Friday, December 3, 2010

Happy 30th Birthday!

Happy 30th Birthday, Krista! So many great memories, but Hurricane Ike and Puerto Vallarta come to mind! Thank you for being such a beautiful person inside and out, a great friend, and a great neighbor. :) We are so blessed to know you and wish you all the best in the coming year.






Love,
Courtney & Alistair



Travel Times

*Leslie and I agree that our favorite memories of Krista come from the trips we take together. However, we did not agree on which stories to tell or how to tell them. In an effort to reach a compromise we have decided that I will write the reflection and Leslie will edit the content to eliminate any illegal, embarrassing or otherwise potentially offensive material.



 Travelling can be stressful, but it didn’t take long to realize that we could go any place at any time with Krista and her easy-going disposition. Our first time traveling together was to Jamaica a couple of years ago. One might assume that all-inclusive booze and the interesting culture of the Rastafarian people would make for an enriching experience. That would be a safe assumption.

 

The Jamaican trip really started to gather momentum as we exited the shuttle at the hotel. Oddly, the man wandering the street in front of our hotel xxxx x xxxx xxxxxxx. Xxx xxxx xxxx x xxxx xx xxxxx xx xxxx xxx  xx!!! Xx x x  xx  xxxxx x x xxx xxxxxx xxxx xx xxx xxx x weird that he already knew my name, right? Not to be outdone by his fellow countryman, we soon met a delightful local in a canoe. He was selling the traditional bracelets and beads, but xxxx x x x xxxxx x x x xx xxx  xx xx xxx x xx xxxx xxx xxxxxxxx xx xxxxxxx xxx xx xxx xx xxxxxxxxxx xx xxx xxxxxxx xx xxx xxx x xx xxx but it was totally worth it. Anyway,  xxxxxxx xx x xx xxxxxx xxxxxx xx xxxxxxx xxxxx xxx xxxxxx xx x xxxxxx xx xxxxxx xx xxx xxxxxx xxx x x xx xx xxxxxxxxxxxx xx xxxxx x xxx xxx xxxxxx. I’m not really sure what happened to the hotel furniture to this day.

Mexico has also been a great destination for us. The first time was a birthday trip for Krista and we found ourselves in Acapulco.


Our guide, Cesar, set us up with many fun things to do. He was also very helpful xxx x xxxxx xx xxx xxx xx xxx xxxx xx x xxxxxx xxx xx x xxx x xxx xx but it’s not like he was working for free. Sometimes you just have to have faith that everything will be fine, but I think we were all a little nervous when Cesar drove us out to the middle of nowhere for some kind of show. As it turned out, we were being brought to a small village of locals and their version of a community center. Oh sure, they may not have had walls or air conditioning, but they did have xxx  xxxxxx xxxx xxx xxxxxxxx xxxx xx xxx. Xxxxx xxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxx! I could tell with most of them, but I’d swear that the one in red was an actual woman.

Our latest Mexican vacation took us to Puerto Vallarta. It was really a great trip with wonderful friends, good food, snorkeling and sight seeing. Our accommodations were fantastic and the nightlife as fun as one would expect. But I think my most vivid memory of Krista during this trip was our interaction with another local whom we affectionately named Tiny Tim. T2, as he is also now know, has a pretty good feel for all the movement in the city and he was very helpful as a guide. Krista and I waited for him at a local watering hole one day and he xxxx x xx xxxxx xx xx xx xxxxx xxx xx x xxx xxxxxx xx xxxxx xxx xx xxxxx xx x xxxxx  xxx xx xx xxxxxx x xx xxxxxxx xxx xxxxx. Seriously. I didn’t know x xx xxx xxx xxxxxx xx xxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxx xx xxxxxxxxx x xxxx xx xx xxxx xx xxx x but I think he ended up doing pretty well with that deal. I’d swear I saw him dance a little.
                                 (photo approximation)

A close second that must be mentioned is Krista’s role as official rally-
whistle holder, but understand that Krista is an equal opportunity rally girl,
so xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxx! I think I could actually make some money if I sold those pictures.
Markets for everything, right? Poor donkey.
 

Of course there were several smaller, weekend trips around Texas that
were just as much fun. Even when we’re close to home we always seem
to find something unusual to get into. A weekend at the bay has the
potential to unleash xxxxx x xx xxxxx xx x x xxxxxx xxx. xxx xxxx on a
jellyfish sting? Ok, if you say so.


By this time next year, we will have stamped our passports in at least two
more countries and collected many more great memories. While these
experiences are special because of their location and the absence of daily-
life stresses, it should be said that the best times we have with Krista are
actually of the “ordinary” variety. Of course that’s only if your definition
of “ordinary” is being blessed with the friendship of a person who is quick
to support and slow to judge. Someone who is always there when you need
her. In short, every single day with Krista is a better day than it would be
without her and the same can’t be said about very many people.

Happy birthday, Krista! We love you.

Mike and Leslie

Shakin It!

I have so many great memories from our days at the Outback!  I could almost write a book just from those days!!  We always had such a fun time especially on holidays….This particular night was Halloween & we couldn’t wait to dress up!!  This was during the “Something about Mary” era….notice Kristy’s hair…..This night was a blast back in 1998….And we were all so proud of our costumes. 


I remember this night was a very special birthday celebration at Pappasitos…..We had a big group in the back of the restaurant & oh did we celebrate!  My family was there along with all of my wonderful friends…I like how we always made sure we celebrated our b-days together….

This night was an excuse to get the girls together for fun!  We had a gift exchange where we drew names….& I still remember all my cute leopard panties that you gave me J  We had food & drinks then went out looking at Christmas lights…..Can’t forget how we would posed in people’s yards & had our pictures taken with their Christmas decorations…… What a night we had…. & of course the champagne made it even more fun.

Happy 30th Birthday, Krista...I hope you have a wonderful birthday!!
Love ya,
Daddy (Janna Butler)

Happy 30th Birthday Krista..... "Lindsay"!!!!

Like we’ve said, how did our paths not cross in College Station?  It’s crazy that we hung around all the same places but never met.  I guess the reason was because there was a bigger and better plan for us to cross paths later, like a few years down the road over a $300 bottle of Grey Goose , a purse with two full size bottles of liquor (pour thingy included) and a party bus! Sounds pretty out there but little did we know, that was only the start of a whole lot of craziness!  You get a crowd like ours around and anything can happen, there’s always a story!   The last two years have been an absolute blast and we look forward to a lifetime of memories ahead.  You’re an amazing person and a wonderful friend and we wish you a very Happy 30th Birthday!!!!
Now to the good part! As the newest members of the most amazing circle of friends ever, it’s hard for us to go too far back with stories but we definitely have our share.  So here is a little recap of the last couple years!!!!!!
                                
After every fun night out there's gotta be an after party....4am!!! 

Day At Ren. Fest!


The Sullivan's Toyota Sequoia...A.K.A. The Booze Cruise
The Bay Bunch.....Wow, Too Many Stories to Tell!!

1st Annual Friends Thanksgiving 2010!!!!

Happy Birthday Krista!  Love, Kristen






Thursday, December 2, 2010

Soul Sista of the South! Block parties,garage parties and backyard parties-- tons of good times!

I remember when I first met you I was thinking- "man they sure make them gorgeous in Texas and are they all like that here??" We have had so many good times together. Whether its suntanning in the backyard. singing karokee in the garage or eating sushi together-- always fun when you are around!! Some of my fav times were Halloween in the garage and dancing and singing to whitney houston!

 So many deep late night conversations that have brought us close together. You are such a caring, thoughtful person whom is always willing to listen. I love you for that! I feel so lucky to have you as a friend! I pray for many more years of fun memories with you.  Happy Birthday girl!




                                                             We got so good at cartwheels!


Lots of bonding on this deck!


back yard /front yard -- it doesn't matter when you are hanging with friends

Too cool for the Ryland Garage

What gorgeous company I kept in Texas!

Happy Birthday! Love ya! Tammy

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Pockets Forever!!






 
My Dearest Pretty Pocket,
 
No words can describe how much I love & value our friendship. We certainly have been through a lot together over the past 7+ years, & some of my most favorite memories in life have been spent with you. Now with that being said, how on earth can I choose just one...or even 25 for that matter?
 
 
 
Whether we're watching Kel hustle a Canadian bachelor party at beer pong in Vegas, or getting professional dinner cruise advice from Paco in Cabo, its always a guaranteed good time when we're together. And let's not forget to mention our amazing K3 adventures, our VIP Elton John driveway dance parties, & our super romantic Cafe Adobe happy hours (where it all began). From Bon Jovi to NKOTB, and Janet to Journey, we've made some amazing memories throughout the years...& I look forward to a lifetime more.       
 
 
 
 
 
Now we may not be able to build "Thanksgiving pyramids" with our cohorts (who shall remain anonymous), or bust out the infamous "Goldie dance moves" on the boat, but there's no doubt in my mind that we'll still be enjoying a glass of wine together in our golden years. You have taught me so much about what true friendship is, & my life is truly better because you're a part of it.
 
HAPPY 30th, POCKET!!! I love you so much! 

Welcome to the Cool Kids Club!

Happy 30th my beautiful sisterwife!  I am so thankful that we have had a chance to become such great friends.  Who would've thought that Kristin's Premier Jewelry party would have been the start of it all?  (I guess it shouldn't come as much of a surprise since I think I've met each one of our wrecking crew at one party or another!) 

So now I'm sitting here trying to think of my favorite memories over the past couple of years....and most of them are probably far too inappropriate to discuss in a public forum.  So I've decided to abbreviate my "Top 10 Memories and Things I Love About Krista Lynn Darden" into code speak.  And it goes a little something like this:

10.  OMG


9.  Your AMAZING dance moves.  I mean, c'mon, you even have one named after you. 



8.  Rooftop pools, night swimming and noodles

7.  Undying sense of adventure.  Skydiving anyone???


6.  Mr. Taco.  Enough said.

5.  Hmmm.  How can we rally Scott?  I have a great idea!!!!  And the rally whistle was born.







4.  Cross-eyed breakfast at the Bay.

3.  Geeking out at Maroon 5. 


2.  Lipstick!

1.  OUCH!  Jellyfish!!!!!  And this is how I knew we'd be friends for life.

Krista Lynn, I love you dearly and am so thankful that you are a part of this crazy life we live!  Your beautiful smile is trumped only by your beautiful heart!  Wishing you nothing but the best, and many more laugh out loud memories!  Happy 30th birthday gorgeous!


Love,
Katie/Sisterwife