One of those weekends

This was just one of those dream weekends where you feel so blessed and thankful for everyone and everything around you.

The weekend started off with a bit of wedding dress shopping.  I am planning to get my dress in Dallas but might as well look while I am here.  

Then after that it was a birthday dinner out at the Potting Shed.  If you live in Sydney and havn't been there yet, you should go.  It was such a cool vibe.  Yes, I look like a giant in the picture below... can you spot the american?

Then Ash surprised me with another trip this weekend, it was to Melbourne this time.  We got there super early in the morning and went straight to a cool cafe and had coffee.  Then we went to church, the beach, shopping (H&M!!!), and walked around the city.  Melbourne is such an interesting city with lots of art, lights, graffiti, and other cool artsy things.  From what I have been told people in Melbourne love Melbourne and do lots to keep the vibe in the city the way it is. 

For example here is a waterfall that this guy put leaves in.

Then down to the beach.  I didn't get a good picture but down at the beach there was these rock fixtures and in between the rocks were baby penguins!

Catholic church - the architecture is amazing.

And we went to Vapiano!! It was just like America! I was a happy chappy!

We also got in a bit of sushi before we got on the plane back to Sydney! Ash and I are the best sushi combo eaters because we both get things the other person would like so we can share.  One of the many reasons I am marrying him. 

And then Monday was a holiday here in Australia so everyone was off work!  It's the Queens birthday. You are probably asking yourself what Queen?  Well the Queen of England of course.  Then you might be wondering well why is Australia celebrating the Queen of England?  Yes, I had the same question.  Well you see Australia is part of the Commonwealth which means the Queen of England actually holds some power over Australia.  Supposedly if she wanted to fire everyone in the Australian government she could.  Each Australian state has a governor who is appointed directly by the Queen on the advice of each of her respective state governments. Also did you know that Australia was founded as a place where English prisoners went to serve out the remainder of their sentence.  So yup all these Aussies come from Ex Cons.  Just kidding, kinda. 

Okay so there was a short Aussie history lesson for you...however I digress..

I would like to tell you another reason this weekend was so great...we went to COSTCO! And yes, it was just like America.  And it was great. We went to costco because we had to get ready for a party that Ash had put together for church.  The young adults connect groups (small group, bible study, community group, whatever you want to call it) had reached 800 people!  So they threw a Black Tie party! And by they I mean Ash and other volunteers that helped. So there was a lot of effort put into it.  

I mopped for the first time ever.  Yes, mom I mopped.  Then we set up tables, couches, prepped food, decorations, and everything.  But it was such a fun party and such an amazing night.  I am always stunned by how great Ash is at planning events.  Its really cool to see him in his element and doing something he is super talented at.  He just gets things done and has an eye for everything!  So anyone looking for an event planner in LA I have the perfect person for the job (but seriously).

We get dressed up sometimes and take lots of pictures.  

This is Leah.  Thanks for being my American friend here in Australia! Love doing life here with you!

Ben, Leah, me, and Ash.  (3 Americans and an Aussie)

Nate, Chloe, me, and Ash (3 Aussies and an American)

So there was my weekend.  It was pretty great if I do say so myself.  Love all the people in my life right now and I think I can honestly say I have never been happier.