First Comes Love...

I'm alive! I've just been really busy..... with stuff like OCD cleaning (apparently Fall is the new "spring clean" season around here), Abigail's preschool, PEPS, Fall parties, and redecorating our house in non-Goodwill decor (picky, picky...)  And who knew a computer would crash once it hit 17,000 pictures stored?!... Either way, I'm back and catching up. First order of business: Whidbey Island! We headed to Whidbey last weekend for a relaxing getaway and spent time soaking in the awesome autumn weather, kicking back, and exploring this charming island. Abigail, my parents, and I left on Thursday morning, then Kevin and Victor joined us late Friday afternoon- such is the life of the 9-5er ;) We spent most of Thursday settling in, then drove to Anacortes on Friday to check out a really yummy bakery: Calico Cupboard . A lovely cafe with delicious baked goods. Abigail especially loved their bananas...  :)  and visiting with just about an...

10 little finger, 10 little toes, and an adorable crinkled up nose... A loving life partner with a heart of gold... Incredible and loving (grand)parents... Friendships that have stood the test of time... A loyal companion, regardless of my shortcomings.... And a charming, sweet home to keep us safe and warm.... Today I choose to live in the present; to appreciate all that I have, and be grateful for the blessing in my life. What are you most thankful for?

I was downloading pictures last night when I came across some I had yet to share. Just a few rays of sunshine to get us through till next year... Hanging out in the tent at Matthew's Beach Abigail's first dip in Lake Washington. She didn't mind the beach, but the water was too cold for her liking In awe Sea Otter love Catching up with her BFF Rainier bound! Having the time of her life... Best friends and boyfriends The Portofino Hotel at Redondo Beach (our first "real" trip without Bitsy Girl) The  blurry (yet beautiful!) Annie Taylor on her wedding day The newlyweds! (and me) An example of why you shouldn't use an iPhone for good picture quality... Crusin' the Strand, Hermosa Beach Beverly Hills and I got along charmingly! Chinesse Theater, Hollywood This summer was a memorable one: great weather, fun trips, and best of all, tons of time with family and friends. Now w...

Yesterday we celebrated our PEPS first birthday with a BBQ at Carkeek Park. So much delicious food, cute decor, and wild, walking one year olds! The gang!   The babies (now toddlers- eek!) have come so far together, and it's been a joy watching them grow and become great friends over the last year. Brogan helped push the wagon Brogan, Abigail, and Owen Amanda and Caroline, with Steph and Brogan Amy, Griffin, Abigail, and I Amy made delicious (and adorable!) cupcakes for the kids And who enjoyed their cupcake the most?   I'll give you one guess.... "Look Mom, no hands!" She just kept eating (with a few breaks of laughter) long after everyone was done. The Cupcake Monster Melissa and Owen Griffin (unsure about this whole thing...) Brogan and Steph Miss Malia Oonagh sharing her cupcake with Owen Brogan and Abigail discuss the joys of sugar Happy Birthday...