Camping at the coast.

We had almost forgotten how much we love camping. Last year, we went solo with Caden and had a rough go, but this year we armed up with a bunch of good friends and had a blast on the Washington coast! We had a group of 15 (with kiddos) which meant lots of extra hands for cooking, cleaning, tending the fire, and playing with the kids. We made epic breakfasts, played at the beach, and enjoyed time together around the campfire. I also loved seeing Caden run free along the shoreline and romp around the campsite with his other friends. Cheers to campfire memories with good friends!

Whistler With Friends.

Our theme this winter has been playing in the snow. We left Seattle last weekend just as “snowmageddon” was melting and headed north to Whistler with friends to snowshoe and ski.

We crammed three families with four kiddos under the age of four, all in the same Airbnb. I was a little nervous what kind of chaos might ensue, but the trip totally surpassed my expectations! We had a wonderful time hanging out and watching the kiddos enjoy each other.

One highlight for me was taking Caden snowshoeing. Our last experience was a short/failed attempt, but this time he loved it! We went to the Whistler Olympic Park (definitely check it out if you love Nordic skiing and snowshoeing). The weather was clear with lots of snow and beautiful views.

On the way home we stopped for lunch at Aslan Brewery after a long wait at the border crossing.

So thankful for friends and weekends away!



Leavenworth Weekend.

We headed over the pass to Leavenworth for a weekend away with friends.

A few memorable moments:

  • Seeing Caden explore the snow at his own pace (cautiously).

  • PB&J sandwiches in the car after a short/failed snowshoeing attempt.

  • Hot-tubbing after the kiddos went to bed.

  • Bratwurst and beers at the Rhein Häus.

  • Enjoying time with friends.

Savoring Saturday | Birthday Weekend.

This year my birthday was incredibly glamorous. We spent hours rearranging furniture and moving items into a new storage unit. We slept on an air mattress for multiple nights (one of which deflated at 4:30 am). Like I said, epic. However, all of this effort is really an attempt to be more practical and make our current living space last a bit longer (plus I got a king-sized bed out of the deal). I am very thankful for the friends and family who came to help out very last minute! Fortunately we did make time for a date night with delicious food and some ice cream dessert. I see so much of God's goodness in this season, even when it feels totally exhausting. I'm excited to see what this next year holds!

4th of July.

This 4th of July was so fun! We walked to downtown Kirkland to see the festivities and ended up joining the kids' parade! We hung out with my cousin Katie and enjoyed a cookout with friends. We even got a chance to watch fireworks by the waterfront. I just love relaxing time with my family! 

Snowy Sunday.

We decided to take an impromptu trip out to the mountains to go snowshoeing with friends this weekend.  Getting out and adventuring is a bit more challenging with a baby (i.e timing it between naps, making sure he's wearing enough layers, etc.), but the challenge was rewarded with beautiful views, a fresh layer of powder, crisp mountain air, and good company!    

Tucson in February.

We are back from an extended weekend in Tucson. The weather was a bit chillier than I had hoped, but we got some beautiful views of Catalina Mountains, walks in the dry desert air, and time with grandparents and friends.  Kyle and I also had a few dinner date nights (with free babysitting) which was such a gift for my little foodie heart! 

Caden takes AZ.

At the end of September Caden took his first flight to visit grandparents in AZ.  We were all a little nervous how the flight would go.  Fortunately there were only a few tearful moments, however they felt longer and more intense given the confines of the plane! We had a great visit. It was sweet to see my parents love on him, make him smile, read to him, and give him baths! Caden also met a few of my long time friends who made the drive up to Prescott to visit. We loved the stillness of walking through the pines of Prescott and can't wait to go back and visit!

Visitors + Reflections.

Over the first several weeks since Caden was born, we have had a quite a few visitors here to meet the little man.  We have been so grateful for family and friends who have supported, cleaned, and cooked for us. It seems crazy that it has already been a little over two months since he was born!  Time flies between feedings, diaper changes, sips of coffee and baby cries. This has been a season of adjustment both for him and us.  We are learning what it looks like to sacrifice in new ways.  I am seeing sides of my heart that are both beautiful and ugly (if I'm honest), but know that these are refining times and I wouldn't trade them. We are beginning to develop rhythms, but I'm sure those will change just as quickly as his weight! I think one lesson that has been most prominent is that I can create a plan, but I need to hold it loosely.   

 

Photo credit: Kelsey Moll    

Baby Shower.

This past weekend a sweet friend hosted a gorgeous shower to celebrate Baby Z! It was an intimate gathering with local friends. The food was delicious, the decorations were lovely, and I felt deeply encouraged and cared for by each of the women that came. I certainly wished that other friends + family who live out of state could have been here to celebrate, but I am so grateful for my Seattle community of friends.

It's crazy to think that Baby Z could be here in a little over a month!  

Quick camping weekend.

Last weekend we took a quick trip camping with some sweet friends up near Bellingham.  It was a relaxing break from the busyness of this past month! We drank coffee, made s'mores near the campfire, and napped. It finally felt like summer in the PNW! Here are a few photos from the weekend. 

4th of July Weekend | Mt. Rainier National Park

Kyle and I headed out to Mt. Rainier National Park with some friends this past 4th of July weekend. It was great to get off the grid to camp, hike and hang out by the fire!

Our initial plan was to hike to Camp Muir (base camp for the Rainier summit), but due to low clouds and white-out conditions, the ranger didn't recommend a trek to such high elevation. Instead we hiked to Panorama Point which still involved crossing snow patches, glissading, and some spectacular views!  

Hope you enjoyed your 4th of July weekend! 

Leavenworth Weekend Getaway.

We recently headed to the mountains with friends to relax and enjoy some snowshoeing.  We stopped in downtown Leavenworth to stroll the streets and grab a beer at Icicle Brewing.  

We enjoyed two days of snowshoeing near Stevens Pass at Lake Valhalla and Lanham Lake.  Fresh powder and falling snowflakes, made the trail feel like a winter wonderland! 

The highlight of our AirBnB cabin was its hot tub overlooking the Wenatchee river.  It was awesome to soak after a full day of snowshoeing. 

The weekend was a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, good conversation, and laughter!