back to the beach

Last month we headed out to Manzanita, Oregon for our first annual couples retreat. The 

house we rented was close to the beach and perfect for a big group. It was a blast and 

something I really hope we do again. Friday night we had a bonfire, ate smores, and laughed 

our heads off. I'm tellin' ya, these people are too much fun ;) Saturday we played on the beach 

all afternoon with bocce ball, a million innings of wiffle ball, music, and snacks. The beach 

was small and further up the coast so we didn't have to worry about the crowds much. It was 

a tiny town but a good place to get away. The next morning we left exhausted, sun burnt 

and relaxed. Thanks for a great weekend friends! We love you all.

independance day

I still can't believe it's already August. Time is flying over here and we're just busy trying to
enjoy the sun. The 4th of July has always been my favorite and this year did not disappoint.
My sister came to town for the weekend so we spent the day at the pool, had a BBQ with
family and joined up with friends for fireworks at a neighborhood park close by. We love our
little town and are so lucky to have my family just 30 minutes away for days like these. 

Happy Birthday America!

our happy place

To celebrate our anniversary we took a quick trip to the beach. It was foggy and rainy most  
of the time, but there's just something about being at the ocean that we love. The town was  
quiet and we felt like we had the beach to ourselves. We never can get enough of this place.

four years

Every time Steve and I look at our wedding pictures we comment about how young we look. I think
part of it is that we feel so different now. And I'm glad. We've come a long way in four years and I can
only imagine how much will come with four more. This marriage thing is hard work but I'm so happy he
picked me to grow old with. He is my greatest adventure. Happy Anniversary to the guy I love the most.

over the river

For valentine's weekend Steve and I took a mini trip to Seattle. We found a great deal on 

a lodge in SeaTac and decided to go for it. It started with a little shopping on pioneer 

square (more like me shopping while he watched). Then some walking by the water front, 

perusing at the market, and a husky basketball game. Most of the weekend we were 

bundled up with umbrellas in tow. Seattle always reminds us of our childhood so we 

never can stay away for long.

lately...

according to our phones:

snapshots of christmas

Since our families both live so close - this year for Christmas we decided to combine and 

have Steve's parents join us in Vancouver for the holidays. It was a relaxing week of games, 

movies, flannel pj's, and loads of food. Plus, a little skyping with our two favorite nephews. 

And their parents too :) Christmas crept up on both of us this year. It came and went faster 

than ever. But, I guess that's what happens when you grow up.