Journaling retreat with the Gussies

I have been fortunate enough to have been invited to and enjoyed a journaling retreat with a group of ladies who call themselves the Gussies. They had thie first retreat in August, someplace on Mount Baker. This November we headed up to Guemes Island and spent 3 full days art journaling, making art, reading, taking walks down to the pebble-crusted beach, and EATING! Gwen organized the food and cooked us some awesome stew; Rose made the most incredible meatloaf I've had since my childhood; Celeste melted my resolve to stay on my diet with her Oatmeal Scotchies, and Catherine spoiled us with her french toast with fruit and syrup on top-holy smokes!

That's our little home for the weekend, above.

Kathe and Paula goofing around

Lovely pebble covered beach Paula, Celeste, Gwen and I walked down to

not a car on the road for long stretches...I think we saw a total of 2 cars during our walk down to the beach and back.

Here are my walking pals (l to r): Paula, Celeste, and Gwen

Lovely misty meadow

barely a cloud in the sky as the sun went down...

my Wedding day...

The skies cleared and God gave us a beautiful afternoon to tie the knot.

Happy and so excited to marry the man of my dreams :)

Mommy hugging me as we get ready to walk down the aisle...

My honey gets emotional when he saw me for the first time in my wedding dress...this is REAL!

Hi honey...here I come!

Rings are on - let's have our first married KISS!!!

Praying and giving thanks for our wonderful life ahead of us.

Woo Hoo!! let's party everybody!!

a few shots on the beach...

Finally, we made it to the reception...

Laughing and crying with my best friend Jesse who was my Bridesman (not sure if that's a word but that's what I called him, among other things ) =) We've been best friends since 7th grade if you can believe that. He is also an artist at heart and a very creative soul who, along with my sister and several friends managed the whole wedding day so Collin and I could just cherish the moment. They did great and we are so blessed to have friends and family like we do.

Our Australia themed wedding cake-chocolate with truffle filling on the bottom and top layers, and vanilla cake with lemon curd filling for the middle layer. That topper is hand made by our cake artist as well. Absolutely delicious!!

The Nguyen Family!!

My cousin Bev (standing) showing us photos from when I was little...she brought copies for us to keep. My Auntie Joanne, Bev's mommy, is sitting down in the purple blouse. I love them so such and they came all the way form North Bend, WA, for our wedding. I am blessed with a fantastic family.

My Mommy, me and Bevie...

Collin and I are giggling with (left to right) Lee, Lynn, Amber and Erika...

My sister Johna (standing) and her long time friend Jennifer...these gals are SO photogenic!

Collin, and I with Jennifer and her hubby Jim with our yummy drinks in hand.

My beautiful sister and Callette (left) and Kim

The wedding party plus Collin's family in front of the historic train in downtown Garibaldi.

Mommy Lien, Collin, and me in a happy moment

Cheers - mommies toasting their babies.

A tender moment with mommy Lien.

Our first dance.

The Big day was finally here....it was strange to not have Collin around in the morning-he was close by though and I sent him a note saying -have a great day-meet me at the Church at 3:00 pm. You know, you never really know how these things are going to turn out and you can't control the whole day but you can control how you feel and approach any things that come up. It was a great day and we didn't have any major snafus...the cake was an hour late, but was beautiful and delicious...the food was catered by Kelly from The Pancake House in Tillamook and it was WONDERFUL!! Music and dancing and fun all night long!

I have a truly blessed life- I thank God every day that I wake up and find myself living a dream.

Namaste and blessings to you,

Dawn Estelle Nguyen