CHRISTMAS IN MICHIGAN

As you can tell I'm having a hard time keeping up with my postings but I figured better late than never. Here are a few pictures to capture our trip to Michigan over the holidays. We had such a wonderful time visiting Matt, Heather and our beautiful niece and nephew. When we stepped off the airplane is was -12 with wind chill (yikes!!!!!) so, as you can imagine, it was freezing. We spent most of our trip inside where it was warm and enjoyed looking out at the snow through the window. Thank you so much Matt and Heather for your hospitality and for opening up your home to us.





CHRISTMAS MORNING... It was so awesome waking up to a White Christmas- something we don't get to experience in California.












They love uncle Mike...


FROZEN LAKE... Mike and I stayed with his aunt and uncle for a night and this is a picture of the frozen lake in their back yard. Crazy!!!






DOUBLE DATE... Mommy Mary was so kind to watch the kids so we could go out for an evening. We went to sushi for dinner, this adorable cupcake shop for desert (yum), then played cards at Starbucks (I got my butt kicked). It was such a fun evening and one we will always cherish.

WINTER FESTIVITIES

MIKE'S 30TH BIRTHDAY... We continued our tradition and celebrated the day before Thanksgiving. We usually have a great turn out of friends on this day because everyone is off the next day. For his birthday I rented out the clubhouse in our complex for cocktails and dinner with a group of friends then went to a local Irish Pub (another birthday tradition). We topped the night off with a little guitar hero back at the house. As usual, we had a great time and feel so blessed to have such great friends.

Check out his shirt... I couldn't resist!





THANKSGIVING





I know it looks like Christmas but believe it or not it's Thanksgiving. My mom is such a beautiful decorator and likes to enjoy all the Christmas decorations for as long as possible, so she put them up right before Thanksgiving.

USC VS. ND FOOTBALL GAME

Some may think it's not possible to support both teams but as you can see, I do! A few of Mike's grad school friends flew out for the game and joined us for a tailgate just out side of the Coliseum at USC. Despite the great loss for ND (yet another victory for SC), we had a great time.

GRANDMA'S SURPRISE 85TH BIRTHDAY

Doesn't she look great for 85???





My grandma had such a great time and was so surprised. There was approximately 45 people who came for the celebration. I don't even think she realized just how special she is to so many. It is such a blessing that she is healthy and full of life at this age. Thanks to all who made this day come together so beautifully.

BIG NEWS OF THE YEAR

THE CAMPBELL/MADERA WEDDING

One of my dearest friends, Megan, got married on April 19, 2008. Her and Robert make a beautiful couple. In addition to their wedding bells, they bought their first home this fall. Congrats to you both!


Having fun on the dance floor at Megan's wedding.

WENDY & RUBEN GOT ENGAGED!

Congrats Wendy & Ruben!!! We can't wait for the wedding. Thanks for asking us to be apart of your special day.

AND... Two of our dearest friends, John and Sara, got married in September. Congrats to you both! The two of you make such a beautiful couple. Love you guys!

REWIND...

After viewing both of my sisters' blogs (and all of Erica's friends blogs) I finally decided to jump on the bandwagon and create one of my own. It's not a bad way to keep family and friends in the loop of what's going on in our lives. Please be patient as we catch you up to speed on what's been going on with The McGinn's in Irvine.

Since Mike and I have only been married for one year, I thought I'd rewind a bit and begin with our engagement (If I started from the very beginning of our relationship, we'd be here for HOURS so I won't bore you). I picked out the pictures, but Mike stole my computer and wrote the captions. I think they're pretty funny so I'm going to leave them... Enjoy!

OUR ENGAGEMENT

Mike's life savings can be worn on a finger... see?


Some hot tongue action.

More evidence of global warming?

Most girls only lift one leg when they kiss. We're overachievers!

Mike's showing some leg.

OUR WEDDING

The start of a long uphill battle.

This tree was alive when we started taking pictures.

Our friends are better looking than we are.

Who's flowers are bigger? THAT'S RIGHT, BABY!

She comes from good stock.

My future's so bright that I have to wear shades.

She's thinking, "somebody better have some candy for me when I get down there."

PART ONE OF OUR HONEYMOON (RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO)

They missed a note so Jonica wouldn't let me tip them.


She's stuck with that for the rest of her life. She must have lost a bet.


It wasn't easy, but we were finally able to find an available beach chair.

PART TWO OF OUR HONEYMOON (NEW YORK CITY)

We plan to wear matching clothes for the rest of our lives.


Jonica thought it was weird that Jason invited himself on our honeymoon.


She's thinking, "Hopefully, he'll see these pictures and he'll be convinced to shave that thing. "

We couldn't have asked for a more perfect honeymoon... 6 days in Mexico and 4 days in NYC. We got to experience the best of both worlds. Thanks for viewing and stay tuned for more postings.