ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND | SAN JUAN ISLANDS.

Kyle and I celebrated our one year anniversary this past weekend in the San Juan Islands.

Our trip began with a ferry ride from Anacortes to Friday Harbor.  We spent the day exploring San Juan Island from Roche Harbor to the lighthouse at Lime Kiln State Park.  We finished the evening with a delicious dinner at Duck Soup Inn before catching the late ferry to Orcas Island, where we stayed for the weekend.   

Saturday morning we grabbed coffee at Brown Bear Bakery and strolled through the farmers market. Later in the day we ventured into Moran State Park and hiked to the top of Mt. Constitution for some spectacular views.

Sunday was a beautiful day for a bike ride around Lopez Island and a quick break for some wine tasting.

Before heading back to Seattle on Monday morning we had our favorite breakfast of the trip at Roses in Eastsound. 

HIKING | BIKING | & BIRTHDAYS.

These past couple of weeks have been full: hiked with friends who will be getting married next month and are moving to New York City, celebrated my birthday with a delicious dinner date night, and went on a bike ride around Lake Sammamish to Red Hook Brewery!  Kyle and I are trying to soak up the Seattle summer sunshine as much as possible! 

THE ZABEL'S FIRST CHRISTMAS.

We stayed local on our first Christmas together as the Zabels, enjoying time spent with each other and making new family traditions.  On Christmas Eve I made Pulla bread, a Finish coffee bread that my mom and I would bake together while growing up.  Later that evening, Kyle and I attended a Christmas Eve service to celebrate the birth of our Savior.  Christmas Day began with some extra sleep and a relaxing morning filled with good coffee and thoughtful gifts from under our tree.  We finished the day with a brisk bike ride, cooking our first ham, and watching one of my favorite movies, White Christmas.  We are continually being reminded that there is much to celebrate and rejoice in this holiday season.