Moving... to the next frontier (sort of)

And so it is finally happening! Ryan and I are finally moving to Edinburgh, Scotland on September 8th, 2006. Our Visas are approved, our tickets are purchased and our household goods have been shipped. We are going to be there for two years, while Alletta pursues degrees in International Politics and possibly Development Studies at the University of Edinburgh on a Marshall Scholarship. During our stay in Scotland, we will be readily accesible by email. Also, check this blog frequently for updates on our lives in the British Isle. And of course, for anyone interested in a Scottish vacation in the next two years, our door will always be open. We'll let you all know when we have our Scottish mailing address nailed down. Until then, Tally Ho!

The Engagement Party

On June 2, 2006 Ashley Sloan (Alletta's lovely maid of honor), and friends Zayne Turner, Beth and Hadley Otto put on a fabulous engagement/bachelor/bachelorette party for us in Eugene. The theme was a 1950's cocktail party, complete with little black dresses, Martinis and yes, chocolate fondue. It was a total blast, and yes, we all got a bit sloshed.

The Big Shebang

June 24, 2006... Alletta and Ryan "tied the knot" for real and forever. The event took place at Ryan's aunt and uncle's farm near Newberg, OR, and consisted of a short (but sweet) ceremony followed by a dinner and party that included lawn games (think croquet and badmitton), lots of food and booze, live music, and a whole lot of fun. The festivities lasted until about 4 am (the bride and groom made off to a luxury suite at McMinnamins Grand Lodge in Forest Grove at about 2 am). The party may have gone all night, but the memories will last forever. About 150 friends and family attended. For more pictures of the festivities, see our album at www.snapfish.com by clicking on the following link: http://www2.snapfish.com/share/p=722291154212843153/l=114051517/g=57831402/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB
. A big thank you to everyone who made this amazing moment in our lives so possible and so wonderful. We love you guys.

The saga begins...sort of.

Here's the story... For those of you who don't know (or at least don't remember), Ryan and I began dating in May 2000. (Before that, we both attended Gingerbread preschool and Central Elementary in Forest Grove, OR, but weren't dating then!). In May 2005, we finally publically admitted we were getting married and set a date. Then, in May 2006 our familes threw us a lovely wedding shower. Thank you everyone, especially the Koehnkes for hosting! For more pictures of this event, check out our online photo album at www.snapfish.com. To see our photos, click on the following link: http://www2.snapfish.com/share/p=520301154306138949/l=114252233/g=57831402/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB .

Graduation!!!!

June 16, 2006 We did it! Ryan and I graduate together from the University of Oregon with degrees in Philosophy (Ryan) and History, Women's and Gender Studies, and Political Science (Alletta). Several very nice commencement ceremonies (each department hosts its own) were followed by three consecutive nights of good old-fashioned partying. Go Ducks!