Blue Heron Farm

So few made it into my bucket, yet I loved every minute of it.

Then and Now...

Here Come The Griswolds...

Sunday morning we headed out on a big family adventure. We drove a few hours to a little camp spot on the river called Goodall Creek, stopping along the way to get fresh organic berries at Cascadian Farm. It was quiet and lovely and we enjoyed romping in the woods, throwing rocks in the river, playing in the tent and roasting hotdogs and marshmallows by the fire.

The next morning we packed up and headed two hours further east over Washington Pass into the Methow Valley. It was a spectacular drive. We stopped to camp on Perrigin Lake in the town of Winthrop.

Our second night's accomodations, while not as remote, did offer a cool lake to swim in, a breathtaking view of the valley and some phenomenal star gazing. This was all a welcome luxury after our car got hit in the parking lot (see below).

Tuesday morning Dad got up and worked on tying down the hood of our car so we could return home. Our four plus hour drive home went by quite smoothly, complete with a stop for lunch in Marblemount which included a quick game of badmitton in the yard outside the restaurant.

Here are some shots of our family down by the river. It was so beautiful and peaceful.

Lounging around camp...

Pretty big tree...

Here's the view as we headed up and over Washington Pass...

A lovely view of Perrigin Lake, where we camped our second night in the Methow Valley.

A not-so-lovely view of our car after a man backed up and onto it with his big camper...

Nothing could have been more relaxing, after our car troubles, then a jaunt around the town of Winthrop. We enjoyed dinner (and a break from the 90 degree heat) inside Three Finger Jack's Saloon and ice cream cones on these funny looking horses.

We were greeted Tuesday morning by this cute groundhog and a few of his friends.


All in all it was an excellent three days. We're proud that we were able to take sister on such an adventure even though she's still such a wee one. Mom and Dad said we both did great on this trip and they can hardly wait to take us on another one.

Right now they are on the phone filing a claim with our car insurance company...

Three Months Old

It's hard to believe that Liza is three months old today. It's even harder to imagine our lives without her, though. She brings us all so much joy. We love her very much.

Here are a few things I can share about my wonderful little sister:

She has the brightest smile you've ever seen and shares it often.
She is very chatty. She loves to talk back and forth with anyone who will join her.
She has a sweet little giggle.
She still likes chewing on her hands.
She also likes chewing on her little pink doll, her blue dog, and the tag blanket Aunt Jenner made.
She can roll from her tummy to her back.
She loves to be outside and look up at the trees.
She likes mama's milk...a whole bunch.
She's a good sleeper.
She likes to snuggle.
She grins from ear to ear when she sees my face and spends most of her time trying to keep track of the sight or sound of me.

Happy Three Months, Little Liza Jane!

Play It, Maestro

Sister and Brother

Nothing could be more beautiful...

A Name

Last night I had my baby naming at the synagogue. It was very special. We were joined by many family and friends as I was welcomed into the world and given the Hebrew name "Liel Johanna bat Aleeza ve Mark." My big brother joined Mom, Dad and I on the bema as Rabbi Cindy blessed me, my parents and my family. I smiled and cooed through the whole ceremony, just as my brother did 3 years ago. I could tell my family was very proud of me.

Pictured above are some shots of our family with the rabbi, my brother playing with his friend Elinor, Uncle Adam and Dad changing a flat tire on the way home, and some bedtime stories with Uncle Adam.

Quite a night.

Green Cat

Tonight Daddy got off work early for a team building exercise with his co-workers. One of his colleagues' owns a 42 foot catamaran and offered to take the staff out for a sunset cruise. The Gato Verde, or Green Cat, gets its name because it is a hybrid-electric powered catamaran.

We sure enjoyed our sail in Bellingham Bay.

Happy Fourth!

We packed up a lunch and headed over to Elizabeth Park for a good ol' fashioned 4th of July party.

First, all of the kids in the neighborhood decorated their bikes, wagons, scooters, etc and congregated by the park's entrance. It was cool to see all of the streamers and balloons. I surprised everyone by changing my mind at the last minute, and decided to join the parade. We were then led through the streets by a band playing patriotic music...from the back of a pick-up.

When we arrived back at the park, everyone ate, listened to bands, got their faces painted and played on the playground.

Then, came the games.

While I wasn't too interested in participating, I did enjoy hanging out with my friend Caroline and watching the three legged race, the sack race, the wheel barrow race and the egg toss. We headed home for naps right before the pie eating contest.

After naps we had a BBQ in our yard, watched some neighborhood folks light off some fireworks and then headed up the WWU to watch the huge display over the bay. I did a great job staying up late and was thrilled to see the big fireworks show. I told everyone my favorites were the big orange drippy ones.

Hope you all had a lovely holiday, too.