Christmas was so amazing this year. We split up the holiday: Christmas Eve with my step dad; and then Christmas morning with my mom, Christmas lunch with Danny's parents, and Christmas dinner with my Dad and Grandma Chicken. We even had a Christmas Kidnapping Mystery Party on December 26th! This Christmas was even more special to us since we'll be living out of the state next year. I'll definitely go into the details of our holiday later, but for now I just wanted to wish you a relaxing and wonderful New Year's week!
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Being at Disneyland, on my birthday, with my sexy man makes me act like this
We had so much fun and were able to ride all the rides we wanted to. I want to go back... 
Every time I make these cupcakes I get requests for the recipe. I saw it in a Rachel Ray magazine a couple years ago and have been making them ever since. They taste AMAZING! And now I'm going to pass on the recipe to you for any last minute baking.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, the remaining 1-1/2 cups sugar, 3/4 teaspoon salt, the baking soda and cocoa powder. Add 1-1/2 cups water, the oil, vinegar and vanilla and stir until smooth.
Fill each baking cup two-thirds full with the cake batter and top with 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture.
Bake until the edges are firm to the touch, about 25 minutes. And then Enjoy!! The melted chocolate chips in the middle of the homemade cream cheese frosting are delicious!
Mr. E starts to break into some dance moves...
I start shaking my tail feather...
And when we get to our (very) long head table, we realize something just isn't right.
Here's me making my woops! face to our guests :)
So after we're done playing musical chairs and all settled, my maid of honor Chris starts with her speech. She later gave me a copy as well so that I could keep it forever.
And when we all go to toast at the end of her speech...
The guests with their "real" drinks"
Next it was time for Best Man #1 to speak. Mr. Espresso has three close friends from childhood. They each now have different interests and have very different personalities, but they have a "Standy By Me" type of bond that has kept them all together throughout time.
Here he is entertaining the crowd with a story of how Mr. Espresso once put a bike lock around his own head (as a kid, not recently :) ) and then lost the key.
His toast finishes and we kiss.
Next it's time for Best Man #2 to speak. And let's just say...
Best Man #2 had a little too much to drink. ;) The speech was short. He was nervous. And there were some awkward pauses... 
And some faces like this in the crowd...
The best part however was when he got nervous and decided to end the speech with, "So I hope you guys works out... Cheers" I mean look at the waitor's face... he does not approve! But we thought it was hilarious. I mean really? You hope we work out? Well, we got married today so we're putting a pretty big hope in that too :) But honestly- neither Mr. Espresso or I were upset in the least bit. He really is a nice guy. Now it's just a funny memory... a fuzzy one for Best Man #2, and we roast him about it ALOT :)
Next up was my darling, sarcastic, witty, and beautiful little sister. She had never planned on giving a speech. I only knew she had decided to because, as I said goodnight to her the night before, I saw that she was hard at work at it.
She had us laughing
And crying...
And not just me. Bridesmaids, guests... we were all crying!
Besides Mr. Espresso, I've never meant anyone who could articulate their feelings into words so perfectly. We are so blessed that she decided to surprise us with a speech we'll never forget.
With the end of the toasts began the beginning of clanking... and I didn't mind the least bit ;)
Gift Idea #3: an Underwater Camera. For the man who loves to surf- these present is perfect
Gift Idea #5: Concert/ Sporting Event Tickets. Danny and I have bought a lot of tickets for each other in the past and it always gives us something to look forward to.
Gift Idea #6: Clothing. Find something that your guy needs/ won't buy for himself and surprise him with it. Danny loves this surf brand called Hippy Tree that's only sold in select locations. It's always fun for me to surprise him with new stuff from their line.
Gift Idea #7: Puppies! Who doesn't love a puppy?!! Now you must be totally ready to take care of one before purchasing, but just think of the love you could be bringing into both of your lives. I highly recommend getting one from a local shelter as well. A couple years ago I got Danny our puppy Maverick from a shelter by us. It was his college graduation gift; and he's been such a huge source of joy in our lives ever since. Just visit Petfinder.com to look at a shelter near you. Here are some puppies below from a shelter near me. So cute!
