Christmas Eve in Thailand

Hello All,

Happy Christmas Eve...(almost for you guys)

Our resort built a stage and there is a big show and dinner planned - although we are not going (for the Brits - it's included in their rate - for us, it would be an additional $300!). We would rather go back into town and finish shopping and spend time alone. We inherited 2 British couples as our new BFFs for the last 2 days and have done evrything with them. Jane #1 got so drunk last night - she fell asleep on my shoulder in the car driven by our resort manager - there's a story... ;) Aaron has enjoyed adopting British slang as his new shtick. Everything is "bloody gorgeous" or he has to go do a jimmy riddle (#1).

Yesterday, Aaron and I and one of the Brit husbands hiked 6 miles to the peak and saw fabulous scenery. Funniest part was Aaron jumping a mile high when a snake crossed his path (just glad I was nowhere near it nor the ginormous spider).

Today is our last full day in Thailand -- so going to try and soak it up. Hard to believe the trip is almost over.

Hope you all are well..and getting into the spirit...

Thinking of you all...

Love and Merry Christmas,

Kim & Aaron

Thailand Update

We made it to Krabi and our resort at Amari Vogue. We are quite isolated with only 5 resorts on this stretch of land/beach - and the Ritz Carlton Reserve is one of them (first in the world). Quite spectacular views - this is how we imagined our trip - so it's nice that we have 4 nights here. Tonight we will get the craziness out of the way by busing it into Ao Nang beach (about 40 minutes away - tourist central) so that we can finish up our souvenir shopping. After that, we are going to be lazy and enjoy our resort and the beach. Tomorrow, Aaron and I will take a long tail boat by ourselves to the islands and be the only 2 people enjoying the beaches and lagoons. ;)

They play Christmas music - so we're kind of getting into the feeling. Bit difficult when it's 90 degrees out. ;)

p.s. we don't know how those people did Survivor Thailand - we have about 7 mosquito bites each and are complaining. (Yes, Mom, we have bug spray).

Hope you all are well!

Love you guys,

Kim & AaronHone

Update from Koh Samui

Hello All Again!

Aaron and I finally made it to the islands south of Bangkok and just in time! We were losing it in the big city. ;)

We rented a moped, said a quick prayer, and jumped right into the crazy island roads. Our hotel is pretty awesome - a bit isolated - but actually nice since we can ride the moped into crazy Chaweng Beach (5 minutes) - which reminds us of Cabo - peddlers on beach, etc. Our room is amazing. Private lanai with panoramic ocean views. Although it didn't come without major Thai mishaps last night. No hot water. Bathtub wouldn't drain. Air conditioner wouldn't work. Lights flashed like lightning and wouldn't turn off. Jerry - you'll love this - your son was actually tool-in-hand trying to help the maintenance guy fix the bathtub/hot water. I finally had to go to the front desk and they called the manager in from his home. Needless to say, all got fixed by today and Aaron negotiated a dinner for us at the resort and 2 days of free Club Access (i.e. cocktail hour).

Today we rode into Bo Phut - a super cool fishing village to the north of the island. We stopped to take pics with the "big Buddha" (can be seen from plane) before lunching at an Oceanfront seafood restaurant and feasting for less than $12 (pricey for Thai standards) - and just in time - suddenly we were in a torrential downpour for 1.5 hours and could do nothing but sit in a bar (I know!). Since it was raining, Aaron jumped into a salon for an $8.50 pedicure.

Now, Aaron is feasting again with the locals on a little side street where a woman was carrying two pots via a long stick on her shoulder -- the locals wanted us to join them and enjoyed explaining their local faves to Aaron. I am still full but gladly welcomed a chance to get off the moped.

We're off for some relaxation poolside back at our resort and get an action plan for tomorrow. Looks like we will head south tomorrow and see Lamai Beach (a little slower and long, beautiful beaches) - hopefully the weather holds out for us! ;) Aaron just wants to see the "male and female" rocks (picture will speak a thousand words).

We are here for 2 more nights.. so we will try and touch base before we head to Krabi!

Having a blast!

Love u guys!
Kim & Aaron

Update from Thailand

We are in Bangkok Aitport ready to head to Koh Samui! Finally out of the rat race, smog, traffic and smell. Reminded us of Mexico City. On to the island and peace and relaxation!

Food was great. Last hotel was amazing. 5-star was the only way to go!

Saw some amazing temples and a crazy way of life for Thai living on the waterways...

We went hard for 3 days -- circumnavigating the local transit system. All the Thai people do is eat a ton of small meals throughout the day, nap, and occasionally work.

We rode on the back of a tuk-tuk (similar to a jitney in Mexico - but only seats 2 people behind the driver - 3 wheels) - and we held on for dear life -- craziness!!!

Huge malls... could spend a week in one and never see everything.

Got our suits custom-made -- fit fabulous!!

Running off to next flight -- will try and find another internet stop at next locale.

LOVE TO ALL!!
Kim & Aaron
:)

Blushing Bride

So fun!

Thanks for sending the photos, keep them coming.

First Dance

Beauty

One Great Party

Beautiful Moments

Beautiful Brunch

Glowing Girl

Father Of The Bride

November 8th, 2009

We Made It!!

Twas the Night Before....the Big Day

Monday Farewell Brunch

Hello Again! In the interest of allowing our out-of-town guests wishing to “beat traffic” and depart early, we have changed the start time of our Monday Farewell Brunch. Guests may now join us as early as 9:30am at the Oliver Residence (late-risers may join us any time throughout the early afternoon). Please enter from the lower street (signs will direct you to): 4163 Creciente Drive. We look forward to more food, laughs and fun memories before Kim & Aaron take off for a short getaway.

We look forward to seeing you!

Luv, Kim & Aaron

Kim & Aaron’s Wedding Activities

Hello All! We are days away from a fun-filled weekend in Santa Barbara , CA ! We are so excited to see you all and to have you share in the celebration of our marriage. Below, please find additional information about our Saturday activities. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or email Kim: kxoliver@san.rr.com / (619) 756-3828. Also, please forward to anyone not on the email list or please spread the word to those without email access.

Thank you! See you soon!

GOLF WITH THE GROOM
7:15 am, Saturday, November 7th
Chartered coach will be at the doubletree hotel
Left (east) of the valet along the long curb in front of the conference rooms.
1:15 pm: Coach will pick up guests and return them to the doubletree.

Whale Watching on the Double Dolphin
10:30 am, Saturday, November 7th
Chartered coach will be at the doubletree hotel
Left (east) of the valet along the long curb in front of the conference rooms to take guests to the harbor.
*light snacks and warm drinks will be served on board, courtesy of bride & Groom; bundle up!
12:30 pm: Coach will pick up guests and return them to the doubletree

Santa Barbara Zoo
Saturday, November 7th
The Zoo is a short drive from the doubletree. From the Doubletree, head east on East Cabrillo Blvd. for 0.5 miles. Turn Left on Ninos Drive . Zoo will be on your right in about 200 yards.

Please mention at the ticket booth that you are with the oliver/Gaeir wedding and entrance will be complimentary any time on Saturday.

Kim & Aaron’s Wedding
Sunday, November 8th, 2009
Fess Parker Doubletree

Ceremony starts at 1:30pm. Your early arrival is greatly appreciated!

Marriage License!

Additonal Hotel Rooms

As you know, Aaron and I have blocked rooms at Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort, the site of our wedding and reception, at a reduced rate of $199 (reduced from $350). We would love to have everyone stay with us here at the resort and have committed to a certain block of room for our guests.

However, if you wish to save a little money on other nights, I have worked out reduced rates with Ruth McCombs of Santa Barbara Hotspots. Ruth can be reached @ 1-800-793-7666. The 2 hotels are the Mar Monte and the Parkside Inn. Another affordable option you can explore outside of Ruth is the
Cabrillo Inn.

We are so excited to have you join us. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the accomodations or need any help! Luv, Kim (kxoliver@san.rr.com)

Hotel Room Blocks

Hi All,

As you know, our wedding ceremony and reception will be held at Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort in Santa Barbara, CA on Sunday, November 8, 2009. The day prior, we have planned an early golf round at Glen Annie and other fun afternoon group activities. We hope to make this a fun, destination event for all.

I have FINALLY received the link to our personalized web page where you can book your Doubletree hotel rooms at our discounted rate:
http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/SBAMCDT-OLI-20091106/index.jhtml

If you are like my Mom and fear all things 'techy,' you can call the hotel directly @ (805) 884-8511 or toll free (877) 893-0892 and reference the Oliver/Gaeir wedding. Again, if you are told they are sold out for Friday, Saturday or Sunday night, please let me know ASAP and I will add more rooms.

We are excited for you to join us!

WEDDING DETAILS!

Hi Guys...

You must have received your Save-the-Dates in the mail because you are here!

I will be posting a link in 2 weeks that will allow you to book a room at Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort (wedding locale) at our reduced rate of $199 for any of the weekend nights that you choose (regular rate is $350). I will also be including links to other hotels and B&B's in the area if you desire something else.

Aaron, Austin and I will be heading up North to my cousin Chris's (& Danielle's) wedding this Thursday and then on to our annual fun in the sun at Bass Lake.

I hope upon our return to add more fun things, pics and details (or bribe my best friend in Montana to do it - you know you love it Aimee) - so stay tuned!

Luv, Kim

A Vegas Valentine!

Aaron has been working long weeks and instead of our pre-planned trip up to Santa Barbara to try and nail down wedding details, he opts to surprise Kim with a trip ‘somewhere cold, but not snowing, and more than 3 hours away.’ Kim’s response: “not Vegas. Please tell me it’s not Vegas.” Aaron: “Great. I have been planning this for a week and wanted it to be a surprise. We’re going to Vegas.”
Super. J
Aaron explains that he has been in contact with our new best friend from our New Years’ trip to Vegas (along with Aaron’s business partner and wife) – our host at Planet Hollywood Casino – who has gifted us free nights, a show, and a gift certificate to the jewelery store.
I put on my game face and say, “Okay, I’m in, but I would have loved to get my hair done before we go.”
Aaron: “No problem Babe – get it cut at the casino.”
After delivering a brief lesson of the costs involved with a woman getting her hair cut in a Las Vegas spa, I tell Aaron I will call ahead and see what it costs; I am quoted $155 + 20% gratuity for a color (Okay, I admit, I have to add highlights!) and a cut. While pricey, Aaron wants to treat me to a Valentine gift and I acquiesce.
After a 90-minute highlight treatment and trim (‘you don’t need a cut’ says the hair ‘stylist’), I receive a quick blow dry and am escorted to the front desk to sign the bill which is casually put in front of me with the grand total of $350. Three hundred fifty dollars – American! They charged me $90 for the 15-minute blow-dry (insert obvious Vegas-type euphemism here).
Needless to say, I walked up to our room – in non-Kim-like-style – too uncomfortable to say anything in front of the other spa guests – and, at the same time, confident I would sic my fiance (after a minor ‘I-told-you-so’ look) on their ludicrous staff.
Which I did. And Aaron did. And after a huffy, “well what do you want to pay??” from the stylist and a curt “exactly what we were quoted,”’ from Aaron, all was well and Aaron happily gambled the difference. J
Nuts!

Huge Thank You!

A huge thank you to Mom & Dad for their amazing support – thank you for driving us everywhere this past weekend and being a solid sounding board.

Shout out to my BFF

My best friend in Montana asked me today if she could start a website for Aaron and me to keep our family & friends up to date on our wedding plans. What a rockstar – look what she did in under 2 hours…
Now I have to figure out how to do the rest… will keep you posted as we firm up dates and locations and continue to add funny anecdotes and experiences to the site. Thanks Aimee – love ya!!!

Mini Me....or maybe I should say Mini Papason

Pretty Woman

We had an appointment at a wedding boutique shop to look at bridesmaid dresses on Sat. in Santa Barbara. So Kristine and I walk in at 4:30 and the four people in the store stop and look at us (mind you there are NO customers there). Finally, one says "Can I help you?" - like she is TOTALLY bothered.
Kim: “Yes. I have a 4:30pm appointment”
Receptionist: “Really? I don’t have anything…. Oh wait. Are you Kim?”
Kim: yes
Manager with whom I have the appointment: “Um. I’m actually busy. My assistant can help you – if you don’t mind.
Kim: okayyyyyyyyy
…… I then asked the assistant where the Alvina Valenta dresses were as that was the reason I had found their store (the only ones in town who carried that designer) and she replied ‘we don’t have HIS dresses in, yet.’ It’s a female designer. So I said, ‘okay, where should we be looking, then?” She seriously pointed us to a rack and said ‘right there,’ and WALKED AWAY!!!
Aaron then walked in and asked if he could use the restroom and after he walked away I heard the women saying ‘is he a bum? Did he just walk in off the street?” So I walk over and say ‘he’s with us.’ And they say ‘Oh, Thank God. I’m glad you said something!’ Ohh.. it went on and on. I asked if they had clips – granted, I am helping my own sister with her dresses and she says ‘ yes,’ and walks away without getting them!!! I was so disgusted.
Meanwhile, my parents have now joined us and they give my Dad a look like ‘what are you doing here?’ So Aaron turns to my Dad and says, ‘Sir, your kind are not allowed in here.’ OMG – it was a painful comedy.
I finally asked the assistant what colors the dress comes in and she says ‘I’ll go check’ and returns with ‘it comes in cranberry, green sage…. Etc. etc.’ ---- so I cannot believe I have to ask, ‘do you have swatches of those colors?” and she asks my Mom and I: “Yes. Did you want to see them?”
At that point I’ve had it and say, ‘we are out of here.’
So as the 5 of us head out of the store, the manager and her 4 employees (there are no customers in the store) literally watch us walk out – and don’t say ONE WORD.
Needless to say, Aaron walked back in after we left and gave them a ‘what-for’ for about 10 minutes.

The Perfect Dress

Well I did it! I found my dress and I love it. Of course I would love to be posting a photo of it, but for the sake of tradition, everyone will have to wait until our special day.

Engaged!

Aaron’s proposal was nothing short of ‘spectacular.’ While everyone knew about it from the valet to the bartender from the night before, it was a fun moment. Despite the cold and rain, it was ‘almost perfect.’ J Knowing Aaron, I guess I should have prepared for a giant display on a wall in Union Square .
We had a wonderful dinner afterward -- and once Aaron was able to finally put his work down—we enjoyed the most incredible time together in the Big City .
Above him being my best friend, I am lucky to have someone who works so hard to make things so special.

We had a wonderful dinner afterward -- and once Aaron was able to finally put his work down—we enjoyed the most incredible time together in the Big City.

Austin, Kim & Aaron Being Silly

Merry Christmas

Halloween

Dog the Bounty Hunter and wife.

My Guy

So not only does he make me laugh, love me unconditionally and put up with all of my attitude, but he looks this good too! I am one lucky woman!

Hanging Out with the Fam

The Perfect Summer

Happy May Birthdays!!