Check off!

I did it! One thing to mark off the list (Things I do before I die). The Seattle Half Marathon was amazing. Everything was beautiful from the views, sites, misty weather to running with my cousin! Cheers to having made it! Next time I would love to make it under 2 hours. My time was 2:07. And that is with one bathroom break.

Gotta love first grade!

So far it has been a pretty good year.  Great, sweet-loving girls and some "energetic" boys!  We have been having fun.  I will make sure to share any funny stories...until then here are some photos to enjoy... first week of school, celebrating color days (red day), and our Jog-A-Thon!

The 3 Bs

A friend recently informed me of the 3 separate B's.  These include separate Bank accounts (which we plan on eventually joining into one), separate Blankets (wont happen because we only have 1 awesome comforter), and lastly separate Bathrooms (this has been great- definitely recommend it).  With separate bathrooms we have no back up in the morning, we each clean our own bathroom at our own convenience and I don't have to worry about the seat left up!  Last night we tried for the first separate Bedrooms.  No it wasn't because of a fight- I have a cold.  Hate to say it but I slept really well... however, it was very lonely and we will not do separate bedrooms again. "Separate" may save your marriage on a few fights but isn't that what marriage is about- conquering the challenges together.   

Wedding Photos!

Yea, Missy has finished and published our photos. Check them out here! and just enter your e-mail.

First attempt at being a housewife...

This was dessert, imagine what dinner looked like! Hey, at least I'm trying! Let's just say they actually tasted better than they look. I tried again a week later and they turned out much better. How does that slogan go: try, try, and try again. I may be living by that saying for awhile.

Birthdays, Bikes, Beer, and Bratwurst!

Our annual Bike Pub Crawl through Portland was successful for the second year! We had a blast and no one got a BUI. Eight bikers this year...we're hoping next year to get 15! Who's with us?!? The gender parade even came along with us to celebrate our birthdays!

We had an exceptional birthday weekend with temperatures of over 100 degrees...but it made for beautiful sunsets! This is an attempt of riding over the broadway bridge, taking award winning photos and not falling into the water! ha! Thanks to all that celebrated with us.

Pure entertainment!

I'm beginning to think this blog may turn into my own reflection on marriage or better yet, "the adventures of living with John Mark."

Yesterday, we partook in the Portland Bridge Pedal. We had to leave the house by 5:40am to ride (& max it) to the start line in NE Portland. We perfectly planned our wake up time based on waking up, brushing teeth, getting dressed and then departing. Well at least that was my plan. John Mark on the other hand, sneakily planned on making himself coffee in the morning. When the alarm went off he went flying down the stairs to push the "brew" button. I was annoyed he was making coffee when we needed to go but also surprised he was attempting this alone... I had only showed him once. Anyways, I came down just in time to watch him pick up the coffee pot with a very confused look- the pot was extremely light, in fact empty. Poor JM forgot to put the water in the coffee machine. Oh, honey- don't do things without the supervision of your wife!

Maui'ed

Aloha! We honeymooned in Maui and loved every minute of it! Our hotel was in Ka'anapali, called Kaanapali Shores. We were confused when we stepped in the elevator to go to our room on the 9th floor and the numbers stopped at 8... and nice teenager pointed out to us that our room was located on the PH level! Honeymooners upgrade!

Highlights included snorkeling in Makena beach, surfing in Lahaina, kayaking in Kihei, and eating Macadamia-Banana Nut Pancakes at The Gazebo in Napili. We also enjoyed the drive up to Hana but halfway there we decided to turn around. John Mark was afraid of running out of gas so Kelsey was not allowed to turn on the AC for the remainder of the trip home!

We hope to go back soon! Mahalo!

Happily Ever After

Welcome to Tour de Baldwins! We are excited to have you join us on our adventures of life, marriage, and happiness!

Marriage?

What? ...Sharing a bathroom! You take how long to get ready? I have to do your laundry too? Cleaning dishes right away?

Oh, that's right... "Yes, dear."

John Mark is learning quickly!