The end of October into the first week of November was a whirlwind of travel for us.  We made our first visit back to the United States since moving to Amsterdam in May (6 months ago already!?). Unfortunately we only had a week to spend at home and split our time between Kansas City and California. Thank you to those of you who were so flexible and understanding of our hectic timeline!

After arriving in KC, we were able to rest for a few hours at Chez Jules (my mom’s house) before meeting up with my oldest girlfriends and their husbands and kids. It was like no time at all had passed- except for all of the little ones running around! It was was so comforting to see everyone and know that our friendship knows no distance. The next day was lunch with my wonderful grandparents, my dad, and my half-brother Philip.  Lunch at Beer Kitchen was of course amazing, and the weather was nice enough for cocktails on the patio at McCoy’s afterward.  Jonny’s mom, dad, and sister Leah drove all the way from Wichita to have dinner with us and his sister Jenny at The Westside Local.  Friday, The day before we left for California was my mom’s birthday.  My sister, Jane, and her husband Bryan came over to mom’s house for pizza and the Royals game.  Watching the game at 7 p.m. was a nice change from watching the gamecast on ESPN.com at 2 a.m. in Amsterdam.  Bright and early the next morning we were off to the Gold Coast!

One of Jonny’s Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity brothers and half of one of our favorite couples got married!  Justin and his lovely (now) wife Nicki tied the knot in one of the most beautiful and intimate weddings we have ever been to.  We landed on Saturday morning in Los Angeles and had a 4 hour drive up the Pacific Coast Highway ahead of us.  Driving the Pacific Coast Highway was on our bucket list, so we had to take the opportunity to do it.  The bonus was that I was able to convince Jonny that we needed to do it in a convertible- and I was totally right.

After a gorgeous drive and a pit stop in Santa Barbara for lunch we made it to Paso Robles/Santa Margarita, California.  The welcome dinner was a mini-reunion of sorts.  The wine was as good as the company and was selected by the bride and groom from Ancient Peaks Winery. Things went as you might expect with a bunch of college boys reuniting after all moving to different places after graduating, but it was such a fun homecoming!

The wedding took place on the most beautiful day (what day isn’t beautiful in California?) at the most beautiful place- Santa Margarita Ranch. It couldn’t have been more perfect. We were so happy to be there to celebrate a couple that is so special to us; we didn’t want it to end. So in a way, we held the newlyweds hostage the whole next day by spending the afternoon at Pismo Beach and having one last dinner together before parting ways again. There were definitely some tears shed as we all said goodbye.

After spending only 5 days back in Amsterdam, it was time for our next departure to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico for the wedding of Dr. and Mrs. Madison.  The bride Dani, one of my best Tri Delta friends and former roomie, is the person who introduced me to Jonny. The groom Drew, was in Jonny’s fraternity and at one time his roommate as well. With so many overlapping friends, it was a wedding we couldn’t and didn’t want to miss! The night we arrived we immediately found a great bar, La Factoria , for cold beers and hot salsa dancing.

The next morning I was up bright and early with Dani and her bridesmaids for yoga- not just any yoga…on a paddle board in the ocean yoga. I took my fair share of falls, but the view was incredible and the water was warm and refreshing. Our instructor was so nice and encouraging, although I’m confident we were the worst class he ever had. (Note: do not drink mojitos and dance all night if you have to be up for wobbly, wavy yoga at 6:30 a.m.)

This wedding…oh my gosh.  It completely took my breath away, and not just because I was crying the entire time. Dani and Drew are high school sweethearts that had been waiting for this day for 12 years.  Man was it worth the wait.  There were so many special, thoughtful touches to the ceremony including their own vows which had everyone wiping their eyes. The venue, Hacienda Siesta Alegre, was stunning and with Dani’s vision, it became the most romantic and beautiful wedding we have ever been to. Lush and rustic tablescapes, a custom cigar roller, and Polarioid cameras to document the night…it was just incredible. The weather wasn’t cooperative, but the rain didn’t stop anyone from celebrating!

A relaxing day at the hotel pool was just what we needed the next day.  The sun was sort of out, so we got to work on our tans and catch up with everyone before everyone had to part ways. Jonny and I were able to stay another two days for some extra R&R and SUNSHINE before flying out. We stayed at a hotel right on the beach, jumped massive ocean waves, and took advantage of the swim-up bar (although it really took advantage of us).

We are so grateful we were able see our families and so many of our friends and especially happy to be part of such joyful and love-filled occasions. Thank you to all of you for such memorable trips; we will never forget them!

-Jill and Jon