Back to Reality

It's been a little over a week since we got back from Mexico...a whole 10 days since I drank mojitos all day, ate and slept when I wanted, and got pretty every night. I'm back to my reality of changing poop diapers, eating in record time, and drinking cold coffee (and I'm not talking about iced coffee). It is also safe to say that I haven't done my hair or put on makeup since we got back. I'm okay with all of this though because I love my reality.  

Our vacation was definitely much needed. Kevin needed some time away from the constant hustle and bustle at work, I needed some 'me' time, and Alessia needed some time away from me to learn that I can't always be with her. Spending time with our amazing friends and meeting new people only made the vacation better.

The memories we made on the trip will forever be with us and, of course, the pictures. Those will always be there too, even the questionable ones. I'll remember the crazy rain storm we tried to wait out, but instead got stuck running through.  And those raindrops felt like bullets when they hit you. I'll cherish the memory of helping Jana get ready for her wedding and watching her and Rob say 'I do". I'll unfortunately remember doing the Wobble dance more times than I can count...apparently the music in Mexico is a few years dated.

It is amazing how refreshed five days away can make you feel. I'm pretty sure it is the only way I have been able to deal with my ultra clingy girl (who obviously had a little separation anxiety while I was gone).

I'd love to make our 'vacation with friends' a trend. So, friends, start saving. And, until then, I'll have these to look at.

Even though we don't get to see each other that often, I am so lucky to call these two ladies my best friends. 

 

 

The love of my life

Five days of paradise

A Wonderful Wedding Weekend

In two days, my cousin, best friend, and (sorority) sister, Stephanie, is getting married.  I am beyond excited for her and her soon-to-be hubby, Tyler.  The wedding festivities start tomorrow with the rehearsal and end on Saturday with a day out on the lake with some of the wedding party and guests.  I'm so honored to be a bridesmaid and can't wait to see how unbelievably beautiful she looks on Friday.

Tator & Gert (our nicknames).  The roles will be reversed in two days.

Congrats to Stephanie and Tyler!  Wishing you all the happiness in the world!  Love you both!

 

Busy Little Bee!

I know it has been forever since I last posted on the blog, but things have been hectic since Kevin and I got back to the States.  We had a pretty uneventful travel day and everything went smoothly with passport control at the airport.  Since I had overstayed my 90 days, they questioned me a little longer than I would have liked, but since I had all the paperwork showing we've been going through the visa process since August, they let me go through without any problems. 

I was only able to stay in Pittsburgh for a few days because I had to get back to Springfield quickly.  Luckily, I got to spend some good quality time with Kevin's parents and our niece and nephew.  Since I didn't get to see everyone I wanted to on this visit, I'm trying to find time in the near future to get down there to see them soon.

My rush back to Springfield was due to the fact that my grandfather was going to a nursing home.  I wanted to see him, in his house, one last time before he went.  He has dementia and has progressively gotten worse over the last few years.  My family had to make this decisions since he now requires full-time care.  Luckily, he is really dealing with the transition well.  My mom and I were able to drive down there Friday and we were very happy with his accommodations, nurses, and the care he was receiving.  My mom and my aunt also went down a few days ago and he had already made friends and really seemed happy.  Of course, this makes him being there a lot easier.

Grandpa and I enjoying some time together Friday.  I love this man!  

This Saturday I drove down to St. Louis for my cousin's bachelorette party.  It was such an amazing time and I was so happy to see her and everyone else there.  We attended a Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre at the Lemp Mansion.  Then we headed out for a night on the town.  Feeling like garbage the next day was totally worth it. 

The beautiful bachelorette, Steph. 

Sig Kap Girls! 

Yesterday, I got together with the family I will be working for this summer.  Two summers ago I worked with the three kids and I am so happy to be a part of their summer again.  My first day is on Monday and I can't wait. 

Today is Kevin and my first wedding anniversary.  It seems crazy that we've been married a year already.  "Normal" couples would spend this day together and eat their cake, but we don't play by the same rules as "normal" couples.  Due to my hectic schedule and Kevin starting work, we are apart, but we will see each other in a few weeks and celebrate then. 

One year of wedding bliss, many more to go!

    

2011 Recap

Love & Marriage: After over 11 years of dating, Kevin and I finally tied the knot in May. The day was amazing, although it was a little warm. Looking back, are there things I would change? Absolutely! But then again, nothing turns out perfect and I am completely happy with how everything turned out. I'm still at the stage where I look at our wedding pictures on a weekly basis because I love them so much. I always tell Kevin I could do it all over again (with him, of course) and he is not in agreement. He still thinks we should have went to Vegas!

May 29, 2011

Retirement or Not: In 2010, if you would have asked me what Kevin and I would be doing in 2011, my answer would have sounded a lot like this..."Kevin is going to retire from hockey after this year. Then once the honeymoon is over, we'll start looking for a house and jobs. We are really looking forward to some stability and having a place to call home."

Well, obviously it didn't turn out that way. We had good intentions and had actually started looking at places in Chicago. Then, Kevin got a call a few weeks before the wedding telling him about the job opportunity in Italy. We went back and forth over what to do and ultimately made the decision to pack our bags once again. The way we see it, we have our whole lives to work. We are still young and have nothing tying us down so we might as well do it while we can. Some people think we are crazy and some people envy us. Regardless, we always make the decision based on what we want and we couldn't be happier.

From Goalie Reiter...

To Coach Reiter

Italy: Things definitely didn't start off easy. We had issues (and are still having issues) with my visa. Kevin went over by himself and I followed two months later. Since arriving here, things are great! Our little town is amazing, our apartment is cute, and we are enjoying every minute of our time here. Kevin spends a lot of time at the rink being a coach, but we still manage to do and see a lot. Whether it is going into town for coffee or heading to Innsbruck for the day, we have a blast. I'm also lucky to have another North American wife here with me. It is always nice to have someone who is in the same situation as you.

We have 5 months left here and are looking forward to visitors coming in March. We have also planned some trips for just ourselves in late April/early May when Kevin is done coaching.

The clock tower in Vipiteno

Our apartment