so happy to get to stand up there by her side. My heart swelled with pride as I watched someone so special to me, so dear to me, get married to the love of her life. To my "sister," my friend for life: I couldn't be more thankful to have you in my life. I love you!

Could it have been any more picture-perfect?

So in love.
P.S. Jason helped build the arbor... and got verrrrry sunburned in the process. What a good man.

The whole wedding!

And I'll leave you with this lovely shot that Jason captured. 

Now that's true love. We love you both and wish you the very best!

All photos but the last one are © Melanie Duerkopp 2011 and posted with permission.