TCF Opening, Vegas, Bachelor Party, Izzy Returns, Baptisms, Pa's 70th, V-day and more!

May 21, 2017

TCF Opening, Vegas, Bachelor Party, Izzy Returns, Baptisms, Pa's 70th, V-day and more!

Hi family and friends. We are a little behind on the year but there will be many updates coming your way!

Transform Crossfit Grand Opening

It was finally here! Jaime and Duy had their grand opening at the end of January! We had the most amazing turnout of family, friends and loyal clients and we couldn't have been happier. We had raffles, prizes, DJ Bsquared, Jen from OnNutrition, t-shirts, photo booth (my mom had too much fun) and our famous taco ladies that served the best tacos Issaquah had ever seen (straight from Mexico!). Cheer to a successful future at TCF and thanks to all of those who came out to support us and the gym! My favorite picture was at the end of the day after we had cleaned up.

I caught Jaime in his element. He such a visionary man and always prepping his next move. I'm so so proud of him and how he put his heart and soul into doing what he loves. He was patient for the right time and place and it was very special to see how many people came out to support.

Swedish Emergency New Year Holiday Party

We got to go to my work Holiday Party at one of our favorite restaurants: Diamond Knot. They have great burgers and awesome homemade root beer. To our surprise, we would be playing the same saran wrap game we played with our family at our xmas white elephant party...so needless to say I was a pro and unwrapped all kinds of prizes. I unwrapped anti-perspirant, a Magic Mike DVD, pregnancy test and $10 Starbucks gift card. Everyone joked all those prizes go so well together! I think we can put that pregnancy test away for a while...

Molly Moons

Because I love Molly Moons so much I bought a hat and decided to share that with you.

Dad's Bday

We got to make it to family dinner to celebrate my dad's bday and hear about his trip to Mexico with my brother Connor. They went back to the same location where my baby brother served on his 2 year LDS mission. If you know my dad, you know he has the biggest heart. He said he had a tough time at the beginning of the trip being reminded of all the poverty. He got teary eyed telling us about the families he saw with lots of children sleeping together on one tiny bed, families that cuddled on the couch in the cold with one blanket to share watching TV on a half broken screen, and the families that had only beans and tortillas to eat but still offered to feed my brother and dad. He talked about how he was motivated to use his money to help others in sustainable way through helping create jobs and educating others. The most beautiful part about listening to his story is that he talked about my brother told him that he shouldn't be sad because all those families were happy. Maybe they didn't know what it was like to have a flat screen TV, their own room or three course meals, but more importantly they were simply happy, had strong relationships and found joy in living a simple and humble life. After hearing this my Dad said he was able to focus more on the things they had verse the things they didn't and how being happy is always the best "thing" you can have in your life. It's amazing to think of how much we all have and how easy it is to get caught up in the materialistic world we live in. Jaime and I try to remember the things that matter and what we are grateful for when we say our daily prayers like food, shelter, family, our jobs, education, the gospel and careers we love (not specifically in that order). We are blessed beyond compare.

New Haircut and Fonda La Catrina

Thanks to Lauren, Jaime's client, I got a fresh cut. Since it was the first time I had dressed up in over a month we made a date night out of it! Jaime took me to my favorite restaurant Fonda La Catrina and I gulped down my fav Horchata and sported my surgery sling, YAY.

Real Dim Sum

Jaime insisted I try "real" dim sum so we went to the back alley of some random place in the International District downtown and I actually loved it.

Camden's Baptism
Camden got baptized and we were happy to be a part of it. Ma was laughing with me because she said that Camden grew so fast he didn't fit in his baptism outfit. They were going to put him in the one Jaime wore then he was little but he ended up squeezing into his pants (that turned into capris) and he still looked cute!

At the shower I held Camden while the trio was playing. It was so cute because he loved hearing the music and was so calm. When I started walking away to rest my arm he got fussy so I walked back towards the music and he started to smile again. This little guy loves to be held. He always wants to cuddle and relax. He is a polar opposite from his hyper and energetic brother Carter but we love them both.

I really don't think these two could look more alike!

Rattlesnake
Jaime took the day off of work to take me hiking, which literally saved me. I was getting pretty stir crazy and even though we didn't have clear skies it was HEAVEN to get outside, breath the fresh air and get a little workout in. P.S. I spy a super cute shoulder sling.

Molly Moons + Delfinos
Tio Jerry and Tio Fernando came in town so we took them out to our favorite dinner and dessert, no guesses there!

Hamilton
We just love him, that's all.

I Do Sodo Wedding Show
Even though we were a few months out, we went to the I Do Sodo event! It was so much fun to get different decor ideas for our marriage celebration. Jaime was such a trooper. He toughed out like 8 or 9 different venues with a smile. You can bet I wanted to see every vendor and ever room in each location but we did get to start at the Diamond Club at the Mariner's Stadium which was a nice surprise. He used to go to the games with his Dad when he was little and even though the Mariners have been struggling for the past million years, it was fun for him to get a tour of the Diamond Club, dug out and field.

Valentines Day
Jaime was in charge this year. He surprised me with tickets to go to Jazz Alley. I swear he read my mind because for someone who loves music, I have never been and always wanted to go. We grabbed a "pre-dinner" at my other favorite pizza place called Serious Pie then headed over the the show. Mindy Abair and the Bone Shakers were playing and we had awesome seats right next to the stage. I love the energy of live music and raw talent. Even though Jaime looks miserable, this is the face he made when I told him that I couldn't eat a 2nd dinner, I just can't keep up. Sorry babe.

I told Jaime no gifts, but I was that annoying person that still got him one. He had been working so hard and been so patient with me while I was working out my shoulder kinks. I tease him because I am always finding projects for him to do around the house but it takes him an hour to find his tools and then only 10 minutes to complete the job. He talked about wanting to get a nice tool chest but didn't want to spend money on one. I happened to see a big sale going on at Sears so I splurged a little and got him a Craftsman 2 part tool chest. It was so cute because he wanted to open it right away and had his tools organized within a week. Now magically, he can find the things he needs in a jiffy! Fancy that!? Please excuse the xmas wrapping paper.

Birthdays
We got to grab dinner with Jason and Ruby for his bday and this was the only pic we managed to get!

Vegas, yes again.
Since things were pretty slow for me and Ma is always looking for an opportunity to go to Vegas....we decided to go to Vegas! Jaime just rolled his eyes and said I was crazy but why would I ever turn down an opportunity to travel and get some sunshine!? Plus, traveling with Ma is awesome. We enjoy each other's company but don't have to be attached at the hip either.

We were looking for another show to see the night we got in. I noticed that the Backstreet Boys added earlier shows to their Vegas residency! Ma said she would go with me but I think she was confusing Backstreet with Blackstreet and I knew she was trying to be nice about going but didn't know any of their songs. I told her that I didn't mind going by myself because I knew she would rather play the slot machines anyway! We joked about how we don't mind and actually enjoy doing things by ourselves like going to movies, concerts, shopping etc. Ma went to play and I saw my favorite childhood boy band! Of course I knew every word to every song and I have to say even though they are all old and dads....the show was AMAZING! The last time I went to their concert was with my Mom in 4th grade. She snuck us up to the front section and I remember getting worried we were going to get kicked out! I think my mom had more fun and was jumping, screaming and diving for the stuffed animals that were thrown back out by the boy band. I love that she taught me how to have a wild heart and to have fun. This concert however, I did not try and sneak up to the front, sorry mom.

We enjoyed some amazing food while were in town. One of our new favorite restaurants is called Jean Gorges Steakhouse. They have the A5 verified Wagyu beef and the best crab legs I have ever had. The best part about dining with Ma is that we are both able to split dishes since we don't have huge appetites and then we can each share and try different things! While we were there the photographer came up and took some photos of us. We were laughing because the poses she had us do felt so awkward but we end up liking them so much we bought some!

We also tried the new Italian place called Carbone. Just look at those desserts! I'll take them all please.

My favorite smoothie at the Aria Cafe

We also saw the Beatles show LOVE by Cirque de Soleil.

Even in Vegas I decided to get a few workouts in. At one point later in the afternoon I was working out and there was only one other guy in the gym. He laughed and came up to me and said "What's wrong with us!? We are the only ones here." I told him "I don't know about you but I'm only here so I can eat twice the dinner."

Of course, the Bellagio which Ma loves to see.

Maraea also stopped by to have breakfast with us! It was so much fun to see her!

If you know Ma, you know that she can stay up for days playing the slot machines. Even though she's turning 70 this year, she parties harder than I do. We have a pretty good time cracking jokes with each other though. Jaime would call to check in on me and make sure I was still alive. Ma thought it would be funny for me to send Jaime a picture of me in her flats instead of my heels lol.

While in Vegas, Connor called me and said "Hey where are you?" I told him I was in Vegas with Jaime's Mom and he said "I'm literally driving through Vegas with my team and stopping for lunch, let meet up!" It was a bit stressful trying to coordinate where his college lax team was and how to get there. He offered to come meet us at the Aria but technically wasn't supposed to leave his team. Ma was very understanding of how close I am with my siblings and how much it meant to me to see my baby bro, even if it was only for a few minutes. His team only had a short window and it took a bit to get an Uber, nevertheless Connor graciously asked his coaches for an extra 15 minutes for the team to enjoy the sun...so I could make it to see him. When I got there of course I hugged him and teared up and then freaked out when I realized the WHOLE BYU Lax team was patiently waiting for me. Connor said "Team meet my sister Adrianna! Nana, meet my team!" I very shyly said hello and thanked them for being so understanding that I could see my baby brother. Connor introduced me to his coaches and they had such wonderful things to say about him. His head coach said "Connor told me how much you mean to him so I knew it was worth the wait." Of course...there may have been a few tears and as always, Connor laughed and hugged me some more. My Uber driver was super chill and didn't even charge me to hangout for 15 minutes and drive me back to the Vegas strip. It's really cool how things fall together when you're praying for little miracles. Also thanks Connor for making me feel special and paying for my Uber drive despite my request to save your money.

Happy Bday Mish!
Jeff and Mish invited us out for her 35th bday bash at the Sole Repair Shop. We LOVED the venue and had a great time sending our wishes to this lovely lady and her boo. Every time I see them, I promise to steal one of their gorgeous little babies. They are too cute.

Before the bday bash we met up with Emma and Josh for some Delfinos and were super awkwardly dressed up because we were on our way to Seattle. So...they took a pics for us!

Gospel Principles to Gospel Doctrine
Jaime and I have had the pleasure of teaching in Sunday School at church to new members, people visiting and anyone interested in learning more about the basic principles and standards of the church. I guess they liked what were doing because our bishop joked and said "We are promoting you guys." They extended a calling for us to teach to the adults in Gospel Doctrine where we would focus more on the scriptures and church history. The funny part about this "whole teacher thing" is that I was pumped when we were first called and Jaime was nervous. He was still new and learning but I felt excited because we would be able to learn and teach together. We all know you learn best as you teach others. Funny enough, I was intimidated but Jaime was pumped when we got our Gospel Doctrine calling. I love how passionate he is about service and how much he has grown since the first day we taught Sunday School a year ago. Here's a quick pick with some of our old class members we had to say goodbye to.

Hiking
I decided to coerce my mother into hiking with me since Jaime was super busy with the gym. This woman showed up to Rattlesnake (the easiest hike ever...like maybe 3 miles round trip) in snow gear with an emergency kit, food for 3 days and all the safety gear would need to survive an earthquake. Unfortunately, I took more videos than pictures but this was my mothers face when she got to the top, despite the beautiful view.

She was mad at me for getting too close to the edge (even though I was like 10 feet away). She insisted that I should stand next to a tree so I could hold on in case the wind blew me away. Hahahahhahha....just picture me laughing so hard I cried. Anyway, maybe that's a motherly instinct I can't relate to yet but um, I hope I'm not that crazy when I have kids lol. I did manage to get one smile out of her (half smile) because I promised we would leave right after.

Jaime's "Bachelor" Get Together
In planning for our marriage celebration I asked Jaime if he wanted to do something with his boys! He joked and said he had no friends and then more realistically said "I don't have time to play I need to work." Well of course I wasn't going to let him get away with that. I texted his brother Saul and mentioned that I think it would be fun to plan a surprise for him. If you know Jaime, it's hard to surprise him so we had to be stealth. I suggested it would be fun to get tickets for his boys to the Mariners opening game. Jaime used to go with his Dad and brother when they were little and they try to keep up the family tradition with the boys each year on opening day.

Saul said he was in and I texted him the names of Jaime's friends and he took it from there! He suggested that Duy should come up with an excuse for meeting Jaime in Seattle for a business meeting. Duy and I both agreed that we were bad liars so we put Tam in charge of telling Jaime that he scheduled a meeting with a web developer at Girin downtown (next to the Mariners Stadium) that wanted to meet him. The morning of Jaime was trying to cancel with Tam or change the location because he said traffic would be horrible due to opening day. He said that Tam picked the worst possible restaurant next to the stadium on the busiest day! Jaime didn't know, but Tam and Duy were texting me saying that I needed to calm him down because he was backing out! I somehow kept a straight face and told Jaime traffic would be fine and to suck it up and go. I also ran out to our deck, hopped the fence and gave Saul Jaime's Mariners gear so he could change at the restaurant after the surprise.

Before Jaime left, he asked where his Mariner's jersey went because he wanted to wear it for opening day...even though he wasn't going. I convinced Jaime that he donated it without blowing the surprise and he went on his way. They best part about this is that I knew he was a little sad. He saw his brother leave his house in Mariner gear and thought maybe he was going to opening day with the boys without him.....but little did he know!

When Jaime got to Girin he had his laptop case and Saul, Junior, Josh, Tam, Duy and Cade were there to meet him. Jaime was shocked and said "WHAT ARE YOU GUYS DOING HERE....TAM WHERE IS THE WEB DEVELOPER...DUY WHO IS COACHING AT THE GYM!?" They guys laughed and said he wouldn't be working at the gym or on the website. Instead they were grabbing drinks and heading to opening game. The funny thing is Jaime actually did want to work on his website lol but hanging out with his brother, cousin and boys wasn't that bad either!
They boys sent me video and it made my day to see my husband's face light up. Saul and Junior had a custom jersey made for Jaime that says GROOM and 06 since our marriage celebration would be on May 6th. I thought that was so cool and I was so grateful for Saul and the rest of the boys that helped made my hubby feel so special. He really needed that time and he even admitted how much it meant to him later that night. He said "I feel like I forgot how to just kick it with my friends and that was so much fun." Jaime has been working so hard on his gym and it was so nice to see him get some downtime.

Scouting
We took our Sunday afternoon to scout out some first looks spots in West Seattle that were close to our venue! Here's a sneak peak at one of them!

Herman Bernal's Return

The day we had all been waiting for had finally arrived. The most precious person on the planet was returning from her mission. I could write till the end of my life about how much I adore my little sister. She is my role model and even though I physically look down to her, I look up to her in more ways that I could ever explain. She was wisdom beyond her years, strength beyond her size and is the most kind and Christ-like soul I have ever met. Don't take my word for it, meet her and you will see for yourself. Anyhow...since we all epically failed on Connor's return (all the parents were stuck in traffic and Connor was greeted by me running through the airport screaming his name with tears streaming down my face as he ran the opposite way down the escalator he was on to meet me) we made sure we were all to the airport an hour early. Go figure, Izzy's flight was delayed and of course Connor's had come early. We had about 4 signs, giant balloons and argued for an hour about who would get the first hug from her. Mom was appalled that we were even debating so we gave her the honor.

Little Izzy finally walked out with the biggest smile on her face and mom was there to greet her while we all stormed around the corner and shouted "SURPRISE!" We stampeded her and everyone in the airport loved how psychotic and energetic we were at the same time. For real, one family said they had more fun watching us for an hour than they had all week. #familygoals

We all took turns getting in our hugs and I have to admit mine was the longest which directly means she missed me the most. YES. Jaime and I had water, fruit snack and gum for her after her long flight and we went to my Mom's for a quick dinner and I got Izzy back into selfies.

Izzy said a prayer that made us all cry as she shared her gratitude for family and for all the food we had to eat. She said "Thank you for this food, especially where there are so many families without any who are in need." It was really humbling to think about the people she served in Tegucigalpa, Honduras and how humble of a life some of them live. Izzy did a really great job transitioning from her mission and Jaime and I joked she was back to the same little Iz within moments. More accurately put...I don't think Izzy really had to change for her mission...she already had such a grounded testimony and desire to emulate love for others. The only difference I noticed was that she came back with an even bigger heart. I didn't think that was possible.

For the first time in THREE YEARS, all the Bernal Family was together. It was the closest thing to heaven on earth. We have too much fun together it should be allowed.

Hammer visits TCF
While Hamilton and Garret/Cami where in town they wanted to come see Jaime's gym. Connor and Dad ended up coming out again with them to help Jaime out with some projects and Hamilton got a VIP tour. It made me really happy to see how excited and supportive they are of Jaime both in word and in action. He was worked so hard and I really just couldn't be more proud of his accomplishments.

Easter Sunday
Izzy gave a wonderful talk in church and the four of us sang a Bernal quartet. Izzy sang soprano, I sang alto, Connor sang Tenor and Garret sang bass while Cami accompanied us. We joked that we could get a bell for Jaime to ding to include him but he said he was perfectly fine supporting us from the bench. Brother Reiner took some sweet family pics for us with his fancy Camera! It was really nice to see so many friends and family member there to support Izzy. She is so loved.

Casco Antiguo
We were invited by Josh and Carol to celebrate their success on selling their gym Crossfit Issaquah. This is the same gym Jaime and Duy purchased, now referred to as Transform Crossfit. We had a blast eating some bomb tacos and dancing to music by BSquared! We are grateful to have gained such great friends throughout this crazy process!

Brunch Date
Life can get crazy but we try and find time to spend with each other and love our favorite weekend brunch spot at Scott's in Edmonds.

Carter turns 3
Even though he tried to convince us he turned 5 lol, we love this boy so much and were so excited to see him on his actual bday at the Family Fun Center. You know there's always fun to be had when we are all together, anything can happen lol!

Pa turns 70
I think they messed up on his birth certificate because there is no way that Pa can be turning 70 this year. This man has accomplished so much in his life and we are so blessed to have him in our family. He has taught us so much and I have to say I'm humbled and really value his support to Jaime and I over the past 3 years as we have grown together, married and started to build our own life and traditions. If anyone knows what it is like to start your own business, get married, juggle family dynamics and work your tail off to responsibly prepare for your future family, Pa does and his support is never unnoticed.

The party was successfully planned by Ma and Pa was so shocked he teared up when he saw all of his family and friends. Gloria Lopez (his Comadre) gave a beautiful speech about her Compadre in Spanish. She talked about how she was honored to have him as the Godfather of her children and how much he has done for so many families around him. It was really touching and so eloquently shared. Jaime was asked to offer the blessing and commented on the legacy his father has built and is continuing to build.