Puffing on the cigar

Another year in the books and we’d been together almost a full year. The road trips back and forth to and from Austin were brutal but worth every minute. This new years was special because it was the first of many more together.

Julie and Nils in coming at you live from Times Square – in full effect!

One of my all-time favorite trips with you. Exploring the city, going to shows, trying new pizza places, you’re pretending to be statues all over the city, the fun never ended even though the trip did. You jumping into the limo will be a memory that sticks with me forever, one that every time I see a limo I’ll be reminded of (more so than when I see a mentos).

The ultimate gift!

For years we kept the pancake flipper and for years we never actually did any flipping. We looked sooo young in these pictures for some reason.

Wanna get dinner?

Oh wait, you don’t want to get dinner. I’ve seen this maneuver before. With thoughts that I might get ditched for a short date I had to scramble to come up with a creative plan. After a little soul searching and a few friend consultations, I settled on a plan for our first date. It was, in my opinion, the best first date that has ever occurred. Ever. I realize that’s saying a lot but it was pretty darn awesome as far as first dates go. The night was

Forget mathlete, you were a TRIathlete

I was so proud of you for kicking butt in this event. Sure you hadn’t even been on a bike in 12 years, it didn’t matter, and you rocked the Danskin like it’s never been rocked. Our signs could have used a little more work, I’ll do better next time. I knew that eventually, our babies would be awesome athletes after seeing you compete like that ;)

Kabooty Fest #1 – Keystone Colorado

This trip was filled with sore joints, bad skiing and a few almost embarrassing moments to which I’ll leave your imagination to recollect. It’s funny to remember how much has changed around us as we got to know each other over the years. This may have only been a few months into our relationship but I already had no doubts. Sure I wasn’t ready but I still didn’t have any doubts! We look as good on the slopes now as we did back then…

We put the super in Super Bowl 2003

Ah yes, sweet innocent flirting…(subject to interpretation). Clearly you can see by your long hair and my buzz cut that this is from a long time ago. Do you remember how new everything was back then? I remember needing chapstick. Notice that you still liked beer back then, however you’ve since switched from bud light to miller light…smart move!

Need a lift?

People often talk about how when your adrenaline kicks in our bodies can perform feats that only super heroes can envision. On the night of January 18^th, you Julie Martin-Marchand, were Wonder Woman. After what was clearly a miscalculated attempt at replacing a spare tire on my Jetta and having it come down and pin my left hand between the tire and the wheel well you transformed . You transformed into a woman who sprung to action, bent down next to the car, reached under the chassis of the car and flexed your muscles with all of your might and a little grunt. Aaarghhhh. In my mind the car moved just enough to let me slide the tire out from under the car. In my mind, you also made it very clear to me that you were a woman of action, a woman of passion and a woman ready to do whatever it takes in a situation that requires it. It’s possible you saved my life. Not too bad for our first wedding to go to together. That night after calling the ambulance and realizing that you had grabbed the expensive long-johns I was about to return our minds (and hearts) met to bring us to what is affectionately known as ‘The DTR’. I was convinced and thankfully you were too. A totinos and some bandages at your house later and we were officially a couple. What a story!