It feels like summer now. Not because of the weather, but because we spent two weekends in a row at the ballpark. This week was another double date with the adorable John and Katie. Recently engaged, the two are a joy to be around.
after party. celebrating Katie's victory
Joe Momma's is one of a few really great options within walking distance of the ballpark. If you're heading out there, park behind McNellie's and try any of the really great places on Elgin (Joe Momma's, McNellies, El Guapo's, -coming soon- Albert G's). We were so into our pizza that we forgot to take pictures. Oops.
We sit on the lawn at every Driller's game. It's only 5 dollars, you can bring your own blanket and picnic basket full of food, and every once in awhile you may get close to catching a home run ball. This particular night was no different. We loaded up the cars with blankets and headed to the ballpark. However, on our way to the game, this sweet older couple stopped us and asked if we would like free tickets right behind home plate.
We ran into a few friends out taking pictures for their wedding, which is coming up really soon! Stay tuned this summer if you want to know more about them, or see their faces from less than 1/2 mile away--I'm sure a double date is in our future.
A good mascot is a real bonus at any minor league park. Hornsby (a large blue bull with a pot belly) is the Drillers furry ambassador. Sitting right over the dugout is just asking for him to be in your face all night though. Bear that in mind when selecting your seats!
There's this thing called rally hats. They are used when your team is either losing or tied at the end of a game as an effort to rally them to a win. Basically it just means you wear your hat inside out. We didn't have hats on Friday but we did have free bags at each seat. So, rally sacks they were. And although we did not make it on the big screen for our creativity, the team did win with a walk off hit. So it was worth something.
After staging a woeful campaign at the plate all Friday night, the Drillers came up with two big hits in the 8th and 9th innings to squeak by the San Antonio Missions. Whether its little league, high school, the minors or the majors, baseball never disappoints for entertainment. 
It's difficult to take pictures of our outfits on dates with other people. But I assure you, they were more functional than fashionable because of the temperature drop. Although I did wear my sparkly shoes, courtesy of Sam's sister Hallie. Just because we are at a game doesn't mean I can't be a little fancy.
We ended the night by toasting to Katie's accomplishments. Earlier that day, she won the Student Association's election to become the SA President in the 2013-2014 school year. The best part? Her fiance, John, is the current SA President, making them the first husband and wife to rule over the student body at TU. Love it.
Therefore, it was truly a star-studded double date: John and Katie--TU Student Association Presidents; Jordan and I--2011 TU Homecoming King and Queen. That's never leaving my resume.
Linking up here! Check out Mary Beth's blog!
On May 20th, Sam and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary. Our first year has been amazing. Full of many many happy days and exciting times as well as the hard lessons that are a part of every couple's first year. One thing we have definitely done is go on a LOT of dates. As you know, since we have documented many of them. So for this special occasion, Sam planned a truly wonderful date.
dinner. smoke. dessert. red rock canyon activity. stay at the mayo hotel One thing we recommend to couples who are about to get married is to schedule some time to relax after the wedding. We always wished we had planned in a little bit longer to hang out at the Mayo, where we stayed for our wedding night. Jordan had a great idea to stay there for our one year. It's the historic gem of Tulsa hotels. 
The single biggest life changing purchase I have made in the last four months? A curling wand. Seriously. Go get one and then watch a few tutorials. You will never be the same.
Guys. It's insane how good this food is. Locally sourced and handmade when you order, the food here has flavors that I didn't even know were possible. Some of the best food I have ever had. 
I never ever ever order steak. It's almost guaranteed to be the most expensive item on any menu. Jordan encouraged me to get it though, because it was our anniversary. I put the money out of my mind and enjoyed probably the best piece of beef I've ever eaten. 
That's how he felt when I asked him to wait to take a picture before devouring his steak. 
We also never order dessert. So we threw that in too. Red Rock canyon has whipped cream that bears the consistency and weight of pudding. It's exquisite. The only trouble was we were so full from Smoke that we couldn't hardly eat dessert! Oh well. 
We had so much fun being extra fancy on this one night. We don't often get to be all dressed up and have someone valet our car. It makes you feel like a celebrity. Even though you are sleeping less than three minutes from your real home where you have to park your car yourself.
The traditional one year anniversary gift is paper. I don't know what I did before Pinterest. I found this journal there and thought it would perfect. It was both meaningful and made of paper. For the final product I ended up combining the original idea with a photo journal that Elsie made. We spent the next morning at topeca recording all our thoughts about our first anniversary. With a cappucino of course. 
It was a great present from the greatest of women, my wife! We really loved our first year of marriage, and are super excited for the next one! And then the next 70 or 80 after that.
Local businesses and downtown interests are really trying to revitalize the Brady district and surrounding areas. We're starting to reach critical mass, what with OneOK Field, home to the Tulsa Drillers, several great concert venues, new coffee shops, and great public spaces. It's exciting to see the city moving in a fun new direction. 
