Hey yinz! See what I did there? I thought we couple get in our first year feels and revisit our year of firsts. Let's take a trip down memory lane and recap this past year as husband and wife. *Spoiler alert*, we did a lot!
September: I mean it was only the best day of our entire lives. Torrential downpour for the first half of our wedding day (did I mention it was outside?) only to be met by a rainbow the moment the ceremony ended. What a reminder of God's promises. I think that was His wedding present. And since we had sooo much rain at the wedding, Phuket, Thailand met us with a rare dry spell during their rainy season, giving us the romantic beach + spa resort honeymoon of our dreams. Oh! And how could we forget our little rendezvous in Dubai? Now that was a time!
October: J5 and Lety got married! Drake standing up there next to his brother, reciprocating the favor from only a month prior. The venue was one of the most gorgeous I've ever seen. It was like a little slice of Europe - so chic and beautiful. Of course The Ballards came down for their annual Halloween trip to Austin. I guess it's the one holiday they can claim us all to their selves, huh?
November: Traditions, traditions... So glad I finally understand the sentiment of the Thanksgiving tradition on the Greenstein side. This year was a little smaller than usual, but the memories make up for it. Plus, it's our first thanksgiving as a married couple. Espresso Martini, anyone? We also hosted a Wedding Shower for Pierce and Laura. We couldn't let them celebrate without their Texas fam, and as members of the bridal party and family, we were happy to oblige in creating that special moment to honor their love. Man that charcuterie spread was amazing (good job, K).
December: This month is full of firsts. Firsts of everything as a married couple. You know that TikTok sounds that's like "No sleep. Bus, club, another club, another club, another club, plane, next place, no sleep..." That's December except it's more like: Graduation anniversary, Kierstianna's birthday, engagement anniversary, Christmas Eve, Christmas, Little Eddie's birthday, New Years Eve... It's the most... busy, stressful... I mean wonderful time of the year, right? Of course I'm right. I usually am.
January: This was a month of slowness and stillness -- and believe me when I say we needed it. Besides Daniel and Rebecca's wedding (which was so fun and had a super hot DJ might I add), we didn't have much else goin' on. One thing that I will point out is that this is where we discovered our love for making homemade pizzas. OH! And how could I forget that we joined a CG (Community Group) through our church. We tried a few, but landed on the Slaughter group. Everyone is pretty near our age, maybe a little bit older. Most are married, barely any have kids. It's really great to have people in the same season of life around us. God bless Rochelle and John, but I think we needed some other Christians around us to talk to about life and the church.
February: Hello there. Kierstianna Greenstein, Conference Coordinator, at your service. Who knew asking God for help was all that needed to happen to get to where you're supposed to be? Don't answer that. Wait, are those wedding bells I hear? Introducing, (not for the first time) Mr. + Mrs. Trexler! They might not have been the first to do it as the third Trexler couple, but man do they have the most style. What an amazing time in Savannah we had. The food, the culture, the food, the wedding, the food, the people... everything was just... amazing. Did I mention the food?
March: Distance makes the heart grow fonder. Or at least that's how it felt when I got dragged off to New Orleans on a 9 day business trip only 3 days into my new job! It was our first time separate as a married couple and boy did we feel the distance of that. At least I tried a beignets from Cafe du Monde! OMG how could I forget?! I went to see Drake and J Cole after knowing about it only 2 hours prior! Now that is the kind of spontaneity I'm talkin' about! Drake got a new car and started the Texas Steel podcast with Pierce. I'm happy to report that both are alive and well. Happy Easter! Our first one married. It seems like everything we've done this year has begun with the words "Our first *insert literally any event here* as a married couple!" It's okay, I think it's nice to cherish it. You only get one first, right? 75 Hard starting = summer bod loading.
April: Commencing our new found obsession with McKinney Falls State Park. We've gone every Saturday morning for like the entire month! Our season passes paid for themselves this month alone. I'm so glad we finally came here. Our most intimate and vulnerable conversations are had on these trails.
May: Teia's here! What a hoot. That girl knows how to have a good time! My new job paid for me to go to Pittsburgh, and who am I to say no, ya know? I mean it would be just plain unprofessional to not accept the free flight and hotel room. And just in time, too, because that dreaded 75 Hard is over with a capital O! It was painful, but I look great so it doesn't matter.
June: Incoming: Casa de Greenstein is fully booked for the rest of the Summer. Didn't you hear? We're the hottest new spot on Airbnb. Yasmine and Carter have arrived and we've got 2 full weeks with them. Floating the river and outlet mall shopping in San Marcos, visiting the capital, walks with Millie, tripping on waterfalls, and a whole lot of food. (Shout out Terry Black's). We also... drum roll please... BECAME MEMBERS OF OUR CHURCH, THE WELL! Woohoo! We're so excited -- we attended the membership classes and even met with Assistant Pastor Jason and asked some questions to help us feel more confident before making this decision. Update: We haven't regretted it (sorry not sorry, pessimists).
July: It's been 3 days since Yasmine and Carter left and Shannon, Eddie Jr., and Elijah have just touched down in Austin. The Fourth of July (our first Fourth as a married couple) was so fun to spend with my mom and the boys. It was hot and that was a walk back to the car from hell... but what a sweet way to spend quality time with just the boys. Eli really looks up to you. I mean the kid is all UT this and Longhorns that. His 9th birthday will be one he'll never forget! And of course 2 days after they left we hosted CG at our house! I thought it was really nice to welcome our Well Family into our home. Annnd of course 2 days later we hosted your birthday game night at our house. That was FUN. Let's take a break from hosting... Just kidding! Wake up! It's time for your flight to Pittsburgh! We're camp counseling together at Teen Quest for the very first time... wait for it... AS A MARRIED COUPLE! Never in our lives have we been so close to missing a flight, but man was it worth it. Our first time back at the ranch since the wedding and it was incredible. We've gone from making a covenant with God on that property to serving Him there in the same year. In the words of yourself, "lifegiving, yet exhausting".
August: Houston here we come! We got to spend a lovely weekend with Kristen, Phil, and the boys. The Foo Fighters concert was fine, but those sweet nephews of ours are just so lovely. They may have their moments, but they are so fun and loving. I will never get over hearing "Uncle Drake! Uncle Drake!" or sweet Luke creeping into our room at 2am to sleep with us. We're some busy bees! I had a business trip in Houston and you had one in Las Vegas. We're really doing our thing in our careers, doing what we can to rack in cash for the DINK Fund.
September: Wow, one year already, huh? It's been a whirlwind of adventures (near and far), emotions (high and low), but we did it! Remember that TikTok sound I mentioned earlier? It's more like that's how this past year has been! Now we're off to eat the top of our cake under the insane view of our galaxy and hike the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, all in awe and admiration of God's glorious creation. I mean, as cliché as it sounds, time really does fly when you're in love. Or is it having fun? Doesn't matter. Both apply.
Every morning we wake up under the vows that we uttered to each other with tears in our eyes and cracks in our voice. Each day, we hold fast to the covenant made between ourselves and God. Each day, for the past 364 days, we've turned "I do" to "We did".
