tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64481707735792139052024-03-19T04:37:29.092-07:00Katie and Curt in CaliKatie & Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01112456290057508617noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448170773579213905.post-5415005710189651622012-07-14T17:34:00.001-07:002012-07-14T17:34:35.230-07:00Summer Adventures Part 1Well, I meant to post all the pictures from our traveling up north this summer as we went along... clearly that didn't happen, as I'm now sitting back home in Cali. As a result, I will be posting a few of my favorite pictures from our drive up the coast to begin, and in the next couple weeks, update with pics from our time in Redmond with my mom and dad, and from our time in Bellingham with Curt's family! :) All in all, we've had a wonderful summer filled with travels and time sooo well spent with family. Thankfully we still have a few weeks left before school starts - but it'll go by fast! At any rate, here's a look at our trip up the California coast in mid-June:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlW2BgU6etvE46zam8SZZytj6jLL7YKcHoXmxsxd698FyS6dRigVamVmU-cOXA47By2rhQxk_mubTDHMqHhumke8A4JES72yTfeff4AMJCCnaKKDQzFboPKWB8M5sZZJ5cGqBkT3H79Gw/s1600/DSC04004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlW2BgU6etvE46zam8SZZytj6jLL7YKcHoXmxsxd698FyS6dRigVamVmU-cOXA47By2rhQxk_mubTDHMqHhumke8A4JES72yTfeff4AMJCCnaKKDQzFboPKWB8M5sZZJ5cGqBkT3H79Gw/s400/DSC04004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The scenery on the drive up Hwy. 1 was AMAZING. The constant hair-pin turns and narrow roads with steep drop offs that take FOREVER to get anywhere? Let's put it this way, we would never drive the <i>entire</i> California coastline again. Gorgeous, none-the-less, and glad we did it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLfkm6T_CZsu_37aRB8hgXv0qwwE2DHubBuyl-qBVdrTXWT8aG9fioPSTMR6LTaw0cVe_rHdI-O1fs3qvHbgI_m-PMjYB_XldPLUJMWUnNFvem24GlqOZzWUjTNsdQTXVsCKTc_kUnsc/s1600/IMG_1098%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLfkm6T_CZsu_37aRB8hgXv0qwwE2DHubBuyl-qBVdrTXWT8aG9fioPSTMR6LTaw0cVe_rHdI-O1fs3qvHbgI_m-PMjYB_XldPLUJMWUnNFvem24GlqOZzWUjTNsdQTXVsCKTc_kUnsc/s400/IMG_1098%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ella loved, I mean LOVED the beach.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0MOXKJFIHh_iqsVUhyphenhyphenj3To2d6jHZNeMmiD9j7gTS4Teyn1zKLfYNT737cnEnl4Eqg9X4RtD9O7tjLCNE4_5fvPDn76_otE5DCpmk6CcSmi0WlQEuPFBOE4-M6UIFwmkjn0nQk5nOv1k/s1600/IMG_1117%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0MOXKJFIHh_iqsVUhyphenhyphenj3To2d6jHZNeMmiD9j7gTS4Teyn1zKLfYNT737cnEnl4Eqg9X4RtD9O7tjLCNE4_5fvPDn76_otE5DCpmk6CcSmi0WlQEuPFBOE4-M6UIFwmkjn0nQk5nOv1k/s400/IMG_1117%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family beach shot :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcB_mu-pCk_fPuh8yhcyT_QMiCq8RL-JUrlB4FgWmJrtwTwe-4l4jUVHznssVFzBDhpUrwED953j99pBFuA8ZJHWkzgxcBqBnK43KPmKXhSJySs2veuajcvbqzLLSMaUdYlDkQEru2YL0/s1600/DSC03993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcB_mu-pCk_fPuh8yhcyT_QMiCq8RL-JUrlB4FgWmJrtwTwe-4l4jUVHznssVFzBDhpUrwED953j99pBFuA8ZJHWkzgxcBqBnK43KPmKXhSJySs2veuajcvbqzLLSMaUdYlDkQEru2YL0/s400/DSC03993.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These Elephant Seals were hideous. Seriously ugly (sorry guys!) and did <i>not</i> smell great either. My face pretty much sums up my feelings towards them below:</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vdOfqqD-u4sJ7zVrtcIb_WOD33s2DQKr0La_raneHJ4Wu3HIi7_JW_cFm-BQxTBC8jOiQDdtdjwFjJS4G012gVktKe1PACdyg62GxaCbSQHyNhJy2wSpFwZjWKv7rSecF-VsnW-6kU0/s1600/DSC03994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vdOfqqD-u4sJ7zVrtcIb_WOD33s2DQKr0La_raneHJ4Wu3HIi7_JW_cFm-BQxTBC8jOiQDdtdjwFjJS4G012gVktKe1PACdyg62GxaCbSQHyNhJy2wSpFwZjWKv7rSecF-VsnW-6kU0/s400/DSC03994.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ewww.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fqlsW2nJz-vTGa0eLZh2_W40ahXwBkVy0qjq49w8xrJW1x4_LEyKmLf2lTTlY09bHFaU6gLb51d5J-jRe3QVBDuPZ0Viz9HfqQ7bi8jnG2xAgQ1H60wzckRKBLRFIEi6zh1YqVw_ba8/s1600/IMG_1133%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fqlsW2nJz-vTGa0eLZh2_W40ahXwBkVy0qjq49w8xrJW1x4_LEyKmLf2lTTlY09bHFaU6gLb51d5J-jRe3QVBDuPZ0Viz9HfqQ7bi8jnG2xAgQ1H60wzckRKBLRFIEi6zh1YqVw_ba8/s400/IMG_1133%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had lunch in Carmel our second day on the road at this delicious cafe - and the gardens around the place were beautiful! This flower, as you can see, was HUGE! Very cool.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWiVHdLYaj4DFWvvSNK7SZS5mvSxo1kSQGN2NdJR3Cq_TBMD_U6ecHm5wOMqgmcSCKKebTa7z4lEhopzppYfwd2QaQDUeWGcEZCuOr18eokwHkkpi8nVnrHgMlVJc66KMbQj1aiAiA_Q/s1600/IMG_1159%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWiVHdLYaj4DFWvvSNK7SZS5mvSxo1kSQGN2NdJR3Cq_TBMD_U6ecHm5wOMqgmcSCKKebTa7z4lEhopzppYfwd2QaQDUeWGcEZCuOr18eokwHkkpi8nVnrHgMlVJc66KMbQj1aiAiA_Q/s400/IMG_1159%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see it?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLQymZTaXTwzmzsvCIngNu5o_rtAGEbNLeIxJrS-CB4f6-XzlllZ_mPLLjZy8EffMGizBxxB_WF6FtfPgRqYCsirBTXYob_3RPlRGPDeeDM1ugbmO8AtNA3wD3m9cGr8B6b44IaLwBQ4/s1600/IMG_1155%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLQymZTaXTwzmzsvCIngNu5o_rtAGEbNLeIxJrS-CB4f6-XzlllZ_mPLLjZy8EffMGizBxxB_WF6FtfPgRqYCsirBTXYob_3RPlRGPDeeDM1ugbmO8AtNA3wD3m9cGr8B6b44IaLwBQ4/s400/IMG_1155%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So we accidentally drove past our campsite on day 2 - or evening 2 I should say - (in our defense, between 3 maps and our GPS, the campground existed in 4, that's right, <i>4</i> different spots), and ended up at this cute motel right on the ocean. Not a bad view to wake up to! And I did enjoy having access to a hot shower.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKzOLpKo1fO1DzH94-l8F4ukTvgWXmXqgpkc1IGXyOJG43PGVAHyqCwJkstlIOxrLd2j1tgC9WVNCt0-_nAhcW6j-62pIkhvqZqEVghLEOF56ljmO4CgVBXBwx5VFFLTSXlTX-l8LgHQ/s1600/DSC03983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKzOLpKo1fO1DzH94-l8F4ukTvgWXmXqgpkc1IGXyOJG43PGVAHyqCwJkstlIOxrLd2j1tgC9WVNCt0-_nAhcW6j-62pIkhvqZqEVghLEOF56ljmO4CgVBXBwx5VFFLTSXlTX-l8LgHQ/s400/DSC03983.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out a beach area - any time the window came down even a crack, Ella would leap over us to stick whatever she could fit of herself out of it. What is it with dogs and hanging out car windows do you suppose? Sights and smells I guess. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccbUnI0L0nya_xxZr6WSiVqryC3nRjCHy2TQ6Z4vZ5IhuN8Y1DxclssQuQIYpUzkCC8-5PdoJFjg08k8B5iERujKOoRbpw0vYdZkBR85qiaq_Kq-TL4HeE25jZ0Ga47dF66GAWtDaTXs/s1600/DSC04000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccbUnI0L0nya_xxZr6WSiVqryC3nRjCHy2TQ6Z4vZ5IhuN8Y1DxclssQuQIYpUzkCC8-5PdoJFjg08k8B5iERujKOoRbpw0vYdZkBR85qiaq_Kq-TL4HeE25jZ0Ga47dF66GAWtDaTXs/s400/DSC04000.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Golden Gate Bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzRgVLHt3PB3ynBAJJGHEBhlHzlD8GPu8DyriCKxg_ubTyKmTVCS-aMBBmZ8dOTCutDAKH54glxSTqN6liFTdXJ0V5wznHwjD_fdWAHDH0SNZVTB-WRouoSEByh9YJvgQeeosl5Qlons/s1600/IMG_1148%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzRgVLHt3PB3ynBAJJGHEBhlHzlD8GPu8DyriCKxg_ubTyKmTVCS-aMBBmZ8dOTCutDAKH54glxSTqN6liFTdXJ0V5wznHwjD_fdWAHDH0SNZVTB-WRouoSEByh9YJvgQeeosl5Qlons/s400/IMG_1148%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful sunset as we were driving - the sky seemed painted! (thank you Lord! :) Love.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtUa1m5CTQ0Ee3XExgl-r8wXs_6zrt_KaBGMH8ZeQp3jLHruHIytriZMKbNx9c8UB1BP6aO4o21FVOqhvdS0L9tdCkVs9ZOuackatG-wIclrH8e2igDBZYMMBBgtOJ6Q_VbuVemm569o/s1600/IMG_1178%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtUa1m5CTQ0Ee3XExgl-r8wXs_6zrt_KaBGMH8ZeQp3jLHruHIytriZMKbNx9c8UB1BP6aO4o21FVOqhvdS0L9tdCkVs9ZOuackatG-wIclrH8e2igDBZYMMBBgtOJ6Q_VbuVemm569o/s400/IMG_1178%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last night on the road was spent at a campground in the Redwood National Forest right on the beach. We had to drive a curvy, narrow, 6 mile dirt road down through the trees to get to the camp site - which was amazing and made it really peaceful as the access was tricky. The sunset that night was incredible too! Especially since the sky was totally gray until the sun broke through a strip of blue at the horizon line.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qRzFu5azUeiqK5O5rSCVMpqgMRN9NYA87RbIP_n7U_yQ2IbIsA1P_EDoUSnk7EM7TGh19qx7cehomPghum9J1hTexQYcdycOZmHq53q-l7vLxAyafzyWeSf9AzPkwswqQ5a9tYgKu5w/s1600/DSC04011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qRzFu5azUeiqK5O5rSCVMpqgMRN9NYA87RbIP_n7U_yQ2IbIsA1P_EDoUSnk7EM7TGh19qx7cehomPghum9J1hTexQYcdycOZmHq53q-l7vLxAyafzyWeSf9AzPkwswqQ5a9tYgKu5w/s400/DSC04011.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Because the campgrounds were so secluded, there was no one on the beach - so Ella got to explore and run around without the dreaded leash! (which she STILL hates with a passion, by the way). We've never seen anything quite as funny as Ella running around like a crazy person, digging in the sand, trying to eat shells and seaweed, all the while getting soaking wet and completely sandy! She was super cute :) Can you tell we are dog "parents"? haha.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These Elk walked right through our beach campground - they were impressive with those racks of antlers! Sheesh! And no fear of humans, that's for sure. Ella, on the other hand, wasn't too sure about them. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out some of the old growth Redwood Trees. They were ENORMOUS!! Seriously spectacular.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clearly not getting his arms around the thing! haha.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_fHQ-3UlCVe0NWnf35qoXMzAqkfnOEHfUqGYf0MFSyZUxUO2fjgi3g-eTaypwyWXPc_FCiJLWCpMepegr6wb4wt7y6eH6nSlm8CnpgM5MJFvKKe9CCX837QDVw4VOXAfmqwguVUn1BE/s1600/IMG_1186%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_fHQ-3UlCVe0NWnf35qoXMzAqkfnOEHfUqGYf0MFSyZUxUO2fjgi3g-eTaypwyWXPc_FCiJLWCpMepegr6wb4wt7y6eH6nSlm8CnpgM5MJFvKKe9CCX837QDVw4VOXAfmqwguVUn1BE/s400/IMG_1186%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty large tree huh? ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgdkGlrECHTDyVC9IhCV-jfWyzLPfS87MT94KWY-zsWJ-WYfenf3eVHtSWmbA8pBkznVNTiv00OmOHGfmokJl9FblVzRmTyp88V0HyUZQDETSC-S3ycCmZ70f0Y2ubcDqymQzJRMuslM/s1600/IMG_1161%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgdkGlrECHTDyVC9IhCV-jfWyzLPfS87MT94KWY-zsWJ-WYfenf3eVHtSWmbA8pBkznVNTiv00OmOHGfmokJl9FblVzRmTyp88V0HyUZQDETSC-S3ycCmZ70f0Y2ubcDqymQzJRMuslM/s400/IMG_1161%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And like a bunch of other poor saps, we too paid $5 to drive through the "famous" Chandelier Tree... and we would be darned if we didn't get our money's worth! (see below): </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjunZGaPxmNt1bKyjTi0jPaQ_BeGTqVd3Wslzx5mpbrSsDuM6ahw3V0y2Tu5IkmWrZvkXVoyp1kt-ISxAZAmk4cLuKKuU7LwwnDwnvMy8ZQyE7txKxmz8zDEn-Ly83sNTJNhbiNsaH71o/s1600/DSC04010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjunZGaPxmNt1bKyjTi0jPaQ_BeGTqVd3Wslzx5mpbrSsDuM6ahw3V0y2Tu5IkmWrZvkXVoyp1kt-ISxAZAmk4cLuKKuU7LwwnDwnvMy8ZQyE7txKxmz8zDEn-Ly83sNTJNhbiNsaH71o/s400/DSC04010.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know, worth $5? I'm still leaning towards no. But they take you down a narrow road before the pay station, and then you feel like an idiot if you don't go through with it after the drive in! They've got a great gig going, that's for sure.</td></tr>
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<div>
More updates to come! :) </div>Katie & Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01112456290057508617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448170773579213905.post-44433062025221444512012-06-10T20:40:00.002-07:002012-06-10T20:40:14.695-07:00Summer Begins! Minnesota and Other Fun Happenings...Well, Curt and I are officially on break! Yay! :) Curt finished up school the Friday before Memorial Day, and I finished up the 31st. Starting the summer off with a bang, I flew out to Minnesota for my cousin Rosina's high school graduation (I am freaking <i>old</i>). It was so wonderful to see my family back there and spend some quality time on the farm. Minnesota has always felt like home - thanks to all those cherished summers my sister and I enjoyed venturing cross-country with my mom in the van. (The van is still around, by the way, and trucking along! I actually took several rides in it this past week as it now helps out on my aunt and uncle's farm). I even got in on a thunderstorm - which I LOVE. They are not the same (or as frequent) in SoCal, that's for sure. Here's some pics documenting the trip:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcyLT6Fl_b2wiy1qsbpBYvWI2MX0lFwmFp4BNGtoB6-DCZRzeSeeE9pV7-_PHoWiDqkgM7Iv_wEpQaOQGT0BgHaug9tqjB4Gpspog9PAWYcDeIUgkx4Q6IYGGrqe1RJ-2keAM88Xpy14/s1600/IMG_1019%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcyLT6Fl_b2wiy1qsbpBYvWI2MX0lFwmFp4BNGtoB6-DCZRzeSeeE9pV7-_PHoWiDqkgM7Iv_wEpQaOQGT0BgHaug9tqjB4Gpspog9PAWYcDeIUgkx4Q6IYGGrqe1RJ-2keAM88Xpy14/s640/IMG_1019%5B1%5D" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosina (cousin), me, Lance (cousin), Uncle Mark & Aunt Elaine :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ob2_D6oQi37croe84NLaJ-RwvpJuMD8exYxZ2IAnicKldYiBbGOgJKmRQynQp6swUbAtILzjv0Zv3TuM6DOs6iQicHxWM4r6EPgNOck8IH2BbEZWKRkzhPirffx93GA0-gwVG_lrfzs/s1600/IMG_1022%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ob2_D6oQi37croe84NLaJ-RwvpJuMD8exYxZ2IAnicKldYiBbGOgJKmRQynQp6swUbAtILzjv0Zv3TuM6DOs6iQicHxWM4r6EPgNOck8IH2BbEZWKRkzhPirffx93GA0-gwVG_lrfzs/s640/IMG_1022%255B1%255D" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View out from the front of my aunt and uncle's house. It is so lush and green!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EXRLZ9A3luH1L1EZsDioLesU_XkO8axv74bezEgkqdEdK0fT9vPqpxF5mIQ_lqy4xFpG8FIS1pHP0AlFaYq4Xsn-0xdlb2Ahva_UJyF56nd4R5GDGdzaxUGc-Rdug21xfoKLiKAZtXM/s1600/IMG_1025%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EXRLZ9A3luH1L1EZsDioLesU_XkO8axv74bezEgkqdEdK0fT9vPqpxF5mIQ_lqy4xFpG8FIS1pHP0AlFaYq4Xsn-0xdlb2Ahva_UJyF56nd4R5GDGdzaxUGc-Rdug21xfoKLiKAZtXM/s640/IMG_1025%255B1%255D" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gardens :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyu_NNejRTxTY4RsazbEUTLj9mKhZWPWKKmtWWU3r0fDmkE38FSjRamvHa9wngHi-4wQ320hoF8mb1mYmDSD15fnXCjKmhNJb9IB60sGu5CsOx1cWAkdNWF6VpkXC3J4QcDEps2boizxc/s1600/IMG_1029%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyu_NNejRTxTY4RsazbEUTLj9mKhZWPWKKmtWWU3r0fDmkE38FSjRamvHa9wngHi-4wQ320hoF8mb1mYmDSD15fnXCjKmhNJb9IB60sGu5CsOx1cWAkdNWF6VpkXC3J4QcDEps2boizxc/s640/IMG_1029%255B1%255D" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back of their house... not a great shot of the fountain (left side) - but it is AMAZING - and my aunt made it herself!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9v2kY9hGmuDFiLzro1grGTrgXd_RmBh5DwwW_qVV7lqiIKpCUCJwXopv6WDwdR1cm1eSBL7exFXl_fy-4tyO7N5E9HP7pE2oBhBKXt1FojSV2qGjvbHg-VpJqwseCjWb97mwr-sCr1Y/s1600/IMG_1028%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9v2kY9hGmuDFiLzro1grGTrgXd_RmBh5DwwW_qVV7lqiIKpCUCJwXopv6WDwdR1cm1eSBL7exFXl_fy-4tyO7N5E9HP7pE2oBhBKXt1FojSV2qGjvbHg-VpJqwseCjWb97mwr-sCr1Y/s640/IMG_1028%255B1%255D" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">another shot of the back of their house and yard... just gorgeous and green (I think I forget how green it is outside of the desert!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQubFDx_0nWEzXDlIZlpmO2-unRCs1JIwT8PjPSwhKyIJrlNo4-k8iF-9G_WpaDvSoaGcsCTWnUPLW5pPaDCztSouw-YwQqFUPHI4fV1IsIdjAsRhziLhU1hsM6juB33v5og3xmHJ8t8/s1600/IMG_1035%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQubFDx_0nWEzXDlIZlpmO2-unRCs1JIwT8PjPSwhKyIJrlNo4-k8iF-9G_WpaDvSoaGcsCTWnUPLW5pPaDCztSouw-YwQqFUPHI4fV1IsIdjAsRhziLhU1hsM6juB33v5og3xmHJ8t8/s400/IMG_1035%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oscar :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWe-oEv3otqDKHssji5nw2jItAQsXssmN9FF6hijY9yGvBJIUqtYIhI2U3AE95IE8ws0pdKC2BSp8035dl7wR6Gt63MXsAGb56k2V3rT-0WdDOKD1d38fbPwyU0kUhJBCyWxPOcJ6KZRE/s1600/IMG_1036%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWe-oEv3otqDKHssji5nw2jItAQsXssmN9FF6hijY9yGvBJIUqtYIhI2U3AE95IE8ws0pdKC2BSp8035dl7wR6Gt63MXsAGb56k2V3rT-0WdDOKD1d38fbPwyU0kUhJBCyWxPOcJ6KZRE/s400/IMG_1036%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily and Petunia :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQUPxAUYQBNUUeF8uWUyVnixXPnQB8M8Mt6kSXPhuMx79AXPioK1WgObToTQa29YSnerp6UD2RJX6xvIdJQuEWT8ehqBqIBsIN_wobsEgCfik69SdOoYZVPz_FueclRoQkidRqdXHS3c/s1600/IMG_1043%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQUPxAUYQBNUUeF8uWUyVnixXPnQB8M8Mt6kSXPhuMx79AXPioK1WgObToTQa29YSnerp6UD2RJX6xvIdJQuEWT8ehqBqIBsIN_wobsEgCfik69SdOoYZVPz_FueclRoQkidRqdXHS3c/s400/IMG_1043%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilling outside - (there's the van! Proof she's still running) ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3i-F802llFE5uMIZf4QkCv6rrtIkEaW10qbjPuqK7VrDoaMCJxGdhTxvV8Me-HBpGaylUiBnlOKBNZqn1kw-ehtVBsEfClIEkQVejfiTrtahYVfoeAK6_FR80Gae-HTzjsLRocnr_71M/s1600/IMG_1010%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3i-F802llFE5uMIZf4QkCv6rrtIkEaW10qbjPuqK7VrDoaMCJxGdhTxvV8Me-HBpGaylUiBnlOKBNZqn1kw-ehtVBsEfClIEkQVejfiTrtahYVfoeAK6_FR80Gae-HTzjsLRocnr_71M/s400/IMG_1010%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">checking out the old farm house (this is where my grandpa was born in 1918) - it was a beautiful home in its time & my mom loves spending time here - despite outward appearances. :) It's about 2 miles from my aunt and uncle's place and only a mile from my cousin Lance's farm (which used to be my grandpa and grandma's farm place)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtPVbb-YZaw8mE5uDkHKU_j_bWUDul2H1QWCfXEeHpqXhcSL6diC7QX_YspHXXagl5T0OdEL-fyuHY6fltgIbX-9nXOYeFpS4yvDrPri0YKnCWJiiLEjgKQZMchyJ3sbjwf2ffDrQWdw/s1600/IMG_1014%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtPVbb-YZaw8mE5uDkHKU_j_bWUDul2H1QWCfXEeHpqXhcSL6diC7QX_YspHXXagl5T0OdEL-fyuHY6fltgIbX-9nXOYeFpS4yvDrPri0YKnCWJiiLEjgKQZMchyJ3sbjwf2ffDrQWdw/s400/IMG_1014%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We always walk around the Hazel Run Cemetery, which may seem weird or depressing to some, but it is actually really beautiful and peaceful. Most of my Minnesota relatives are buried here, including my grandpa and grandma Wilson. Hazel Run Church, where my parents were married 45 years ago, stands in the background. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtrZDsgBr6csOa1bSGE0TPIYqPliAYUheUdzg9w1M9EsqYkAzHA34ttNDUnWCMoKcQzzYqN-UOHrOEqdNminw8m8nE9uNN-AEmw7dWeaLEZFRjkgVrrkC2H_zD4Fx_7QngFjx8sg38X4/s1600/IMG_1044%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtrZDsgBr6csOa1bSGE0TPIYqPliAYUheUdzg9w1M9EsqYkAzHA34ttNDUnWCMoKcQzzYqN-UOHrOEqdNminw8m8nE9uNN-AEmw7dWeaLEZFRjkgVrrkC2H_zD4Fx_7QngFjx8sg38X4/s640/IMG_1044%255B1%255D" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Rosina :) </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJU5ZsdEelXL6eB0Xg3cMsCb1Rp79QX5rSU2SxkL6-76q-zi86S5WAqYYS_D_-Z-7awc7-VBTQie4ZX0mGfhuvwRO7f0U9Bmj09QJBoLm-iYLIxWiWlxFCndI492RnNHaBHQYXqx7IhJ0/s1600/IMG_1051%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJU5ZsdEelXL6eB0Xg3cMsCb1Rp79QX5rSU2SxkL6-76q-zi86S5WAqYYS_D_-Z-7awc7-VBTQie4ZX0mGfhuvwRO7f0U9Bmj09QJBoLm-iYLIxWiWlxFCndI492RnNHaBHQYXqx7IhJ0/s400/IMG_1051%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last night in MN we got to spend at my cousins house outside of Minneapolis -Here's Lisa and Scott, and their two boys, Jacob (far left) and Joshua :) We had a wonderful time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVt-xbhH4hNojRGsMwyIIkbf3s1m9mgZSh0_YK-P1HbMeTFb6k5CHS4BhFlgk7UnzdPsKVBJkzi68U-jmYtFgYkpSEs6YtwD4N-S-5yahlJV2a0KjKxVYB5rsbfMmuof2Ln0shQeicbQ4/s1600/DSC03954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVt-xbhH4hNojRGsMwyIIkbf3s1m9mgZSh0_YK-P1HbMeTFb6k5CHS4BhFlgk7UnzdPsKVBJkzi68U-jmYtFgYkpSEs6YtwD4N-S-5yahlJV2a0KjKxVYB5rsbfMmuof2Ln0shQeicbQ4/s640/DSC03954.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While I was gone, Curt was busy doing some hiking, among other things. :) Here's a shot of the San Gabriel Mts. as he climbs Mt. Baldy with a friend.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZwPJx2zN-8xHD9V91IBt5MRb8viCMgN8vZaO5JUCxRWPWklNprZzDhzQdJ2tq0tn4b-VcfJ9gEP27MTqnfpZ2nitACwYjtZ7rgkjm9GOREkB3_DajSvA8J6X9Rdv5w2KsJYXMjzWTRs/s1600/DSC03953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZwPJx2zN-8xHD9V91IBt5MRb8viCMgN8vZaO5JUCxRWPWklNprZzDhzQdJ2tq0tn4b-VcfJ9gEP27MTqnfpZ2nitACwYjtZ7rgkjm9GOREkB3_DajSvA8J6X9Rdv5w2KsJYXMjzWTRs/s400/DSC03953.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A waterfall encountered on the way up...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGin91joUDe2jbxvSZWYtLX5Ua_5dHHFHGAI-rJrX_g_BeMphoYCSoB3lhpaKgHRBUL4A69XNiwd-JdhqA1KFf-Hq55jvHOi0MuwHTg-QplxK5GTU3el4FW59fbSQr5iW_3gFpjs4OZc/s1600/DSC03959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGin91joUDe2jbxvSZWYtLX5Ua_5dHHFHGAI-rJrX_g_BeMphoYCSoB3lhpaKgHRBUL4A69XNiwd-JdhqA1KFf-Hq55jvHOi0MuwHTg-QplxK5GTU3el4FW59fbSQr5iW_3gFpjs4OZc/s640/DSC03959.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting close to the top...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpQGObmKgt1Xn9AxkuxujsdvBKnxlHzbUH_iGlxi91vI54K2AOo8uGMG77S3QfoorXGiaU9vQDIQ49rrqd81eJuLPphfu9-6mMvutn7DTv97lW_96feVcmXKcUDQkl_K5BjX1rEOU9_g/s1600/DSC03963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpQGObmKgt1Xn9AxkuxujsdvBKnxlHzbUH_iGlxi91vI54K2AOo8uGMG77S3QfoorXGiaU9vQDIQ49rrqd81eJuLPphfu9-6mMvutn7DTv97lW_96feVcmXKcUDQkl_K5BjX1rEOU9_g/s400/DSC03963.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign at the top! They had sweeping views, but being that it was dark when they reached the top, Curt didn't get any clear pics outside of the city lights below - which the camera did not do justice to :)</td></tr>
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Curt also ran a 10k race in Thousand Oaks while I was gone, and got 2nd place overall and first in his division! He was super stoked, as he set a post collegiate personal record, running it in 34:40. He has been putting in an insane amount of miles - over 70 this past week!! (I don't run that in a year people). We're both currently training for a 7 mile race in Bellingham - and I am proud to say I put in 4 miles this past week training for it. haha...<br />
This coming Friday we take off for our yearly trek up North to see our families - and we are really excited this year to be traveling up the coast and camping along the way! More posts to follow as we start that adventure. :) Happy start of summer everyone!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-ebqLR6yVymJsVEA4_fTYstTTsWAaZ36rt0qiaqaKNEoIRIoNozeMDTa7rKOOIOfkSYy5TLyLV9QQHqhlENnRVeVPdv4AtTqeMwVXAdi5FS4v5ZaUpKAYMeZWber316apcyc-amaKLU/s1600/DSC03969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-ebqLR6yVymJsVEA4_fTYstTTsWAaZ36rt0qiaqaKNEoIRIoNozeMDTa7rKOOIOfkSYy5TLyLV9QQHqhlENnRVeVPdv4AtTqeMwVXAdi5FS4v5ZaUpKAYMeZWber316apcyc-amaKLU/s400/DSC03969.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ella saying "hi!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBPuX6jddCr81GVq7noQd5iOslKTZxZGH72VKwy-lEq6at2OGt2h40elT9kAaBZeZJdig3xmXMsoP29MrNwwzsjAVwqJ7QHHApCeYTmgSS6Mh9-NY02Iafu1b7jUeydoRoUasPUEddyU/s1600/DSC03972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBPuX6jddCr81GVq7noQd5iOslKTZxZGH72VKwy-lEq6at2OGt2h40elT9kAaBZeZJdig3xmXMsoP29MrNwwzsjAVwqJ7QHHApCeYTmgSS6Mh9-NY02Iafu1b7jUeydoRoUasPUEddyU/s400/DSC03972.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A parting shot of the gorgeous flowers a certain someone had waiting for me at home when I got back to California yesterday :) Thanks honey!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Katie & Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01112456290057508617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448170773579213905.post-76065713002109982482012-05-28T11:37:00.000-07:002012-05-28T11:37:37.448-07:00Hiking Baden-PowellWell, it's Monday of Memorial Day weekend - so I want to start by saying a huge <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u>THANK YOU!</u></span></b> to all those who have served, are serving, and to those that will serve our armed forces in the future. :) <div>
Originally, Curt and I were going to go camping up at Mammoth this weekend - one of our most favorite places in all of California. Unfortunately, the rain and chance of snow Friday and Saturday deterred us a bit - as I didn't really feel like tent camping in freezing, wet weather. Been there, done that, and it wasn't pretty. That said, we cancelled our reservations (losing our $30 deposit - rats!!), and made other plans for the weekend - namely, hiking Baden-Powell in the San Gabrielle Mts. We can see Baden-Powell from where we live - it's pretty big standing at around 9,500 feet. We had gorgeous weather, and it was a beautiful 8 mile climb (you'd barely know the high desert was right out the backdoor as soon as you drive up into the San Gabrielle foot hills). Here's some pics from our weekend adventure:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzvck27EosTcQdMW15Pcva8feYGVSFLbzonIs-6uAzVMBG1mO6n1ltLofb-RpZ1aM3r7yBXhluYIMUBHP4ZgD2D1Oh80pKhY4hy_BMHU9R5gYPpVV0ZCvSV1DDzQzhduGoovVWuyAho8/s1600/IMG_0976%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzvck27EosTcQdMW15Pcva8feYGVSFLbzonIs-6uAzVMBG1mO6n1ltLofb-RpZ1aM3r7yBXhluYIMUBHP4ZgD2D1Oh80pKhY4hy_BMHU9R5gYPpVV0ZCvSV1DDzQzhduGoovVWuyAho8/s400/IMG_0976%5B1%5D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the trailhead with Ella - praying she walks! (her leash skills are still a major work in progress)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7X_EkDQFTvWU8uv4KZSYjToB0rRKdQmroemU-tkzR-E5G680_Wv8WlTwyn80ltvUxd0S-pvYVW4VE1M-pFIWIGmDmNhdvE4nBAWiXj_Wyj5DcIGKMn5uRqjRiEuVizRFNAghhgqE16Hc/s1600/IMG_0980%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7X_EkDQFTvWU8uv4KZSYjToB0rRKdQmroemU-tkzR-E5G680_Wv8WlTwyn80ltvUxd0S-pvYVW4VE1M-pFIWIGmDmNhdvE4nBAWiXj_Wyj5DcIGKMn5uRqjRiEuVizRFNAghhgqE16Hc/s400/IMG_0980%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Success! Ella blazing a trail with Curt</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPd3CnJWF_LBG2q_Wf6TqkRPgLTqr7gJXFk2jV16b5Z9RvRq7bJjXRFEeyTA5EDpvUL1lqmnmTKox16Ha12MAt84y1pXweEn7DmyIrjYudZi2WtVng_Oh-IGs-iOIlIzBa-nJarQU4vZs/s1600/IMG_0982%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPd3CnJWF_LBG2q_Wf6TqkRPgLTqr7gJXFk2jV16b5Z9RvRq7bJjXRFEeyTA5EDpvUL1lqmnmTKox16Ha12MAt84y1pXweEn7DmyIrjYudZi2WtVng_Oh-IGs-iOIlIzBa-nJarQU4vZs/s400/IMG_0982%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the Mojave Desert as we hiked up</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUh2R8E3zo6LCcR36KXbfuctdmO3zETBv6kbWmb7ig8ycafuO8ju0IZeobxhM76_fr1lE9NviEWduE15X1DErdBdicifkcW6oIRYa94RdTuxyNQTGQrfEIjKobjvkB7nbGCKE6AH0e6Ms/s1600/IMG_0984%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUh2R8E3zo6LCcR36KXbfuctdmO3zETBv6kbWmb7ig8ycafuO8ju0IZeobxhM76_fr1lE9NviEWduE15X1DErdBdicifkcW6oIRYa94RdTuxyNQTGQrfEIjKobjvkB7nbGCKE6AH0e6Ms/s400/IMG_0984%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting closer to the top - thank goodness, as Ella had long since decided being carried beat walking by a mile. I agreed with Ella of course, as did most hikers we encountered on the trail - who wouldn't want to be carried when they got tired for a mile or two?! :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG42tA2_1ZI02TT9yQlp7f9-mqVlglqMThR7PdPO9tC5YDrH5x_LUX3w5_ywSgmoe5QCLXiJhB9NtKA_X67WiboS-mM2IXktO-BQxns-PHkG0gSpVU6nxULH3NDLGtscIqxMqZVmk69d8/s1600/IMG_0989%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG42tA2_1ZI02TT9yQlp7f9-mqVlglqMThR7PdPO9tC5YDrH5x_LUX3w5_ywSgmoe5QCLXiJhB9NtKA_X67WiboS-mM2IXktO-BQxns-PHkG0gSpVU6nxULH3NDLGtscIqxMqZVmk69d8/s400/IMG_0989%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another shot of the desert below - you could see for miles </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjF-YJ2a8rW4a1LFwSRzyrR_tloFQFRgN5sMCbJhlPLfa_e74yXjQHCIAsipUYxj4CNOOF3MXoA2rDUKCQ0N03EezHrFi25l9EPwrLSSYeHDEOrZFTrUW6FxzkWqafiJFb4crDa_brXno/s1600/IMG_0992%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjF-YJ2a8rW4a1LFwSRzyrR_tloFQFRgN5sMCbJhlPLfa_e74yXjQHCIAsipUYxj4CNOOF3MXoA2rDUKCQ0N03EezHrFi25l9EPwrLSSYeHDEOrZFTrUW6FxzkWqafiJFb4crDa_brXno/s400/IMG_0992%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curt and Ella by the 1,500 year old tree. It was seriously amazing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgbXHKaAqY4vkAukJaxYp2EK4Mnbj9Zug9buZ7DDlvmFvXkCgPdih6XvxIg5fS0sHkKOSVnvh3fSdrVD_Wm3p8qnAt0Al8qNSgCRm8qBQ6XGzVEm2V169aFbnXU7hgzR4RlW9mfIKx_8/s1600/DSC03949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgbXHKaAqY4vkAukJaxYp2EK4Mnbj9Zug9buZ7DDlvmFvXkCgPdih6XvxIg5fS0sHkKOSVnvh3fSdrVD_Wm3p8qnAt0Al8qNSgCRm8qBQ6XGzVEm2V169aFbnXU7hgzR4RlW9mfIKx_8/s400/DSC03949.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the top! We had a 360 degree view - from the desert, to the rest of the San Gabrielle's, to Upland.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73fKhTqKWYxjAIZaXuHrbDeP569GAqEM7Ug2Xv8gH0v5uT0Si375beFYxvnScFmQaD9UqkL-BGkDjqEu7iRdcfRo4mTi0onJVnYVEfXggXsYGTlAvSDwCerxH0eZ5KC0frwGhavtZHjM/s1600/DSC03950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73fKhTqKWYxjAIZaXuHrbDeP569GAqEM7Ug2Xv8gH0v5uT0Si375beFYxvnScFmQaD9UqkL-BGkDjqEu7iRdcfRo4mTi0onJVnYVEfXggXsYGTlAvSDwCerxH0eZ5KC0frwGhavtZHjM/s400/DSC03950.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ella relaxing on the Boy Scout monument/plaque at the top. Needless to say, she started the descent being carried.</td></tr>
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Overall, we rated the day an A, and Ella's hiking skills a B-. :) She walked two up, and two down - and was carried the other 4... not too bad for a 7 pound, 8 month old puppy. She just might turn into a champion hiker/walker yet! (fingers crossed)</div>
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<br /></div>Katie & Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01112456290057508617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448170773579213905.post-90246049391902098482012-05-20T21:48:00.000-07:002012-05-20T21:48:49.536-07:00Kelli's Visit & OC 1/2 Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, it's been a little longer than I wanted to post some pics of Curt's sister Kelli's visit down to So Cal. I can't seem to stay caught up with this blog and our happenings in a timely manner! We had the BEST time when Kelli came down a couple weeks ago to see us and run the OC half marathon with her big brother. :) They ran awesome! (Ella and I served as cheerleaders). We also had a great time just relaxing and spending time together - whether in the car, overlooking the beach, sitting outside at a cafe, doing a little shopping, or eating takeout at home. Curt and I have got to get better at taking pictures - but here are a few to document our fun weekend with Kelli. :)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curt nearing the finish line!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0H76fip6Uag_goDCNG-xUVcHwCrn0rknpHY_QOrJK3s9EC1F1mjTcfwXq71fVkc1qUCYAOH9_eaLFwjtTB3oH0ZES734ykmGsgVbSwmlWRyob2elbcoNAbilJU9xFswfmh3QgKU1BS-Q/s1600/IMG_0955%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0H76fip6Uag_goDCNG-xUVcHwCrn0rknpHY_QOrJK3s9EC1F1mjTcfwXq71fVkc1qUCYAOH9_eaLFwjtTB3oH0ZES734ykmGsgVbSwmlWRyob2elbcoNAbilJU9xFswfmh3QgKU1BS-Q/s400/IMG_0955%5B1%5D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curt's time for 13.1 miles... He got his goal- breaking 1:20! (reminder - I ran my half marathon in 2:15 last Oct., and I felt like I was going fast! haha...)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1i8QDalE9_KrnK4FxsI7xjy8hGuy1RXeZYtAsy5t3aX8ZfxqSpXAkfbnnEgurTD0D0xgoTtmo7sUtKWapH_w3iEXSaxrbLkbWguyGW3Uk6ZtwP2a8gejYuSLBUqXp7MMmBNukYqcKY1Y/s1600/IMG_0959%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1i8QDalE9_KrnK4FxsI7xjy8hGuy1RXeZYtAsy5t3aX8ZfxqSpXAkfbnnEgurTD0D0xgoTtmo7sUtKWapH_w3iEXSaxrbLkbWguyGW3Uk6ZtwP2a8gejYuSLBUqXp7MMmBNukYqcKY1Y/s400/IMG_0959%5B1%5D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curt and Kelli showing off their medals after the big race - Kelli did AMAZING too - and ran 13.1 in 1:50!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTc1jTsw7kQ8qytq9_qJICj9MsNvYbxSmg3sWxKz2-I2iQYSlXijRtDjIltKFxL1ssS2vqjUEFKseN814gAIHjAvrSDum0_dF20YBViqYMSyt8sjS6gRG8-EiaR2BCHYKliZhckXbJsU/s1600/IMG_0960%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTc1jTsw7kQ8qytq9_qJICj9MsNvYbxSmg3sWxKz2-I2iQYSlXijRtDjIltKFxL1ssS2vqjUEFKseN814gAIHjAvrSDum0_dF20YBViqYMSyt8sjS6gRG8-EiaR2BCHYKliZhckXbJsU/s400/IMG_0960%5B1%5D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We ate lunch at this delicious Mediterranean/Italian restaurant in Manhattan Beach - it was glorious just sitting outside soaking up the beautiful weather.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkJPY792hOeFaaNkEyLbBQ34uojdtnMx7y5P2zF0ClhI6Fkd_02sdgry9PscU4xuAZTaudDuWoKP9ypmEWcxEynDFOvgqmfmdMpD1lxFEiiGIV3QWAzgpZaCqSLRAc3JNbcjkF6sXfbo/s1600/IMG_0962%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkJPY792hOeFaaNkEyLbBQ34uojdtnMx7y5P2zF0ClhI6Fkd_02sdgry9PscU4xuAZTaudDuWoKP9ypmEWcxEynDFOvgqmfmdMpD1lxFEiiGIV3QWAzgpZaCqSLRAc3JNbcjkF6sXfbo/s400/IMG_0962%5B1%5D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We wandered down to the beach to sit and enjoy some ocean views before having to take Kel back to the airport :( Ella seemed to enjoy the sea breezes - and def the meet and greets with other dogs!</td></tr>
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<br />Katie & Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01112456290057508617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448170773579213905.post-23112076422457061782012-04-16T20:31:00.002-07:002012-04-16T20:40:25.818-07:00Ella's Big Haircut! Spring marches on... Well, not too much craziness to report in the past few weeks - I've come down with a delightful head cold on an up-note... Thank you petri dish! (aka: my job) :) Ahhh, it was bound to catch up with me at some point. Could be worse.<br />
Ella on the other hand, is as frisky and cute as ever, and received her first big hair cut this weekend! Curt took her in early this past Sat. (graciously letting me sleep in) and picked the 3rd shortest cut from some "hair samples." Didn't want to go <i>too short.</i> Good thing I love closely sheared animals. My love of bald cats comes to mind....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjsVQ2I7CaLnao3ZilmS2OgGzSHd4YwKokEphQtt6haoB_X5eUROwSgENym2o89xpEL_BnBz2sNuj7_OkcaVleDN7hmnhSEHVpd-dc6cNMThw67uodESJZ8YnDfdvZo2w9K2nfekzkF8/s1600/DSC03920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjsVQ2I7CaLnao3ZilmS2OgGzSHd4YwKokEphQtt6haoB_X5eUROwSgENym2o89xpEL_BnBz2sNuj7_OkcaVleDN7hmnhSEHVpd-dc6cNMThw67uodESJZ8YnDfdvZo2w9K2nfekzkF8/s400/DSC03920.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ella before</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxm2fmr2-iinHfPoAIiRbVbFRvHidh8BGEchUvbwvuRywNRbVkSeCoyo4tUKY6mbn2_2d87t1Cr7_bDZgMYHXXvn9n73sfqSoR5TUQa_FOhOWm56RAjLa62BKgows87VAdhTcBQP_k8U/s1600/DSC03925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxm2fmr2-iinHfPoAIiRbVbFRvHidh8BGEchUvbwvuRywNRbVkSeCoyo4tUKY6mbn2_2d87t1Cr7_bDZgMYHXXvn9n73sfqSoR5TUQa_FOhOWm56RAjLa62BKgows87VAdhTcBQP_k8U/s400/DSC03925.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ella after! </td></tr>
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I do wish Petsmart would've shaved her head and ears too, so it all grows out the same length... Hmmm... So I tried to clip it up a bit myself; quickly realizing why the groomers left her hair long on top. With every snip it was almost a certainty either I or Ella would lose an ear, eye, or finger with all that jerky wiggling. Soooo, small lioness she will remain. We're still quite partial to her.<br />
<br />
A couple weekends ago, we also went for another hike along the Pacific Crest Trail, this time picking it up farther down the highway. We hiked up to Grass Mountain. It was awesome! We had a 360 degree view in every direction, though it was just a <i>tad </i>windy at the top. It was almost 5 miles round trip, and Ella hiked almost all of it - we were excited. She is a champion walker, once she gets going that is. Patience, patience we have to remind ourselves. :) Below are some sights captured from the day:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLchsOXy6AfQf-HCKpYnX737b-EuuTtw6IUT-8KC_OBp_bAJ1QoVnnYCLNYZTI4NGl52RAJRMEw2LSSOUsZgVbY2lO5KHELXSZkp-77ex0OP8b1T5feik9PBdWTqynmChZUM4pqwfpysk/s1600/IMG_0882%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLchsOXy6AfQf-HCKpYnX737b-EuuTtw6IUT-8KC_OBp_bAJ1QoVnnYCLNYZTI4NGl52RAJRMEw2LSSOUsZgVbY2lO5KHELXSZkp-77ex0OP8b1T5feik9PBdWTqynmChZUM4pqwfpysk/s400/IMG_0882%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ella getting a little help on the trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFDQMcGC8bX3zooSUoCIjrc4Kdm-fSo2yB2Ddr1ACKpS2gXNm32eBcxApXeej4KJmzv3Mp9Zp6ixF9-ZFTrnBRIbUbyo6GilHj4oJ9ElU7MQisqEhbpr55ftZhLCcpUHt6O528NDXGVE/s1600/IMG_0884%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFDQMcGC8bX3zooSUoCIjrc4Kdm-fSo2yB2Ddr1ACKpS2gXNm32eBcxApXeej4KJmzv3Mp9Zp6ixF9-ZFTrnBRIbUbyo6GilHj4oJ9ElU7MQisqEhbpr55ftZhLCcpUHt6O528NDXGVE/s400/IMG_0884%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up Grass Mt. Almost there!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEK4yZc4rmuhHWAH6zzzu5sSuznJKnk3wIh6WXXXOq03DchNGeYWtXS84n50kJQwBkHwglRcOpNXfD_JmINF84ceZGfKeUtoMT5PB59h8eum49l0gx1Vb9waKcYw_TTAamDwdJZv021gI/s1600/IMG_0890%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEK4yZc4rmuhHWAH6zzzu5sSuznJKnk3wIh6WXXXOq03DchNGeYWtXS84n50kJQwBkHwglRcOpNXfD_JmINF84ceZGfKeUtoMT5PB59h8eum49l0gx1Vb9waKcYw_TTAamDwdJZv021gI/s400/IMG_0890%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self Portrait at the top</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhzD4_IBrIHNgFhGIOtkrVwAdUGv24SPPtYXRf8Xqz0y4FY0SRfifpeVciwvEw6HbfDg6iCMs60KHpauAXWYYS0XGueeMzxiBJxQEKJNRqKKGpeD49JDw_wwOkOzBE0H0qST8SKX9UbM/s1600/IMG_0893%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhzD4_IBrIHNgFhGIOtkrVwAdUGv24SPPtYXRf8Xqz0y4FY0SRfifpeVciwvEw6HbfDg6iCMs60KHpauAXWYYS0XGueeMzxiBJxQEKJNRqKKGpeD49JDw_wwOkOzBE0H0qST8SKX9UbM/s400/IMG_0893%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our views at the top</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVMbvVvI2JVMHnv154pDF1m4L7j8Fuvu1lZo4lUD0vhohvrYoTNAHY746s4V72R8yMOzUPbCleHH8qsiduekHIgLR6ABnNibHsIADohVfQXVg_Wj2ax1lqM13VAlbAGBwFEnpE3odF2Q/s1600/IMG_0894%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVMbvVvI2JVMHnv154pDF1m4L7j8Fuvu1lZo4lUD0vhohvrYoTNAHY746s4V72R8yMOzUPbCleHH8qsiduekHIgLR6ABnNibHsIADohVfQXVg_Wj2ax1lqM13VAlbAGBwFEnpE3odF2Q/s400/IMG_0894%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotted a horny toad on the way down!</td></tr>
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Curt also got the yard in ship-shape order this past weekend, as Friday's 55 degrees and rain faded into 70 degrees and sun by Sunday. Crazy spring! As always, the hubs does an amazing job getting everything looking spectacular to enjoy some warm spring and summer nights coming up. :) (*Also, on a fun note, notice in the very back of this pic, our porch swing frame is up! My cousin Lance from Minnesota actually drove it out to us last year if you can believe it! We were beyond thrilled. Can't wait for it to be re-finished and put fully up - Summer project!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWBJXmLdWQOkQYM7aphbeDe7qfdrB0QYLuRFmOMPilHnqFU9AnJXDryh7DjUWeom9wz-TmdUngFP6MRCkM66Vg8RJJJJOxYs-bNuagK5cZXhsekliBKgrprsaNZRl0nGWWSgnJNbuUgQ/s1600/DSC03933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWBJXmLdWQOkQYM7aphbeDe7qfdrB0QYLuRFmOMPilHnqFU9AnJXDryh7DjUWeom9wz-TmdUngFP6MRCkM66Vg8RJJJJOxYs-bNuagK5cZXhsekliBKgrprsaNZRl0nGWWSgnJNbuUgQ/s400/DSC03933.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the back patio and yard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWoi7-9tsgmLduJPw5jqw37VAoWS3xsEnASQJz-4dHXoqGy_hnCElZOVDfL7oalDPuYjuskq9ACbU0OiSfI7o7E4ntNXolv426LTMyi5mDE0mls_fo-D7Sx8AF42FJQAWAmiUSeuEgXU/s1600/DSC03928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWoi7-9tsgmLduJPw5jqw37VAoWS3xsEnASQJz-4dHXoqGy_hnCElZOVDfL7oalDPuYjuskq9ACbU0OiSfI7o7E4ntNXolv426LTMyi5mDE0mls_fo-D7Sx8AF42FJQAWAmiUSeuEgXU/s400/DSC03928.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting the gardens going!</td></tr>
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<br />Katie & Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01112456290057508617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448170773579213905.post-34920295581957109742012-03-31T20:32:00.000-07:002012-03-31T20:35:57.680-07:00St. Francis DamOver spring break, Curt and I have had a little extra time to do some exploring around our neck of the woods, (or Joshua trees I should say). We've discovered this spring, that if we drive just 35-40 min. away, we can be in semi-green rolling hills, splashed with gorgeous red rocks. (Better late than never I guess!) So Curt heard from a good friend of his that there was a cool hike up to some old ruins of a dam that gave way in the 1920s. Turns out, the breaking of St. Francis Dam is the second biggest disaster and resulting loss of life in California State history! And who knew we lived just 45 min away? Anyway, we ventured out and hiked (actually walked up on an old highway that was washed out about 5 years ago) to what was left...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXZPATFVNCM99ev4s_eBK9s5v1nBaTDUzfkMnhjIOmLdnyjI8zXEChFOYJSjQwzsvVWrykhxKplzFHy-R8nhG5I5D5Y1Fd7f3IDfY9C6B44lVzajO2uavEXroYZC7rbiUEXJ5y0WwuOc/s1600/IMG_0849%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXZPATFVNCM99ev4s_eBK9s5v1nBaTDUzfkMnhjIOmLdnyjI8zXEChFOYJSjQwzsvVWrykhxKplzFHy-R8nhG5I5D5Y1Fd7f3IDfY9C6B44lVzajO2uavEXroYZC7rbiUEXJ5y0WwuOc/s400/IMG_0849%5B1%5D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our way up the road to the dam</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Z76i6c3I6JUkcFrOioHp2kGEKw2IVDrsvbyBgmyVwQEYOOOwD-592GNyZdT9F6shgsAuT7aEAURACVWNWeLzDjiDB6OUTFr9WfToXh78jWuBTcaNk0wBzdW41n6gzHplTts240mieU4/s1600/IMG_0852%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Z76i6c3I6JUkcFrOioHp2kGEKw2IVDrsvbyBgmyVwQEYOOOwD-592GNyZdT9F6shgsAuT7aEAURACVWNWeLzDjiDB6OUTFr9WfToXh78jWuBTcaNk0wBzdW41n6gzHplTts240mieU4/s400/IMG_0852%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking along the washed-out old highway</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-s8TC5XtnjqmtHKMD0wtcPlUJ7KE4rfbCGT_GDglJg7h38Tyhc1AIZjFwHmjbo4wSz-kC-brz_oqtqrBxXUk_2jP5WANokITIiVbeEdvyyxtqZvuYKhPavWFgbptr3BnhOdTdXqg2a80/s1600/IMG_0854%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-s8TC5XtnjqmtHKMD0wtcPlUJ7KE4rfbCGT_GDglJg7h38Tyhc1AIZjFwHmjbo4wSz-kC-brz_oqtqrBxXUk_2jP5WANokITIiVbeEdvyyxtqZvuYKhPavWFgbptr3BnhOdTdXqg2a80/s400/IMG_0854%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water break. Even Ella enjoys a cool sip from a Nalgene bottle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSSLpUlwTOQyRrC9_QvgTDx6Ab7WsDTzkjvqgXpbfElSnE-7BnU_zgO8rUKy0c7rcRvlrBYfAuoRL4oEPOiqyWoPTHiACy5n7AgRTiG2WhrY94bK_cEk3Ch2AXvhV_iUPKnvBfC0hGy8/s1600/IMG_0857%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSSLpUlwTOQyRrC9_QvgTDx6Ab7WsDTzkjvqgXpbfElSnE-7BnU_zgO8rUKy0c7rcRvlrBYfAuoRL4oEPOiqyWoPTHiACy5n7AgRTiG2WhrY94bK_cEk3Ch2AXvhV_iUPKnvBfC0hGy8/s400/IMG_0857%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ella may have been carried a tad bit... (the leash thing is still a work in progress). The reservoir that built up in back of the dam would have been behind me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8N9Cc8KZz3GqBaE0xj8jDCS-uoq6RP6nrMEuQeJhtlOuAnK_6ixTtoWsSIjgXey9Pa5_wpRdAwAH6p3uwtGt5APbo_hi6fa1GYgUyE2h3xktDoGc-gyDdV1YodPWV2oEmi7nTouFpcRQ/s1600/IMG_0859%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8N9Cc8KZz3GqBaE0xj8jDCS-uoq6RP6nrMEuQeJhtlOuAnK_6ixTtoWsSIjgXey9Pa5_wpRdAwAH6p3uwtGt5APbo_hi6fa1GYgUyE2h3xktDoGc-gyDdV1YodPWV2oEmi7nTouFpcRQ/s400/IMG_0859%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the dam - you can still see all the re-bar sticking out of it. We saw huge pieces of concrete all the way along our trek up to the site. One of the biggest pieces was carried more than a mile down stream when the dam broke. I guess a 130 ft. wall of water will do that. Yikes!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ULY2tn9kg9UGg32yHxSJOpw0JI1Rjvm4y0yAnl-8SfG93vMwuEGzb4DOVNaF43uf33iARaMZObkg5g0v6aj2ArNuMmYYHp3FmriYX4DJcHb6v0NSLViD8bYGfy-7VPTke8lTYl5qNC0/s1600/IMG_0861%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ULY2tn9kg9UGg32yHxSJOpw0JI1Rjvm4y0yAnl-8SfG93vMwuEGzb4DOVNaF43uf33iARaMZObkg5g0v6aj2ArNuMmYYHp3FmriYX4DJcHb6v0NSLViD8bYGfy-7VPTke8lTYl5qNC0/s400/IMG_0861%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More pieces/remains of the old dam. There was a small stream running beneath these slabs you can't see in the picture.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKvkzUiyiRghf81Bc_h__coUIo-baanYgwbH5-eoK4OeDjxQtk6Pn-No9alKpiPeKZhDC6UPtTp7nm03urVGiJEn94pEIxnNpwg0Zoubn2RdFwM8L66tvzEuo9vURVPhoV893-e28hmY/s1600/IMG_0867%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKvkzUiyiRghf81Bc_h__coUIo-baanYgwbH5-eoK4OeDjxQtk6Pn-No9alKpiPeKZhDC6UPtTp7nm03urVGiJEn94pEIxnNpwg0Zoubn2RdFwM8L66tvzEuo9vURVPhoV893-e28hmY/s400/IMG_0867%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The color of this small pond right below the site of the dam was beautiful. Don't think I'd <i>swim</i> in it, but it was pretty to look at none-the-less. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9kvFwrqwPOrNI-mRRplNp34HzyMJI6ku9w-8kar5vrZfjqs-xzZF7It-M1E_9zofBV5T2jsx3CiHWhShZ9TsFtYBMRAlZwaECGNEdD_a2eVn005n-koIL70SvhaBF9TXK6wZd7lpLXY/s1600/IMG_0868%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9kvFwrqwPOrNI-mRRplNp34HzyMJI6ku9w-8kar5vrZfjqs-xzZF7It-M1E_9zofBV5T2jsx3CiHWhShZ9TsFtYBMRAlZwaECGNEdD_a2eVn005n-koIL70SvhaBF9TXK6wZd7lpLXY/s400/IMG_0868%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty much the largest chunk of the dam left - worn down and crumbled after almost 90 years to be sure, but still impressive.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiph-Io9uPIN5FV2_nTWMP1g4AFgoVuE_ug9opKFoDRWrSGl-1US2cT52H_ixZCT3Jam7U6R6Wo2lkLPYcXXwJcmRJ_CAJ8lkiXZ62A_HqFMnmR95llO3vvy0zjG9RIHcNqINpr8po5k/s1600/IMG_0874%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiph-Io9uPIN5FV2_nTWMP1g4AFgoVuE_ug9opKFoDRWrSGl-1US2cT52H_ixZCT3Jam7U6R6Wo2lkLPYcXXwJcmRJ_CAJ8lkiXZ62A_HqFMnmR95llO3vvy0zjG9RIHcNqINpr8po5k/s640/IMG_0874%255B1%255D" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little memorial was down at the ranger's station where we started our hike up. The dam was 185 feet high - and collapsed just before midnight in March of 1928, sending a wall of water 130 feet high down river running at about 18 miles an hour. You know, just <i>slightly</i> terrifying.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCO1Yb10LdcvP1Tw5H7CImW7aTt8PBll37FoRUu_R4zP9qW9Ya7z5Y6xblD8wdsO8CdppIngx2dk3AgYG044OcqKI9OS9Q1HobUpeIjR6WrEpJ8R5yEO_Bf19pT2I-RsRL_b3pkwxIkI/s1600/IMG_0876%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCO1Yb10LdcvP1Tw5H7CImW7aTt8PBll37FoRUu_R4zP9qW9Ya7z5Y6xblD8wdsO8CdppIngx2dk3AgYG044OcqKI9OS9Q1HobUpeIjR6WrEpJ8R5yEO_Bf19pT2I-RsRL_b3pkwxIkI/s640/IMG_0876%255B1%255D" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dam before it collapsed...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdlkyN-qY9D5nCdkPBl2M_KSiZvjsHCgMsiT76kTjk0aUTWy2Z4mqK1Cha54HSAzY_YufPx1zXjL4ebpUHyfqVaV6XUHEw9BRUvKbuKu8Gf1AE61cgjWM805ifUPGvHX-Sod2DNs6uwk/s1600/IMG_0877%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdlkyN-qY9D5nCdkPBl2M_KSiZvjsHCgMsiT76kTjk0aUTWy2Z4mqK1Cha54HSAzY_YufPx1zXjL4ebpUHyfqVaV6XUHEw9BRUvKbuKu8Gf1AE61cgjWM805ifUPGvHX-Sod2DNs6uwk/s640/IMG_0877%255B1%255D" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dam and area after...</td></tr>
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The dam had been leaking earlier that day, but experts that checked it out said the leaking was normal (which it can be). Unfortunately, not so in this instance. The guy who helped engineer it took full responsibility, but as you can imagine, it ruined his career. In the 1990s, experts revisited the site and determined that there would have been no way of knowing in the 1920s that the site chosen for the dam had also been the site of an ancient landslide - so the ground was unstable.<br />
So glad we checked it and became aware of some more California history - especially being so close to us!<br />
<br />Katie & Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01112456290057508617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448170773579213905.post-30900383553489113972012-03-25T18:51:00.002-07:002012-03-25T18:51:57.134-07:00"The Great Race of Agoura Hills"I am a fair-weather, when the mood suits me, I'm feeling lazy - kind of runner. Make that a slow jogger to be exact. That said, I thought long and hard about signing up for "The Great Race of Agoura Hills"... (Come to think of it, it may have been 5 min.) I opted out. I haven't done much running since finishing a half marathon in the fall. It was AWESOME, but I got super sick afterwards... which I've now used as an excuse not to run for the past 5 months. (It's terrible I know! Running 2-3 miles doesn't <i>exactly</i> equal 13.1 miles without properly hydrating before and after). Curt, on the other hand, is a runner. The kind that sets goals, trains hard, and is out there when he doesn't feel like it. (I really need those running traits to rub off on me). He signed up for the race. It was in Agoura Hills - a beautiful part of SoCal - this past Saturday morning. Ella and I tagged along, despite the early morning departure of 5:15 am- and enjoyed the ride over to one of the best ranked road races by Runner's World Magazine. <div>
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Feeling encouraged by Ella's incredible walking the past few days in the Springs, we set out, only for her to sit down and say "Looks like you're carrying me for the day." Good thing she's so cute. So as Curt set off for the starting line, Ella and I found a perch to snap a few pics after the runner's first mile:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhO4ALSs9LnFWppC8B1rLfOVDVPWuwBRD4uFMGWJT9FZetL31AAMzkFWX8vpV4G8UizbRBG4sby29L4S9nV5bTxmNSC2uBK5ZbN5_XImU_ADSmti8TmQnVElnv5DE1m3y7w7XI0bskd8/s1600/IMG_0827%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhO4ALSs9LnFWppC8B1rLfOVDVPWuwBRD4uFMGWJT9FZetL31AAMzkFWX8vpV4G8UizbRBG4sby29L4S9nV5bTxmNSC2uBK5ZbN5_XImU_ADSmti8TmQnVElnv5DE1m3y7w7XI0bskd8/s200/IMG_0827%255B1%255D" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ella helping me watch for Curt (Sorry for sideways pic!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curt rounding the first mile</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finish line just around this corner!</td></tr>
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Curt ran a 36:01 10K (6.2 miles)... Incredible (and impossible) in my estimation! He was hoping to break 35:55, but with all the hills, it made that hard. Still, considering I couldn't run 6 miles that fast even if I had a gun pointed at me, I thought he did awesome. :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmI9ShICatC_saK99Z6iGlhaqhr0Lh7rijdilq2HWqasCg2_2zkHuQO4U4Ngpsy0jqr3xE_skQXMCLup1_wFNEmaBXg8xQJN81k3U2T1IqdKqPhTIMb7RliQBOA2pPwQZ-VFbVMh6o1c/s1600/IMG_0842%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmI9ShICatC_saK99Z6iGlhaqhr0Lh7rijdilq2HWqasCg2_2zkHuQO4U4Ngpsy0jqr3xE_skQXMCLup1_wFNEmaBXg8xQJN81k3U2T1IqdKqPhTIMb7RliQBOA2pPwQZ-VFbVMh6o1c/s400/IMG_0842%255B1%255D" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-race; finish line in back</td></tr>
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We hung out a little, waiting for the race results... that never came. (Computer glitch). No matter! Super fun day and Ella and I had great time being cheerleaders and conducting met and greets with lots of other dogs.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self -group- portrait, but notice our eyes drifting... This didn't so much work out for us.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Chop (aka Ella)<br /></td></tr>
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We also did a hike on Friday along the Pacific Crest Trail. It was beautiful! And Ella walked beautifully with us then... so who knows what gives with that dog and her leash!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curt and Chop along the trail</td></tr>
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<br />Katie & Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01112456290057508617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448170773579213905.post-64791073318380095682012-03-23T09:03:00.000-07:002012-03-23T09:03:02.607-07:00Palm Springs<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Curt and I just got back from a mini vacation yesterday. We headed over to the Palm Springs area on Tuesday - we actually stayed in Indio at the Worldmark condos there (thanks mom & dad Stephan!)- and enjoyed some 85 degree weather and pool time. (Did I mention we became teachers for a reason?) The cities in this area are gorgeous! Move to Indian Wells or Rancho Mirage? Yes please! Of course if I think it's hot <i>here</i> in the summer....</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Here are some pics of the condo:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Sunset on our walk one night:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Dinner (thanks to Curt) - salmon rice bowls with cucumber and avocado</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> And about Ella walking on a leash......</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She actually did great! (the picture may have been a bit misleading I admit)... She walked twice a day and did great every time. We have no idea what happened to our "I'm going to sit down with this thing strapped to me and I'm not moving. Ever." dog. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Modeling (a bit hap-hazardly) by a pretty pink bush:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Chilling in the condo. I think this picture screams "It wasn't me!" - like if the camera panned back there'd be a pile of ripped up garbage all over the floor. Thankfully, she didn't get into any garbage... or chew off a couch leg...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All in all we had a wonderfully relaxing time. (As a side note, I may have also read the Hunger Games while pool side and actually sympathized with the people we saw camped outside of the movie theater on our way home yesterday waiting for the midnight showing. Should I have just admitted that?)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Katie & Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01112456290057508617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448170773579213905.post-1403793467555272552012-03-18T21:40:00.000-07:002012-03-18T21:45:41.087-07:00Ella<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Well, it's been almost two years since I last updated our blog... yikes! Time apparently FLYS by... And instead of deleting it, I decided to start it up again! There's too much to catch up on since my last post, but one big change for us has been adding a new furry member to our family - our little yorkie, Ella! She has been a ton of fun, and quite a bit of work ;) - but totally worth it. We got her this past November - and are still in the process of training her in several areas. Potty training (knock on wood) has been going fairly well, but our next big hurdle is getting her to walk on a leash. She HATES the leash... weird right? Wish us luck, that's one of our missions for this spring break!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Here's Ella soon after we got her:</span><br />
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Bath time! (Is it terrible that I LOVE this picture?)<br />
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Little Ella these days:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Katie & Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01112456290057508617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448170773579213905.post-31836273567605107222010-04-25T14:24:00.000-07:002010-04-25T15:15:51.481-07:00Spring Time! :)Spring this year has been full of fun... My mom and sister came down unexpectedly to see us in January (okay, so not really spring yet), my parents visited us in February (super fun and mom was sooo wonderful helping me out in my classroom!!), and Kelli, Ethan, Alyssa, Lucy, and Maddie came down for a visit in March! Sad to say that I am not great about remembering to take pictures... so the photos start with Kelli and Ethan's visit over spring break.... Thanks to everyone for making our last few months so much fun!<br /> Here's Lucy and Kelli eating out back at our place:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevyEqAQZUCIsPjRsmMsKuoLeBESeA8QxwVO5DNlH6qecLc9SnNMnhVs-irzthuP15-_IgIvCGcYpGKu6_MAp0TdQfpBv-6I2SzIKZTBqaUnAOZTCrrq34aoUxO_Hdf5sFE-UbAr0cQII/s1600/spring+break+%2710+242.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464195490777724274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevyEqAQZUCIsPjRsmMsKuoLeBESeA8QxwVO5DNlH6qecLc9SnNMnhVs-irzthuP15-_IgIvCGcYpGKu6_MAp0TdQfpBv-6I2SzIKZTBqaUnAOZTCrrq34aoUxO_Hdf5sFE-UbAr0cQII/s400/spring+break+%2710+242.JPG" /></a> Here's Lu and Maddie posing for a picture (taken by Curt as you can see) :)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpOIgGipUo-2nRE5EMwsnmJdgAUMRR_3XUKpSdipGsJS_ITd2p6xpIpT8hF_rM-pbN-FAL3OT_OGfqrlvZdXqTCPFbgOnXzuRKHwcUUd5HjIGnJ_Fid6GOi_-AHujAj617WV9lmeexDg/s1600/spring+break+%2710+243.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464195485651800354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpOIgGipUo-2nRE5EMwsnmJdgAUMRR_3XUKpSdipGsJS_ITd2p6xpIpT8hF_rM-pbN-FAL3OT_OGfqrlvZdXqTCPFbgOnXzuRKHwcUUd5HjIGnJ_Fid6GOi_-AHujAj617WV9lmeexDg/s400/spring+break+%2710+243.JPG" /></a><br />Cute little Madeline!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVflrj-EOxD1MSNOmUa859JriJ77GHPDIAMLVUhK7G8tBw20yLAydxiJ_XsbrH5uh_wflYc1YlHBKZaGtx4dXBZ2XT5WI3R1Z3l43-upi5QvB71DLG48L_CSXUQuk-BeHAhHLv4JVezA/s1600/spring+break+%2710+246.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464195470267911026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVflrj-EOxD1MSNOmUa859JriJ77GHPDIAMLVUhK7G8tBw20yLAydxiJ_XsbrH5uh_wflYc1YlHBKZaGtx4dXBZ2XT5WI3R1Z3l43-upi5QvB71DLG48L_CSXUQuk-BeHAhHLv4JVezA/s400/spring+break+%2710+246.JPG" /></a><br />We also went down to San Diego with Kelli and Ethan while they were all here and checked out the beach, spent time with Uncle Todd, Aunt Jean, and cousins Kyle and Jackson (super fun!), and just soaked up the glorious weather... Lucy didn't so much like the beach however, no sand-n-surf between her toes thank you very much! :) (We think she might have liked it more but was a little tired... as you can see Lucy was quite content just to chill in mom's arms. It looks comfy to me!) --><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREoSWOY1vy8CadaPI3s4RP_xXR2n3sKhry-pPuKxeC91C8VzlB3btDWqFvfE7wC969O2wXjSia5Fqn6RZve0WYqZLh4_WeTBavf-FZm8kCQyltHl2X85RU7YqyPmZHXbWxf2uDn_t2sc/s1600/spring+break+%2710+253.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464194724188237554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREoSWOY1vy8CadaPI3s4RP_xXR2n3sKhry-pPuKxeC91C8VzlB3btDWqFvfE7wC969O2wXjSia5Fqn6RZve0WYqZLh4_WeTBavf-FZm8kCQyltHl2X85RU7YqyPmZHXbWxf2uDn_t2sc/s400/spring+break+%2710+253.JPG" /></a><br />Madeline on the other hand LOVED the beach and all the sand! She even let Uncle Curt dig a big hole and stick her in it, so just her arms poked out -- as long as she could still use her shovel and dig away, she was happy! This is my FAVORITE picture by far!!! (please, can it get any cuter?)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhJbg09trWS-FVS4vwEIRLfkrYdx1b-k9aHmZNoy_Ub4fPfxdVo6rMxIRXnUTwIH0FNMivStaqwaRrX7SjTqzzn_DjzRr-2V_hI85lRAb31jmlIfcPs42yjbvCYrQS-n1BKwhBhb7ACk/s1600/spring+break+%2710+256.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464194709077824738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhJbg09trWS-FVS4vwEIRLfkrYdx1b-k9aHmZNoy_Ub4fPfxdVo6rMxIRXnUTwIH0FNMivStaqwaRrX7SjTqzzn_DjzRr-2V_hI85lRAb31jmlIfcPs42yjbvCYrQS-n1BKwhBhb7ACk/s400/spring+break+%2710+256.JPG" /></a><br />Me hanging with Maddie digging away....<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXyPIv5XHGlByp9eNB1J8cQMWnBM3-7dupk_5blPSSDO7kI_ci1PpRC2Hx1rxzI5wq7BrvLu-J1hTncC3v25DRFSMEU2kGacsHRr1X62xEcthZI9pw6NQrwK_IMdTjLFOrvwogSeuW5A/s1600/spring+break+%2710+258.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464194702224624130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXyPIv5XHGlByp9eNB1J8cQMWnBM3-7dupk_5blPSSDO7kI_ci1PpRC2Hx1rxzI5wq7BrvLu-J1hTncC3v25DRFSMEU2kGacsHRr1X62xEcthZI9pw6NQrwK_IMdTjLFOrvwogSeuW5A/s400/spring+break+%2710+258.JPG" /></a> More sandy fun....<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eWzhiFgDsvqW4CLaN_Yc28u4k7FaqtUMvTCrdwyAriN95WkLcv9LSe7ra4JovZedJwaEn6egZYo6jMLshYwi3mgSh5nbmT_4wVgrJ_kSW1fGl0UIXwwrCaiH5vPibdkAMUrBDwqaPIQ/s1600/spring+break+%2710+259.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464194693745455730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eWzhiFgDsvqW4CLaN_Yc28u4k7FaqtUMvTCrdwyAriN95WkLcv9LSe7ra4JovZedJwaEn6egZYo6jMLshYwi3mgSh5nbmT_4wVgrJ_kSW1fGl0UIXwwrCaiH5vPibdkAMUrBDwqaPIQ/s400/spring+break+%2710+259.JPG" /></a> Curt and I:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzR_HotY2cnpkDpKL3FAlB0VKGcJLqicXwM4y5OlU4SMHxNUhThp66AcnAapgDLcHK_lT73XCNLLjYL3LPXKJF4b2Wwhak3g8VwHE99a8uXI3vmF1XNVaKIb0ffb_SNvu2uW9defwP9NI/s1600/spring+break+%2710+263.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464194686373563042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzR_HotY2cnpkDpKL3FAlB0VKGcJLqicXwM4y5OlU4SMHxNUhThp66AcnAapgDLcHK_lT73XCNLLjYL3LPXKJF4b2Wwhak3g8VwHE99a8uXI3vmF1XNVaKIb0ffb_SNvu2uW9defwP9NI/s400/spring+break+%2710+263.JPG" /></a><br />We also hit up the zoo for a full day of fun in the sun -- my favorite was the big cats! Check out the teeth on this thing!! (reminds me of our cat when she eyes me hungrily... and if she was this big, she would eat me without question, trust me)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQh_5VQH_f0JFlP9a5UWhyphenhyphen5-pALTUyWf7m1gEIhsAQsdgp9JHHE6i6RsyERZLCxv_jjHJ-dvu-7KRvM5wzqKD0dxrBbbhmaMyVNxNLO2ChgfkxW_mVBY56b0M-Ns8m12PUU5VmSlPlyQ/s1600/spring+break+%2710+267.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464193475752522418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQh_5VQH_f0JFlP9a5UWhyphenhyphen5-pALTUyWf7m1gEIhsAQsdgp9JHHE6i6RsyERZLCxv_jjHJ-dvu-7KRvM5wzqKD0dxrBbbhmaMyVNxNLO2ChgfkxW_mVBY56b0M-Ns8m12PUU5VmSlPlyQ/s400/spring+break+%2710+267.JPG" /></a> Cougars were cool too... but imagine coming across one of these in the wild. YIPE!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghc9rTclEsppWsIRYka-Hf5a9KMrp6FZPOxqJBQNWorENtf56KS2eGT9_pOfAGkVTl8gJmCkL-vanAgVjBw7_Gf3t-lUAsRx2nYM19bV-DfsBEhIT0MJ99iKaG3-ev7jhA6m_08zNuxZk/s1600/spring+break+%2710+269.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464193469350041010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghc9rTclEsppWsIRYka-Hf5a9KMrp6FZPOxqJBQNWorENtf56KS2eGT9_pOfAGkVTl8gJmCkL-vanAgVjBw7_Gf3t-lUAsRx2nYM19bV-DfsBEhIT0MJ99iKaG3-ev7jhA6m_08zNuxZk/s400/spring+break+%2710+269.JPG" /></a><br />Family pose by the flamingos -- their beautiful salmon and pink colors always make for a hit!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWW9ihSohUc4emY9WGRVeJb91FTmThTqIskAybQDi6mBGKAqZK81WdK2jzhX3TUT09FsO_hiSB1MsC96-kBRSglkPy_zviuo_6TXUaJNu8VHovFxCZu6cd69syWCBiCnTw6BKRhoHfbNQ/s1600/spring+break+%2710+271.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464193460734366914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWW9ihSohUc4emY9WGRVeJb91FTmThTqIskAybQDi6mBGKAqZK81WdK2jzhX3TUT09FsO_hiSB1MsC96-kBRSglkPy_zviuo_6TXUaJNu8VHovFxCZu6cd69syWCBiCnTw6BKRhoHfbNQ/s400/spring+break+%2710+271.JPG" /></a><br />Me and LuLu :) Love you sister!!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUDSr9_V06cRGduD3sKQeg1_hnOg3R8AnAxynXJYKmez8-vDFMvhm-QCQaexH08Pcs_4qlsoW89ee2ZMv_GKHaMWuam6dULOBeAQA5KUoJ91Z4Od-DL9Ar6rYn2ERnVArZ2mOM_uWcjI/s1600/spring+break+%2710+275.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464193453387396546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUDSr9_V06cRGduD3sKQeg1_hnOg3R8AnAxynXJYKmez8-vDFMvhm-QCQaexH08Pcs_4qlsoW89ee2ZMv_GKHaMWuam6dULOBeAQA5KUoJ91Z4Od-DL9Ar6rYn2ERnVArZ2mOM_uWcjI/s400/spring+break+%2710+275.JPG" /></a> This weekend (April 25th) Curt and I hit up the AV Poppy Reserve... and it was out of this world breathtaking!!! Sorry to say that this was the first time we had even checked this place out since we've lived here (4 years) -- and with all the rain we've had this spring, we've never seen anything quite like it! It was like God had reached down and painted the fields this vibrant orange in sweeping stripes and patches....<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2bYPXp2nRNzX482IRyQ88V1miHuyP6j7Nf8i1qcmmi3HvwFYP2yzzqCakau5oweVQUC_5pN05tO_SMmiVuP9_exEgdmeNivf6PNWsMvKkuOu0s_gCJP8B_OOJ0SUJELxzAQUFvulZIk/s1600/Spring+2010+351.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464193439480468626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2bYPXp2nRNzX482IRyQ88V1miHuyP6j7Nf8i1qcmmi3HvwFYP2yzzqCakau5oweVQUC_5pN05tO_SMmiVuP9_exEgdmeNivf6PNWsMvKkuOu0s_gCJP8B_OOJ0SUJELxzAQUFvulZIk/s400/Spring+2010+351.JPG" /></a> me and curt chilling in the poppies :)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdlDT1-PSFZpX9DY9dOqvvuI-gxJuTFfHYVVTSIMqBHzLQSr3JoMkumsKbUrhgoY_KfrR16bfX9Zu-Cx8mvB83GU-cSHGGi4f5IuSx7ia-GckADvqWLHqPcHsfHpZDS01gatLxHZyXXk/s1600/Spring+2010+352.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464192161671304018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdlDT1-PSFZpX9DY9dOqvvuI-gxJuTFfHYVVTSIMqBHzLQSr3JoMkumsKbUrhgoY_KfrR16bfX9Zu-Cx8mvB83GU-cSHGGi4f5IuSx7ia-GckADvqWLHqPcHsfHpZDS01gatLxHZyXXk/s400/Spring+2010+352.JPG" /></a><br />This gives you a sampling of the color splashes -- but the pictures hardly do the views justice!!! We actually do live in an area with a great deal of beauty... we sometimes forget this when the desert is so hot in the summer months. This was a good reminder :)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_m8Sx3ESBytHpQ7X8k2eUVFUUoKZkL6RAYKktgTabuBcHgsEoh3ZS_1eUlZ4tjUUfRUql3K3GAlnOLBXtDwxZkN9tC0pq8lG9a67iq5TtKwSUNd_KED2IrhSZc9aRKn9Z-wsc0Jejzs/s1600/Spring+2010+363.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464192155103418530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_m8Sx3ESBytHpQ7X8k2eUVFUUoKZkL6RAYKktgTabuBcHgsEoh3ZS_1eUlZ4tjUUfRUql3K3GAlnOLBXtDwxZkN9tC0pq8lG9a67iq5TtKwSUNd_KED2IrhSZc9aRKn9Z-wsc0Jejzs/s400/Spring+2010+363.JPG" /></a> Hi! :)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUL5HNBxUgJP3Lx1CbrD9zh4tYTRzavfNixa28Q22P8ir5vG53b_JGcIXbSnAyLbpRI2Gll5RUpD-_oZ_DpsHERWDYXst9WI7KefyFRTCaau4A2jGwDVSHKRvHVGgvoVoZJiptPZNsOKE/s1600/Spring+2010+365.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464192146607105410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUL5HNBxUgJP3Lx1CbrD9zh4tYTRzavfNixa28Q22P8ir5vG53b_JGcIXbSnAyLbpRI2Gll5RUpD-_oZ_DpsHERWDYXst9WI7KefyFRTCaau4A2jGwDVSHKRvHVGgvoVoZJiptPZNsOKE/s400/Spring+2010+365.JPG" /></a><br />Mountain views and bands of orange... love it!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpmnyZC7dndWpY5wPJpR11XkdB2qtGvj_yQV62mcvo_8yMPcEzOo22AfdTwmz5YTHuH8aIum5F352ArF3xJnNEVCXpo-Pmc1Sw9be-EZUV7lk1CXoH1LZWPxAcIJ-p53bDf_JQWGtf4A/s1600/Spring+2010+370.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464192136570040066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpmnyZC7dndWpY5wPJpR11XkdB2qtGvj_yQV62mcvo_8yMPcEzOo22AfdTwmz5YTHuH8aIum5F352ArF3xJnNEVCXpo-Pmc1Sw9be-EZUV7lk1CXoH1LZWPxAcIJ-p53bDf_JQWGtf4A/s400/Spring+2010+370.JPG" /></a> There were all these gorgeous purple and yellow flowers too:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8egtY4a1tosBfRWzOzq4HO0DyYcwyoEJLBwHjSRhOudNmVWL6ZXfrTTu1-3UZS1n0OekVloICtTFgeHfoNUCiJESIEPRv95GpRR80qpo0lTswdfcM53UeQuLHtJLVko24l7fuKu254o/s1600/Spring+2010+375.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464192129815205954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8egtY4a1tosBfRWzOzq4HO0DyYcwyoEJLBwHjSRhOudNmVWL6ZXfrTTu1-3UZS1n0OekVloICtTFgeHfoNUCiJESIEPRv95GpRR80qpo0lTswdfcM53UeQuLHtJLVko24l7fuKu254o/s400/Spring+2010+375.JPG" /></a> Loved this picture... the path of yellow through the purple leading to the orange....<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIjat7aqXT6svJjSO_03h81U6ymw2yzFCyRZz8VgSVBgI_rCjdjntz-l3Nbu9mmsdp0KxpDu59aMm9JcWojMsJFLtLB6LVIX7AGk8tnI6kktaufcpwHrPxXtBdueCZqI6Oj0VHriTHW0/s1600/Spring+2010+380.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464191091451306594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIjat7aqXT6svJjSO_03h81U6ymw2yzFCyRZz8VgSVBgI_rCjdjntz-l3Nbu9mmsdp0KxpDu59aMm9JcWojMsJFLtLB6LVIX7AGk8tnI6kktaufcpwHrPxXtBdueCZqI6Oj0VHriTHW0/s400/Spring+2010+380.JPG" /></a> Curt decided to take one little purple fellow home. That's legal, right?<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikcpIwPCnz4sLDX4GQOE2aXUvHjeg7YU6sKSFB15XpsYGEor_i-RqshTN8YBse7M1HgUp2-ke5B1QC9igCj3ILbuSvImnVmFKx46ZXkUJQP9mBpQTAVPbYrvla-v5TBw7PWP78ouJUsg/s1600/Spring+2010+385.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464191075658040738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikcpIwPCnz4sLDX4GQOE2aXUvHjeg7YU6sKSFB15XpsYGEor_i-RqshTN8YBse7M1HgUp2-ke5B1QC9igCj3ILbuSvImnVmFKx46ZXkUJQP9mBpQTAVPbYrvla-v5TBw7PWP78ouJUsg/s400/Spring+2010+385.JPG" /></a> Here's the victim... now planted in our backyard :)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIme4HZvEmp8iH8Dnb2IuUfsLWuvsblzctvKZApOhOFhDE1irBjBnxQBz2rVCgUe_2Mda2T45OSa2Xca-1JAJZPyKwc73rYjTuKMcecrBbXUPCDysVZkNuYIQEZpYWcJ4NOSTPdQzcKc/s1600/Spring+2010+387.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464191067078025778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIme4HZvEmp8iH8Dnb2IuUfsLWuvsblzctvKZApOhOFhDE1irBjBnxQBz2rVCgUe_2Mda2T45OSa2Xca-1JAJZPyKwc73rYjTuKMcecrBbXUPCDysVZkNuYIQEZpYWcJ4NOSTPdQzcKc/s400/Spring+2010+387.JPG" /></a> Fresh cut roses from our bushes sure give our dining table a splash of color!! :)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUDXhCdEEWqfaMBalTquONFqYHN3olugXr4dnYc0cUTJtwZ9w8_XmAnzbvvbQbuZBVAvHihpmcUMLgqhC0lBXeqpOQfKjUfGXktungsT_wt9MkPXmBimhthNvGjCsGiZKYGaLITBixQ8/s1600/Spring+2010+388.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464191060428597138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUDXhCdEEWqfaMBalTquONFqYHN3olugXr4dnYc0cUTJtwZ9w8_XmAnzbvvbQbuZBVAvHihpmcUMLgqhC0lBXeqpOQfKjUfGXktungsT_wt9MkPXmBimhthNvGjCsGiZKYGaLITBixQ8/s400/Spring+2010+388.JPG" /></a><br />Some fresh lilacs we bought from a local farmer out of the bed of her truck out at the poppy fields... our whole house smells AMAZING! :)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZItb1XhXKAcng7lY5UzDsC8Xj0xKFIZjZeaBG4SOPfWuFBEFJ0m5iSiKf2vKA4DzDAB0NjAOxv_r5VyQa0Vf-0k3Q2Q5G2UYyaZvZcq5v_Y_Jw2o87az_YCb_lsojLKXmeXIlZ6sGno/s1600/Spring+2010+389.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464191045219309602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZItb1XhXKAcng7lY5UzDsC8Xj0xKFIZjZeaBG4SOPfWuFBEFJ0m5iSiKf2vKA4DzDAB0NjAOxv_r5VyQa0Vf-0k3Q2Q5G2UYyaZvZcq5v_Y_Jw2o87az_YCb_lsojLKXmeXIlZ6sGno/s400/Spring+2010+389.JPG" /></a> A shot of part of our backyard...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1Q4kH28Ps9-nM-UnJjnbxnm1CEbNgLodhi46Iu2IeHBzxBclhwI5EbkocAos7Qi6tpviYVJ38rVpETOmY7maf0NQyfG6PuT9_F0JUxPnHha5qY55hRsMiXL0eiSUMBBHfql2CHOnnQs/s1600/Spring+2010+397.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464190072490428610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1Q4kH28Ps9-nM-UnJjnbxnm1CEbNgLodhi46Iu2IeHBzxBclhwI5EbkocAos7Qi6tpviYVJ38rVpETOmY7maf0NQyfG6PuT9_F0JUxPnHha5qY55hRsMiXL0eiSUMBBHfql2CHOnnQs/s400/Spring+2010+397.JPG" /></a> We did hanging baskets yesterday -- I planted this one :)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzzi4ScKEcHUEatPTyU0glXDMYK0Qy0e9TtZz8gpVw6Rh_dhrmTWg9hKltAjI2wcGz6mCIGw07EVYKZUXAHMaNnpzjgkZgEFTLnayzTVxSk5pA1YGGKsI4pyb-PS9oD4R6JSgYYGYEQQ/s1600/Spring+2010+399.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464190058104181490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzzi4ScKEcHUEatPTyU0glXDMYK0Qy0e9TtZz8gpVw6Rh_dhrmTWg9hKltAjI2wcGz6mCIGw07EVYKZUXAHMaNnpzjgkZgEFTLnayzTVxSk5pA1YGGKsI4pyb-PS9oD4R6JSgYYGYEQQ/s400/Spring+2010+399.JPG" /></a> Curt's gardens... here are chives, chard, and lettuce:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxTdCET2twz0N7gnGpa27IOi7iquMBQY1A6B2sFfmJN1IOA3xO9JRsVnLfiT8oxw1WZd4kDdkvNLeJEiGWwmm-q5B5GLjCCcYFVEO63eYcduwIWB5IR9MTyOBb28v1iuPD7BorRsZug0/s1600/Spring+2010+400.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464190039758094802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxTdCET2twz0N7gnGpa27IOi7iquMBQY1A6B2sFfmJN1IOA3xO9JRsVnLfiT8oxw1WZd4kDdkvNLeJEiGWwmm-q5B5GLjCCcYFVEO63eYcduwIWB5IR9MTyOBb28v1iuPD7BorRsZug0/s400/Spring+2010+400.JPG" /></a> Potatoes, lettuce, and corn:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXNv5ZsvntkGOZb5or3Zs6U2_V-1eJWA8m0ERF4emkXjY0ZJ215Aas4qMbDtYJavi1pqO6b1jbHplq8DCgjfGUQRp5gtyT7FGZaTstNwy-4Pifbz48qyTV18qGxAoM-ItPBsr1bufPco/s1600/Spring+2010+401.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464190030555265954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXNv5ZsvntkGOZb5or3Zs6U2_V-1eJWA8m0ERF4emkXjY0ZJ215Aas4qMbDtYJavi1pqO6b1jbHplq8DCgjfGUQRp5gtyT7FGZaTstNwy-4Pifbz48qyTV18qGxAoM-ItPBsr1bufPco/s400/Spring+2010+401.JPG" /></a> Hope everyone else is having a beautiful and relaxing spring! Can't wait to see everyone this summer!!! :)<br /><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Katie & Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01112456290057508617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448170773579213905.post-79743995345846395172010-02-06T08:08:00.001-08:002010-02-06T11:10:53.479-08:00Christmas 2009Better late than never getting these 2009 Christmas pictures posted to our blog! :) It seems that heading back into school and being sick for the last four weeks tends to put a damper on getting the ol' blog updated.... But never mind all that; here's what happened over the break!<br /> Curt and I took off for Bend, OR the day after school got out for Christmas break... and my sissy flew into Bend the next day! We were soooo excited to see her and Mark (he joined us closer to Christmas). Here's me, dad, and Jen at the airport in Bend:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAECoq4R6edVWFntFOFigVdXCTEJC-c1YkUnwJoYaY_QcLw3s3-puI3S1kXB8DVU3BysqKS5pWNOBc_SQo4Ov7CJhpS7SEB0HRtus0J-VzhOBakfTQbOsr6ZdcgwxHWZ4p-8PXoVXibcY/s1600-h/jenny's+camera+269.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435192883093692898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAECoq4R6edVWFntFOFigVdXCTEJC-c1YkUnwJoYaY_QcLw3s3-puI3S1kXB8DVU3BysqKS5pWNOBc_SQo4Ov7CJhpS7SEB0HRtus0J-VzhOBakfTQbOsr6ZdcgwxHWZ4p-8PXoVXibcY/s400/jenny's+camera+269.JPG" /></a> Me and sissy by the tree at my parent's house:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwArPola4_8R-IEaBSVTeqz3UsXDNimt8nw8xrpVPkYXhY58ELVUgQ4qpdTAZ8UavOnaHhU9nfvLermFzm1pE-xINFwTuObSf5lmk7m5r7PKuMtjMM3tajq8DCtHczwFzNJ7rgc8rn_y8/s1600-h/jenny's+camera+275.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435192636374107634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwArPola4_8R-IEaBSVTeqz3UsXDNimt8nw8xrpVPkYXhY58ELVUgQ4qpdTAZ8UavOnaHhU9nfvLermFzm1pE-xINFwTuObSf5lmk7m5r7PKuMtjMM3tajq8DCtHczwFzNJ7rgc8rn_y8/s400/jenny's+camera+275.JPG" /></a> My good friend Katie Ford was still in Bend when we arrived, so she came over and hung out a couple times before heading home to family in Walla Walla (soooo good to see her! Esp. since she's leaving for China in just another week... we'll miss you Ford!)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hA3Cipr8MIE2TY730jbBcf9XLhDVjK3z0My1S9L4B49cjGdCMlIfxgB8QX9ZbN-P50zWdnR-dS76N-s4DaukRqy9zif4FNcjmk1u33Efto2ppyodZR_Ijh99M9XQoFBJpRVvMWPhEQY/s1600-h/jenny's+camera+287.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435192626252200994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hA3Cipr8MIE2TY730jbBcf9XLhDVjK3z0My1S9L4B49cjGdCMlIfxgB8QX9ZbN-P50zWdnR-dS76N-s4DaukRqy9zif4FNcjmk1u33Efto2ppyodZR_Ijh99M9XQoFBJpRVvMWPhEQY/s400/jenny's+camera+287.JPG" /></a> Jen and I made a ton of mom's sugar cookies... they were soooooooooooooooooooo good. As you can see, I could barely wait to stuff them in my mouth:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2lxehH5QgZRL4tnAcenHanN-BwuCZDUyJWuC6PnplQgqRhyNWPrr_IyvhoSrXzqq1dTbrlayXfn6QZ60DRma5DFodyQFKOUe8NP3i9YD32Hw0NUpBtS0QzTUWYzIRpXn1jQoHxalcCw/s1600-h/jenny's+camera+299.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435192619300769954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2lxehH5QgZRL4tnAcenHanN-BwuCZDUyJWuC6PnplQgqRhyNWPrr_IyvhoSrXzqq1dTbrlayXfn6QZ60DRma5DFodyQFKOUe8NP3i9YD32Hw0NUpBtS0QzTUWYzIRpXn1jQoHxalcCw/s400/jenny's+camera+299.JPG" /></a> Hi mama! Here we are getting prepped to do some more serious baking -- this Christmas I learned how to make my mom's delicious buns and tea-ring! yummmmmy.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHkTb8nwRjz6iMEcXBa2xJOAf3szOFyeIxJXCQAxJ69Z6gMSe9NApmfxyvC1qC739UVw3iOu7LSpZRZXgofY9sNRF66ksE5AehvYsbtlqUJmc1Wi3VN45it7gCiNw90yHHcQL1eTZZNk/s1600-h/jenny's+camera+279.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435192604583434354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHkTb8nwRjz6iMEcXBa2xJOAf3szOFyeIxJXCQAxJ69Z6gMSe9NApmfxyvC1qC739UVw3iOu7LSpZRZXgofY9sNRF66ksE5AehvYsbtlqUJmc1Wi3VN45it7gCiNw90yHHcQL1eTZZNk/s400/jenny's+camera+279.JPG" /></a> Can you see that I am listening very intently to instructions.... just the right temp. water for the yeast, just the right amount of sugar... salt... (I can do this, I can do this!)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKV_NyX2EzZWYuU0-eLgGoMadW0pIBLIokItt8AqtDwipeG341fNQYe2CVyW0XrwuADOeCGIF9IuXi4qfxPe4QFPWTbZdGiVxLHz_1kI8bPU7FqM01C3VX7z0z1Pj0JCQm-0sjkHAkS0M/s1600-h/jenny's+camera+276.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435192598033082946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKV_NyX2EzZWYuU0-eLgGoMadW0pIBLIokItt8AqtDwipeG341fNQYe2CVyW0XrwuADOeCGIF9IuXi4qfxPe4QFPWTbZdGiVxLHz_1kI8bPU7FqM01C3VX7z0z1Pj0JCQm-0sjkHAkS0M/s400/jenny's+camera+276.JPG" /></a> It's looking like a success people! Here are the buns and rings rising:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbx3BoACqjdvc_dIetln4VgdM2kmHQ4jDRt5vJ-mONCwbO30ww2kJlduz6XAcCfl0KGCvwnCkNhYJkHZhjh-yuXdagkaxKREwVW0Z3wA1ICKSP4azrj9NWdcm9l3XaQ40No027eeI6It8/s1600-h/jenny's+camera+281.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435173413801969746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbx3BoACqjdvc_dIetln4VgdM2kmHQ4jDRt5vJ-mONCwbO30ww2kJlduz6XAcCfl0KGCvwnCkNhYJkHZhjh-yuXdagkaxKREwVW0Z3wA1ICKSP4azrj9NWdcm9l3XaQ40No027eeI6It8/s400/jenny's+camera+281.JPG" /></a> Ahhh, the almost finished product! They turned out quite lovely :)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4QbDI56hHh0zduPQKjIMmiblgNfitzJ4Llx6Fd4KBShbdC6NuU496Tk8QCzHeJTkOQw7XCvuYLgETXUW-VdXzhJvN3TXss1B5Io2PQ8xX6L57Ib1ERouTbwHZMD26Jgp9aknN2E5cUA/s1600-h/jenny's+camera+309.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435173410644702882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4QbDI56hHh0zduPQKjIMmiblgNfitzJ4Llx6Fd4KBShbdC6NuU496Tk8QCzHeJTkOQw7XCvuYLgETXUW-VdXzhJvN3TXss1B5Io2PQ8xX6L57Ib1ERouTbwHZMD26Jgp9aknN2E5cUA/s400/jenny's+camera+309.JPG" /></a> After frosting and decorating them with the classic jelly/dyed cherries - lol - I couldn't hardly wait to eat them Christmas morning:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggf7tglFJMBy8L3iWqjwdsG3Rq1d5VFNc2zoUlSOPEnAVhLw-9iub7qFN_FXlUQ5qP1xnoRoQp0vKf40NzvnP24GUsHbiPRT9hryq8cHYD6EmUrZf1qSyoNjc4aoLk9Qkl0sImPOe_whw/s1600-h/jenny's+camera+313.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435173400438915058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggf7tglFJMBy8L3iWqjwdsG3Rq1d5VFNc2zoUlSOPEnAVhLw-9iub7qFN_FXlUQ5qP1xnoRoQp0vKf40NzvnP24GUsHbiPRT9hryq8cHYD6EmUrZf1qSyoNjc4aoLk9Qkl0sImPOe_whw/s400/jenny's+camera+313.JPG" /></a> But I did.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLRTX_01-2zGcXzJEbKJ-E7zVPVgWmkYEwrDXCJzIdl5GpGDj1fnZMREwwWMechKbBSiVFzGTTH6n4nd2nFx8nBVkxsz7KQQAMM5y2Kqu2oLM9k6_TbPmL9CIXBgHitc2jTwn1S98DeM/s1600-h/jenny's+camera+316.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435173391668118210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLRTX_01-2zGcXzJEbKJ-E7zVPVgWmkYEwrDXCJzIdl5GpGDj1fnZMREwwWMechKbBSiVFzGTTH6n4nd2nFx8nBVkxsz7KQQAMM5y2Kqu2oLM9k6_TbPmL9CIXBgHitc2jTwn1S98DeM/s400/jenny's+camera+316.JPG" /></a> Hanging with the fam Christmas Eve... Curt, Chris, and Charles:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1vSpN9UsguPfH3YEjP1UFYb_Fj2CVQ4Q29NeeHTqwBAEcf7nZBnPM11jhGU6RV7HKzsYb0piJRBD8FfjUXobXQ4oR8cQ907LO9xVdss4OKEBdLdBCkft5CuS2gx5ZAJsSWvznLtQh4U/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435173379684383362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1vSpN9UsguPfH3YEjP1UFYb_Fj2CVQ4Q29NeeHTqwBAEcf7nZBnPM11jhGU6RV7HKzsYb0piJRBD8FfjUXobXQ4oR8cQ907LO9xVdss4OKEBdLdBCkft5CuS2gx5ZAJsSWvznLtQh4U/s400/Christmas+2009+001.JPG" /></a> Note to self: Do not leave plate full of fudge and snack foods on counter while at church with dogs in the house. They will in fact eat them. oops.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdslmpnEwrVP_zi_yPh8WA_UtSTODVLI-oXie89ZEjE6KdAAxzr4i5sboPaAG9H1GIQFtu_HfoLQym4gTe5R1HE4Yd-RATPJIQZ3afUHtR89onaUVOdlrSl9jp7GFAK34IWL9eJB3y4Lg/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435172116609935426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdslmpnEwrVP_zi_yPh8WA_UtSTODVLI-oXie89ZEjE6KdAAxzr4i5sboPaAG9H1GIQFtu_HfoLQym4gTe5R1HE4Yd-RATPJIQZ3afUHtR89onaUVOdlrSl9jp7GFAK34IWL9eJB3y4Lg/s400/Christmas+2009+003.JPG" /></a> Justin and Trevor (ooooohhhh, how cute):<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZvtw9Em9JNSUiXujUPrMc0owwhUANdPhQf8oQ7FXlatNPT2ZqHtM2tQI7Hsc5ieUCnWdqW1yJ1Y8mSCtWJvCotvLRny0QEQKH5W9XdQgo1rWHsdwD14J2PzRo-GuMS2PQcB6vHheTjS0/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435172104011183490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZvtw9Em9JNSUiXujUPrMc0owwhUANdPhQf8oQ7FXlatNPT2ZqHtM2tQI7Hsc5ieUCnWdqW1yJ1Y8mSCtWJvCotvLRny0QEQKH5W9XdQgo1rWHsdwD14J2PzRo-GuMS2PQcB6vHheTjS0/s400/Christmas+2009+007.JPG" /></a> Jenny and Mark - reunited at last! hehe<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2AlMCyN-3GuyyetV_QVXHJnTixQ6awi9q3EqNoGH8V3-Itluxv9ieTSlTcuh3AhzCaTMy8qYCQ2qxP8JYVeXaCdXmAWaN24BGFXjZafVfa6tqA0tIRBRx5x7TZ0FB4HmkTTKqwnkFwk/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435172098473940578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2AlMCyN-3GuyyetV_QVXHJnTixQ6awi9q3EqNoGH8V3-Itluxv9ieTSlTcuh3AhzCaTMy8qYCQ2qxP8JYVeXaCdXmAWaN24BGFXjZafVfa6tqA0tIRBRx5x7TZ0FB4HmkTTKqwnkFwk/s400/Christmas+2009+008.JPG" /></a> The hubby and I:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMp95faGTzvzumSCabkzWnHf8or1EKbRxtIJPyGN0M5NN_XY2rXicvQGN0k2nMZg6iLhqMoleikBoHaqT2HPNKh2uYyMTGBylvCopO0rN3ZDcfVOaV_uAdEVRI99-zDqTI0V4ApbYyi4/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435172091857221602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMp95faGTzvzumSCabkzWnHf8or1EKbRxtIJPyGN0M5NN_XY2rXicvQGN0k2nMZg6iLhqMoleikBoHaqT2HPNKh2uYyMTGBylvCopO0rN3ZDcfVOaV_uAdEVRI99-zDqTI0V4ApbYyi4/s400/Christmas+2009+009.JPG" /></a> Even cat joined in the festivities... and who knew she was a Guinness fan?!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQ6cQef7O8Uyjb1drOcsKnjKrjApXUnj39iYnOJqyAPLWGACOR9ROZBANZ-pzYD2HhR-SyslqGdkAhJaj-FtgH4vRAEyKwibmSbU7GL2uyMJlBgUbqrt-HQHI5CvRe4gNvkVlnWx9RqY/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435172082841084882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQ6cQef7O8Uyjb1drOcsKnjKrjApXUnj39iYnOJqyAPLWGACOR9ROZBANZ-pzYD2HhR-SyslqGdkAhJaj-FtgH4vRAEyKwibmSbU7GL2uyMJlBgUbqrt-HQHI5CvRe4gNvkVlnWx9RqY/s400/Christmas+2009+012.JPG" /></a> Chris and Karen... and surprise! Charles. hehe.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1QRTfGrv2zkkJ9JaIvuuK31E7fCalxJMYiE8sWWtpTfmjvwOpZUNDv4-iN_eU9OmxqeMAH_3kZDioa3CUiI3SVGjI3ahbMllVStuK1QhZdkTq31FjlhwEY8nES3TXIKnqS0DGlRFTq0/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+013.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435171351288368082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1QRTfGrv2zkkJ9JaIvuuK31E7fCalxJMYiE8sWWtpTfmjvwOpZUNDv4-iN_eU9OmxqeMAH_3kZDioa3CUiI3SVGjI3ahbMllVStuK1QhZdkTq31FjlhwEY8nES3TXIKnqS0DGlRFTq0/s400/Christmas+2009+013.JPG" /></a> Cat's favorite perch (out of reach from the dogs) - and hanging with Tyler:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9LO8zdJytNKoHwdR0_yzC8H0BkM_kgRucRRxEcFcXPwUJvTIsr6GWHoojCpc5LL71-p-zf1tXexYjPBQhOfPux8cK1JG2CozqGlqUk3yeKJkVUwLdWjFGEpWQdZcGgzihaVDwtmzsEc/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435171345403080610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9LO8zdJytNKoHwdR0_yzC8H0BkM_kgRucRRxEcFcXPwUJvTIsr6GWHoojCpc5LL71-p-zf1tXexYjPBQhOfPux8cK1JG2CozqGlqUk3yeKJkVUwLdWjFGEpWQdZcGgzihaVDwtmzsEc/s400/Christmas+2009+016.JPG" /></a> The weather was so cozy the whole time we were there; everything was literally frosted white:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjaykEUTdeUZFoEj3g7T8QWboObCWR7pC0D5jwyRdQCufAUNjvAmDacQAAk1sq9lKVPP1srlsWmnOWS4aw1GhSTTn7Q5-3JjGxMAdrt8c1z3rrVSoUy2qRS6CIa2Pd4huPnLYCvdMuZs/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+019.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435171338589877570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjaykEUTdeUZFoEj3g7T8QWboObCWR7pC0D5jwyRdQCufAUNjvAmDacQAAk1sq9lKVPP1srlsWmnOWS4aw1GhSTTn7Q5-3JjGxMAdrt8c1z3rrVSoUy2qRS6CIa2Pd4huPnLYCvdMuZs/s400/Christmas+2009+019.JPG" /></a> Hanging out Christmas Morning:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiza7HmCE_OF5ZKyBQB-CeTn7upi2ta3QeFo5K81Hn0-bKJxf4zptuFRhPd4W19xJzu1VvqcyLzI9UPTE52xJJKaKrDAC_RoG3R8kT0DbU1WFj5fWVf53GWAsWiEssT_xJmyZQiwsSHoeY/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+018.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435171331213483506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiza7HmCE_OF5ZKyBQB-CeTn7upi2ta3QeFo5K81Hn0-bKJxf4zptuFRhPd4W19xJzu1VvqcyLzI9UPTE52xJJKaKrDAC_RoG3R8kT0DbU1WFj5fWVf53GWAsWiEssT_xJmyZQiwsSHoeY/s400/Christmas+2009+018.JPG" /></a> The 3 amigos (aka: partners in crime):<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEsMf9rVmKohyAZL3xu2ULX_yDUhZZgZXTUSQvG-VmkucVNhChkds9V9PUZS_J7RqUK5s0jbMW6ICYZvd3ByDZYIOoquGZ5ymy4VfTgyigjn1k1OCQoUHivoJuJjUZEkpi8VmBcTrI98/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+034.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435171329085523810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEsMf9rVmKohyAZL3xu2ULX_yDUhZZgZXTUSQvG-VmkucVNhChkds9V9PUZS_J7RqUK5s0jbMW6ICYZvd3ByDZYIOoquGZ5ymy4VfTgyigjn1k1OCQoUHivoJuJjUZEkpi8VmBcTrI98/s400/Christmas+2009+034.JPG" /></a>The whole family together at last! :)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdMT92klr2zlscuzNBs_64vS15lMQmsfjz8reudxyjgMNnnY_U2irJxrN0ro6q_ipYMdA5EJuASq-O4nBt5542brXaqnMmjgaFPS5IBytci3GBPtI2mVFSOUejDvTlhSVMCpGBG14ar5k/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+037.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435169974730138322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdMT92klr2zlscuzNBs_64vS15lMQmsfjz8reudxyjgMNnnY_U2irJxrN0ro6q_ipYMdA5EJuASq-O4nBt5542brXaqnMmjgaFPS5IBytci3GBPtI2mVFSOUejDvTlhSVMCpGBG14ar5k/s400/Christmas+2009+037.JPG" /></a> We left a few days after Christmas and made our way up to Bellingham to spend New Years with Curt's family! We had so much fun being with everyone, and of course seeing how big the twins had gotten since this last summer! They are as adorable as ever!!! Here's a cute shot of Lucy at Kelli and Ethan's house:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4D7ljCHJvaur04jAxCQDBdLFg1qy1g54HeW6ILQnQgDOFKSIMY6hCK_uWk4YfK4-2muuOjFCv-9rMqUEO9AEm44tXfkrTO4aFx7MTgdNhcKBeJnxkEBF-FPMpZ5NzFYNWdfuSeu4biBg/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+038.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435169965737043042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4D7ljCHJvaur04jAxCQDBdLFg1qy1g54HeW6ILQnQgDOFKSIMY6hCK_uWk4YfK4-2muuOjFCv-9rMqUEO9AEm44tXfkrTO4aFx7MTgdNhcKBeJnxkEBF-FPMpZ5NzFYNWdfuSeu4biBg/s400/Christmas+2009+038.JPG" /></a> Having our own Christmas at Brian and Lisa's -- we exchange stockings and gave the girls a little something. It was so fun! Here's Lucy and Maddie climbing on Ethan:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrCUR43YizS_t08zclpxOzqUxBNEhcherTsnImUPwab3gptOM0NncmWdgGcoAO0MkMiC_OJ4QXuLF7RbPGd3M-BaWgcMCOB6_1k3DPgpQOpIm2-NoPgrmvlTQ4At_TOuBkO1uGmNOY6M/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+040.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435169959041417890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrCUR43YizS_t08zclpxOzqUxBNEhcherTsnImUPwab3gptOM0NncmWdgGcoAO0MkMiC_OJ4QXuLF7RbPGd3M-BaWgcMCOB6_1k3DPgpQOpIm2-NoPgrmvlTQ4At_TOuBkO1uGmNOY6M/s400/Christmas+2009+040.JPG" /></a> Here's the girls at home... hanging out and showing us their new found agility walking with a little help:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSCvNWgdUh0pPabmWJHXq66__UV40vfqha-QeI0cd4ezQOsYGMTDmyycJ786ihORP_QvXMPDIL0d-oaLGW3_BPP_igQHDaqB7lvPrRUfU17Enxea6nkMTcdGrSazn52IddW6MDQNpdXo/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+058.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435169948041819922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSCvNWgdUh0pPabmWJHXq66__UV40vfqha-QeI0cd4ezQOsYGMTDmyycJ786ihORP_QvXMPDIL0d-oaLGW3_BPP_igQHDaqB7lvPrRUfU17Enxea6nkMTcdGrSazn52IddW6MDQNpdXo/s400/Christmas+2009+058.JPG" /></a> My sissy came up to Bellingham for a day to see her good friend Amy (and me, right sis???) - I met them for Pizza downtown - it was super fun. :)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpHBTCZOLTyU7DNEfwqnxkGGo9ZBxzrJ9MGc8AdFWg2LwyqAQDnF9o_VDO13BSLg0nCsX5JY4idY65-DNDz5sC1WOcNddOGDhzQUJqYcqAh8X05POF6fzdhP-Z3Q1auNjW0bqtxS-oic/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+060.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435169939764974466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpHBTCZOLTyU7DNEfwqnxkGGo9ZBxzrJ9MGc8AdFWg2LwyqAQDnF9o_VDO13BSLg0nCsX5JY4idY65-DNDz5sC1WOcNddOGDhzQUJqYcqAh8X05POF6fzdhP-Z3Q1auNjW0bqtxS-oic/s400/Christmas+2009+060.JPG" /></a> For New Years we had dinner reservations out at "The Fork" - this great restaurant on Lake Whatcom -- we were a little disappointed that it was a fixed menu just for that night - but the food tasted delicious, and Curt was all too happy to indulge in the 5 course meal! Here's Grandma Day, Lisa, and Brian:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxSFQvIDpZwSrWu5heZZ9MAHC14RllLNo75eQsb11MOFd5_F4GvTEvvdsjqddsmFI-wa8022F0INf_aSGFgDo1AlS0a48Px4ApiOCGZTfbi-TJ2SOFoVAqSINRwHN7V5IqZBqevjwHTg/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+062.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435168146150030514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxSFQvIDpZwSrWu5heZZ9MAHC14RllLNo75eQsb11MOFd5_F4GvTEvvdsjqddsmFI-wa8022F0INf_aSGFgDo1AlS0a48Px4ApiOCGZTfbi-TJ2SOFoVAqSINRwHN7V5IqZBqevjwHTg/s400/Christmas+2009+062.JPG" /></a> The whole gang:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwlMHs9ApNJVL7u_7kWA1Bj36AqhDKat_LfvctIPiBcB9R95ynZI7D5U24eKszxeiG4Ve4ewyvIdr60l-C1rVeUIGp56_iBpTRS_LSz3jFb4c8RppaRf3jZTaBy4s7T1iP8Xy6OmOS-A/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+069.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435168137809737746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwlMHs9ApNJVL7u_7kWA1Bj36AqhDKat_LfvctIPiBcB9R95ynZI7D5U24eKszxeiG4Ve4ewyvIdr60l-C1rVeUIGp56_iBpTRS_LSz3jFb4c8RppaRf3jZTaBy4s7T1iP8Xy6OmOS-A/s400/Christmas+2009+069.JPG" /></a> The first course I believe was some type of one-bite deal with crab... I at least tasted the sauce, and Curt said it was amazing. The presentation of all the courses was really fun.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrl9Mnr09HTObzsybsx0_nUmR97Va1MK-eS7l8LIxRLwU4GxwanfmmdsHrx6sCJWJdtV9sv6WiK4N5SIil0qywpXPwOsnR3w-INvbTM6LjWLYvqa9tH0cbX3H_MiCqRhitRUtlFcRTpVE/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+064.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435168128740095362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrl9Mnr09HTObzsybsx0_nUmR97Va1MK-eS7l8LIxRLwU4GxwanfmmdsHrx6sCJWJdtV9sv6WiK4N5SIil0qywpXPwOsnR3w-INvbTM6LjWLYvqa9tH0cbX3H_MiCqRhitRUtlFcRTpVE/s400/Christmas+2009+064.JPG" /></a> Course #2: Duck liver (Foie gras), with toasted bread, a light citrus salad, and fresh grapefruit sorbet to cleanse the palate ... Mmmmmm .....<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqq9IyrInMBbOnsA_uciLQBi_9oqZoIiubDB04sY_C101W9CscexIY86PJg0iL1VjtBZGNJncRG0KAqzp2AB7lweetQVrJoyE8J4r36NJ_dX94A1B9HBuXzHNT8XF3p75b-AYWhybhoBw/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+065.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435168113982269810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqq9IyrInMBbOnsA_uciLQBi_9oqZoIiubDB04sY_C101W9CscexIY86PJg0iL1VjtBZGNJncRG0KAqzp2AB7lweetQVrJoyE8J4r36NJ_dX94A1B9HBuXzHNT8XF3p75b-AYWhybhoBw/s400/Christmas+2009+065.JPG" /></a> Course #3: The clam chowder in a fresh bread bowl with spinach leaves -- I had this as my meal, and it was lip-smackin' good!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQG7se-W2bQQAI36BXNaAWE0B_ACzGHe9h-NrogQxAaWC7xYjla9yZQ-q0WriWzap72aRa1IWL9sg_ilwEEpAOqbyvgm2zSDwgS-shgiAR6rHscFqChlkV7yqEmqgqUmqGMGPwQDr8ePg/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+066.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435168108936093138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQG7se-W2bQQAI36BXNaAWE0B_ACzGHe9h-NrogQxAaWC7xYjla9yZQ-q0WriWzap72aRa1IWL9sg_ilwEEpAOqbyvgm2zSDwgS-shgiAR6rHscFqChlkV7yqEmqgqUmqGMGPwQDr8ePg/s400/Christmas+2009+066.JPG" /></a> Ahhhhh, some chilly, fresh, lime sorbet to cleanse the palate again (to die for!):<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1Z3lRWRpmi1M1AfeASA_wTkjgr5xqc6fd4vx867IFMLUnXvJ-7phBehD0dDxPdZjs7q0BbmyZoMv0_o2HQJezhQvHXFCJCieG_QNLjKOX75u9azILmZp-orEoTvMhuBFVpS8qzmUjdI/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+067.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435167322451526018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1Z3lRWRpmi1M1AfeASA_wTkjgr5xqc6fd4vx867IFMLUnXvJ-7phBehD0dDxPdZjs7q0BbmyZoMv0_o2HQJezhQvHXFCJCieG_QNLjKOX75u9azILmZp-orEoTvMhuBFVpS8qzmUjdI/s400/Christmas+2009+067.JPG" /></a> Course #4: The main event! A medium-rare steak with an augratin potato stack (so cheesy, and soooo good), with fresh chives and sauteed greens. It was mouth wateringly fantastic!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyieBolGFvCQbt34EYa5Ft0VPFDaAHVWsqpo32JL4Rlxi-FgTGJet_5xCrKByWMjhQhDtj5IrZHTzXyTb2b_SBLTUmsLgrngpdveyWAS7RbsujUCz-nEB57D95tf7M6jfp1gARDzlFlWo/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+071.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435167316102495010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyieBolGFvCQbt34EYa5Ft0VPFDaAHVWsqpo32JL4Rlxi-FgTGJet_5xCrKByWMjhQhDtj5IrZHTzXyTb2b_SBLTUmsLgrngpdveyWAS7RbsujUCz-nEB57D95tf7M6jfp1gARDzlFlWo/s400/Christmas+2009+071.JPG" /></a> Course #5: Who can forget dessert! Some kind of brittle with peanut butter, white chocolate, real whipped cream and strawberries with chocolate-mouse-goodness. It was a lick your plate type of finish to the evening's courses. :) Thank you Brian and Lisa, and thank you "The Fork!"<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3k3yTMNYTe3bmymTVIroUySgPz1G_-D25ux3lvHsYrcmSiqDi0fn3FppqbEmkDhunQM3UVlFJf0LOFbeKFAVhrCwzJ7patXKNA7w9MuzgOfAzc-QWLBVkbiK_47LEYgZdKkHUfz_778E/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+072.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435167309921977746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3k3yTMNYTe3bmymTVIroUySgPz1G_-D25ux3lvHsYrcmSiqDi0fn3FppqbEmkDhunQM3UVlFJf0LOFbeKFAVhrCwzJ7patXKNA7w9MuzgOfAzc-QWLBVkbiK_47LEYgZdKkHUfz_778E/s400/Christmas+2009+072.JPG" /></a> Curt's Grandpa Day had to go into a nursing home before Christmas, which has been really hard for the family -- but we had many nice visits while we were there... one of which was to celebrate his birthday! It was a packed room, and so fun to see everyone and have that time together. Here's Curt and I hanging out with the babies: <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BwmVkWFQc_RChWkhR0OrIa7rQs3-NnTk11kM7VGrQsr50y_3SjvgBtlUX3L9KzqefQE0E6ektatZRsM_hjXbI5is7_VNc5kHuxfSVZq9Ww2ojHCOcsVLBRUkkhonAw9HCOTirSvbk8M/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+078.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435167301620438530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BwmVkWFQc_RChWkhR0OrIa7rQs3-NnTk11kM7VGrQsr50y_3SjvgBtlUX3L9KzqefQE0E6ektatZRsM_hjXbI5is7_VNc5kHuxfSVZq9Ww2ojHCOcsVLBRUkkhonAw9HCOTirSvbk8M/s400/Christmas+2009+078.JPG" /></a> I had to include this one last picture of Molly and Lily chillin in bed together. Our kitty HATES other cats, and most every dog for that matter... But, LOVES Molly! Sooo cute. <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBITo_fcZaCvlqjIe20-GKSoQOxxytvvOC4v7h31VEqL5qawQ1sc94DYLohDNXtQ63KwP6CgdPXOsTeBwLJAt4zsMVCA1PIXMmTwUtmllgrDwGd2QnjY60JqxbP6djzGg5ygJXbhu6B8/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+084.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435167294856692450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBITo_fcZaCvlqjIe20-GKSoQOxxytvvOC4v7h31VEqL5qawQ1sc94DYLohDNXtQ63KwP6CgdPXOsTeBwLJAt4zsMVCA1PIXMmTwUtmllgrDwGd2QnjY60JqxbP6djzGg5ygJXbhu6B8/s400/Christmas+2009+084.JPG" /></a> Well, all for now! Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas themselves... and is having a great start to the new year! Love to all family and friends! Will update the blog again soon!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Katie & Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01112456290057508617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448170773579213905.post-55443162751149421262009-12-12T08:52:00.001-08:002009-12-12T09:48:02.289-08:00Thanksgiving break!Well, once again it's been much too long since I last updated the blog! It's that time of year I think, when things get insanely busy between the holidays, and your first graders go nuts, and you just don't have a minute to think! hehe :) But I have been itching to get the pictures from Thanksgiving and our WONDERFUL time with Brian and Lisa up on our blog... so here they are!<br /><br />Curt's parents came down the Sat. before Thanksgiving, we picked them up at LAX (lovely airport, wouldn't you agree? eeewwwwwww), and headed straight for truly lovely San Diego. When we got there we hooked up with Curt's uncle Todd, aunt Jean, and his cousins Kyle and Jackson and went out for a delicious Mexican dinner in Old Town.<br /><br />The next day, uncle Todd took us on a tour of the town, and one of our first stops was MCRD (Marine Corps Recruiting Depot). Here's Curt and I after enlisting:<br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQaTNjp1wqL2fsiXqqOUSZWzeZ8aXeJjoUwW3Ka3xMSqk2LC5-cL5izvvjbI0b5ZOt6B_pK-OXxgMQgl8FYubM4clhquejpVPosVco0UU0sawCoiamBDpVO4Wui-e-iFyd8FZxqIxWr0/s1600-h/chair+pics+095.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414398474896624674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQaTNjp1wqL2fsiXqqOUSZWzeZ8aXeJjoUwW3Ka3xMSqk2LC5-cL5izvvjbI0b5ZOt6B_pK-OXxgMQgl8FYubM4clhquejpVPosVco0UU0sawCoiamBDpVO4Wui-e-iFyd8FZxqIxWr0/s400/chair+pics+095.JPG" /></a><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414398457309647794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFY3tkYtk0aYO0Gav8UTWiib4Fu4cLz_rM0DxPrBmSFIb_qT6FhCdd6om9lS7hb6uCLWTa1b9GCYW6NjRgonPi4bkbUefSDTcscdlx-UTelMvk85lyvSHQV2hgZFeEUtA-gydtxvw8B4/s400/chair+pics+097.JPG" />After checking the place out, including a pretty cool museum (complete with props as you can see above), and doing a little shopping at the exchange of course, we had a great lunch at Pizza Nova (yummmmyyyy!!!) and then headed over to Coronado, a beautiful island right off the downtown. We checked out an unbelievably gorgeous, huge, old white hotel right on the beach (I failed to get those pictures off of Lisa's camera! Shoot!)... and we walked around and checked things out - very fun. After our great day out and about, we headed inland to Todd and Jean's house for a great evening in! Jean made the yummiest kabobs and twice baked potatoes, and we finished off our meal with Kyle's apple crisp! It was delicious cousin! :) Here's Todd, Jean, Lisa, and Brian: <div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbSUzmYq1JJ3sl5afJ4OPmrRAyujyO5bi80UkOoNMKbyq_POdhToFGGSqfYAc58bnFspPDMz59V3kyKm-BJwyL3CAiHo_2w9klDr36EON2dVf9n8ITDXgFnR7qAQtzJQgd88R7RJAh8Q/s1600-h/chair+pics+096.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414398465691595842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbSUzmYq1JJ3sl5afJ4OPmrRAyujyO5bi80UkOoNMKbyq_POdhToFGGSqfYAc58bnFspPDMz59V3kyKm-BJwyL3CAiHo_2w9klDr36EON2dVf9n8ITDXgFnR7qAQtzJQgd88R7RJAh8Q/s400/chair+pics+096.JPG" /></a> We decided to do some wine tasting in Temecula on the way back up to our house, and so we checked out a few wineries, enjoying the fruits of the land in liquid form, along with a little shopping, beautiful surroundings, and relaxation. It was a great time!<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZLKyHMi2jvX3fAy_hsfzTRoZ__S9s1bVJ0hkuWyhb7FKX-3zRz6rgSrU7IrLfBdFaZIkEFnA_aHeKgc70VoMzf4XASYhz5l4ym_MijDJuhJPSiHhrx7Ohw4xboPmU-ZgIAUStXBIQ_4/s1600-h/chair+pics+101.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414398450585629410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZLKyHMi2jvX3fAy_hsfzTRoZ__S9s1bVJ0hkuWyhb7FKX-3zRz6rgSrU7IrLfBdFaZIkEFnA_aHeKgc70VoMzf4XASYhz5l4ym_MijDJuhJPSiHhrx7Ohw4xboPmU-ZgIAUStXBIQ_4/s400/chair+pics+101.JPG" /></a> This was a winery (Ponte) that cousins Jen and Brian recommended - it was way fun and delicious! I loved how it was wrapped up for Christmas:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57czKvCCuWWp3tuPuQWsCdfN2N5oNVrsOr51DhrVVl-A6AeVngb-qk6jsxQHhDhuFGVCNI7d_3SYqmis9thyQWS5Rn0Ydra-18FTH9LgX7ckTFDnw37us_AXKWV8VBC4U-iIYadMbuKc/s1600-h/chair+pics+099.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414398439208230146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57czKvCCuWWp3tuPuQWsCdfN2N5oNVrsOr51DhrVVl-A6AeVngb-qk6jsxQHhDhuFGVCNI7d_3SYqmis9thyQWS5Rn0Ydra-18FTH9LgX7ckTFDnw37us_AXKWV8VBC4U-iIYadMbuKc/s400/chair+pics+099.JPG" /></a><br />Wilson Creek winery was gorgeous and tasty as well - as you can tell! Whoa Curt!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk99uCQImHAZ2tXOtmfIFhna3Sj_MJ5-5yPssbx8zTxE9ARNcpUqb2N9Eyq3omhXCwV3_UXZjxGE9BNngs3ZkiUSlbnR0HHAzdycz1LqdsXk1YYF0XQYecgAuwXDcUPlcKdluQg3f9Ug4/s1600-h/chair+pics+102.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414396886766336786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk99uCQImHAZ2tXOtmfIFhna3Sj_MJ5-5yPssbx8zTxE9ARNcpUqb2N9Eyq3omhXCwV3_UXZjxGE9BNngs3ZkiUSlbnR0HHAzdycz1LqdsXk1YYF0XQYecgAuwXDcUPlcKdluQg3f9Ug4/s400/chair+pics+102.JPG" /></a> A quick shot of the fam at the tasting bar....<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwupn5lo-qLHJYr6cdLnxtJAnp5Z4qGl-3UFoVNZ6DNucOaAWwTbgn9egiLSU6CenbAYBwO8uy6P3JfsOdEPm3dt3k3sDKGQFodTgaq1CW1yCIVBUVXTfAgMyT65rKhjLyLhtMokMHjxI/s1600-h/chair+pics+109.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414396878123083586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwupn5lo-qLHJYr6cdLnxtJAnp5Z4qGl-3UFoVNZ6DNucOaAWwTbgn9egiLSU6CenbAYBwO8uy6P3JfsOdEPm3dt3k3sDKGQFodTgaq1CW1yCIVBUVXTfAgMyT65rKhjLyLhtMokMHjxI/s400/chair+pics+109.JPG" /></a><br />The grounds outside were aMaZing!! Just lovely - and we had perfect weather as you can see:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcIhuoe1sCUd_KJXjNhFuFL0tPeyWEGs7voDOWgofW4Te7IhNlz6pKOO4M-9eEhXfDsoKPimnmQwHYOcwZaEFezZEbOy1NjRKqpUBeCyPlXyBHCZc7TlqW1SkPOyvv6oQur6T67-_6Ek/s1600-h/chair+pics+111.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414396869224966002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcIhuoe1sCUd_KJXjNhFuFL0tPeyWEGs7voDOWgofW4Te7IhNlz6pKOO4M-9eEhXfDsoKPimnmQwHYOcwZaEFezZEbOy1NjRKqpUBeCyPlXyBHCZc7TlqW1SkPOyvv6oQur6T67-_6Ek/s400/chair+pics+111.JPG" /></a> </div><div>This was a fun sculpture on the lawn, don't you think?<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXITsY69o9kfy9efGELgTCi6lpNvwZ8o-W6lOVZwIrROvmHTaX2HY_Y_Sp3fEyAqlDx6sv3iykqA9GnzxXcdLUnzkaDhE6gr9bZhH4KDrwG7FnkypgKembUwN8FUf_15_H0-kFG3TH0i0/s1600-h/chair+pics+112.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414396862569717106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXITsY69o9kfy9efGELgTCi6lpNvwZ8o-W6lOVZwIrROvmHTaX2HY_Y_Sp3fEyAqlDx6sv3iykqA9GnzxXcdLUnzkaDhE6gr9bZhH4KDrwG7FnkypgKembUwN8FUf_15_H0-kFG3TH0i0/s400/chair+pics+112.JPG" /></a> Brian and Lisa:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmWtmJX3ffO6rS1DrxqoYkyCvJQfu7LBV52k3ZOy3Z3wxV0icieWFlUGpF1QWr5Fqz1zHeuPUEwXEpPO1xdkYP5engcoJUH0LNUgjcpZanfubQ3E4quWWsLQcffvTKdtwgAFPJ8_rm84/s1600-h/chair+pics+113.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414395799494638450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmWtmJX3ffO6rS1DrxqoYkyCvJQfu7LBV52k3ZOy3Z3wxV0icieWFlUGpF1QWr5Fqz1zHeuPUEwXEpPO1xdkYP5engcoJUH0LNUgjcpZanfubQ3E4quWWsLQcffvTKdtwgAFPJ8_rm84/s400/chair+pics+113.JPG" /></a> </div><div>Home again, home again, here we are back up in Palmdale - it was so nice having a much bigger place for our guests compared to our tiny apartment! We had so much fun hanging out with Lisa and Brian, doing a puzzle (or trying - we're bringing it home at Christmas by the way! lol), just relaxing, and enjoying the fruits of the season and being Thankful for family and friends.</div><div> Here's a shot (though not in great light) of our tree this year:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2WE9xZN1nzj_PHryOfLa6T35oKMngME7dQwGlH9WSYH-X5P5qcSkd-C2DV4P987Wsv_wBAP_e50p2Afm5PjD_GLpAElqHQFdaWWOBBpAN8-G97zPz1VV_EokGyInOVZABA2VencXWyk/s1600-h/chair+pics+121.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414395789448771714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2WE9xZN1nzj_PHryOfLa6T35oKMngME7dQwGlH9WSYH-X5P5qcSkd-C2DV4P987Wsv_wBAP_e50p2Afm5PjD_GLpAElqHQFdaWWOBBpAN8-G97zPz1VV_EokGyInOVZABA2VencXWyk/s400/chair+pics+121.JPG" /></a> Here's the table set up for the Thanksgiving feast Curt and Lisa made:<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414395770084306258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1kk0F9whwqvDHT1N4BUjTk3TtTHyvTHgI7gO1OE8vCH2kvMpbmq6_4C2a-xw5OcKVjcZN60LdEJVNL58hstsodf_pw_DxZWLag5wK9t8DZp-zW_2cvKXna4HMXxL3EcMkoMyOjZlNpg/s400/chair+pics+122.JPG" />And a last great shot of the four of us before feasting! We love you guys so much, and thanks for coming and being with us on Thanksgiving!!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgc3A_CZyvxg1HTDkCoe-HxOIvQtxWx2vqkPwSkv43slepxIhF5QBX8YOiwReRhnxcmdRxoWjQdqS3sAr3yAwzfCpVQxsLZedCdsPywLxBdZqI1J5e-tkyGgYFW63tvAuEJwWSVzK8mg/s1600-h/chair+pics+124.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414395785189360834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgc3A_CZyvxg1HTDkCoe-HxOIvQtxWx2vqkPwSkv43slepxIhF5QBX8YOiwReRhnxcmdRxoWjQdqS3sAr3yAwzfCpVQxsLZedCdsPywLxBdZqI1J5e-tkyGgYFW63tvAuEJwWSVzK8mg/s400/chair+pics+124.JPG" /></a><br /><div><div>Until Christmas...........</div><div> Love to all! :)</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Katie & Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01112456290057508617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448170773579213905.post-84582491020142128092009-11-08T07:55:00.000-08:002009-11-08T08:26:14.332-08:00Huskie FansThis fall has been so busy that I am realizing I have had absolutely zero time to update our blog on a regular basis. . . . That said, here are some pictures from the UW/UCLA game we went to yesterday at the Rose Bowl down in Pasadena. It was a blast, despite the fact that the UW lost (grrrrrrrr) and SHOULD HAVE WON. (where was the review on that touchdown play?!) Anyhoo, we're not bitter....<br /> Here's the tailgate scene, we had BBQ wings, chips and refreshing drinks all to enjoy in the sunny, 75 degree weather. There is not much to hate about California this time of year.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRH0wsUXKGuW_1SfuVp1sz4aiF_9hXErsmo65XHu5F-kAlSr8-G_H6E0H1_OwWAZcWQCk4MSm35v7Vm4P3lZFjhyEsAfLXVTCY_CykABoz3s0mpWDnL5xbJPYjme4xV5L9RC25-CE6fI/s1600-h/DSC01847.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401763532579650050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRH0wsUXKGuW_1SfuVp1sz4aiF_9hXErsmo65XHu5F-kAlSr8-G_H6E0H1_OwWAZcWQCk4MSm35v7Vm4P3lZFjhyEsAfLXVTCY_CykABoz3s0mpWDnL5xbJPYjme4xV5L9RC25-CE6fI/s400/DSC01847.JPG" /></a><br /><br /> Curt getting in a little pre-game texting<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4drdznV-dPR0lgYDu146Y8j7QKV8lykhu9wasSZeW2oTpoX06yRgmTYlDj_ZPH0FAQfcJQ4uPqfdrtlr0iTqkWUeaZLRSpx90nG1ymb0eEG5fbBvIaynJT1tFI5AfGRSVaF0mm344J_Y/s1600-h/DSC01848.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401763523431762978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4drdznV-dPR0lgYDu146Y8j7QKV8lykhu9wasSZeW2oTpoX06yRgmTYlDj_ZPH0FAQfcJQ4uPqfdrtlr0iTqkWUeaZLRSpx90nG1ymb0eEG5fbBvIaynJT1tFI5AfGRSVaF0mm344J_Y/s400/DSC01848.JPG" /></a><br />On our way into the stadium, sure of victory<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycjzA7bmYT3DhhN_A5eGydmt54KflGnRhbsGlGU_i6bq1ni-_ju7EmC5Hy0CaknNI5tdM7TsifHy77aybbvJT1yoVsqTAiaUdeVfmtlh3JKVoq3stsNQXAvlVAGZVSJE5JTaI41XOkMY/s1600-h/DSC01850.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401763522790565746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycjzA7bmYT3DhhN_A5eGydmt54KflGnRhbsGlGU_i6bq1ni-_ju7EmC5Hy0CaknNI5tdM7TsifHy77aybbvJT1yoVsqTAiaUdeVfmtlh3JKVoq3stsNQXAvlVAGZVSJE5JTaI41XOkMY/s400/DSC01850.JPG" /></a><br />Our fellow partners in tailgating and Huskie fans for the day, Brian and Andrea<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05PDgesCgavD_ud8Zp_uKng1Q_-MwEkN0ydRRWlZf41omefspLeSVga1MBeN3AJCFCWJgB5eLfzjBYmtoXajfZOQoyXJOGcMtw1wD2oH4NZZGlpicR-XGkAz3JOlsqLfC2ioxfKtt1rU/s1600-h/DSC01851.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401763510677581538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05PDgesCgavD_ud8Zp_uKng1Q_-MwEkN0ydRRWlZf41omefspLeSVga1MBeN3AJCFCWJgB5eLfzjBYmtoXajfZOQoyXJOGcMtw1wD2oH4NZZGlpicR-XGkAz3JOlsqLfC2ioxfKtt1rU/s400/DSC01851.JPG" /></a><br />Quick pic inside the Rose Bowl....<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIRb4KNu8SF2WosVnxUOtdKi5iqflJwK1X9y25Nh-3BZkOJtMffPe9tlaV2mRNtA7C99wL0NSGgjpy76UDhqV2Qa1s5u-cw7IuM-RRFCjjJ3Se1v3O0sqjjgQpopJXrpLXnMxEhZiu-I/s1600-h/DSC01852.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401763507604216386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIRb4KNu8SF2WosVnxUOtdKi5iqflJwK1X9y25Nh-3BZkOJtMffPe9tlaV2mRNtA7C99wL0NSGgjpy76UDhqV2Qa1s5u-cw7IuM-RRFCjjJ3Se1v3O0sqjjgQpopJXrpLXnMxEhZiu-I/s400/DSC01852.JPG" /></a><br />A shot of the stadium....<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhAJO5ljHorsGEWHQp0uKpjkKOvbJhytY6l-dmPfgIIP12oiHD4eGwcY5R_3u-7Um0HSvZHU01ZJivcTyiOTDrhtFUt2CxXkcpSxkuRlzBwkedzdfck7P2PsV6bEXQ4fUx0FZtSIsbZg/s1600-h/DSC01853.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401762854448163186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhAJO5ljHorsGEWHQp0uKpjkKOvbJhytY6l-dmPfgIIP12oiHD4eGwcY5R_3u-7Um0HSvZHU01ZJivcTyiOTDrhtFUt2CxXkcpSxkuRlzBwkedzdfck7P2PsV6bEXQ4fUx0FZtSIsbZg/s400/DSC01853.JPG" /></a><br />Getting ready to start!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjMXfieziZfzFnu5t-8LQI7hd7mijY75ZENtc44V7h9SQbn6ufGCspC1JQwnFvE3PyUt75CrGEQxoNA6qVCYf7n8VrWipLvmt4qwKqm-ErctpaJZDUFO1D49fck2RvM4MRy2Y-W7_PIs/s1600-h/DSC01854.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401762847956172674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjMXfieziZfzFnu5t-8LQI7hd7mijY75ZENtc44V7h9SQbn6ufGCspC1JQwnFvE3PyUt75CrGEQxoNA6qVCYf7n8VrWipLvmt4qwKqm-ErctpaJZDUFO1D49fck2RvM4MRy2Y-W7_PIs/s400/DSC01854.JPG" /></a><br />Just some football pics:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyXiOsSPR0F8b6xKrLdSaIo93nOtdW-nLEiKgj0tirOKza9Qav5w1C5wO5JRmZZ45seEMuOa2OI6Qy9u2bLsNYe2djhXMYIzcdr2XcQPiEQ7nMvc3raTXcCMylIwVZd2kgJ-J_OX57qA/s1600-h/DSC01855.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401762837510094658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyXiOsSPR0F8b6xKrLdSaIo93nOtdW-nLEiKgj0tirOKza9Qav5w1C5wO5JRmZZ45seEMuOa2OI6Qy9u2bLsNYe2djhXMYIzcdr2XcQPiEQ7nMvc3raTXcCMylIwVZd2kgJ-J_OX57qA/s400/DSC01855.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7OZPI1XPC8Nym3lQXDmeqtLWnosA6hSb5nD61zBZf1Gi6KQrWUkkCpeK8mULwQb_k1kUWCA7bR8HOF11opDpAWOP_2DZqXX2tmS7980FaqeI0SXEw1otKMUKxKGfvt0vvhakGscsAjo/s1600-h/DSC01856.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401762829586047922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7OZPI1XPC8Nym3lQXDmeqtLWnosA6hSb5nD61zBZf1Gi6KQrWUkkCpeK8mULwQb_k1kUWCA7bR8HOF11opDpAWOP_2DZqXX2tmS7980FaqeI0SXEw1otKMUKxKGfvt0vvhakGscsAjo/s400/DSC01856.JPG" /></a><br /><div>By games end: 24, 23 - UCLA. Nnnnooooooooooooooooooooo. What the heck happened UW?! Great day, but would've been even GREATER with a win, esp. when surrounded by gloating Bruins fans. Ugh.</div><div> </div><div>Will update with more pics soon, especially as we get our new place in order -- (it's taking forever). I am missing the days of working only 2 or 3 days a week and writing papers! There was so much more time for decorating...... lol. Oh well. :) Love to all family and friends! Miss you guys!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Katie & Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01112456290057508617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448170773579213905.post-43579426367066462932009-10-14T12:54:00.000-07:002009-10-14T17:32:04.292-07:00Recent Happenings in CaliIt's been FOREVER since I last updated our blog... Full time work is craziness...and I don't know where all my time goes any more! (wait...... to work). I've turned into somewhat of a flake of a friend and am tired all the stinkin' time -- BUT, am starting to "get" first grade and enjoy it more and more each week as I get the hang of things. Whew! :) I would've also updated our blog sooner had it not frustrated me to the point of almost throwing our computer out a window two weeks ago when I added these pics, as it wouldn't let me re-order them! Darn you blog! (I might have also <em>slightly</em> over-reacted, something I am good at). So I am going with them some what out of order. I will live. :)<br /><br />Remember when all those crazy fires were buring down in Cali about 6 weeks ago? We captured a few pics of the event out on the deck of our old apartment:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdnq_CWXiXgVI4Gi8LZAaecNM1Q8qfKBzcOZZN1g2wu64DETW8dp3YGy5ofFLzjo1PEV5ZyUunVylAVzhHKt-tQZOY2Pgwi0i2XsJvJq9Q0JwYmfFkNlsveMMNhc8bjl0VvVdY-tkRZA/s1600-h/DSC01757.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385872488029760066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdnq_CWXiXgVI4Gi8LZAaecNM1Q8qfKBzcOZZN1g2wu64DETW8dp3YGy5ofFLzjo1PEV5ZyUunVylAVzhHKt-tQZOY2Pgwi0i2XsJvJq9Q0JwYmfFkNlsveMMNhc8bjl0VvVdY-tkRZA/s400/DSC01757.JPG" /></a> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385872449895322546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJNtZ4ARwHaByR27Ww9-AWmtSnPKpr3U-nBKtizPtQZfrlODPM3ynI0ZUBnyNuJbrnA4TvVdx_0-G_OEAPnKw5qzdV01Abyq6xm0JNoanPdVnS7xxPsb5pK612daSrg_c1l4Uu6vv5oM/s400/DSC01762.JPG" /><br /><div>On another note, Curt suprised me with a fabulously fun trip just North of Santa Barbara in celebration of our 5 year wedding anniversary! We "camped" in this huge canvas tent, complete with a bed, electricity, and heat -- it was super relaxing and just a short walk down to the beach. Here was a little flower we saw on one of our treks (out of order)...<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385872479791747202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Er_c6vEp3cEm0pGHXpbjyFtZzO5O_eywg5YTi1f5yyMAPJzid-5V983ny_Ogk13VpD7NkRoiwnLBmt41Li1cwXhGtCftsWOMJSM71g9hlFQX04OBK_jl6FEHe8jqJcSlJ94Ky3FIxAk/s400/DSC01790.JPG" /></div><div></div><div></div><div>Curt posing in front of the sign where we stayed... we would highly recommend it! There are awesome cabins too (but a <em>tad</em> more expensive).</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385872458926779282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsN3mo-aNRK2WX9mOi0yvFG4ZK_2JhbHhNE01HBzuEiofvKCf7zoA9XQcxfLYngrmrbqYUctOe9M2rFPvPhR9Y34Zu6YjDQ9iK3BuN_GAOsUj92YHlMuZdJ-7jfjdm5XNYlrDi2ibg-Kk/s400/DSC01794.JPG" /></div><div></div><div>The long drive up to the enterance...</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtAcQ4MFeHX8fsxOC1PstOui5A1SVvWVjqmZTOwAaaissw-nRnfYC2JkXQdaTZKAaf-GDku1KsUQvQrQdkmKN0OPS2SYPgDqvyrXpjJ6C7WbpWKk-HabzwMggCMwpkP8zN17Z5qXzmd0/s1600-h/DSC01793.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385872473603094754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtAcQ4MFeHX8fsxOC1PstOui5A1SVvWVjqmZTOwAaaissw-nRnfYC2JkXQdaTZKAaf-GDku1KsUQvQrQdkmKN0OPS2SYPgDqvyrXpjJ6C7WbpWKk-HabzwMggCMwpkP8zN17Z5qXzmd0/s400/DSC01793.JPG" /></a> Walking along the beach... it was a misty and refreshing morning -- so nice to escape the 100 degree heat of the desert!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Bv-vdWdLISBzsFQYhtqU0y1B8pLhBHCepfcR7xnn-706G0RyA76L_gqkUzmbMIuXZmsz0tDec-phywzECMEWXOpF07hqutpBwO9vSy6G_ErDAswMpd7oW4bqE50YFR-XWOciDvO6EFI/s1600-h/DSC01778.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385871370447181106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Bv-vdWdLISBzsFQYhtqU0y1B8pLhBHCepfcR7xnn-706G0RyA76L_gqkUzmbMIuXZmsz0tDec-phywzECMEWXOpF07hqutpBwO9vSy6G_ErDAswMpd7oW4bqE50YFR-XWOciDvO6EFI/s400/DSC01778.JPG" /></a> Happy 5 years! hehe :)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAd6mPv9TJ0mHQGrAmi4xFXbyXm1ttUn7zPdVo4CsPgZA98pJh_zuYsvlQpPILAfDDW37xaMB39ErJo1k0nCrfR4drT1Z_Bm7Gx0reX-AebVpmX7Rb77Wzv5adKdQvvpjdEzpm5sgb2Zc/s1600-h/DSC01782.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385871362373722306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAd6mPv9TJ0mHQGrAmi4xFXbyXm1ttUn7zPdVo4CsPgZA98pJh_zuYsvlQpPILAfDDW37xaMB39ErJo1k0nCrfR4drT1Z_Bm7Gx0reX-AebVpmX7Rb77Wzv5adKdQvvpjdEzpm5sgb2Zc/s400/DSC01782.JPG" /></a><br />Random picture.... beach that way --><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFg2d2chYsTSy83vdWjte871THg8pJweuYSjY9PDXt5BpKdEnW5lGROCy6gyj_A-1C3h6G7OvGlG-cfQ9KvBHNuKRZDT2gGO-KTNCMR5rQBAG2TL-yqaunTVThgjGoARepa-r4AEBDz4/s1600-h/DSC01784.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385871353070534050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFg2d2chYsTSy83vdWjte871THg8pJweuYSjY9PDXt5BpKdEnW5lGROCy6gyj_A-1C3h6G7OvGlG-cfQ9KvBHNuKRZDT2gGO-KTNCMR5rQBAG2TL-yqaunTVThgjGoARepa-r4AEBDz4/s400/DSC01784.JPG" /></a> More beach pics:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wIyJqqVk9i8nVC1_7w50Dtzy9pYIWRHbzQnbs2K_MKLl8srKrT-vF6_vvnpBGCOx7yCj6cBnqkGsagyoe8WzhhuK-2wayf84AEwdw1zKHVIBYhb5FCjbdEamRznV8lcxpf2j1_rbm-4/s1600-h/DSC01786.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385871338327253122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wIyJqqVk9i8nVC1_7w50Dtzy9pYIWRHbzQnbs2K_MKLl8srKrT-vF6_vvnpBGCOx7yCj6cBnqkGsagyoe8WzhhuK-2wayf84AEwdw1zKHVIBYhb5FCjbdEamRznV8lcxpf2j1_rbm-4/s400/DSC01786.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNmyscy5CEs6Vlw2nL2KzillNoni3nPAECCuP_Mzy0wBU-Klr9xFyiaBdWX21cyJQdkC0o3ZuFw_L3F5C3L8e8ge4Njxx1fnkRfy_M6O20af2eLnOl23-4PQjxKkTseSo7n4clI-r6bA/s1600-h/DSC01788.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385870063652362082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNmyscy5CEs6Vlw2nL2KzillNoni3nPAECCuP_Mzy0wBU-Klr9xFyiaBdWX21cyJQdkC0o3ZuFw_L3F5C3L8e8ge4Njxx1fnkRfy_M6O20af2eLnOl23-4PQjxKkTseSo7n4clI-r6bA/s400/DSC01788.JPG" /></a> The dinning hall and general store at El Capitan -- Meals a little over-priced and greasy, but still very fun -- all part of the experience! :)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkdJDPni-UKziFM30eil0HQFx2WIml6_9880ZA2Gdj8gdhl5EnbVfL3KBaYBo6T8CjPeVtAozOTloxikqug7T7RI7gwbnvvUfyNDW1ghM0sI1lgVZiD_al-_Bgtnt1WekubSLsJ5WH3k/s1600-h/DSC01795.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385870052586519074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkdJDPni-UKziFM30eil0HQFx2WIml6_9880ZA2Gdj8gdhl5EnbVfL3KBaYBo6T8CjPeVtAozOTloxikqug7T7RI7gwbnvvUfyNDW1ghM0sI1lgVZiD_al-_Bgtnt1WekubSLsJ5WH3k/s400/DSC01795.JPG" /></a> The pool overlooking the ocean we mercifully had to ourselves a couple different times:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1SJ6HZ9AmLsdTniKEmB90WghyefN0bLowyuPkfhdHYg3GthVXWXMYwG3xlD1R4IdxtV8zvRHrP0DJuOA_hhfD9ffw0W_ehCXja5Z4liTaq2d687_KqvU6uqEvHZ8YdpI7gzVvA1RS1Y/s1600-h/DSC01799.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385870042340721218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1SJ6HZ9AmLsdTniKEmB90WghyefN0bLowyuPkfhdHYg3GthVXWXMYwG3xlD1R4IdxtV8zvRHrP0DJuOA_hhfD9ffw0W_ehCXja5Z4liTaq2d687_KqvU6uqEvHZ8YdpI7gzVvA1RS1Y/s400/DSC01799.JPG" /></a> A grape shot:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFija-TR48I9gGP3r1VAb1oVgw_Kxwi5GlbYHbRecLpLE5zPX_YDVU5RtJL7aWW_bCq6z4UYEJY5Bpknna7HtA816c-Ad-w_Ecp5b48w3_ZneMUm1108DWJUkUZyniqfB6l29YSPTJ1s/s1600-h/DSC01805.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385870033521263474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFija-TR48I9gGP3r1VAb1oVgw_Kxwi5GlbYHbRecLpLE5zPX_YDVU5RtJL7aWW_bCq6z4UYEJY5Bpknna7HtA816c-Ad-w_Ecp5b48w3_ZneMUm1108DWJUkUZyniqfB6l29YSPTJ1s/s400/DSC01805.JPG" /></a><br />Me and the tent:<br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AbPewTenDuyFv3mnpM9nhPjCeOLWyo1IeivxZi_cNzV-ldlEmOjr7m7mPrrzAV50sY6vTXvwximzqXkTbm3fls0YbxgUnk1gf45pMd0CHEiEnZySrf6J4a1CXtrPBEPvuGryAPSp4rI/s1600-h/DSC01771.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385871376181561666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AbPewTenDuyFv3mnpM9nhPjCeOLWyo1IeivxZi_cNzV-ldlEmOjr7m7mPrrzAV50sY6vTXvwximzqXkTbm3fls0YbxgUnk1gf45pMd0CHEiEnZySrf6J4a1CXtrPBEPvuGryAPSp4rI/s400/DSC01771.JPG" /></a>More grapes! (out of order... GRRRrrrr).<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiGBWGTbg24P2LNShMDfY8W6pQjm2ZFFEPJF2vP_Unayt8RiiSDWiE9i31gou3CbJVl-XRvz-cHxl2H2aI8SCXodPG_bkhBuvcGMDsGZ6oNxsLL1cY1JLFwU9K3w2SiiEEgeh5XZpbv4/s1600-h/DSC01806.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385870022108159074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiGBWGTbg24P2LNShMDfY8W6pQjm2ZFFEPJF2vP_Unayt8RiiSDWiE9i31gou3CbJVl-XRvz-cHxl2H2aI8SCXodPG_bkhBuvcGMDsGZ6oNxsLL1cY1JLFwU9K3w2SiiEEgeh5XZpbv4/s400/DSC01806.JPG" /></a> Curt made dinner reservations Sat. night at a FABULOUS place called Bouchon in downtown Santa Barbara -- it was AMAZING. They specialize in fresh, seasonal, organic foods. You know the meal is going to be good when the bread and butter before you even begin your meal is out of this world! The rest of the food and wine did NOT disappoint. My salad below -- pear, nut, and goat-cheese with a vinaigrette and caramelized onions... Mmmmmm...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXp1Uig_ElWMWv9duR5V0xgyobafqiQWSIjYErc58mVgQFl6M5GPM3Sg_vpRFJ1NYoMJJDo-L2pFv1op6JjX0E9nS1AbJ7ZUNRvfj5OaXLsjfzto1sSMdGXugP_ruqt_uxJ-eN_jtAJ80/s1600-h/DSC01809.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385868757567681954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXp1Uig_ElWMWv9duR5V0xgyobafqiQWSIjYErc58mVgQFl6M5GPM3Sg_vpRFJ1NYoMJJDo-L2pFv1op6JjX0E9nS1AbJ7ZUNRvfj5OaXLsjfzto1sSMdGXugP_ruqt_uxJ-eN_jtAJ80/s400/DSC01809.JPG" /></a> Curt said his heirloom tomato salad was the best thing he has EVER eaten. It was soooo good. The pictures don't do it justice either; we didn't want to be "those" patrons with the flash going off every few minutes on our camera in a nice restaurant. hehe.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYZ3d0Uk6jmNjB3gBH1oiI3niJrD5bNAnmXy6iHEISmhzdswCb32bdhmhUT4-0J_1hi3GTyrureov01M8KG6pvTo182jiQq-qoxt6VClBW-eG3cABur4-fC3qUE4rHW39L85weIIE7Y4/s1600-h/DSC01812.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385868750019759218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYZ3d0Uk6jmNjB3gBH1oiI3niJrD5bNAnmXy6iHEISmhzdswCb32bdhmhUT4-0J_1hi3GTyrureov01M8KG6pvTo182jiQq-qoxt6VClBW-eG3cABur4-fC3qUE4rHW39L85weIIE7Y4/s400/DSC01812.JPG" /></a> Sharing our YUMMY dessert -- lemon ice-cream with a blueberry cake and fresh berries. Mmmmm... Loved every bite!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQu6fShKM6GzVjGJty6VuuhnLzzeWLv8UOSqNN9RphkMq8iA7A3R9xJBYrKw5zd0tLLjuUAsigUSxIpAfr2YUj2cCetKlGBBXt273tv_J2X0_RtYWq6XvStqwmkf_6d9sWpmIwZki1lQ/s1600-h/DSC01815.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385868739815835266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQu6fShKM6GzVjGJty6VuuhnLzzeWLv8UOSqNN9RphkMq8iA7A3R9xJBYrKw5zd0tLLjuUAsigUSxIpAfr2YUj2cCetKlGBBXt273tv_J2X0_RtYWq6XvStqwmkf_6d9sWpmIwZki1lQ/s400/DSC01815.JPG" /></a><br />Snapped a quick pic outside... Thanks for the AmAziNg food Bouchon!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrhoDvcgSuzGZ6xymi-WHeWxn6RaT-QddtxPkIZicYCrEJaodo_GkSDUARRZR6CT40eqLCV7gMlPh1HdEDGAZvyqH1iNiOGgWU1s5N4oSKRXv23t6zbabJTH7XYcfDCWvHgDRiyQpMNw/s1600-h/DSC01816.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385868732185209202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrhoDvcgSuzGZ6xymi-WHeWxn6RaT-QddtxPkIZicYCrEJaodo_GkSDUARRZR6CT40eqLCV7gMlPh1HdEDGAZvyqH1iNiOGgWU1s5N4oSKRXv23t6zbabJTH7XYcfDCWvHgDRiyQpMNw/s400/DSC01816.JPG" /></a> One last pic of the tent -- an inside shot! Fun fun... (but also out of order). :)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKzSfecBHy5M1xdeEQrfPb2IRh-jTJe8tpEUkCAoNKxSut5fJB8UhzodfDlgMpRw_59sNVEvf6SUfEu4bNKUYg1T46QKt24kZEF7hlkCUsge31s_qhxCIk1B2Ye2KdGvmIBgpU-WKV6E/s1600-h/DSC01822.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385868718258537794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKzSfecBHy5M1xdeEQrfPb2IRh-jTJe8tpEUkCAoNKxSut5fJB8UhzodfDlgMpRw_59sNVEvf6SUfEu4bNKUYg1T46QKt24kZEF7hlkCUsge31s_qhxCIk1B2Ye2KdGvmIBgpU-WKV6E/s400/DSC01822.JPG" /></a> Fabulous weekend! Great way to celebrate 5 years! </div><div>Will update again soon with pics of our new place (we are renting a house... yippppeeeee!) and maybe some pics of my classroom!</div><div>All for now....</div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Katie & Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01112456290057508617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448170773579213905.post-86763332282713583512009-09-06T13:20:00.000-07:002009-09-06T13:20:33.292-07:00The Last Days of Summer....<p>So the last week has brought with it some big changes in the Stephan California household! I was officially offered a job this past Thursday.....Yaaaayyyy!!! I got the call while teaching my 6th graders during my long term sub job... the district sent a sub in later that morning, and I had 1/2 of Thursday and Friday to fill out paper work, clean my new classroom, set it up (as much as I could), and prepare materials for the little first grade kiddos on Tuesday morning! WheW! It was a long and semi-stressful Friday -- but my fellow first grade teachers were unbelievably helpful, and made me feel sooo much better by the time I left Friday evening. More updates to come on this however... and pictures, but for now, I have got to finish up this summer!! So let's head to Bend, my parent's new home (still crazy to think about!)..... Here's a great shot of Mt. Hood on our way down from Portland, where we spent the weekend before at my brothers' homes:</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376300301001832898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFRGtzilB5rKufDrei2_fYJB_E6Nk46awU6CHUpNbx8NuPq87YRLVD40Qu53qtAZMgVEnNFKehMo8Ss5jFOMSw6ob23XoIBMxXZH8tLesOZfMI0ZTNdFApMU0xME2tVTYq0OhYngmjgY/s400/DSC01553.JPG" border="0" /><br />Let me tell you, we sure didn't waste any time getting straight to work helping my parents paint their new house! We were so excited to help start making it more of a home by getting some color on the walls and some decorative items unpacked.... Here's Curt getting ready to roll:</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8HxlJ-v7JA4TX_zbggtgxg3fgDawsoF_6rbal_KEtalwqtZb1XYexSwulOHXOjThRpW7Xib5Yw0Xg5gHHGBvfg_q0zXZjlXfqG2xH49EbW4XRinSvk4i0blMA6dRUTVV19727tkxlc0/s1600-h/DSC01554.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376304398053845138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8HxlJ-v7JA4TX_zbggtgxg3fgDawsoF_6rbal_KEtalwqtZb1XYexSwulOHXOjThRpW7Xib5Yw0Xg5gHHGBvfg_q0zXZjlXfqG2xH49EbW4XRinSvk4i0blMA6dRUTVV19727tkxlc0/s400/DSC01554.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here's mom hanging out in the great room, with the dining room behind her. All the big windows in the house are just gorgeous, and let in tons of natural light, which I love! Notice how everything is stark white and moved into the middle of the rooms..... Lot's to do, but I love a blank slate!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ePNFlRM0IYGGaA-4wgUFoR4p4_z-YxxrC8rByrVONYRYo7IhZqLOusPC5bcmRFZkjsvuJTeAdNvbghyphenhyphen1t-kEqeZTx0bx313bLlnBix_dlZgSLGzyoSC3et3C5CCdwa5sWAXZ7ZbGzLg/s1600-h/DSC01557.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376304035673329282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ePNFlRM0IYGGaA-4wgUFoR4p4_z-YxxrC8rByrVONYRYo7IhZqLOusPC5bcmRFZkjsvuJTeAdNvbghyphenhyphen1t-kEqeZTx0bx313bLlnBix_dlZgSLGzyoSC3et3C5CCdwa5sWAXZ7ZbGzLg/s400/DSC01557.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Already paint on the walls is making a HUGE difference... getting above the cabinets was a little tricky, as demonstrated in the photo below, but never-the-less, the warm yellow tone popped the rich color of the cabinets and wood flooring right out.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhHpFaa7ob8hTIJxn4UBCZqryfGIY9nAuMqcnY9h765CaJwDqqy3GUggG5kaMlCemQPrYgBvww8xJJAIoh5ykFfhucnEIOBpEz7nf3jx7mS0puxL8-CJEo7uSiGY1-UMubbJtAxpHvow/s1600-h/DSC01560.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376304030852122738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhHpFaa7ob8hTIJxn4UBCZqryfGIY9nAuMqcnY9h765CaJwDqqy3GUggG5kaMlCemQPrYgBvww8xJJAIoh5ykFfhucnEIOBpEz7nf3jx7mS0puxL8-CJEo7uSiGY1-UMubbJtAxpHvow/s400/DSC01560.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Hideous shot, but thought I would include documentation of my holding a paint brush as well. I served in the prepping (aka: taping) and edging department (aka: standing on my tippy toes trying not to paint the ceiling while my arm is shaking): not my favorite, but I was out on the whole rolling thing!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8yiZsZxCLoohHpwdXq0LEvNhDGr0Y2D9AB5ugEKNTI_iYzoItUHm9A4ZViHH5Msr7lDyzuV6bLibVT5r2R29lSMMC3jfvDI-NxzCO37o3Zej5H0Bl73ke9fgWkILeBv0VSMlrcLZlIs/s1600-h/DSC01561.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376304022128072226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8yiZsZxCLoohHpwdXq0LEvNhDGr0Y2D9AB5ugEKNTI_iYzoItUHm9A4ZViHH5Msr7lDyzuV6bLibVT5r2R29lSMMC3jfvDI-NxzCO37o3Zej5H0Bl73ke9fgWkILeBv0VSMlrcLZlIs/s400/DSC01561.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />One of our favorite things about our week in Bend, (besides just being with family which was the best!), were all the incredible rain and thunder storms we got to experience.... They were crazy!! Hail one day, torrents of rain the next (as I try to show below), and incredible lighting too (documented even farther below). Anyway, the bursts of moisture were welcome relief to the heat and super fun to watch. I wish you could see how hard the rain was falling in this shot!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xPKNY8cjNXaDTIHr4YISMchHvbCdjlaKy0T0MwkMPnRzXqQLzpiAGk1JcXOItIVYDiy9cnxJwMlxGDUVfGYm0LhYvIoHO4D_61U5P56zsY7oLM4UKO4ZfRF4HWoB5XjHCrAj3ZEc3Jk/s1600-h/DSC01564.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376304009471580930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xPKNY8cjNXaDTIHr4YISMchHvbCdjlaKy0T0MwkMPnRzXqQLzpiAGk1JcXOItIVYDiy9cnxJwMlxGDUVfGYm0LhYvIoHO4D_61U5P56zsY7oLM4UKO4ZfRF4HWoB5XjHCrAj3ZEc3Jk/s400/DSC01564.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The rain brought out a few little friends too.... including this adorable frog! I went out and tried to hold it, and it promptly relieved itself on me (thanks a lot!). Needless to say, our time together ended before it began.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HvtZd6Mlq65xeLNsF67A5iRoI8VEbDemF6pN2lkhfyHjpHle33AbWWv23IFeGIfbrXC-M9vZBMxMPEp2kYukg6aCUriTrcPouCVaPJ8ekmhZBJE5XSWl2_8KfuJZcLSuieBWuzYCjLo/s1600-h/DSC01565.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376304002976494834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HvtZd6Mlq65xeLNsF67A5iRoI8VEbDemF6pN2lkhfyHjpHle33AbWWv23IFeGIfbrXC-M9vZBMxMPEp2kYukg6aCUriTrcPouCVaPJ8ekmhZBJE5XSWl2_8KfuJZcLSuieBWuzYCjLo/s400/DSC01565.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here's a shot of the kitchen with the paint all done, including our very favorite color on the left wall, Cocoa Bean.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSJ5ln90CySU613WfrDS0UDRvQpI6u7AjHvL11aSFdyUnfchGU4AqFZBk7m5EeH3pWh1XS7EUf4JMaqC7ICLapPSPGNkNEpw3mQa0AXEC0tpt5p7TjOwYILIlRXM_4Km_lI0qnkw_Jic/s1600-h/DSC01571.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376302775143203378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSJ5ln90CySU613WfrDS0UDRvQpI6u7AjHvL11aSFdyUnfchGU4AqFZBk7m5EeH3pWh1XS7EUf4JMaqC7ICLapPSPGNkNEpw3mQa0AXEC0tpt5p7TjOwYILIlRXM_4Km_lI0qnkw_Jic/s400/DSC01571.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The great thing about where my parents live is that there are about 3 dog parks right in the area, all just a few short miles apart. Their dogs LOVE it... and my mom is so good at taking them out... usually 2 or 3 times a day for runs or walks. (Mom, I know there is a good chance I'm spelling their names horribly wrong, so sorry!)... But, here's me, Charlie, mom, and Colette:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4J9XhVmrl29iDxEWONhiUbtF3CLs4nFbNK96zrQNO5frf48-ZEloXy-8Ck5cFymE7MhYKPExrfyMcDJmdKMNOlWJ3nh7N3bbXkmrew9X4nabTcOhm7NxwYOL_X_BeKikeJFw9wn4XKg/s1600-h/DSC01577.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376302764234103778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4J9XhVmrl29iDxEWONhiUbtF3CLs4nFbNK96zrQNO5frf48-ZEloXy-8Ck5cFymE7MhYKPExrfyMcDJmdKMNOlWJ3nh7N3bbXkmrew9X4nabTcOhm7NxwYOL_X_BeKikeJFw9wn4XKg/s400/DSC01577.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We went into downtown Bend one night when my dad arrived for a yummy dinner out, and our walk afterwards lent us this incredible sunset shot over the Deschutes River! We just fell in LOVE with Bend.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5v9QT_5sJczfHbALWhfYJB6Ii1oSHIH-vk85J1nneGDhLCV4PiyMNYJIJtZ-n6d3CeBstggY2i-ES4psUzMRfjrNYl4gGb8KZqXS6VksG-uYd5rUzv_VhlxmzPKY6_Yv2NzAZaFXsWbk/s1600-h/DSC01580.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376302751299449474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5v9QT_5sJczfHbALWhfYJB6Ii1oSHIH-vk85J1nneGDhLCV4PiyMNYJIJtZ-n6d3CeBstggY2i-ES4psUzMRfjrNYl4gGb8KZqXS6VksG-uYd5rUzv_VhlxmzPKY6_Yv2NzAZaFXsWbk/s400/DSC01580.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here's Curt, me, dad, and mom.... I love this picture with all the soft light in the background.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqgnoNZX2W2_-X0p5UjRcs5vmV7Au7MXrkGf-2Lq792w-dUWZbuW-sfUflwJV5Zp0XfrrN8CTWE-71ZS3k5tcuaeiwM3uLWzMu2HKSjKXyYUzcsPgRYyHZY87B_q_-h4lvGqQdpyxgPE/s1600-h/DSC01586.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376302743081569346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqgnoNZX2W2_-X0p5UjRcs5vmV7Au7MXrkGf-2Lq792w-dUWZbuW-sfUflwJV5Zp0XfrrN8CTWE-71ZS3k5tcuaeiwM3uLWzMu2HKSjKXyYUzcsPgRYyHZY87B_q_-h4lvGqQdpyxgPE/s400/DSC01586.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here's the entry-way of their house (on the right), and the great room..... things were really starting to come along after the paint got on the walls. We started pulling out decorative items, which was so fun! Did I mention, however, that me, Curt, and mom moved the grand piano and the armoire (featured in the picture below)? Let's just say our limbs were sore for days afterward, and it looked like Curt had taken a box cutter to his forearms!! Poor thing did the brunt of the lifting -- I'm a total weakling.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3P0inXGwFPDnSPU_MF-fMk_ncOtCilYWpCUeVmYh3FmjYpYU285xKWUbHq82gV_PsfJ1x3RyJFPylmxV2hjG7wAUMOl4ix_dEgoOwpjjwy9g5ekmB1TuTtLKM82jtH-_oeoVAGHrMA8Q/s1600-h/DSC01587.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376301814258808866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3P0inXGwFPDnSPU_MF-fMk_ncOtCilYWpCUeVmYh3FmjYpYU285xKWUbHq82gV_PsfJ1x3RyJFPylmxV2hjG7wAUMOl4ix_dEgoOwpjjwy9g5ekmB1TuTtLKM82jtH-_oeoVAGHrMA8Q/s400/DSC01587.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />A look from the great room back into the breakfast room and kitchen. Love it, love it! And there's that beast of a piano we moved. I shuddered to think about moving that thing ever again. Yeeeesh.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0nbaIOsK7IMAZATwV212sCeG-qHzUggBUjoQSAcuAlZ4GdSsRsquA9B_ksh_nLejU-i-T-Btks1ILlbCqqdX1-LYPQK7KZVCU6SS8zYotlEtBnC-X67krUnera0H2JuAfvmAw8DiqL0/s1600-h/DSC01588.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376301803650515282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0nbaIOsK7IMAZATwV212sCeG-qHzUggBUjoQSAcuAlZ4GdSsRsquA9B_ksh_nLejU-i-T-Btks1ILlbCqqdX1-LYPQK7KZVCU6SS8zYotlEtBnC-X67krUnera0H2JuAfvmAw8DiqL0/s400/DSC01588.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />So while we were in Portland visiting my brothers and family, Curt snuck down to Eugene for a night to go fishing with his buddy Simon. He caught a huge Steelhead, which he promptly froze so the whole family could be lucky enough to enjoy it together later. The meal Curt made with it was out of this world! For those of you that don't know... Curt loves to cook. And let me just say, he is darn good at it.... as I tried to showcase in the picture below. I can only take credit for the salad... the fish, potato salad, and asparagus were all his, and packed with a flavor punch! MMmmmm.....<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhmobbbGOgVQ59vL3mF22hqoxg2mY79O5klJDcHRcROwciSUA-rXZx-0dZCxXSKfZAKRWyARDCSwGvZA-G-GAjuMq_5D_sPi5aCjGWBqLXo0FwgvojMSyoySJaTgqt2qXSg91mWYK-DA/s1600-h/DSC01591.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376301793984468082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhmobbbGOgVQ59vL3mF22hqoxg2mY79O5klJDcHRcROwciSUA-rXZx-0dZCxXSKfZAKRWyARDCSwGvZA-G-GAjuMq_5D_sPi5aCjGWBqLXo0FwgvojMSyoySJaTgqt2qXSg91mWYK-DA/s400/DSC01591.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here's Chris, Karen, Curt, my dad, mom, and I at the table ready for the fish-feast:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMlUFtniq0IbMKOrG9URIG-pdmWUARJFWNa9n8_jklrEKb_zW7ZLJ5y8ykH9hUOEPRmxbadqoFEpirQrZ_Z62JBbRVucJeK_HyP4uj4wNmK2RqDJfD9L_fHz8WXSbk4jmtSEOJauBNV0/s1600-h/DSC01592.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376301245588782018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMlUFtniq0IbMKOrG9URIG-pdmWUARJFWNa9n8_jklrEKb_zW7ZLJ5y8ykH9hUOEPRmxbadqoFEpirQrZ_Z62JBbRVucJeK_HyP4uj4wNmK2RqDJfD9L_fHz8WXSbk4jmtSEOJauBNV0/s400/DSC01592.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />There was another gorgeous sunset that night... after another torrential rain storm. Love, love, love the rainy stormy afternoon's and evenings.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-yhArMfrnycqawrmEDLK258sg3ASyKRomuDQw6F8SZiAio1mbhmvUPUhyphenhyphenqqgldCbj09s3QaexSfZcdEyujvmwzzL3fHgTPO4B4JB3rdnHkr9h-wE2J0Wi15DQHAbIZwsEp0OjU-Y_EQ/s1600-h/DSC01604.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376301230657475538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-yhArMfrnycqawrmEDLK258sg3ASyKRomuDQw6F8SZiAio1mbhmvUPUhyphenhyphenqqgldCbj09s3QaexSfZcdEyujvmwzzL3fHgTPO4B4JB3rdnHkr9h-wE2J0Wi15DQHAbIZwsEp0OjU-Y_EQ/s400/DSC01604.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Hi brother!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBF5dS9hdGaBWzhLBo89kwkQItnujWi5ETzqhkWQCnawSReqYairzXcDYp4RruvSMFFp90v8Ki1gYnj_i8cWav1zb7RYjA6bwBo2vMeKxCE19sEMHNNnSSFQ2ClvHcelKfJuRdE5UkfRY/s1600-h/DSC01606.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376301230222329778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBF5dS9hdGaBWzhLBo89kwkQItnujWi5ETzqhkWQCnawSReqYairzXcDYp4RruvSMFFp90v8Ki1gYnj_i8cWav1zb7RYjA6bwBo2vMeKxCE19sEMHNNnSSFQ2ClvHcelKfJuRdE5UkfRY/s400/DSC01606.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Karen, me, and mom..... the sun was so stinkin' bright that we all appear really peeved about something in this picture... like the blinding, scorching sun. <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Q-13C3FrG94EEqiKLV30RCbiu9OW3gOCoi4YaKofntcmK2iDsxPE7KMn8lZ2mzU0emg4ld1wph7O58_IL4qEsTVjVCixGvf88GidkOvIB67lmzhHAaQQRNKjp-MUyB6yKOWhjG7CZOA/s1600-h/DSC01607.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376301218542175042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Q-13C3FrG94EEqiKLV30RCbiu9OW3gOCoi4YaKofntcmK2iDsxPE7KMn8lZ2mzU0emg4ld1wph7O58_IL4qEsTVjVCixGvf88GidkOvIB67lmzhHAaQQRNKjp-MUyB6yKOWhjG7CZOA/s400/DSC01607.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Me and Charlie having some bonding time, although, don't I look more excited than she does?<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GJUsUXCv-T43oBB5oBQ_f7N9C9H6qzY2ilgSoB3N_B2CoQVJsAl7cjp7Lu-aJ_F2fodQqlMKnD2nUpoufaX-g4HUR-CA2heXlx8044kO8BFp2D2-RSCkgTygqZZ72L2JIjZniZdloUA/s1600-h/DSC01609.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376300335000540114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GJUsUXCv-T43oBB5oBQ_f7N9C9H6qzY2ilgSoB3N_B2CoQVJsAl7cjp7Lu-aJ_F2fodQqlMKnD2nUpoufaX-g4HUR-CA2heXlx8044kO8BFp2D2-RSCkgTygqZZ72L2JIjZniZdloUA/s400/DSC01609.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Colette and Charlie hanging out.... They are so cute! And let me tell you, the fact that they don't shed a hair is pretty cool.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgMXCvl1P_wtl5NtC9W0k86K7Uba-Nc_1r7BmCA5mgGhTJuU57U4mXzD2PXO4D8d6SJQhJyC2vi8vQydgEEX8fgHlIesyaE2nmV96bIy0kYqyaM4neblJQvzEnWujA7zs6yxf2a8vOgE/s1600-h/DSC01613.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376300317507511138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgMXCvl1P_wtl5NtC9W0k86K7Uba-Nc_1r7BmCA5mgGhTJuU57U4mXzD2PXO4D8d6SJQhJyC2vi8vQydgEEX8fgHlIesyaE2nmV96bIy0kYqyaM4neblJQvzEnWujA7zs6yxf2a8vOgE/s400/DSC01613.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />As a final parting shot, the last night we were at my parent's house there was a WickEd thunder and lighting storm. Curt took the digital camera outside, and after taking a hundred or more pictures, was please to find he captured this awesome lighting pic!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOh01mNSztQBBGqlvU0PRuHbm9YwnX0rKDxZ-QGtTVPlXPfuDhyphenhypheniv2QFKZlxDoi5KJVJm_yq4L4Vp7ueIr_vEctn5BZ7G-uwdUep-PiuZkTZ2XxtHZRFcffhUSLpofgHvw-is-ZZiFPog/s1600-h/DSC01631.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376300310429268018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOh01mNSztQBBGqlvU0PRuHbm9YwnX0rKDxZ-QGtTVPlXPfuDhyphenhypheniv2QFKZlxDoi5KJVJm_yq4L4Vp7ueIr_vEctn5BZ7G-uwdUep-PiuZkTZ2XxtHZRFcffhUSLpofgHvw-is-ZZiFPog/s400/DSC01631.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>We miss you family! Can't wait to get back up to Oregon and Washington to visit! Love you guys, and mom and dad... LOVE the new place! We are super excited to explore much more of Bend and the surrounding countryside. Until next time....</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Katie & Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01112456290057508617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448170773579213905.post-36639580969580205982009-08-30T18:57:00.000-07:002009-08-30T18:57:00.605-07:00Hanging out in the 'ham! (part 2)Slowly but surely I am catching our blog up! (This statement seems to be a theme, I know). Things in Cali are going well... Curt and I are both super busy with school and having a great time hanging out with friends and enjoying the summer weather; though it would be nice if it were just a <em>tad</em> cooler. But, let's get back to life in Bellingham this summer, which had its own warm, sunny weather! Here's LuLu and I with the twins... I'm holding Lucy, and Alyssa has Maddie.<br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGg7IvqxKzqOg5VCV-Hf6m8okkPO_zUmPr2A5ccRoHqj5QBR2DuxvXK4zOFBvpKVsaabQTpR2iKQ2eBLh6quS3NsZqmhJfS2_RavUjqTSd1-TUx2jmhBosQPSpYuOEjXWz3Nh1lA0t8k/s1600-h/Lisa+camera+233.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370218946256162194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGg7IvqxKzqOg5VCV-Hf6m8okkPO_zUmPr2A5ccRoHqj5QBR2DuxvXK4zOFBvpKVsaabQTpR2iKQ2eBLh6quS3NsZqmhJfS2_RavUjqTSd1-TUx2jmhBosQPSpYuOEjXWz3Nh1lA0t8k/s320/Lisa+camera+233.JPG" border="0" /></a> We enjoyed a super fun Stephan family BBQ in Brian and Lisa's backyard.... including delicious yummies and family photos. Here's our family... Lu, Curt, me, Lisa, Brian, and Kelli and Ethan with Lucy and Maddie. (We miss you guys sooooo much!)<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KmnFQsTmYYhj5wZ_bdIDofO5tsTN-ARBes7DD2hKNuQVc3k7UqcydTO08SsnQ8eP8lXdh5K7SnatDVi9yFlDsFy-BoV24B4tWLq21EqcKdwXScOBhB2CNqPKQg4pfqgvixLtU-c2Hyg/s1600-h/Lisa+camera+242.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370218928583164930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KmnFQsTmYYhj5wZ_bdIDofO5tsTN-ARBes7DD2hKNuQVc3k7UqcydTO08SsnQ8eP8lXdh5K7SnatDVi9yFlDsFy-BoV24B4tWLq21EqcKdwXScOBhB2CNqPKQg4pfqgvixLtU-c2Hyg/s320/Lisa+camera+242.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here are the Kolb's.....<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbey2i-UFDC_bavGcKRalqK9kX5DzExLWrNS6dtct9CS0MLsRM-OOHYO4ASitsnyzsvhRDaJcQrMYRyV-S8YBOXxe6Cq3OiraEJsnCZFsq_K4wqBnMW31TcS8XU84Kr5Wxqp6C01XRPnQ/s1600-h/Lisa+camera+244.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370218925403536050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbey2i-UFDC_bavGcKRalqK9kX5DzExLWrNS6dtct9CS0MLsRM-OOHYO4ASitsnyzsvhRDaJcQrMYRyV-S8YBOXxe6Cq3OiraEJsnCZFsq_K4wqBnMW31TcS8XU84Kr5Wxqp6C01XRPnQ/s320/Lisa+camera+244.JPG" border="0" /></a> And the Stephan's....<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370218934846742914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswp5Ant_impyzMiesWxjk5DTqMUTbmNs5gpzrauYhlnaKcUxOew2R6KKpyceA6KMgSA1v4kQE1T72P7fyf5hxj0DIk5w13nNc1nTjj1vrEPNe2cFAfH2QamyRAGPRNWDhy3VfVE1bjno/s320/Lisa+camera+241.JPG" border="0" />Here's Kelli and I with Lucy, trying to stay cool in the shade:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9PP80mHDKr7YMhNUZy-_gTqz5q8agteSxJO5LMy9es0A2rdSGFPXHUzL_Wv15HcTAeVtOpcW-myxclGTrSdaRy7Rf9oaBHQW4oj8xPtkmjCmSQ-zpczOI7XvEcqT_Zc9oHqhTWcy_BQ/s1600-h/BHAM+to+Portland+097.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370218910798472690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9PP80mHDKr7YMhNUZy-_gTqz5q8agteSxJO5LMy9es0A2rdSGFPXHUzL_Wv15HcTAeVtOpcW-myxclGTrSdaRy7Rf9oaBHQW4oj8xPtkmjCmSQ-zpczOI7XvEcqT_Zc9oHqhTWcy_BQ/s320/BHAM+to+Portland+097.JPG" border="0" /></a> More cute babies!! Lu with Madeline, and Aunt Jani with precious little Lily! :) (Love that headband)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBuQSbKeJQ_hqO048d4ZcElBPwrmK81uifns5T2_mrVi9wDxOsoRnjw8WdSNLYZEpO4lq4dBsVf5xuCaKBEWHVT9e7C1-v_bu_4e8rWSbX-MjMmG_DMTij_m1WzanOykrvcMv3yaTwLQs/s1600-h/BHAM+to+Portland+098.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370217518678218050" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBuQSbKeJQ_hqO048d4ZcElBPwrmK81uifns5T2_mrVi9wDxOsoRnjw8WdSNLYZEpO4lq4dBsVf5xuCaKBEWHVT9e7C1-v_bu_4e8rWSbX-MjMmG_DMTij_m1WzanOykrvcMv3yaTwLQs/s200/BHAM+to+Portland+098.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSM3LC3SK9hXTBmytZTGzoNLcKhlhbXr2LAlOeItxXw178DkvN6MdQB0MM3mL2bTsYj_wApAULwOMoNtyTdfsWIiQ6fv0bUkmTBMiM_ey293SGd51okdOtOjZRF3d2Gowpr7014Y54tb4/s1600-h/BHAM+to+Portland+099.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370217508897424386" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSM3LC3SK9hXTBmytZTGzoNLcKhlhbXr2LAlOeItxXw178DkvN6MdQB0MM3mL2bTsYj_wApAULwOMoNtyTdfsWIiQ6fv0bUkmTBMiM_ey293SGd51okdOtOjZRF3d2Gowpr7014Y54tb4/s200/BHAM+to+Portland+099.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Curt also got a chance to do some fly fishing on one of his favorite rivers... the Methow! He and his dad took off for a 4 day weekend and had a blast... as documented in Curt's smile below :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVB18QquOU01feXPMZ9zP4GqzamXVqJVgORI21frJ-r2TmsJNzgHZvJLa86nT4gOMCimydLe1kW4w4NB6DGNshLjSV-uC4A3F7Fj4pu3vGjYMZ0rV-i0Mniw7tE0nzHpnD1o7nmU-NJIE/s1600-h/BHAM+to+Portland+129.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370219861318927314" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVB18QquOU01feXPMZ9zP4GqzamXVqJVgORI21frJ-r2TmsJNzgHZvJLa86nT4gOMCimydLe1kW4w4NB6DGNshLjSV-uC4A3F7Fj4pu3vGjYMZ0rV-i0Mniw7tE0nzHpnD1o7nmU-NJIE/s320/BHAM+to+Portland+129.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here's Brian casting....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdoglQgriGcnaLwNJGSo7qqySWWa_nNsD7SzFPOflNG2zxHeLjeFseYXz1JZ9FXkEoYsJnftKS309ZunOxfIoxqJP8dsX7DBR4CFZGVyjUiaveVhsUewO1KXjjraJCpvJBPPgL8f-s_0/s1600-h/BHAM+to+Portland+116.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370219847094375330" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdoglQgriGcnaLwNJGSo7qqySWWa_nNsD7SzFPOflNG2zxHeLjeFseYXz1JZ9FXkEoYsJnftKS309ZunOxfIoxqJP8dsX7DBR4CFZGVyjUiaveVhsUewO1KXjjraJCpvJBPPgL8f-s_0/s320/BHAM+to+Portland+116.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And showing off a great catch....<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LFZQLtAn0X3_03qCXQpWAmhAYMzIZnNMgS3923Q8e-1ysoyHLq2dYYmS9FgNW17M7ZB2WsV8774nQEot7Ll9klfIiU5bmCr1cIq6EW61y5sEAh5SXik0U5SzAgE5gWs1eXQLgm5IK3U/s1600-h/BHAM+to+Portland+111.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370216741912180978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LFZQLtAn0X3_03qCXQpWAmhAYMzIZnNMgS3923Q8e-1ysoyHLq2dYYmS9FgNW17M7ZB2WsV8774nQEot7Ll9klfIiU5bmCr1cIq6EW61y5sEAh5SXik0U5SzAgE5gWs1eXQLgm5IK3U/s400/BHAM+to+Portland+111.JPG" border="0" /></a> Hanging out on the river.....<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Aj8AA4a8PdE97SL5GmFW3iquhWC1_wXXlH3vwSbEgHew0FIfj0MbMj6NmUmbWVk7UA_DJrHSlYO5sxo2l0KH8tEhRHfy-KeyH8K7hQX1abcZVvEBWLX6c9Dpbm0srlAkIJby3F-WkTI/s1600-h/BHAM+to+Portland+125.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370216734730275682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Aj8AA4a8PdE97SL5GmFW3iquhWC1_wXXlH3vwSbEgHew0FIfj0MbMj6NmUmbWVk7UA_DJrHSlYO5sxo2l0KH8tEhRHfy-KeyH8K7hQX1abcZVvEBWLX6c9Dpbm0srlAkIJby3F-WkTI/s400/BHAM+to+Portland+125.JPG" border="0" /></a> Meanwhile, Lisa and I had a girls weekend over at Kelli's with the twins while the boys were gone, as Ethan was out of town for the weekend as well for a bachelor party. It was so fun hanging out with my adorable nieces! We had a blast uncovering some cute clothes, accessories and shoes for the girls.... and playing dress up! Maddie, love the Santa hat, tutu, and animal print flats-- you are so stinkin' precious! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370214721568148498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqdSQl68iNAYn7JsoCFm1TTJDpItmkoM1q5PjZwRvPo-7jhtIOf_z_l0fkF_5esH6A3mdGeYuXsjSHBqlh-yEWalKKaDLAKXmcR4NoexgUoxPPthWnUTcC266JG8yoDx3sODuGUZ2IY0/s400/Lisa+camera+284.JPG" border="0" /><br />Lucy was a little freaked out by her Santa hat and red tutu get-up however! hehe :) I couldn't resist posting this wide-eyed photo.... <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370221076572030258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 389px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPBr9rCWc96EkGmQHnKnRoS98B1TI5HVHbuc_208Z6Gm9n_QJO8d5dbUnTuK8pqiNrjd9pdWq1EOVCVOQ8daQAf9dGB6sVm6IUCAxB9B03N13411INfr7yXxCWyEylhS69iauBfhyphenhyphenrO8/s400/Lisa+camera+299.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>Hi Maddie-cakes! :)</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370214714796840322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSnPpEuc7YkWFBc7UOrM56NyyNIqADSNX5Fk2PGOUk3zUPP-s2UI3ixI-Ww_sptA0yxZUbVE5Lv7UEph6B9mkvnE9VHsgEhcbgIzOofpHUNxkfcLkiZ1zJzS7UFOSbsxLw3oKBVLIZt4/s400/BHAM+to+Portland+142.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>Lucy sporting a little fro-hawk! :)</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370214712069742562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruNlUuzDZy8jYl692wAuFx-wPISJT9cxZNIQxOydqlRrGN_zdLiIeXlz8aOwPNKjrb5gflxEfKgIvKbHioKF4ch3MtOZW0_mnp1mFlQ1cYJIeVH_j-Ekkwwrbg4Gq9gM9lmdLmmJ06Fw/s400/BHAM+to+Portland+145.JPG" border="0" /><br />Before we had to leave Bellingham, Brian and Lisa treated us out to a delicious dinner at Mambo's in celebration of my having completed my elementary ed. and master's degree! Yay!! The dinner was a celebration in itself as my lasagna was to-die-for. MMmmmmmm. Thanks guys!! Here's Lisa, me, and Lulu.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOna8gviMF3w-df4W533CrSpS78576Fxa4dtZLRxOSAaaeLeS2uCByMyQOGYGb3Lrt5sv1VpfojPxJnXWiLZ6sqRu3vvzBZkKpjWBNRn1KNOQFPC9-HFri-TMvPdFqj8JIl2kDZfdu1vE/s1600-h/BHAM+to+Portland+133.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370215663104651058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOna8gviMF3w-df4W533CrSpS78576Fxa4dtZLRxOSAaaeLeS2uCByMyQOGYGb3Lrt5sv1VpfojPxJnXWiLZ6sqRu3vvzBZkKpjWBNRn1KNOQFPC9-HFri-TMvPdFqj8JIl2kDZfdu1vE/s400/BHAM+to+Portland+133.JPG" border="0" /></a> Another table shot that included the boys too! Alex, Curt, and Brian....<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBhnprkxvGT14GCUGtcxO8ZiTr7893qvgHYCk8rN-Eg_KfIbl8FUuaoBfEPDWZIosk4b7BG1eaQwY9EE5Yq1ZJxw4ZjeyiVLroXpvBJ4fOEHxD0aCbz3XyjbFVDE3otWSP4XODIKpxIE/s1600-h/BHAM+to+Portland+136.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370215652644374194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBhnprkxvGT14GCUGtcxO8ZiTr7893qvgHYCk8rN-Eg_KfIbl8FUuaoBfEPDWZIosk4b7BG1eaQwY9EE5Yq1ZJxw4ZjeyiVLroXpvBJ4fOEHxD0aCbz3XyjbFVDE3otWSP4XODIKpxIE/s400/BHAM+to+Portland+136.JPG" border="0" /></a> One last departing family shot -- Alyssa, Lisa and Lucy, Me, Curt, Ethan, Kelli, and Brian with Maddie. (oh! and Molly dog) :) Love you guys!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7Nj-EpnaWQLmynZHJlUR4FtEsWVuyClRKMkVtSoyedkfrnGicDSQ52XAS0YsxiF-Noc4ImJvYknSArvuds0Ca1EfxrYvULMqflCjZJqX0WZqwdwmVSKt1wLE4zrTCaV8ZAJ0_k7SJ9g/s1600-h/BHAM+to+Portland+137.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370215641964717378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7Nj-EpnaWQLmynZHJlUR4FtEsWVuyClRKMkVtSoyedkfrnGicDSQ52XAS0YsxiF-Noc4ImJvYknSArvuds0Ca1EfxrYvULMqflCjZJqX0WZqwdwmVSKt1wLE4zrTCaV8ZAJ0_k7SJ9g/s400/BHAM+to+Portland+137.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Katie & Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01112456290057508617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448170773579213905.post-13743988816780226912009-08-15T09:02:00.001-07:002009-08-15T10:09:04.995-07:00Hanging out in the 'ham! (part 1)Backtracking a bit again to our travels, adventures, and family time from our vacation this summer, we return to Bellingham! After friends Brian and Andrea departed for Cali, we had about another 2 1/2 weeks to chill in the 'ham, and soak up some time with our wonderful family! Man, do we ever miss you guys!<br />One fantastic experience I got to have was to help Kelli with Lucy and Maddie's swimming lessons....The girls were so adorable in their little swimsuits with hot pink ruffles! We'd start off by just sitting in the water with them while they splashed around, and then took them into the deep end (deep for <em>them</em> that is... Only 3 1/2 feet for anyone that was panicking) for some more kiddie activities.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQy7kLcLWFNl7DnllY634XVre0EU-4CJ-gPkHVoL85Zzc9ONyKZu5uN9lWot8qg6eekioPthd3xm9Pph4s5bkgmDHpWK8W0RdbrS4h6dHf_1ytM52gKozWH848VjIq6iNL8cHq60sQvE/s1600-h/BHAM+to+Portland+067.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370225996094282690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQy7kLcLWFNl7DnllY634XVre0EU-4CJ-gPkHVoL85Zzc9ONyKZu5uN9lWot8qg6eekioPthd3xm9Pph4s5bkgmDHpWK8W0RdbrS4h6dHf_1ytM52gKozWH848VjIq6iNL8cHq60sQvE/s400/BHAM+to+Portland+067.JPG" border="0" /></a> One of the days at swim, the girls had the opportunity to try out the pint-sized life jackets! So adorable. Maddie LOVED having hers on, and was content to just float around on her back in it. Lucy, did <em>not</em> so much love it however. So we chilled side-pool while sister sported the red, puffy cocoon.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQCb_aDxVNh6RAlnpV3vnCQ4AUYvKc4_SAoZ_y4NQ-NTnEJfTDajSUFNq0IZBwSVP84hxkAzwz-p4e5x-CMTRYIskBbblT1DlhDeKprVPgmGKbLkh2RE0wJF59WHrZURUWbTgZKGwoNg/s1600-h/Lisa+camera+226.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370225327019007986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQCb_aDxVNh6RAlnpV3vnCQ4AUYvKc4_SAoZ_y4NQ-NTnEJfTDajSUFNq0IZBwSVP84hxkAzwz-p4e5x-CMTRYIskBbblT1DlhDeKprVPgmGKbLkh2RE0wJF59WHrZURUWbTgZKGwoNg/s400/Lisa+camera+226.JPG" border="0" /></a> Once the girls were dried off, they snuggled into their car seats.... Does Fiddler on the Roof come to mind anyone? Anyone??..... (match maker, match maker, make me a match... find me a find..)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBimXRwHlMM_Pysnzs7VY9eLhlqEQOn5L-WiBpSixjPa87L5ECqvn2Oid7XI1sI-_JuaEQ0dWT5ZtDpAk_rVby5PpT0u3DZY1qbl-xMHKXRyU1lR0GojIYo63iukxa2VivYAmQ6jswJ0w/s1600-h/Lisa+camera+227.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370225320147425698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBimXRwHlMM_Pysnzs7VY9eLhlqEQOn5L-WiBpSixjPa87L5ECqvn2Oid7XI1sI-_JuaEQ0dWT5ZtDpAk_rVby5PpT0u3DZY1qbl-xMHKXRyU1lR0GojIYo63iukxa2VivYAmQ6jswJ0w/s400/Lisa+camera+227.JPG" border="0" /></a> In other excitement and adorableness from this summer, Remy dog deserved a spot on the blog. Curt's sister Alyssa babysat little Remy for a friend of hers for a couple days, and so Remy hung out at Curt's parents house a couple afternoons. He was SOOOooooo stinkin' cute, as depicted in the picture below. (How could you resist a face like that?! Seriously). The best part, however, was constantly hearing Lu's voice saying something along the lines of "Remy NO!, No Remy! No!" hehe.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-f4uMlAHMvFadmzjKOgfgp6zFhJekLCnrZF0Dbfu4a8d7rc97z3lsKDLJ3ocDEoQiuMmHdmkjvkaDus1JPaHZF_pHzOPr7cEioo4OfR7JiuZaaW1KpUXd8bkzgnhr-sJy6neZij9BIQ/s1600-h/BHAM+to+Portland+073.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370224204219340690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-f4uMlAHMvFadmzjKOgfgp6zFhJekLCnrZF0Dbfu4a8d7rc97z3lsKDLJ3ocDEoQiuMmHdmkjvkaDus1JPaHZF_pHzOPr7cEioo4OfR7JiuZaaW1KpUXd8bkzgnhr-sJy6neZij9BIQ/s400/BHAM+to+Portland+073.JPG" border="0" /></a>Molly dog was <em>not </em>keen on Remy's level of adorableness. She pretty much hated that brown-furred ball of energy that chased her around the house and bit her ankles. So of course we had to make it up to Molly for her generous toleration. Love you Molly!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0zKqyEijlwMHQykiWRq5da0TosNUTA4Jv2dClwv0L6-oayOMZUEXCwl9lhr6wzOMxZuVF0TieMoKYKJaDXkEOxVee94xeXtyUikPlreT0bn8pY9QqBMVL7QCzjM8-nJg-JtQVogtxE0/s1600-h/BHAM+to+Portland+074.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370224192754473394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0zKqyEijlwMHQykiWRq5da0TosNUTA4Jv2dClwv0L6-oayOMZUEXCwl9lhr6wzOMxZuVF0TieMoKYKJaDXkEOxVee94xeXtyUikPlreT0bn8pY9QqBMVL7QCzjM8-nJg-JtQVogtxE0/s400/BHAM+to+Portland+074.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here's Curt and I hanging out with Lucy (w/me) and Maddie (w/Curt). Madeline doesn't look all the sure of old unci-C.... :)<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycunOjR7rPuMUL30auyhWoolwDxbjQwnPDcs3UcAiUhtXti2gujnf997ZPhVBgpKJur0xx8yn4NPBeKmyPFVm19fN8e94Ov5vsw2wBp7SZj8gDK6TEMEcbhHPvuDavy67mP9529inUlY/s1600-h/BHAM+to+Portland+076.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370224183685976434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycunOjR7rPuMUL30auyhWoolwDxbjQwnPDcs3UcAiUhtXti2gujnf997ZPhVBgpKJur0xx8yn4NPBeKmyPFVm19fN8e94Ov5vsw2wBp7SZj8gDK6TEMEcbhHPvuDavy67mP9529inUlY/s400/BHAM+to+Portland+076.JPG" border="0" /></a> Hi Maddie and Lucy! Cute as little buttons I tell ya! (I am definitely the bragging aunt here) :)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhfneDSfIjRXyJu_8aHsukxl6GV5ERT2dpteQy2yNWVsQvTevZp8DgfcEcokv_LmjCGh_hagjT5b4Jp4HUuvSUpEBL7dhQNrMPiUr5_7tl8VuFzeeg0frBY9XAG0W5XJrFVB8PMnb8Ik/s1600-h/BHAM+to+Portland+078.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370224174178238370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhfneDSfIjRXyJu_8aHsukxl6GV5ERT2dpteQy2yNWVsQvTevZp8DgfcEcokv_LmjCGh_hagjT5b4Jp4HUuvSUpEBL7dhQNrMPiUr5_7tl8VuFzeeg0frBY9XAG0W5XJrFVB8PMnb8Ik/s400/BHAM+to+Portland+078.JPG" border="0" /></a> Curt had a little side adventure while we were in the 'ham; running the Chuckanut Foot Race! 7 miles of beautiful wooded paths, lush green foliage, fresh sea and mountain air, and grueling hills. (It's possible that I might have signed up and then backed out. Oops). Here's Curt all numbered up and ready to smoke some peeps. Get 'em!!!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDV2pcR5qL1N8RBa22ILRpPA7v5BGYqtdZunEhWpjm2eydAo8r7LR8sVix0rXztRUWmestdZHbr8iiyOYQG_xLKlEcis2JjTvHsy_okZXR8uVKiyof0zgqGQayM8kLywkaQci3TctJ0E/s1600-h/BHAM+to+Portland+080.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370223152507518530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDV2pcR5qL1N8RBa22ILRpPA7v5BGYqtdZunEhWpjm2eydAo8r7LR8sVix0rXztRUWmestdZHbr8iiyOYQG_xLKlEcis2JjTvHsy_okZXR8uVKiyof0zgqGQayM8kLywkaQci3TctJ0E/s320/BHAM+to+Portland+080.JPG" border="0" /></a>The best part of this day (outside of his race time/killer placement of course), was that I was the designated photographer, and I had myself all lined up on this corner to catch Curt as he came by. Well. The race started and in the confusion of 1,000 people flying by me, I had absolutely no clue where he was, when he would run by, and couldn't for the life of me remember what he was wearing to even pick him out. Frustrated and feeling like a failure, I took ONE blind shot into the crowd and left. Later, looking through my pics, this one picture I took captured Curt exactly as he was rounding the corner! Granted, unless you have the ability to see microscopic images magnified ten times their size, you may have trouble picking him out of the picture below (he's the third person from the right in the pic, starting with the person in the red way on the right), but I swear he is there!!! I am sooooo good.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVY6EdjLZrlCqbWYyRpMB9HiMSaRhN_xHKzF4U76lRg5zrBhpDmP4IEdY9DZhdI8Vr8_pp5NVGuXBZcnKPnf0SnjqNV8GoYO_NkDKnYJ0kn9zmr_k6c7g_by02TGZZ8eE6e18jFQPHZk/s1600-h/BHAM+to+Portland+082.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370223148983646626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVY6EdjLZrlCqbWYyRpMB9HiMSaRhN_xHKzF4U76lRg5zrBhpDmP4IEdY9DZhdI8Vr8_pp5NVGuXBZcnKPnf0SnjqNV8GoYO_NkDKnYJ0kn9zmr_k6c7g_by02TGZZ8eE6e18jFQPHZk/s320/BHAM+to+Portland+082.JPG" border="0" /></a> I then jumped in the car and raced ahead to the next point I hoped I could snag a pic. I got there just in time to leap from the car, run across a treacherous highway, and snap this shot. Dang, I am telling you, I was <em>working</em> it people! :)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfPdmhC2jFeT1rydM6fP5T24d211IZM1lhu9NDqsjlx4eaaTbUQ5eexljuZHZrTaS8G2zH60jDT8XmI9_MeLjPNm-6k1ehGAMz3ZmgDMY1Rt4BoiL2zm49XrAVzAM7J1WI1zT7QGWb3Q/s1600-h/BHAM+to+Portland+083.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370223137420705154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfPdmhC2jFeT1rydM6fP5T24d211IZM1lhu9NDqsjlx4eaaTbUQ5eexljuZHZrTaS8G2zH60jDT8XmI9_MeLjPNm-6k1ehGAMz3ZmgDMY1Rt4BoiL2zm49XrAVzAM7J1WI1zT7QGWb3Q/s320/BHAM+to+Portland+083.JPG" border="0" /></a> Yay! Good job honey!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LPxtZuLrsvA9pCmOQcP4CKIaKtvCPuV-0V-NFrZ2wep9-bEOjBhCoy6zt5zSTZKrt81SoOsGpffuVMg15jiYn5EXiNrWruMmcQPHyRMDRrJfD1-XHqxZfECvvW6gf_RH8_EoulihHhQ/s1600-h/BHAM+to+Portland+090.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370223128650729762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LPxtZuLrsvA9pCmOQcP4CKIaKtvCPuV-0V-NFrZ2wep9-bEOjBhCoy6zt5zSTZKrt81SoOsGpffuVMg15jiYn5EXiNrWruMmcQPHyRMDRrJfD1-XHqxZfECvvW6gf_RH8_EoulihHhQ/s320/BHAM+to+Portland+090.JPG" border="0" /></a> Again, you made need a magnifying glass to read this, but Curt placed 31st overall running it in about 45 minutes and 45 seconds... and in doing so, broke the personal goal he had set for himself - so he was pumped! We then enjoyed the music and yummy food they were serving down at Larabee Park post-race, and then headed for home. Quite an exciting time.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzzn92VbvJ8dY2RjGt38NRGm9usWevDrKuDiW-JQl1gT_VzpmBLFXRnokkHxncV-BhXUIsZSz2i3hP9rKtLYqmeyHmeA1XgYFb-fUjDeuEaxTKCBIfjJXPNjWUNn74PGimL9GOwxnTsQ/s1600-h/BHAM+to+Portland+091.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370223115170578482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzzn92VbvJ8dY2RjGt38NRGm9usWevDrKuDiW-JQl1gT_VzpmBLFXRnokkHxncV-BhXUIsZSz2i3hP9rKtLYqmeyHmeA1XgYFb-fUjDeuEaxTKCBIfjJXPNjWUNn74PGimL9GOwxnTsQ/s320/BHAM+to+Portland+091.JPG" border="0" /></a> More Bellingham pics to come..... :)</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Katie & Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01112456290057508617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448170773579213905.post-16974669547392012312009-08-10T16:17:00.000-07:002009-08-10T19:08:22.959-07:00Washington Sightseeing Extravaganza...continued!<p>Well, Curt and I are back in Cali, and officially both started school today! Wahooo! I was fortunate enough to get a long term sub position with the Westside District, at a school and in grade I love (6th). :) It's definitely the next best thing to a full time job, as the experience has been amazing getting to set up and start a year off. Curt enjoyed his first day too, and was glad that two of his six classes were reduced a few students -- down to 40, instead of 44. Ugh. Crazy huh? Anyway, in a desperate attempt to get caught up with our blog.... I must back-track yet again to this past JUNE. What?!? I am sooo behind.... at any rate, enjoy the third installment of our good times up in Washington with friends Brian and Andrea. :)</p><p>After leaving Twisp... it was off to Bellingham, and a beautiful drive through the North Cascades Pass awaited us. Not a cloud in the sky people! Virtually unheard of. We were pumped that B & A got to see Washington like this. Here's Curty and I posing for a picture road-side. (Please ignore Curt's closed eyes):</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYLBdOboWAwqDQ4gBQUjEhxqzNDeuAWN1ozomcGS2AiHXlpnusNkItOPUthtWaO_ppxFdvY8dAcgUG3qtyL5ZPzzXzCcDO8OVLNoFAPrR2JluAzROimZvLSvwcahbF111ogwq9DAeEAg/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+240.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362552338741802402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYLBdOboWAwqDQ4gBQUjEhxqzNDeuAWN1ozomcGS2AiHXlpnusNkItOPUthtWaO_ppxFdvY8dAcgUG3qtyL5ZPzzXzCcDO8OVLNoFAPrR2JluAzROimZvLSvwcahbF111ogwq9DAeEAg/s320/6.15+to+July+3+240.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Playing in the snow....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOeBTlH0EuQAE5p6mQA428xctPvbTQ0hAXO7AFf0KRFLqZ70p0WddwQ_SRf5SL-fmM3rVqoaZxkSlbKxL7fsQcQvCEoN3CL8_Kjw6NZERcBhtClojZvHow4R7LNuXNQHyfG6xUEdmz3U/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+242.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362552330352162834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOeBTlH0EuQAE5p6mQA428xctPvbTQ0hAXO7AFf0KRFLqZ70p0WddwQ_SRf5SL-fmM3rVqoaZxkSlbKxL7fsQcQvCEoN3CL8_Kjw6NZERcBhtClojZvHow4R7LNuXNQHyfG6xUEdmz3U/s320/6.15+to+July+3+242.JPG" border="0" /></a> A quick pic at Ross Lake. Amazingly beautiful!! The silt and other goodies in the glacier water give the water that deep green/blue color... almost unreal looking.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxnbEv5PMrUxNDpxAys3-eIHRoUbJGZORiZy-RdWYfwCa0QU7g9Olf1UmEFm0R5dYQg_8JQRKefaGlOuyPOfd5KI8ZWDTp9PieUlccU6NmjhEQtmr0NKkn6V9p9QNLtOllmpyn67gUaU/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+252.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362551441968228386" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxnbEv5PMrUxNDpxAys3-eIHRoUbJGZORiZy-RdWYfwCa0QU7g9Olf1UmEFm0R5dYQg_8JQRKefaGlOuyPOfd5KI8ZWDTp9PieUlccU6NmjhEQtmr0NKkn6V9p9QNLtOllmpyn67gUaU/s320/6.15+to+July+3+252.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div>More Ross Lake scenery, and Andrea's "man-hand." The poor thing got taken out by a mosquito!!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JAZKM3nE92J2Lohn-CIFKCJpoGkUV2SBrLV3KlfaAlWmGJRsvAoLSYC0l_erxnow8bP9oq4JBqG8GvEW3NCasn3HVuq-ud7OlU0DoWNwxqVIb_NxrQnIefrYbIZxR4DwM1G53SKtT6I/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+248.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362551431604294690" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JAZKM3nE92J2Lohn-CIFKCJpoGkUV2SBrLV3KlfaAlWmGJRsvAoLSYC0l_erxnow8bP9oq4JBqG8GvEW3NCasn3HVuq-ud7OlU0DoWNwxqVIb_NxrQnIefrYbIZxR4DwM1G53SKtT6I/s320/6.15+to+July+3+248.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr46FiUlijPG9c7rkfheDSe4KigzHeweUINvvKKKKlhHwLRpm0dZ4lE7G6BY0k4n70901RGLguPCgExJRPeMuowh6HklQdjut58SV_sLBLQUI11Te5QP0ByRac4P9csOXZyphrMcW8rpc/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+254.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362551421792292290" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr46FiUlijPG9c7rkfheDSe4KigzHeweUINvvKKKKlhHwLRpm0dZ4lE7G6BY0k4n70901RGLguPCgExJRPeMuowh6HklQdjut58SV_sLBLQUI11Te5QP0ByRac4P9csOXZyphrMcW8rpc/s320/6.15+to+July+3+254.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Me and Andy with the San Juan Islands in the background.... a gorgeous day to drive up Chuckanut!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqsAGRnxKSsgVN0rTgqpTmprQFVQBioV4DPm6jgK9yIJNJ-_w2_2NtOAayCIPpm7G2W9ouaWFyknbl_OnOjVAl5dsGLbRhkqwpNJwKDZbVoCZ3dxLIpe9jXDn6DGZbeLT3mSjuvkL4MA/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+255.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362550639471917938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqsAGRnxKSsgVN0rTgqpTmprQFVQBioV4DPm6jgK9yIJNJ-_w2_2NtOAayCIPpm7G2W9ouaWFyknbl_OnOjVAl5dsGLbRhkqwpNJwKDZbVoCZ3dxLIpe9jXDn6DGZbeLT3mSjuvkL4MA/s400/6.15+to+July+3+255.JPG" border="0" /></a> Finally in Bellingham with our nieces!! Here's Curt with Maddie, and Kelli and I with Lucy and Madeline... They are precious little pumpkins and I miss them terribly!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CZLMzzjD82WHeKqTAp5xJFjet4aSUa7mkqb45WYxUxsNt8ZPlFyh6eUSuPr7Lvp6m101Cc0RJlzdnXsWuHvEOqZohTxjgBgrwyPnFFebPiik9nnyLqeZJ4qCDPd1cpn7D0Ju82WsBPs/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+261.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362550379508699618" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CZLMzzjD82WHeKqTAp5xJFjet4aSUa7mkqb45WYxUxsNt8ZPlFyh6eUSuPr7Lvp6m101Cc0RJlzdnXsWuHvEOqZohTxjgBgrwyPnFFebPiik9nnyLqeZJ4qCDPd1cpn7D0Ju82WsBPs/s320/6.15+to+July+3+261.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9PQKhGJ4mJxcVHXKD2WiFvt3VpmMe7yRWePEXgOAa46R5ZvRTzkL0eriiOCo4I7GtrHq1Kzct2wKk-HX_TPPdD32ObmFKHu1sFMRT8r1hHeh7563j6wfGuf7ZSehyVDnf-xLV7z_trk/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+265.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362550372381077586" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9PQKhGJ4mJxcVHXKD2WiFvt3VpmMe7yRWePEXgOAa46R5ZvRTzkL0eriiOCo4I7GtrHq1Kzct2wKk-HX_TPPdD32ObmFKHu1sFMRT8r1hHeh7563j6wfGuf7ZSehyVDnf-xLV7z_trk/s320/6.15+to+July+3+265.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Another fun adventure we embarked upon was our ferry ride out to Victoria, B.C. The water was practically like glass the entire way there... and beautifully sunny and warm. We couldn't have asked for a better day to make the trek!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBHki2tgMjg_bW1IlVHVfFsdrgy8nHzFggFtPEXrwDQSbJXaeK468vqC5Dr5JlQims8SVDOz_ma4kff_D2GLt8Nt2u_jv5oq9ryHy_vrsAI4boxSCoE4FhVhuBFyXv-tyKvbi-75oA4Q/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+266.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362548904699570306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBHki2tgMjg_bW1IlVHVfFsdrgy8nHzFggFtPEXrwDQSbJXaeK468vqC5Dr5JlQims8SVDOz_ma4kff_D2GLt8Nt2u_jv5oq9ryHy_vrsAI4boxSCoE4FhVhuBFyXv-tyKvbi-75oA4Q/s400/6.15+to+July+3+266.JPG" border="0" /></a>Here's some pics from on the boat as we near Victoria, and then posing by some pretty flowers. I really wanted to drive out to the Butchart Gardens, but we just didn't have time to drive up there and tour it all with only a few hours. It made me feel better to find out later that the entrance fee is 30 bucks a pop -- so I was appeased for the time being. Hehehe... Next time though, as I am sure it would be worth the coin if well planned! :) <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3V-Ci0FvUAwOTCFx-0oIT8gFKlVddj3qFbKIiOwYakliQ3TWTC_sgL-utrbOGpD5LVs6SK3Uzq5ogLuHCSyyrWgVRKnO6nVvGdkJN3Mbxp8Ul2-VqCf2-8GCVKsa7tXgU0H_hDwOEiGE/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+289.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362548461023696642" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3V-Ci0FvUAwOTCFx-0oIT8gFKlVddj3qFbKIiOwYakliQ3TWTC_sgL-utrbOGpD5LVs6SK3Uzq5ogLuHCSyyrWgVRKnO6nVvGdkJN3Mbxp8Ul2-VqCf2-8GCVKsa7tXgU0H_hDwOEiGE/s200/6.15+to+July+3+289.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY37I_tkwedYK8_mKIE_y1KGuLWrcg71lO2M2YmyINgw1doKhEQWkdMBma85hNBO12sNVdVVojoGxUhMdy-pyOo21oYLekp7DHwh955CO-Rm2Uwu-olgREZ2rtNyv-7opqclYbN7IksbE/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+293.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362548456581439170" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY37I_tkwedYK8_mKIE_y1KGuLWrcg71lO2M2YmyINgw1doKhEQWkdMBma85hNBO12sNVdVVojoGxUhMdy-pyOo21oYLekp7DHwh955CO-Rm2Uwu-olgREZ2rtNyv-7opqclYbN7IksbE/s200/6.15+to+July+3+293.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br />Here's a snap shot of the Parliament building we toured... and me looking at it from the outside, upside down, enjoying my jasmine iced tea... Ummmm... I could really use one of those right now, so refreshing! (did I mention that it's 101 here today - ugh). Sweet, cool, merciful Pacific Northwest - we miss you! (although I wouldn't have missed it a week ago when it was almost 100 in the 'ham w/no AC -- for all of you that survived, hats off to you!!).<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl85VV4PPEMFjngMsBMYOY5FAwD1nS00DP-1bUETQJBBBcXilJT20GAniBcz4Igko_8o_FiZMSzZ8SYZ1BtmYK0B8mYVgDVXlcc3TVRvmfqiW4ltwfIXjDJFi-lPYn5uWFJUHwWP5fiNs/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+299.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362548452487745314" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl85VV4PPEMFjngMsBMYOY5FAwD1nS00DP-1bUETQJBBBcXilJT20GAniBcz4Igko_8o_FiZMSzZ8SYZ1BtmYK0B8mYVgDVXlcc3TVRvmfqiW4ltwfIXjDJFi-lPYn5uWFJUHwWP5fiNs/s200/6.15+to+July+3+299.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmZuGaXpH4St4CKcQs_u5xb7kOzWQmzeTxJ8rxqJjMtB-lRU6Op1fpbyryK_8ZeCLqH1wSRd_MKr8yGaQNxRbRb0dNjBF_JSCElra7zehNVe40S-4r1JbzkwdF-ymEO9rltS0-7Nc3l8/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+310.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362548445392764530" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmZuGaXpH4St4CKcQs_u5xb7kOzWQmzeTxJ8rxqJjMtB-lRU6Op1fpbyryK_8ZeCLqH1wSRd_MKr8yGaQNxRbRb0dNjBF_JSCElra7zehNVe40S-4r1JbzkwdF-ymEO9rltS0-7Nc3l8/s200/6.15+to+July+3+310.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Chillin' on the boat home... Ahhhhhhhh.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKSufzemosXjROkPgJJW3eflY2MiUHuy5-kMrakwXgaauwf7eT4oBZsLsN2qj8PYGENnFl0V7XvxLR96mxsjPR7ATXd9If63v6j47w4v1zMIIDxfDyUWbUIoF8-yQN5f4TzeFbDugs2U/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+322.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362547429929074114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKSufzemosXjROkPgJJW3eflY2MiUHuy5-kMrakwXgaauwf7eT4oBZsLsN2qj8PYGENnFl0V7XvxLR96mxsjPR7ATXd9If63v6j47w4v1zMIIDxfDyUWbUIoF8-yQN5f4TzeFbDugs2U/s320/6.15+to+July+3+322.JPG" border="0" /></a> The views were spectacular! Here Mt. Baker looms in the distance:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLPCJcQ1C7GZMws83al1jNnFwxqCNg0wm4CzjkcxRC9ZgmryZIn2Hoa5saNt6b77otI_ssSkezuzNSwY2vNY6_Hp7EX9asXwI0QxfWUCpmbj4RuoBZvsRHIZDeIMjkUjSG6zYPk7OFCk/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+331.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362547420527815298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLPCJcQ1C7GZMws83al1jNnFwxqCNg0wm4CzjkcxRC9ZgmryZIn2Hoa5saNt6b77otI_ssSkezuzNSwY2vNY6_Hp7EX9asXwI0QxfWUCpmbj4RuoBZvsRHIZDeIMjkUjSG6zYPk7OFCk/s320/6.15+to+July+3+331.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here we are enjoying a little relaxation fireside in Curt's parents backyard. Brian got a chance to bond with Molly dog... you can see Andrea was pretty happy about that.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAqIeip7_F1-gSPyc-7Qh0NyKWCEa_wkze72rEsh000KrDAMnpm9IRN5CZ_uHwjmeW-qf64wa2fZP5nEg0qalcktJz2F9LY8_PGqU5EZueLzIRoPPHnT2BeuRstsZegkp3i2D-aN3hsg/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+335.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362546523835502850" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAqIeip7_F1-gSPyc-7Qh0NyKWCEa_wkze72rEsh000KrDAMnpm9IRN5CZ_uHwjmeW-qf64wa2fZP5nEg0qalcktJz2F9LY8_PGqU5EZueLzIRoPPHnT2BeuRstsZegkp3i2D-aN3hsg/s320/6.15+to+July+3+335.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtebLT3GZS8zInW3F5b2QiLUQrNtPWKqOFrDAquDQ6lvcIunQt9uvIUDpbMfmW5w4CikbYNvf6b7jKaRCd-wtyhugL7MnoMptQyveAKQYopbaqO-VKo9welFdd83Nx7g422Hais-TRrE/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+337.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362546513708749634" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtebLT3GZS8zInW3F5b2QiLUQrNtPWKqOFrDAquDQ6lvcIunQt9uvIUDpbMfmW5w4CikbYNvf6b7jKaRCd-wtyhugL7MnoMptQyveAKQYopbaqO-VKo9welFdd83Nx7g422Hais-TRrE/s320/6.15+to+July+3+337.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>Fourth of July was a blast celebrating at Kelli and Ethan's with family... breaking out the oysters on the BBQ and spending more precious time with Lucy and Madeline.</div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Yc6v_pFzhymHnjgSElWrcqIuFm8GwuPY9s6PnVQztDruekG_zoX2hpL7Db5HMkDEXKaMDSniN_aBvMO-3IrB41DnjlD4blesRjgBG8BC64TubJHyTSUEGxmTjVfnueoiq9ew0TdyNKw/s1600-h/DSC01345.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362545304611277842" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Yc6v_pFzhymHnjgSElWrcqIuFm8GwuPY9s6PnVQztDruekG_zoX2hpL7Db5HMkDEXKaMDSniN_aBvMO-3IrB41DnjlD4blesRjgBG8BC64TubJHyTSUEGxmTjVfnueoiq9ew0TdyNKw/s320/DSC01345.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesgrvnVqwuN5prEtwmdMVVjoIUyu0ktwS377TUFXVsXfFeWe23v9fv5GUZfdovofsy2JYfcVMJJAKUVllptXUjuiFml0z8klUeUTa9xVJnI370aTR4QtVkCD2ryFibjOy3R4bhUyWsFU/s1600-h/DSC01348.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362545281216051522" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesgrvnVqwuN5prEtwmdMVVjoIUyu0ktwS377TUFXVsXfFeWe23v9fv5GUZfdovofsy2JYfcVMJJAKUVllptXUjuiFml0z8klUeUTa9xVJnI370aTR4QtVkCD2ryFibjOy3R4bhUyWsFU/s320/DSC01348.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div><br />Here's Lu and Brian about to take oyster shooters. EWWWWWWWwwwwwwwwwwwww.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbEBajJ90wtxFWKYnwYDZGvbqFq6wXAgFjche0_OZHEMqURxcfiIlQ-UGwKTBbt_7EDW8KbpomhoXn-GssjerAJy1k7TPwdwYPW9eQFbSDkV2V9hTAWefs-h87JrJU0m91zOhk2hBFKI/s1600-h/DSC01346.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362545297406931554" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbEBajJ90wtxFWKYnwYDZGvbqFq6wXAgFjche0_OZHEMqURxcfiIlQ-UGwKTBbt_7EDW8KbpomhoXn-GssjerAJy1k7TPwdwYPW9eQFbSDkV2V9hTAWefs-h87JrJU0m91zOhk2hBFKI/s320/DSC01346.JPG" border="0" /></a></div>AHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Tasty.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVqDFfX9dQYEz_tBvXiQVPudR37whNFMdQTl0DwdvFNvu_I-MuRNc9UNR845D2w6Bc7ZOJsxi-y87XMahVmWwDJ6vAk25HnF375UFXLG4Fe7VUYPNuAc4cXOODTCXdfNLZT3bUUYgxV8/s1600-h/DSC01347.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362545288791562722" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVqDFfX9dQYEz_tBvXiQVPudR37whNFMdQTl0DwdvFNvu_I-MuRNc9UNR845D2w6Bc7ZOJsxi-y87XMahVmWwDJ6vAk25HnF375UFXLG4Fe7VUYPNuAc4cXOODTCXdfNLZT3bUUYgxV8/s320/DSC01347.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div><div><div><div><div>We busted out the fireworks later and had fun lighting up the streets with our hoop-la. (I was mostly scared of all the sparks and the possibility of getting taken out by an errant bottle rocket, but still enjoyed myself never-the-less.)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pmJIj81g7EQejYa4aLEZffWUi1fd4APYTDGMhSyCpXSM3Fg5wOPiqPq1ttXx898onwrAoT71tumfrz2QHYYtk0i-9LJVHN5XUD5QMEWps7uHY310jzKZ7X_dt4CYnc4qQhC7iokMbt0/s1600-h/DSC01360.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362544385755746514" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pmJIj81g7EQejYa4aLEZffWUi1fd4APYTDGMhSyCpXSM3Fg5wOPiqPq1ttXx898onwrAoT71tumfrz2QHYYtk0i-9LJVHN5XUD5QMEWps7uHY310jzKZ7X_dt4CYnc4qQhC7iokMbt0/s200/DSC01360.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmlor5MZRwI7c12Vnaf67czVaMzK8_N2inN0RlfwygvnJ-X2HC8lONWAOshfc38mYFxCMT_ljT127Z6f4KZoD1g6nW6LqG93L5d_3M4JHeWOvQXmOE8B0Rs2MBFOJFRg0iw98fr2ZytM/s1600-h/Lisa+camera+200.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362544374239620690" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmlor5MZRwI7c12Vnaf67czVaMzK8_N2inN0RlfwygvnJ-X2HC8lONWAOshfc38mYFxCMT_ljT127Z6f4KZoD1g6nW6LqG93L5d_3M4JHeWOvQXmOE8B0Rs2MBFOJFRg0iw98fr2ZytM/s200/Lisa+camera+200.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Happy Fourth! Hi Lisa and Brian... miss you guys sooo much!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKypBz0g8LDFj7jbe_-9eP30xrTR0yYNp8FQWb10GuKKikXV2yd4x_-d_1pZ6B0hXhHc-1fr8_RaEMfObs5WGLJPYm7WV3g2NvoOgfOnbxko77y3locbLIne3JireIfiGCd5DP6rCGv2Y/s1600-h/DSC01387.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362544400121354994" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKypBz0g8LDFj7jbe_-9eP30xrTR0yYNp8FQWb10GuKKikXV2yd4x_-d_1pZ6B0hXhHc-1fr8_RaEMfObs5WGLJPYm7WV3g2NvoOgfOnbxko77y3locbLIne3JireIfiGCd5DP6rCGv2Y/s200/DSC01387.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJmeZ-3wNVFQaMDKFg3DZdJYqUR5dlU5wV18bKSUy1ikg73ofJLdTT2iUO5gGfR-daYUrP8vCD-nPkN9tH9n8m4A0lIFnXX5u3zR3dlacOLDLcnVgff_fdRhpQ5NF5PxzINqylHB1L9w/s1600-h/DSC01381.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362544392065876642" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJmeZ-3wNVFQaMDKFg3DZdJYqUR5dlU5wV18bKSUy1ikg73ofJLdTT2iUO5gGfR-daYUrP8vCD-nPkN9tH9n8m4A0lIFnXX5u3zR3dlacOLDLcnVgff_fdRhpQ5NF5PxzINqylHB1L9w/s200/DSC01381.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>We also toured downtown Seattle, the wharf, and Pike's Place Market -- check out those hanging peppers! They were amazing... all fresh, but dry in a few months to look just as cool. The produce looked yummy too... ummmm.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPs6yGqUn9ckNshjV8GKouSDC07xQ0CR44wdiuQPxICb3pPZRQ5NJaxPO1QTUZZ-xOLNZOWR6eEFQAJdQtsGbajSJKDoc_VHGDKXlbsIz6tSlBGChmZjQGcmIlqq7Uw1Ok-vqsfh71Xxw/s1600-h/DSC01403.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362542904290400722" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPs6yGqUn9ckNshjV8GKouSDC07xQ0CR44wdiuQPxICb3pPZRQ5NJaxPO1QTUZZ-xOLNZOWR6eEFQAJdQtsGbajSJKDoc_VHGDKXlbsIz6tSlBGChmZjQGcmIlqq7Uw1Ok-vqsfh71Xxw/s200/DSC01403.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlS_Q7izXWpHmmlYftftH9iGzu709JL3-PLUgreTPukgkwXdQorcBDJqdF7B8ixZ7YYmak3NLUceH5iwVcVlqF8zoVgIA7mPDEZH7iA_6IOEx8N1ec8dKw03h_73IjnTGyCWiWoRd7n7w/s1600-h/DSC01389.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362542916977370610" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlS_Q7izXWpHmmlYftftH9iGzu709JL3-PLUgreTPukgkwXdQorcBDJqdF7B8ixZ7YYmak3NLUceH5iwVcVlqF8zoVgIA7mPDEZH7iA_6IOEx8N1ec8dKw03h_73IjnTGyCWiWoRd7n7w/s200/DSC01389.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wI_0bwI1FXMSWk6asFXFJm2xjyWyl5lHnd0KZIPnoeHfxkvJ1c_n3DRViQo_8HL5k31oWANreu4tJQEvZQvy5-gTsCA7PwU7_kNFw5kWcUuJQ5iZKGLOAtLMsm0zrePuL6_1ROVdEgE/s1600-h/DSC01404.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362542903462124818" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wI_0bwI1FXMSWk6asFXFJm2xjyWyl5lHnd0KZIPnoeHfxkvJ1c_n3DRViQo_8HL5k31oWANreu4tJQEvZQvy5-gTsCA7PwU7_kNFw5kWcUuJQ5iZKGLOAtLMsm0zrePuL6_1ROVdEgE/s200/DSC01404.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Curt and I stopping for a quick pic under the public market sign (wait, I'm sure you didn't know that from the picture).<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dYxC0_D9vyenckTMSZuerKA7kV6nVkukxiIV9wzyxqf2T0vEyK9H_fI0J5PRwZF85Fuw5x7jDPlUtMhT-TRO6Le2UC6751-5RUKMiLxhN52aSNnl9xkGwEO9Ht7oyMjQu905XG8KPfI/s1600-h/DSC01409.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362542169975957586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dYxC0_D9vyenckTMSZuerKA7kV6nVkukxiIV9wzyxqf2T0vEyK9H_fI0J5PRwZF85Fuw5x7jDPlUtMhT-TRO6Le2UC6751-5RUKMiLxhN52aSNnl9xkGwEO9Ht7oyMjQu905XG8KPfI/s400/DSC01409.JPG" border="0" /></a> Enjoying one last delicious meal at Anthony's on the pier with B & A before they headed back to Cali...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3hFqIzxhhKEMHFkexI9rckijcOeqnAFH46nBY8K7c9CPqAwrIUh3Qp_CE4MoyTou71bHGhqM9-gcoyuYSrTh5vtKRDSXE5LHSA0M0mRDR_EKjNF4gM28HvN-io7dO_CPC6Hg9yjepA0/s1600-h/DSC01411.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362542163330110546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3hFqIzxhhKEMHFkexI9rckijcOeqnAFH46nBY8K7c9CPqAwrIUh3Qp_CE4MoyTou71bHGhqM9-gcoyuYSrTh5vtKRDSXE5LHSA0M0mRDR_EKjNF4gM28HvN-io7dO_CPC6Hg9yjepA0/s400/DSC01411.JPG" border="0" /></a> More updates to come.... For now, happy travels to those of you still on summer break, we are so sad it's over for us!!!! (but seriously, can we complain after having 10 full weeks off. Ummm, probably not). </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Katie & Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01112456290057508617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448170773579213905.post-71478544511285045152009-08-01T17:09:00.000-07:002009-08-01T15:19:14.091-07:00Tour de Washington...part two!Thought I would update with more adventures from the summer (I am so behind in posts!) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NAh7X_jVKyTW59UDzE_xpT5kNVHHzoAjTnafNY1OChPKJxS1at4OJvQ93Eri38BGAnDVAgyw_njb-oxVdn6snt3J4_iiqAYgJ27w5UlaqzZSuqFIL0OakOytGoGb-ayAgp2ThUH_WSc/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+129.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365113122632428546" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 218px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NAh7X_jVKyTW59UDzE_xpT5kNVHHzoAjTnafNY1OChPKJxS1at4OJvQ93Eri38BGAnDVAgyw_njb-oxVdn6snt3J4_iiqAYgJ27w5UlaqzZSuqFIL0OakOytGoGb-ayAgp2ThUH_WSc/s320/6.15+to+July+3+129.JPG" border="0" /></a>From Walla Walla, it was on to Lake Chelan, where the drive on the east side of the state afforded our dear friends Brian and Andrea (aka: B & A) to see yet another aspect of the great state of Washington! We meandered through sweeping wheat fields, hills, and valleys until we ended up at our campsite right on the lake at the Lake Chelan State Park. We scored a sweet spot with awesome views, and docks that gave us the opportunity for near perfect summer bliss. Here I am enjoying such a moment, basking in the sun... Ahhhhhhh....<br /><br /><div><div>The only interruption to our lazing about was the discovery of a beaver!! (sorry Brian, I couldn't resist). Wait. Make that a marmot. Lots of marmots. Cute little buggers until they start edging closer and closer to your campsite, lured in by the scent of delicious camp snacks wafting through the air. Or when they wake you up at 4:30 am because they are all over your picnic table, cooler, and bags you left out over night. (Thankfully all free of accessible food items -- we learned our lesson well in Zion. Beware of squirrels?? AHahahahah. Then they eat through your backpacking pack to get to the PB&J you left in it. Whoops.) </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22RZl9b4GA1FFDVvixyduBN_tmwHf_xHEbv_gD0e35vzKnwUugTdIBX8ZaS-Eo-vrlh0iN-P7y7gWWCqGSJaLTvmpiovFYVAY1rXb4ySXgFuddDUIYl21EmnstaJ9im8vA6c-rdT7lSc/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+132.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362633127378034178" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22RZl9b4GA1FFDVvixyduBN_tmwHf_xHEbv_gD0e35vzKnwUugTdIBX8ZaS-Eo-vrlh0iN-P7y7gWWCqGSJaLTvmpiovFYVAY1rXb4ySXgFuddDUIYl21EmnstaJ9im8vA6c-rdT7lSc/s200/6.15+to+July+3+132.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUatR38n70lls_1-irhpyzC7PtvSwyEQRGl6NHby2-7ekDTEYVLfk-4ZY_fOKpEN_0hO9jgZ4-rZF_sNE3KvtZUlHAIFvLJ01N065KT-OmejW5V2q5wVbwywgaH-nXVWmnuxU3VVOdUgM/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+140.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362633122474680242" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUatR38n70lls_1-irhpyzC7PtvSwyEQRGl6NHby2-7ekDTEYVLfk-4ZY_fOKpEN_0hO9jgZ4-rZF_sNE3KvtZUlHAIFvLJ01N065KT-OmejW5V2q5wVbwywgaH-nXVWmnuxU3VVOdUgM/s200/6.15+to+July+3+140.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />After enjoying some evening time out on the dock we chilled 'round the campfire and enjoyed a beautiful sunset...<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WMv-muXt3wQztLryi-cxF_WpUDSlasn57epo8TjhJgfYKrH_J9R38Y-82GCe7g3jdzh-T00vakXE_T9EU2aWEF4LUq15XTl4SSFsd2n8-O3O_OAKNw0xzJRDd9wXSTtF3AaJ2eEzK-g/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+147.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362632325748766290" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WMv-muXt3wQztLryi-cxF_WpUDSlasn57epo8TjhJgfYKrH_J9R38Y-82GCe7g3jdzh-T00vakXE_T9EU2aWEF4LUq15XTl4SSFsd2n8-O3O_OAKNw0xzJRDd9wXSTtF3AaJ2eEzK-g/s320/6.15+to+July+3+147.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>Lone behold, a late trip to the bathroom presented a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with an adorable frog! (or is that a toad?) Anyway.... strange or not, I just thought it was the cutest thing ever and was so happy it let me hold it! (and smoother it in kisses). Just kidding, I promise. :)</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4cR3HfeCeUWJb_0rCuHrjKyke9yT0dW8LzBARX-HRANqkPb8JrGX4Q7ZKo0pKU_0bmGprKG2XXwYA4R-9-ue3VtnxopWNVRvIRiHKZHbzPMSFqI3Yt8qqhms0UG6FwjiqKRsAaJsS3I/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+150.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362632323762336562" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4cR3HfeCeUWJb_0rCuHrjKyke9yT0dW8LzBARX-HRANqkPb8JrGX4Q7ZKo0pKU_0bmGprKG2XXwYA4R-9-ue3VtnxopWNVRvIRiHKZHbzPMSFqI3Yt8qqhms0UG6FwjiqKRsAaJsS3I/s320/6.15+to+July+3+150.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9E2zMPDAgFjixH1y-8yw0-O-8N9LXcfAiBAd0JT2dIXzdxHsl6q5FkFYwUV6VArhC1mGG7EdZ4rv3veevYf-24B8apWY3oVeZR93yXdSh1SNNu_vORAf31VnCTcgGpBZrvWN-SvD6_o/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+151.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362632313765892306" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9E2zMPDAgFjixH1y-8yw0-O-8N9LXcfAiBAd0JT2dIXzdxHsl6q5FkFYwUV6VArhC1mGG7EdZ4rv3veevYf-24B8apWY3oVeZR93yXdSh1SNNu_vORAf31VnCTcgGpBZrvWN-SvD6_o/s320/6.15+to+July+3+151.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>And if we thought the sunset was pretty, the sunrise was probably <em>the</em> most spectacular thing I saw all summer! (Or at least top 5). Thank you marmots for rooting through our stuff! I zipped open the tent lickity-split and sprinted to the car to retrieve the camera. I was not going to miss this! And the picture I think, does do it justice. Drink it in..... *sigh*<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhic-vPDgMe2v2gq3GrYRrX2dhc6LIOC8f62sSKvwS5GN2XI6EIsbdw8e6BkXo6x4X0HfZ-LITzT9iPrBUTRXB7eOw_hTDXUBLdosedveerMYLwYC5ag_X5rEmnymQOjABAaPajLP7BYhk/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+153.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362631886089616290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhic-vPDgMe2v2gq3GrYRrX2dhc6LIOC8f62sSKvwS5GN2XI6EIsbdw8e6BkXo6x4X0HfZ-LITzT9iPrBUTRXB7eOw_hTDXUBLdosedveerMYLwYC5ag_X5rEmnymQOjABAaPajLP7BYhk/s400/6.15+to+July+3+153.JPG" border="0" /></a>We were up an' at 'em early to catch The Lady of the Lake Ferry, which would take us all 55 miles up the length of the lake to Stehekin. I would only say this: In hindsight, we should've taken the faster boat for more $$ (2 hours compared to 4). But it was still fun (and cheaper), and provided us gorgeous views; such as the shot below:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Zo1GJ7hDTV4834_tCMr6ivl7KyQKoDU0RfpRF1kDVINJDPDfFAmDHeQ6P2ewSxZsSL_PtmQ84K9aNgVqzrcOY20CMyR8vo6LGMA1IK4oNbWR3qwy8OZpfJgv3X-gbiCnp1sh9XtibMk/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+165.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362631295599685250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Zo1GJ7hDTV4834_tCMr6ivl7KyQKoDU0RfpRF1kDVINJDPDfFAmDHeQ6P2ewSxZsSL_PtmQ84K9aNgVqzrcOY20CMyR8vo6LGMA1IK4oNbWR3qwy8OZpfJgv3X-gbiCnp1sh9XtibMk/s400/6.15+to+July+3+165.JPG" border="0" /></a> YippeeEE! We reached the top! Hello Stehekin, thank you Lady of the Lake! So we strapped up, made a short jaunt to the Ranger Station to get our backpacking permit, and looked around for the bus that would take us to our jumping off point to begin our hike (I was a bit scared thinking about what kind of contraption we would be riding on for an hour plus up a dirt/gravel road).<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxG8f8J7AsZj2SagGFlYAJ92vWly2e7isJBNAKXP6sH6jmTyl6vAhbercUpXTf6eIUWuk91Sr9-DUcjErZTKwkPFWdbHq3QqyNqMb-JQsU_7LToeZjCZ-pjgPEutzuntGKLQnJgQJHyg/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+173.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362611172996566274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxG8f8J7AsZj2SagGFlYAJ92vWly2e7isJBNAKXP6sH6jmTyl6vAhbercUpXTf6eIUWuk91Sr9-DUcjErZTKwkPFWdbHq3QqyNqMb-JQsU_7LToeZjCZ-pjgPEutzuntGKLQnJgQJHyg/s400/6.15+to+July+3+173.JPG" border="0" /></a>I am pleasantly surprised! The buses are new, roomy, and the driver gives us a free history lesson as we make our way up to the last stop.<br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JjigLUkyJnhpe7_KoDH-B0roO0TjFtMhIyJZZyjWoE-A8WmoWwexIgxBLovU0k6WDCRpwG7sxOfSKeeeZVqZt6NfExsa0GCMmQPaO7BM5jIjLnIgURXytfLOnJXBIv3_GXlwADMgxXk/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+228.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362560929943517778" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JjigLUkyJnhpe7_KoDH-B0roO0TjFtMhIyJZZyjWoE-A8WmoWwexIgxBLovU0k6WDCRpwG7sxOfSKeeeZVqZt6NfExsa0GCMmQPaO7BM5jIjLnIgURXytfLOnJXBIv3_GXlwADMgxXk/s320/6.15+to+July+3+228.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Welcome to the North Cascades Natl' Park!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362611165204739810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKBqm9GEUxBX_SHidbg7mlJJ0l1BZLOF-f8KAM5EEVGYLzaNQQeVvA10EIjQWOrJWmXLUVxj0KhFPs38FU5wh0YSVjeiQyPwU1I2K-Xmk3KpSCUXWNHO73nxTbwt754pYY6CcoV2S1H8/s400/6.15+to+July+3+219.JPG" border="0" />We followed an old gravel road that had been washed part of the way out by a major flood several years prior and hooked up with the Bridge Creek Trail... It was beautiful! Views of the Stehekin River, towering mountains, and meadows were a treat for the senses.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8X2O-7JhpWBno1_qwNF_aL8W_2FR7ZSiOo01tyei03gjPHgyRSdNoDNe1fmZTDyj7Fj8OjOoGuhxUO0xRy5JiUeQmc5iFVxzoubzQqPLFPpsBjnB9q354wKcoXhb2zVcAx3AyLjuvd7A/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+177.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362560921889075474" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8X2O-7JhpWBno1_qwNF_aL8W_2FR7ZSiOo01tyei03gjPHgyRSdNoDNe1fmZTDyj7Fj8OjOoGuhxUO0xRy5JiUeQmc5iFVxzoubzQqPLFPpsBjnB9q354wKcoXhb2zVcAx3AyLjuvd7A/s320/6.15+to+July+3+177.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3LE0Xz7ByGlT7P8-uN9sAR70Pq9_n0F0BZlXzdjEuf5FVb3uYfOfqO8PT5LO3wFWAvrEVjr_eQxM7EDCMpNHrTLY_p6WJKk513GOTzjENYz29Q21d6I9asIAKIQv70CrP_29WaqI3xU/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+179.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362560913195559698" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3LE0Xz7ByGlT7P8-uN9sAR70Pq9_n0F0BZlXzdjEuf5FVb3uYfOfqO8PT5LO3wFWAvrEVjr_eQxM7EDCMpNHrTLY_p6WJKk513GOTzjENYz29Q21d6I9asIAKIQv70CrP_29WaqI3xU/s320/6.15+to+July+3+179.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Once we made it up to the Bridge Creek Campground, we set up shop and then explored our surroundings. The Stehekin River was really close by, so we headed over to hang out and cool off. More like freeze your butt off. It was COLD! Here's Curt and Brian contemplating a quick dip, which turned in to jumping in, and jumping out even faster. BURRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvYrmlic2kHszJJlvx0mNpAYnphsZjb96AOGL_KRKCcfreihsEshS32F6kgGBQT_p1hMJTcahEezOhOm_UPgoORCcrFDagRHPgy64sF1BxiW7R6hE9mOgxMgMykFys56rx3qFNC9YFH0/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+185.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362559109438574658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvYrmlic2kHszJJlvx0mNpAYnphsZjb96AOGL_KRKCcfreihsEshS32F6kgGBQT_p1hMJTcahEezOhOm_UPgoORCcrFDagRHPgy64sF1BxiW7R6hE9mOgxMgMykFys56rx3qFNC9YFH0/s400/6.15+to+July+3+185.JPG" border="0" /></a> Potential Christmas card shot.... if only my hat weren't covering half my face....<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1vGPwqqrEd0uZXu2lElpPVlVQIuubU_88CJZXK8Hf4KjE3FVuhts7kJohxvX6ZjKieUHZjPjL_IaR2GfccVaoeAVoONC73uYCcBbj-YOAzJ1KQ2UUJej3ROcQLUsPo3lJpYjMqF6c8s/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+188.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362559108572633986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1vGPwqqrEd0uZXu2lElpPVlVQIuubU_88CJZXK8Hf4KjE3FVuhts7kJohxvX6ZjKieUHZjPjL_IaR2GfccVaoeAVoONC73uYCcBbj-YOAzJ1KQ2UUJej3ROcQLUsPo3lJpYjMqF6c8s/s400/6.15+to+July+3+188.JPG" border="0" /></a> We most fortuitously found an old rusty tractor, which was super exciting for some, as detailed in the picture below:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcgOxMVScsvZjfXUvDn6sRDPpWAVoWM67VRUdqQEom-eDLRQmr9wx7E8zETZmuOVPrE0zTiEth33Vr2mVZQaON85c5MBcx_qGADxArpCM_09CbfI_phCppvNg_TmeK4soP5sihGayyBA/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+194.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362559100029392066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcgOxMVScsvZjfXUvDn6sRDPpWAVoWM67VRUdqQEom-eDLRQmr9wx7E8zETZmuOVPrE0zTiEth33Vr2mVZQaON85c5MBcx_qGADxArpCM_09CbfI_phCppvNg_TmeK4soP5sihGayyBA/s400/6.15+to+July+3+194.JPG" border="0" /></a> Man vs. Wild had us on the lookout for old man's beard (great fire starter according to adventure extraordinaire and survivalist Bear Grylls) -- and find it we did, and then promptly turned it in to old man's mustache:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfTnyp9FplB5FMi0wh7bxB3w8qpYk-CI5IIT56ITJUkuber_RUJy_EyGbZzjf5jmYKrtRleSTLAZ8Dhyphenhyphen3Hb7BMVfxMjiXfXmsXnrte0v6NhsZk7paHcmEzV7vfLRr7oWSIWPZ28hbYYk/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+200.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362558461021673794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfTnyp9FplB5FMi0wh7bxB3w8qpYk-CI5IIT56ITJUkuber_RUJy_EyGbZzjf5jmYKrtRleSTLAZ8Dhyphenhyphen3Hb7BMVfxMjiXfXmsXnrte0v6NhsZk7paHcmEzV7vfLRr7oWSIWPZ28hbYYk/s400/6.15+to+July+3+200.JPG" border="0" /></a> Meanwhile, Andrea worked on her killer shank.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBppZzsD4eyvp4T3o8-OSPjTqZdmP4rYgMdXPdNDQC9R_q0WmhVSS9-y0Ah5fdcunPVtXtayMbA9U94FS9zEXLaXx7-A6asXNtBT9LlMoFLPGptJ8mt4GpDHzxgC8Nj_DW5n9ZwXN0CJE/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+201.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362558019712425570" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBppZzsD4eyvp4T3o8-OSPjTqZdmP4rYgMdXPdNDQC9R_q0WmhVSS9-y0Ah5fdcunPVtXtayMbA9U94FS9zEXLaXx7-A6asXNtBT9LlMoFLPGptJ8mt4GpDHzxgC8Nj_DW5n9ZwXN0CJE/s320/6.15+to+July+3+201.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>And Curt tried his hand at making an all-natural-tiki torch:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhup5QhWHT6poUv91gHFyM561MmXcU7OSQuZYn0g7VrssL9AsTZ4zChHoRGctjUFzLpC-jur2IOT-gLeYhDRbxXbiyIiRehGE1Fl8-nOO_czT0LwIsQszMpdPWd8ZiAkSqGCv7V0TaMykI/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+202.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362558013927532066" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhup5QhWHT6poUv91gHFyM561MmXcU7OSQuZYn0g7VrssL9AsTZ4zChHoRGctjUFzLpC-jur2IOT-gLeYhDRbxXbiyIiRehGE1Fl8-nOO_czT0LwIsQszMpdPWd8ZiAkSqGCv7V0TaMykI/s320/6.15+to+July+3+202.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br />Which worked! (The gobs of old man's beard [aka: explosive fire starter] hanging in the branches right above the tiki torch did make me a <em>little</em> nervous.)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzeGjMXGNk4sL9mTAT50QSs3tNncYt3Ckr1V2KiPIgGHFm4y0mw8m0PQ8qXx2fAQdRQqsyL6uUXBIL8rmfzK4UFeoQZNNlklGdNvy0Ak0Hda-dohCgw1v779LECiyRtAucZNbcpWZ1ok/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+205.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362558009186135730" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzeGjMXGNk4sL9mTAT50QSs3tNncYt3Ckr1V2KiPIgGHFm4y0mw8m0PQ8qXx2fAQdRQqsyL6uUXBIL8rmfzK4UFeoQZNNlklGdNvy0Ak0Hda-dohCgw1v779LECiyRtAucZNbcpWZ1ok/s320/6.15+to+July+3+205.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We took a different route on the way out the following day, which gave us even more great views and pretty mountain scenery to take in... such as this little lake below!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LxFOgaIT-bUWVyhDdEXS-9ARcABUWEdZiP5_mmEX7168W9BPW-sM9u3gXJOif18eK22kp34Tb2ab6bBD0-MOK0eaR2ZrXhQ-UHKxzFFphwniPA6VeLYePb_wURB2Vjji-IKZqpt7UPg/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+210.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362557294319611138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LxFOgaIT-bUWVyhDdEXS-9ARcABUWEdZiP5_mmEX7168W9BPW-sM9u3gXJOif18eK22kp34Tb2ab6bBD0-MOK0eaR2ZrXhQ-UHKxzFFphwniPA6VeLYePb_wURB2Vjji-IKZqpt7UPg/s400/6.15+to+July+3+210.JPG" border="0" /></a> More glorious mountains...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8U1XgBwDudAXDMeXP1rq94LGCOaeY5-zQEH0_wUyrVUFJcczDtygCToATZGhLOUL6ImWiWIgHg0-X8sNs0DdhVOOjAbYc4EQCL_Yzk0Ct5I7DQ9NXHK47l2KceRc_S_gddAxTHMe0gs/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+214.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362557284405843458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8U1XgBwDudAXDMeXP1rq94LGCOaeY5-zQEH0_wUyrVUFJcczDtygCToATZGhLOUL6ImWiWIgHg0-X8sNs0DdhVOOjAbYc4EQCL_Yzk0Ct5I7DQ9NXHK47l2KceRc_S_gddAxTHMe0gs/s400/6.15+to+July+3+214.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here we are waiting for the bus back.... Along the way we made a quick stop at a waterfall and got a tasty bakery treat at a bomb cafe on the ride down; Curt back on the ferry, as we settle in for the return trip down the lake.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1r9YGhvbeHaaapq2MpD2xrc3MFrKYJnbn77qNZsN3r5F_I6GFRgBZ8hQEnc08aGqSYOQI8TpfdylBdgt9Y8Hj56huq8DP8hkPqQFklY5DgcGlEMHpO9CLqCkew_CKbLVSyExjXiVkOw/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+216.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362555646842886610" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1r9YGhvbeHaaapq2MpD2xrc3MFrKYJnbn77qNZsN3r5F_I6GFRgBZ8hQEnc08aGqSYOQI8TpfdylBdgt9Y8Hj56huq8DP8hkPqQFklY5DgcGlEMHpO9CLqCkew_CKbLVSyExjXiVkOw/s200/6.15+to+July+3+216.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnrYnIvEHj5JGFbhJot_TtAcXpq-c8KnfVyCxgQFAziKW1Pwrc36UHaRjiQrGfXe-S-qMe-d3h5Rv8wMqEcLBKa5Lrh5xSNLNzgLeBeEzdfS-Pxlzr9OTes_X1mpMCLtAIsMupJ_0SmU/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+232.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362555635844755890" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnrYnIvEHj5JGFbhJot_TtAcXpq-c8KnfVyCxgQFAziKW1Pwrc36UHaRjiQrGfXe-S-qMe-d3h5Rv8wMqEcLBKa5Lrh5xSNLNzgLeBeEzdfS-Pxlzr9OTes_X1mpMCLtAIsMupJ_0SmU/s200/6.15+to+July+3+232.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTCAoY_YWiEdY7fEm8BeSifuvZi3adDURllnC8X_0fasFHFSCycYfyLxff3Ch41d3IYULrGmBgygcm1idhi6IYVsdd0t2OV4kA8utNrmH8A_eM4UorREkn-ILGiVtT3rJLdA0PBC_5qI/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+238.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362555633283617874" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTCAoY_YWiEdY7fEm8BeSifuvZi3adDURllnC8X_0fasFHFSCycYfyLxff3Ch41d3IYULrGmBgygcm1idhi6IYVsdd0t2OV4kA8utNrmH8A_eM4UorREkn-ILGiVtT3rJLdA0PBC_5qI/s200/6.15+to+July+3+238.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br />Once we made it off the lake, we made our way up to Twisp to camp river-side on some family friend's property. (Thanks to all Anderson's!!) :) <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4fqMPECYM2KpwyUald6x7UAYY_6Xtx2wZrFv89GQOpw3kED0yoarCu1Ah6LaW1ThiauxDCDOeYg_GtEUzDElM-Dtn9taaa6DqJ8JWWugjtQ0OLFnp8FAR1hViJSrux9vap4k56g8RHg/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+239.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362554796038836962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4fqMPECYM2KpwyUald6x7UAYY_6Xtx2wZrFv89GQOpw3kED0yoarCu1Ah6LaW1ThiauxDCDOeYg_GtEUzDElM-Dtn9taaa6DqJ8JWWugjtQ0OLFnp8FAR1hViJSrux9vap4k56g8RHg/s400/6.15+to+July+3+239.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p>In more recent news, I thought I would update a little fish catching action! Curt landed a 30 inch, 10 pound Willamette River steelhead outside of Springfield, OR, on his 6 weight St. Croix fly rod thanks to his fishing guide/buddy Simon. Curt was so pumped because he hadn't landed a steelhead since our move to Cali. Yay!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365111662624169090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6Jt4wuNXafqpYXg3e9cqPFaT102WW9gQ0cpn80cvxBLrUAB01rMgaz3xjf1F9n3FRr0588jFtVQStR4XJcNF2VM3TswpWcbHhetf1mehHGZMGa91Udxh91I1sNzA3-hq0-MVpa8QcZU/s400/DSC01535.JPG" border="0" /></p><br />More updates to come..... We have been enjoying our time in Bend at my parents new place, and spent the last week painting and helping them get organized. Happy summer adventures everyone! :)Katie & Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01112456290057508617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448170773579213905.post-3030806731064420612009-07-25T22:24:00.000-07:002009-07-26T13:01:13.582-07:00StepHan and UndErwoOd ToUr De WasHinGton! ... (part one)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iAH13iaLwqjEFBYleQ9M8oS1xcz8wbwxg6AzPKF_Vf1JRUXbc3IOOL7dMy5cykgIYN-8HWHRWgZKORdt3RF_v3bFjGUFtcSiiPJ33USCmNb-udX0HGw1KkTTTDkRsuDag4eZX55FSHQ/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+080.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362641443091229346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iAH13iaLwqjEFBYleQ9M8oS1xcz8wbwxg6AzPKF_Vf1JRUXbc3IOOL7dMy5cykgIYN-8HWHRWgZKORdt3RF_v3bFjGUFtcSiiPJ33USCmNb-udX0HGw1KkTTTDkRsuDag4eZX55FSHQ/s400/6.15+to+July+3+080.JPG" border="0" /></a> The day after my parents moved to Oregon (still crazy to think about, but we are so pumped to visit their new place in Bend - we'll be there tomorrow and can't wait!), our friends Brian and Andrea drove up from Cali to visit us and check out the beautiful state of Washington! Curt and I were so excited to have an excuse to check out parts of the state we hadn't yet explored; bring on the adventures! Our dear friends Jill and Corey were kind enough to house all four of us, since our pool-side pad was now in new hands (thanks guys!). The first night they arrived we had dinner at Sweet Basil (sooo yummmy; best pizza ever)... and then took them on a drive around the near countryside, catching a gorgeous sunset up in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. Here's Andrea and I chewing on a little wheat and Curt and Brian doing... I don't know exactly what...(pretending to be some kind of creatures??)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5z_dHUWWV9wN2Wn1pNR22fGX5ZpDMuzA6cJxwXCISNAJZ3nczive6zxV7LVC_KKe6gTMGznd1aQ7T2p7PLLQbYneDmOmhAgg66apRYqI-27LW9iYdsXZ4DO91OVbvbSMSXrG9_1tkq7A/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+082.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362640720244548354" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5z_dHUWWV9wN2Wn1pNR22fGX5ZpDMuzA6cJxwXCISNAJZ3nczive6zxV7LVC_KKe6gTMGznd1aQ7T2p7PLLQbYneDmOmhAgg66apRYqI-27LW9iYdsXZ4DO91OVbvbSMSXrG9_1tkq7A/s200/6.15+to+July+3+082.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTKK1Ml8yYCNCYZ5VbIyGiyUjcIE5b_-6a6IGM3I2LSagyvC03-d_knDEkNQ2k3wgpX1kccB9_N6n_QIYBD1vCaOyD9WJTS0JAdrhOXffIJhKuLDxxSN1pMWr7NCB8L8tgqK6m5zcFNs/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+085.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362640714459826882" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTKK1Ml8yYCNCYZ5VbIyGiyUjcIE5b_-6a6IGM3I2LSagyvC03-d_knDEkNQ2k3wgpX1kccB9_N6n_QIYBD1vCaOyD9WJTS0JAdrhOXffIJhKuLDxxSN1pMWr7NCB8L8tgqK6m5zcFNs/s200/6.15+to+July+3+085.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We tried to catch an action shot of Curt -- and this is the best of what we came up with: Blurry face, aka: slightly scary. Haha.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtae9G5T5wvUUBxtHpilsZMBYAGkxynkwC-ANyFddoEQKYu8pAVuuKXH-KG6xU29NApPDcFf-GTWzcSiJEGfsrb2w49CmH-901fMDUZqL6dCcKa6o-Mr45vdqJgbw6S3f4Iz-QnUCuQIM/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+091.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362640708420175938" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtae9G5T5wvUUBxtHpilsZMBYAGkxynkwC-ANyFddoEQKYu8pAVuuKXH-KG6xU29NApPDcFf-GTWzcSiJEGfsrb2w49CmH-901fMDUZqL6dCcKa6o-Mr45vdqJgbw6S3f4Iz-QnUCuQIM/s200/6.15+to+July+3+091.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Our fantastically amazing generous hosts and wonderful friends Jill and Corey.... A million thanks again you two!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHiGjCALf4HJNntQLj-1qxskXRg1_QVtCvcH-DMxrqZmTMk8TrSe-cFxenag8kH_awQUM9Cc74UgdtgUdx8Yt_fpf7ircyFep_znPqg1P02AeufO-CnLuSKSbelmuMkNq-ze2Sh1Zzpw/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+093.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362640451829333730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHiGjCALf4HJNntQLj-1qxskXRg1_QVtCvcH-DMxrqZmTMk8TrSe-cFxenag8kH_awQUM9Cc74UgdtgUdx8Yt_fpf7ircyFep_znPqg1P02AeufO-CnLuSKSbelmuMkNq-ze2Sh1Zzpw/s400/6.15+to+July+3+093.JPG" border="0" /></a>Saturday found us up bright and early and on our way for a day full of wine tasting! We'll be able to hit up 10 or so wineries, right? ahahahhhahaha. Here's stop number 1: Cougar Crest - which actually ended up being some of our favorite wine of the day. Brain and Andrea toasting our tour off - Cheers!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PmugTxy1lhNF2wjw-Y94qBVlEhnNmDTOmaNWue8wS9E5h6VVJ-XyNFXMI6pB5s7pABOzceehGqyyyEQkgatNH5T2vGqq08Y3oAu1iUxAHr-KK7GKkSJS5MZMZFAt1e05swLPOd1eOXo/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+096.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362640003912705730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PmugTxy1lhNF2wjw-Y94qBVlEhnNmDTOmaNWue8wS9E5h6VVJ-XyNFXMI6pB5s7pABOzceehGqyyyEQkgatNH5T2vGqq08Y3oAu1iUxAHr-KK7GKkSJS5MZMZFAt1e05swLPOd1eOXo/s400/6.15+to+July+3+096.JPG" border="0" /></a> Next stop, Reininger Winery, where we grabbed a quick shot out front and Curt had a chance to do a little bull roping (which he LOVED).<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDe6kt351O6CShT0j4w2-ZC0Yq-EwkX2pP8RYgZG3Y90I0ZJ5_UtYg7Ds4mpvCYP3TS4zN3loeFJrhCXCkEkksd10_ZrLrS3I5Of8le8sH3Y3HI44G28NFQ8cWZqFIz9-Ft3_X_WgnOMc/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+099.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362639538568120962" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDe6kt351O6CShT0j4w2-ZC0Yq-EwkX2pP8RYgZG3Y90I0ZJ5_UtYg7Ds4mpvCYP3TS4zN3loeFJrhCXCkEkksd10_ZrLrS3I5Of8le8sH3Y3HI44G28NFQ8cWZqFIz9-Ft3_X_WgnOMc/s200/6.15+to+July+3+099.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVu0TrWJ_w_A8Ps9nQDjd9sbaTRNfH3Zvip1_ANdF3c3G44MNxTk1eGMkhDq7YNuU6u-HL4Pd365UibSpTAZe8vw3fTP-k9pxuUnB7c4eRA1N1VDZl8PAmoci_L8n8it3oHzWJNwjOyu8/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+101.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362639531389034338" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVu0TrWJ_w_A8Ps9nQDjd9sbaTRNfH3Zvip1_ANdF3c3G44MNxTk1eGMkhDq7YNuU6u-HL4Pd365UibSpTAZe8vw3fTP-k9pxuUnB7c4eRA1N1VDZl8PAmoci_L8n8it3oHzWJNwjOyu8/s200/6.15+to+July+3+101.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Then it was on to Three Rivers (another fav. with great wine). Oh! And just so you know, we did have a designated driver. That would've been <em>me</em>. Note to self, great time was had, but even better time could be had next time if someone else is given the job. :)</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYn9yx5gWGxIaOW43R-Nlj7HRFIEiwTIQVFR1lN8BS_ylqJ2YLV6DE040iwmZMyzCTFa5Uhyphenhypheng2wbCTVETY_0V-fbad_vwDTbzmiXFWIKkbk5DOcM9_pXSwbh0ZiDaRFwBHVXiNL2eijzI/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+102.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362639525707900562" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYn9yx5gWGxIaOW43R-Nlj7HRFIEiwTIQVFR1lN8BS_ylqJ2YLV6DE040iwmZMyzCTFa5Uhyphenhypheng2wbCTVETY_0V-fbad_vwDTbzmiXFWIKkbk5DOcM9_pXSwbh0ZiDaRFwBHVXiNL2eijzI/s200/6.15+to+July+3+102.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqskxZ4Za3VrmOzG7N5mOVRkYpiTv77NukpMb6MYRX82CrgunuCy2zFro5fy8B24WsOJZ2i8mBP6ugyleroOotxt3BCVMDGqKGVUHQ6jGLhkDLlXkZc9fhM_aQ9ypG-9FyqMCtCqTytWU/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+105.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362639515301082066" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqskxZ4Za3VrmOzG7N5mOVRkYpiTv77NukpMb6MYRX82CrgunuCy2zFro5fy8B24WsOJZ2i8mBP6ugyleroOotxt3BCVMDGqKGVUHQ6jGLhkDLlXkZc9fhM_aQ9ypG-9FyqMCtCqTytWU/s200/6.15+to+July+3+105.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><div>After a yummy lunch at the Farmer's Market in downtown Walla Walla, giving us some much needed food in the stomach, it was on to Patit Creek Cellars where my dear friend Amy works serving up wine in the summer!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNGR5wT_Ud7zp6j2iEJMeRGgQBZk3Q_DrHB5pntwm7jkiW1EgvZz-1ivWxGRNqNMQeNxvzUCFMynv1StzLDtzfdXfhfkmWnC_vKM5lPxM_Ksv0Qmes4992fwfCnZsk3SXUo76fDuFVqs/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+106.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362638969247842018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNGR5wT_Ud7zp6j2iEJMeRGgQBZk3Q_DrHB5pntwm7jkiW1EgvZz-1ivWxGRNqNMQeNxvzUCFMynv1StzLDtzfdXfhfkmWnC_vKM5lPxM_Ksv0Qmes4992fwfCnZsk3SXUo76fDuFVqs/s400/6.15+to+July+3+106.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here's Amy pouring! Curt and Brian checking out the goods in our behind-the-scenes tour (would not recommend Grain Alcohol people - and we didn't sample it, but we imagine it's close to rubbing alcohol), and Curt also helping himself to some bulk wine. Uummm, I'm sure that's kosher... and sanitary, right? <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLaYup-PDrHi2Uy6CmLqR_TQN3v6exFFvZiPHcXDhQkxmv_5nTcyjEYUXO0JS8yFA8lF-NADyR5PZ99T3wiZcvK5LAsOMh1yvJrD-ShhpTujZCM9YmIhIo_VmTpxEmDi2EIL01432jWA/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+107.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362638529603890754" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLaYup-PDrHi2Uy6CmLqR_TQN3v6exFFvZiPHcXDhQkxmv_5nTcyjEYUXO0JS8yFA8lF-NADyR5PZ99T3wiZcvK5LAsOMh1yvJrD-ShhpTujZCM9YmIhIo_VmTpxEmDi2EIL01432jWA/s200/6.15+to+July+3+107.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLPpuvMwhA6alhZv1OehhibaZlb_z2rp3ylqoaRGTWDKF_CKrWoR8Uy9KpI9GDaI5EL7kbe2PY2DQACBDNpuHVEzorwAy0vGgFggztNeAV6AYqe2wFW8kNXTQpW6dWPnWMrYXyDCPvPk/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+108.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362638520353907346" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLPpuvMwhA6alhZv1OehhibaZlb_z2rp3ylqoaRGTWDKF_CKrWoR8Uy9KpI9GDaI5EL7kbe2PY2DQACBDNpuHVEzorwAy0vGgFggztNeAV6AYqe2wFW8kNXTQpW6dWPnWMrYXyDCPvPk/s200/6.15+to+July+3+108.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6RPKHV7e6uecSSSOKpVdShp-vEejsWVAacGD-8KOZg1FCJWcAxxsBQjFCKLYN1k_7mPGxP_IBJ4u9bnnPCgiSy6AAT_JDwlLYsw2fDl_-4A173Xk582pLFUXjldSwioSYhA0sDkA00Y/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+110.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362638516338234674" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6RPKHV7e6uecSSSOKpVdShp-vEejsWVAacGD-8KOZg1FCJWcAxxsBQjFCKLYN1k_7mPGxP_IBJ4u9bnnPCgiSy6AAT_JDwlLYsw2fDl_-4A173Xk582pLFUXjldSwioSYhA0sDkA00Y/s200/6.15+to+July+3+110.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7HDmG8tJZqPzgCF0f_v4ifhrwmy0yeWiU1vQ85ugETqGc8poTV3ZbFU-QtjU5U_KFL9FOeWmqbBVFaTEzkx9TWxwSv86RNcZXtYeOFxVGWuZSdAr2dKnkmqoycruiyBa4ewzhWKR2-o/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+109.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362638016894618482" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7HDmG8tJZqPzgCF0f_v4ifhrwmy0yeWiU1vQ85ugETqGc8poTV3ZbFU-QtjU5U_KFL9FOeWmqbBVFaTEzkx9TWxwSv86RNcZXtYeOFxVGWuZSdAr2dKnkmqoycruiyBa4ewzhWKR2-o/s400/6.15+to+July+3+109.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>Amy also showed us the barrel room... Ooooooo. (Is that what it's called??) Anyway, it was cool.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />From there we checked out a little winery across the way (that's Andy and I in front of a huge wine barrel), and then K Vintners out on Mill Creek Road. SUPer cool winery -- probably the most unique we visited (that's the four of us by the large K. I'm also sure I needed to include this explanation given its name, haha). :)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZdjPENSjP3p1ViV3nGtiil6-osrT1pi0POF40FAEba-4C3J1XRYyCuXlrRtb18XZvoHaMmgQ0Ao2ZBMAhbXAZOCq4I9ATFxd0_1hvKX06sGYmAUHq7_3vf4nRwOqVCAC4Ry90WTvUZI/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+113.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362637707387681666" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZdjPENSjP3p1ViV3nGtiil6-osrT1pi0POF40FAEba-4C3J1XRYyCuXlrRtb18XZvoHaMmgQ0Ao2ZBMAhbXAZOCq4I9ATFxd0_1hvKX06sGYmAUHq7_3vf4nRwOqVCAC4Ry90WTvUZI/s200/6.15+to+July+3+113.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRX80_JjnI0sZNiuvR9CIU4YF57YkHSC2Ai8k8_MxsGBhjeU_vtALsRz1GRhIoTZ-3dkJSerBIVKxkqrttZ7SXQXg4m0sf-AvlfOqdniEig4fNgJej6nJxwh4bJp4VKU4dW_uTNZBPag/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+119.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362637700588114658" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRX80_JjnI0sZNiuvR9CIU4YF57YkHSC2Ai8k8_MxsGBhjeU_vtALsRz1GRhIoTZ-3dkJSerBIVKxkqrttZ7SXQXg4m0sf-AvlfOqdniEig4fNgJej6nJxwh4bJp4VKU4dW_uTNZBPag/s200/6.15+to+July+3+119.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>After a quick stop at Klickers for some much needed cheese, fruit, and chocolate (Our snacks were perfect for wine tasting, were they not?) We were off to our final winery of the day, Basil Cellars. Gorgeous winery up on a hill overlooking part of Walla Walla valley and a killer view of the Blue Mountains. The wine wasn't too shabby either! Andrea and I can be seen taking a load off below (my feet had it in for me! So much for being cute - Give me some flip flops or slippers stat!!)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNeAcxEGWnEfWssL5y7BM6mVbLaUEjxtQkteMIfMz3jn30t-JiSkW6_Jfc5BHrxcpmMbbTBRQ4t6MRe42m56g2OWPbXH0GPj6kZwi8-bemgIhXuXfr_HQ55gut5ayVKpPKSBfvpnK874/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+120.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362636853136946706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNeAcxEGWnEfWssL5y7BM6mVbLaUEjxtQkteMIfMz3jn30t-JiSkW6_Jfc5BHrxcpmMbbTBRQ4t6MRe42m56g2OWPbXH0GPj6kZwi8-bemgIhXuXfr_HQ55gut5ayVKpPKSBfvpnK874/s320/6.15+to+July+3+120.JPG" border="0" /></a> Needless to say, we did not make it to 10+ wineries. What were we thinking??! Even so, making it to 8 was quite respectable! Or should I say, ridiculous. Ha :) Anyway, it was a blast, but we were happy to hit up some delicious Walla Walla tacos before heading back home and taking in a quick nap before getting ready and heading out to Whoop-em-Up Hollow Cafe for dinner in Waitsburg. (If you haven't been, and are planning a trip to WW anytime in the future - I highly recommend it's scrumptious, southern style, Cajun food... Uummmm).</div><div>Here's just a couple shots of us girls at dinner and outside the restaurant. So fun!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYPfa8j_0d9jDfQE1CXhsJcdXsKjH73GQhyMtWoMp3YYdlPA1w0ssSGk8dpDySFJnOlhq39YFEdnlMV91dbBLEoMUoXAc2WoYftXB2vX5m0eJYxjT1wjJ5ziyAOfRdz7QE1v9S7CQrzc/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+122.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362636472508818322" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYPfa8j_0d9jDfQE1CXhsJcdXsKjH73GQhyMtWoMp3YYdlPA1w0ssSGk8dpDySFJnOlhq39YFEdnlMV91dbBLEoMUoXAc2WoYftXB2vX5m0eJYxjT1wjJ5ziyAOfRdz7QE1v9S7CQrzc/s200/6.15+to+July+3+122.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pcXQ5mMT4pBqUnOQp4kH2W5OI6xRPCQipHt6JyPP07_tQBC4Fi0UlOf1eIL4o9V5d8T_LaD8m60HEWcw3t80soeUDK5s789Yfoq-mFKIApNtvlrsYYDEmWn53LYVja-_cBDointfkVQ/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+124.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362636467031882898" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pcXQ5mMT4pBqUnOQp4kH2W5OI6xRPCQipHt6JyPP07_tQBC4Fi0UlOf1eIL4o9V5d8T_LaD8m60HEWcw3t80soeUDK5s789Yfoq-mFKIApNtvlrsYYDEmWn53LYVja-_cBDointfkVQ/s200/6.15+to+July+3+124.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillYZ3v8TvyyCeivAXXSvL7Qf5qeEPG8xkXn_U-J_5TEWxfddOiUtnNTK6Vhk5WdTSGpEsChcdyOQzzlXJzteboEZ7Kxc-nNCn_SSMJLoyrqe9x_KcXke-mKc89O0G4v5Z61l5EerSDLU/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+125.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362636459425750706" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillYZ3v8TvyyCeivAXXSvL7Qf5qeEPG8xkXn_U-J_5TEWxfddOiUtnNTK6Vhk5WdTSGpEsChcdyOQzzlXJzteboEZ7Kxc-nNCn_SSMJLoyrqe9x_KcXke-mKc89O0G4v5Z61l5EerSDLU/s200/6.15+to+July+3+125.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSJxSco5gOEEnDJAYMxFc7xlNUnmj-GqmavSv7sbZrFGnDSpR3CT3aTD9jUjgtID_R0FOORY1457XTw4hnUFXa5JgVPzUuN-UOjee8Q0xD7F6CFK8Ftc964nC_GZhKGNDk9vJxIrR7M4/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+127.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362636045664805890" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSJxSco5gOEEnDJAYMxFc7xlNUnmj-GqmavSv7sbZrFGnDSpR3CT3aTD9jUjgtID_R0FOORY1457XTw4hnUFXa5JgVPzUuN-UOjee8Q0xD7F6CFK8Ftc964nC_GZhKGNDk9vJxIrR7M4/s400/6.15+to+July+3+127.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We unabashedly asked one of the staff to hop out and snap our picture, though we're pretty sure she was slightly irritated at our being so excited for a group shot outside the place. The look on her face screamed: You are SO annoying; please leave already. (needless to say, we did not linger long. Thank you sweet bus-girl!)<br /><br /><br /><div></div><div>Ahhh... Our adventures with Brian and Andrea have barely begun! Next stop, a drive to Chelan; camping; a ferry ride up the lake; backpacking; driving over the North Cascade's Pass... and then on to Bellingham! More to come, so stay tuned.... And happy adventures to you all! :)</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Katie & Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01112456290057508617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448170773579213905.post-85075031797991712322009-07-12T16:51:00.000-07:002009-07-20T00:43:33.534-07:00MinnEsOta to WalLa wAlLa!The summer has continued rolling along.... I can't believe it's the 19th of July already! Crazy, crazy. I'm so anxious to post pictures of what we have been up to lately (especially the time spent with our adorable twin nieces!), but I am so behind with our adventures from earlier this summer, and I wanted to finish posting those first. :) We'll be in Bellingham a couple more days, then it's on to Portland, then Bend to see my parents new house, then home to Cali.<br /><div><div> </div><div>These pictures take us back to the middle of June as we left Minnesota. As we were driving along, we happened upon a little farm town called...dun-da-da-dah!.... Bellingham! What??! Curt was compelled to take a confused picture to symbolize his surprise that another Bellingham does indeed exist:</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQijmPQHvLWovXWeuiMrp-9t8rcPnlYvM30iTlOMLLZb9noVSZvtIzhEHnY1PVA06Y0PM0xACJ8dO5YsZV4YCzlCKjIZYS9Dmizz3Oog0jaG4ELA7yx6q7_rlylaObgVHWhqGy2wOQyFY/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360292815086574802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQijmPQHvLWovXWeuiMrp-9t8rcPnlYvM30iTlOMLLZb9noVSZvtIzhEHnY1PVA06Y0PM0xACJ8dO5YsZV4YCzlCKjIZYS9Dmizz3Oog0jaG4ELA7yx6q7_rlylaObgVHWhqGy2wOQyFY/s320/6.15+to+July+3+007.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here we are in North Dakota at the Theodore Roosevelt Natl' Park (this made a total of 4 Natl' Park visits so far, with one more to come). Here I am trying out another pose to keep things interesting, haha. It's hard to keep our pics lively when only Curt or I end up in them!<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtyuqp6d9ILZBC-bfLGI0D0P0WLq7J3_YiiZmohvj1ZIqXbBI9rM97WI8lcibZe6WI5TfITR4jekWM59djFYhblM4HAcwYLYxQyys-ueAV2SLyKCNA1w9f3hoPO4WhEiACTchc9yPlvI/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360292808342011586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtyuqp6d9ILZBC-bfLGI0D0P0WLq7J3_YiiZmohvj1ZIqXbBI9rM97WI8lcibZe6WI5TfITR4jekWM59djFYhblM4HAcwYLYxQyys-ueAV2SLyKCNA1w9f3hoPO4WhEiACTchc9yPlvI/s320/6.15+to+July+3+010.JPG" border="0" /></a> Contrary to your pre-conceived notions regarding North Dakota (and South Dakota for that matter), it is really pretty there! Rolling green hills and "painted," desert like rocks cutting deep valleys; it's not all prairie people! :) We even saw a buffalo...ooohh yeeeah. Although the picture we took ended up making it look like an ant. As an added FYI, this is <em>not</em> the buffalo picture below, so don't strain your eyes looking for it!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360292810696919298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1y7X37TQ79nc14er05Cho_v4sqVIBRsGL60Hd0xjw3jEus2RxIazJznFAIWcsc3_mcL83vBqfMwEweDWQ2yfeDsPwCALkkEnNWpRxgUvsqhByP9jdIQFHru8SXxTXvM8qB30vRd2lgA/s320/6.15+to+July+3+016.JPG" border="0" /> </div><div>We finally reached home.... good old Walla Walla! (Though now it's just a fond memory! Sweet, blissful memories! - definitely being overly dramatic here, as we will certainly be back to visit our wonderful friends who still live there). After a few last days relaxing at my parents house pool-side, we were off for a fun day on the Snake River! Hello warm weather, good friends, and a jet ski! Here's Jilly and I cruising...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4-3a-jVCgxmSmGnBfTmYUUGUa9xCBKYVLYWQPn2lTCQya8UJnrJm4eeYCz0313zMo6O8hwWehJYTgzs1HJ1C-Uwjjf6_vSieKwCNk1ZiclpdVQ7gEyoedDyUo2nP5g3yWzv5tEm-3rg/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357730925266421714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4-3a-jVCgxmSmGnBfTmYUUGUa9xCBKYVLYWQPn2lTCQya8UJnrJm4eeYCz0313zMo6O8hwWehJYTgzs1HJ1C-Uwjjf6_vSieKwCNk1ZiclpdVQ7gEyoedDyUo2nP5g3yWzv5tEm-3rg/s320/6.15+to+July+3+025.JPG" border="0" /></a> ....and done cruising!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360436812532346466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzeWqsBrorTmGVxQvtN121h0UV7YfvdyfByys-J6YilnEVPKJEma3Occoi7mPE3ZPpyTxwEAo1YyDUhsYLwGxSC8MPLctmibaC4h5gdLW8ZhhaELopo6x5WPXEP1s0TpklkfabIJXK7oE/s320/6.15+to+July+3+027.JPG" border="0" />Ah, a man and his grill. Curt and Corey getting ready to prepare a tasty fare; BBQed burgers, along with 3 varieties of chips, and a huge bag of delicious cherries! YUmmY. (They kind-of have the Captain Morgan's Rum look going on, wouldn't you say?)<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360436811046360562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLs90p7Duf0sXaiqItWoyniIhgxIumH5tLFMR3NiAnU-HXvzW5oV7yYtBRfiOC7cKeyjZNuWIop5KeoKpPhp5DMDmEEAdMYnvcnFpdcfB-y_gq803ahWvZ5E_hMKqD_gE1KdsypEr3C6g/s320/6.15+to+July+3+029.JPG" border="0" /> All fun must come to an end, but we stretched it out by stopping along the road to catch some pictures of the sunset on the drive home... it was gorgeous! Although, not so much this picture of me below hugging the air, haha.</div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsesun0d9hQ9I9-fEAjqPbThTg1F7AA9qb6_miXFMua1bTCP0NgtMMilnObAL0rYNw0XYgpUiRMSZXCP9ExoXq1_2ZgkYLas3nup1dMnq0JZfeX31pvHvgznOBAjFUSzBL-23QKBrq3Ms/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+060.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357728601117127330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsesun0d9hQ9I9-fEAjqPbThTg1F7AA9qb6_miXFMua1bTCP0NgtMMilnObAL0rYNw0XYgpUiRMSZXCP9ExoXq1_2ZgkYLas3nup1dMnq0JZfeX31pvHvgznOBAjFUSzBL-23QKBrq3Ms/s320/6.15+to+July+3+060.JPG" border="0" /></a> Ahhhh, much better sunset shot. I wasn't lying! Awww, we miss you Jill and Corey :)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ovYovJ2_cT8YPvbhYvmkyEAz7D2apL9pzqNYzql5kI-ALD5H6DxOMCMmi2K92so6AeMN7gKYYvaijqy9rw1N5radfR7PlCbafwIPG2BupjDm9AJz8ZzU5CR-Gsu67KuehsqjGj8oXbw/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+068.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357728595686011186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ovYovJ2_cT8YPvbhYvmkyEAz7D2apL9pzqNYzql5kI-ALD5H6DxOMCMmi2K92so6AeMN7gKYYvaijqy9rw1N5radfR7PlCbafwIPG2BupjDm9AJz8ZzU5CR-Gsu67KuehsqjGj8oXbw/s320/6.15+to+July+3+068.JPG" border="0" /></a> And wouldn't you know, the very next day, all that was left of my childhood home was a bunch of big empty rooms! The final night was spent on the blow-up mattress (back to camping we go! although house-camping comes complete with latrine, air conditioning, t.v., and meals out, you gotta love that). Here's some final shots of the house all packed up. Craziness!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mrUNlUcpoX9ohIjAN54V8hT4Wtn_0RtvFcbv6l5BFrGmLSvZcclxe77p30JhflFuuA2UCjV1ZvfjCVmytSpSJRc3KZi3CzdTtrPr5YlglMBkgNOVsr9ZBOTrYkr1FIxsWkh-bHfQerw/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+072.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357726526082926258" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mrUNlUcpoX9ohIjAN54V8hT4Wtn_0RtvFcbv6l5BFrGmLSvZcclxe77p30JhflFuuA2UCjV1ZvfjCVmytSpSJRc3KZi3CzdTtrPr5YlglMBkgNOVsr9ZBOTrYkr1FIxsWkh-bHfQerw/s200/6.15+to+July+3+072.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRgF-dsLGJByd-D_CHoHjUV35OuvMZLbfp5ucjAnzRvsP9TbubLoo327F4V81jc8cU1-fRBe-W5gXcPiTFW70uk407TTHx6wgGnYhQ9Dq_d72NBlcyhvC91N7ulhKSRHhnimiQpLj910/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+070.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357726523003067602" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRgF-dsLGJByd-D_CHoHjUV35OuvMZLbfp5ucjAnzRvsP9TbubLoo327F4V81jc8cU1-fRBe-W5gXcPiTFW70uk407TTHx6wgGnYhQ9Dq_d72NBlcyhvC91N7ulhKSRHhnimiQpLj910/s200/6.15+to+July+3+070.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroKZfvZ6pQ8MoG_SnqmZm87twbGILI5pEUt-Y6irRtVAcFNbhO0oqsj4KPKLIfJn6oHu3lEZj8wUNe9Yv5t4HRbuiz_bUMqQL2aYwUQE5T3zyuKGwUKJ1GcMl3QqS6FW6-GIFPxDudl4/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+069.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357726516135996258" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroKZfvZ6pQ8MoG_SnqmZm87twbGILI5pEUt-Y6irRtVAcFNbhO0oqsj4KPKLIfJn6oHu3lEZj8wUNe9Yv5t4HRbuiz_bUMqQL2aYwUQE5T3zyuKGwUKJ1GcMl3QqS6FW6-GIFPxDudl4/s200/6.15+to+July+3+069.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>Here's mom and I posing for one last picture outside... You were good to us "pizza hut"! We will miss you!!! (For those of you who may not know, all growing up my friends always thought the shape of the roof of our house was similar to that of a greasy pizza joint - so I adopted it as a fabulous navigation tool! Handy dandy I tell ya!)</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-foFpc9_9QbgLvOiRFoI4s5nk2XQGxrAPbXoyvdpdSgp3I1BUHNx6woHrbJS_e5zQ-XPWuPK5VrgjUaxKNCD8rIqs6ehDFQPXf4OFCilcpQJ4ejZxbXTsMXs1bgP5m96R7iC3c-Ssm1g/s1600-h/6.15+to+July+3+073.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357725852562870274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-foFpc9_9QbgLvOiRFoI4s5nk2XQGxrAPbXoyvdpdSgp3I1BUHNx6woHrbJS_e5zQ-XPWuPK5VrgjUaxKNCD8rIqs6ehDFQPXf4OFCilcpQJ4ejZxbXTsMXs1bgP5m96R7iC3c-Ssm1g/s320/6.15+to+July+3+073.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p>More adventures soon to come.... Especially as our friends Brian and Andrea arrived from California to explore the grand state of Washington with us! We miss you guys already and had a blast -- I'll be updating our blog with those travels later this week. Until then.... :)</p>Katie & Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01112456290057508617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448170773579213905.post-68708913032073440652009-07-10T17:42:00.000-07:002009-07-11T22:32:10.060-07:00Colorado Springs to Minnesota! Summer travels continue...Thought I would update the blog with more adventures from our summer! Here's a look back in June at our time in Colorado and Minnesota. :)<br /><br />After leaving The Black Canyon of the Gunnison Natl' Park, we were on our way to Colorado Springs! Here we are on Monarch Pass (11,312 ft)... it was gorgeous!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHHstP4Gv6CimAdKn1dfZyJCVo6Glhenoa9C9YXmBoYwxdVJKiE9pHZiXD8B7_iCF7F1g-ViqR6FUG_uHrDkMOuvenc9z9h13MO1885nzli_oAIVS1GvNpzaEHj7OugqfunU3ans6Qr_U/s1600-h/017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356998812265802610" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHHstP4Gv6CimAdKn1dfZyJCVo6Glhenoa9C9YXmBoYwxdVJKiE9pHZiXD8B7_iCF7F1g-ViqR6FUG_uHrDkMOuvenc9z9h13MO1885nzli_oAIVS1GvNpzaEHj7OugqfunU3ans6Qr_U/s400/017.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div><div><div><div>We stayed with our friends Mark and Tiffany, (Thanks guys! We miss you!) and they showed us around their beautiful town. First stop, the Garden of the Gods. Here we are in front of some of the huge, jutting, red rocks... and Curt and Mark climbed up between a couple spires so I could catch this shot:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOllEr-1YWlir1xP-BC46_EiEktQW0d9uWv122642A81ztFcubbG4IRJ1Zwpqm5fgaMpiRWee6iAduw4c5hE-VdFjcACltCXFt2-ScKkxmv4KR3Aw0-p6i-As2X40uWFgdVhqfZG3R8U/s1600-h/022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357002629717724162" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOllEr-1YWlir1xP-BC46_EiEktQW0d9uWv122642A81ztFcubbG4IRJ1Zwpqm5fgaMpiRWee6iAduw4c5hE-VdFjcACltCXFt2-ScKkxmv4KR3Aw0-p6i-As2X40uWFgdVhqfZG3R8U/s320/022.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8IBlx32F1IoNZpm7HbhfJeWJ8h5hkK-8zaLOwWtMH2h8N6sW-_heJus9um9ub12_E51NXUA5hinj7_iV7cgmfBC1OeafVAd3iJSdECXAN_dhLumfJdzxUBcPb0g2yyf9lcLCASgR21Uc/s1600-h/029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357002634621196930" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8IBlx32F1IoNZpm7HbhfJeWJ8h5hkK-8zaLOwWtMH2h8N6sW-_heJus9um9ub12_E51NXUA5hinj7_iV7cgmfBC1OeafVAd3iJSdECXAN_dhLumfJdzxUBcPb0g2yyf9lcLCASgR21Uc/s320/029.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here's my favorite pic overlooking the Garden - it was simply breathtaking! </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPAfZd6SvBjwCIpcdHUEJ1ODrRkzsmkXQ01Fab6ILHz2lwrpEp_WXD22uqLylsRZMdqJUxsUWW4H3T7P8rkf1K-fHBCQNXXPcJ2oO9QHtEaABsBPIHX3ykhyQZ8jhE1rHxV8KmPTn1_c/s1600-h/034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357002641846936194" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPAfZd6SvBjwCIpcdHUEJ1ODrRkzsmkXQ01Fab6ILHz2lwrpEp_WXD22uqLylsRZMdqJUxsUWW4H3T7P8rkf1K-fHBCQNXXPcJ2oO9QHtEaABsBPIHX3ykhyQZ8jhE1rHxV8KmPTn1_c/s320/034.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>We checked out Denver the next day, and a rockin' REI downtown in a huge old train station that had been remodeled. From there we took off and traveled up to Boulder where we hooked up with my friend Laura and her husband Travis, who graciously showed us around and took us to the BEST Mediterranean restaurant we have ever been to. YUMMY. Lamb meatballs, bacon wrapped dates, cheeses, humus and spreads, pizza, smoked trout, and... well, you get the idea. :) It was off the hook! (Thanks guys!!)</div><div>Here's a quick morning shot as we are saying goodbye and about to take off for Minnesota.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357424382097775394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8iEcqIK6rNaa05QqQvUMznGqCYlUPEz_btznFPPYZBTjCo6w2p9VvbiRitwSGhD23sfOca7K1-pWdSkQ1TIOvsLbVaT9zBRFKFGOcN1xx7CVUsc_h1KcM4_uGgOUirTkW4mMXZTSmSU/s320/037.JPG" border="0" />We drove straight from Boulder to my grandparents farm in central western Minnesota; 15 hours later, we had arrived. Yiiippppeeeee! We had a WoNdErFuL time visiting with family and friends. My little sis (Mark, we missed you!), brother Chris and his wife Karen, and my mom all stayed at my grandparents farm, and though it was bitter sweet being there with both my grandparents now passed away, we had a wonderful time going through all the memories contained in the house. Old trunks and boxes explored turned up videos dating back to my mom's first steps and pictures of my grandpa on family road trips from the 1930s! It was so fun. </div><div>Here's a few pics from our time out there... Here's my sis, mom, me, and my uncle Curtis outside my grandparents farm house:</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357427480331277170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaodE97vSoqdAlrk93fdzvj2WVjJZ1JiQSWrM01Y43xxE78tToDY7EnNZuGgiFpZtfk-sQFUP94WEfGTvtdWsTMD1-2R7hd7wn0EASw1CGncNUFMUPPi53YeqaecMpQ9thK-edsFk4ZM/s200/6.15+to+July+3+002.JPG" border="0" />My uncle Mark and aunt Elaine and cousins Lance and Rosina:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357427498276428066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbn_H_Hi_NeNinHtSCVodPCPB4TBFEb_GPZwMvQyrz9USpQDnN62EB3uT_WSScOibXlLfx0m3bWh2Hc9S29WPhD3kH7d2sA5qvkDu8SI5DUmL8r7eVRf3mobA7JOoV4K9EMZRCO88TpX8/s200/112.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357427489035790082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtCR-GlpDuX8Fr7jlnTAl3uNlQg6X5wKghKwJmmJ7RuLGIYLo_vigFInNHqKCobMr-GQkWYaW4CHTijPvx8Hk8KMclyvGayOOa3Gu279KB-rAU8Sb14HUQ13n-H3jSh32CXoWpMDQjI0/s200/111.JPG" border="0" />We had a great wiffle ball game out in the front lawn one afternoon... I have to say, I was hitting 'em out of the park!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDVvNy9kjt3GIi793Do6MwHfBgax4Lb04UqWUcsumthx_UNGaOb0dRYSSbimsdMS9FIMFE4D8b8PUBHsdxW0stm46J2LzmcS4-AXZJUcS6p-B77NSLAMkkpeLQvL52bCHVC0Xck8vGBA/s1600-h/113.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357429376844212754" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDVvNy9kjt3GIi793Do6MwHfBgax4Lb04UqWUcsumthx_UNGaOb0dRYSSbimsdMS9FIMFE4D8b8PUBHsdxW0stm46J2LzmcS4-AXZJUcS6p-B77NSLAMkkpeLQvL52bCHVC0Xck8vGBA/s320/113.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vDHUvSMw4DVGtTNWxXp7j5dnHdv1XDwO_SOW2fntQ9w1JZoN6zc1Xj_Uc0FyPMkkcfpweF0qnpYpBvqRaloW7SBxOK_0BOoEJb8S8977LLbjbDFrur0B5Rvs65wgc94xmRYuAOwxm9I/s1600-h/114.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357429384384844434" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vDHUvSMw4DVGtTNWxXp7j5dnHdv1XDwO_SOW2fntQ9w1JZoN6zc1Xj_Uc0FyPMkkcfpweF0qnpYpBvqRaloW7SBxOK_0BOoEJb8S8977LLbjbDFrur0B5Rvs65wgc94xmRYuAOwxm9I/s320/114.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />A quick pic of us girls after the big game:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPk0r_F7hP7TwmF2YbwooPlSxT8X6msb2lxHV6Sfc4gkVrub4NdDNxM427ckdxfBl0TbVLFMosyQ06rOgxtmerUExgHPRsGdOq3Z5pC3uMueBvGpH55AKDXVUeNTRvKlXSiVQdzaH8Ep4/s1600-h/117.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357429388403399490" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPk0r_F7hP7TwmF2YbwooPlSxT8X6msb2lxHV6Sfc4gkVrub4NdDNxM427ckdxfBl0TbVLFMosyQ06rOgxtmerUExgHPRsGdOq3Z5pC3uMueBvGpH55AKDXVUeNTRvKlXSiVQdzaH8Ep4/s320/117.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>We also had fun exploring "the old farm house" as we call it -- the farm place a mile from my grandparents house that my grandpa was born in! </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcc2F38nd-2AwcZBXdLVDZyXSJ4Z4GGrnojLYVBwYXWpcTGw0wSJztY_855B_q7lOI0fG1SLpGuv9Jy2LIQWd7fUbVvokbxFXDqiufSsJP9gPUIO0rhrpYkokKTAsM4c4srAzA5WVAtQ/s1600-h/050.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357431005706560482" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcc2F38nd-2AwcZBXdLVDZyXSJ4Z4GGrnojLYVBwYXWpcTGw0wSJztY_855B_q7lOI0fG1SLpGuv9Jy2LIQWd7fUbVvokbxFXDqiufSsJP9gPUIO0rhrpYkokKTAsM4c4srAzA5WVAtQ/s200/050.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Here's Curt and I in front of one of the old out buildings... and we even ran into a wild turkey!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-e6YbhIU8PPhYwY1g-N8JLom4wlkX7oBTw1igVQSJCZ2FHDyjNDhe_nXyume3ESPXJZRCN6kEyWIGXdBeRzR-D5sUfWemYAG3NNrTCedBWYcL0HD3VpATo6hWm6SvYHUxu7YMxa1Z_8/s1600-h/074.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357431014855708962" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-e6YbhIU8PPhYwY1g-N8JLom4wlkX7oBTw1igVQSJCZ2FHDyjNDhe_nXyume3ESPXJZRCN6kEyWIGXdBeRzR-D5sUfWemYAG3NNrTCedBWYcL0HD3VpATo6hWm6SvYHUxu7YMxa1Z_8/s200/074.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfRyY3lYFAOmMKE2p8b2pcJhYUIXfgL6M99tFVUHtZfOssi94XXMPKCA5TrNvULlSXTvQlF-rQFEwX4W-gwOgZ54fY3YqN2FJFo1jjJY8C8ny6_kIMoRupDIF-fBL_-CnBhAWltOVQfc/s1600-h/101.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357431011929817554" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfRyY3lYFAOmMKE2p8b2pcJhYUIXfgL6M99tFVUHtZfOssi94XXMPKCA5TrNvULlSXTvQlF-rQFEwX4W-gwOgZ54fY3YqN2FJFo1jjJY8C8ny6_kIMoRupDIF-fBL_-CnBhAWltOVQfc/s200/101.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>We also spent lots of time over at my Uncle Mark and Aunt Elaine's as well... They have a beautiful place, full of warmth, and lots of adorable cats to boot!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCcSvVBf4t9E3VHTTF-AO5DFgN7QAL20UYXow6EEvwhYqUUoZMPUJ0tc-VYhbCMWutTgs_1QmHPvO5yC34dKLmJA3U1wkJ06UvEStO3wo1Aok75xgI824_DMsCbHVn7zTfflkIsdNBfg/s1600-h/041.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357432921282483618" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCcSvVBf4t9E3VHTTF-AO5DFgN7QAL20UYXow6EEvwhYqUUoZMPUJ0tc-VYhbCMWutTgs_1QmHPvO5yC34dKLmJA3U1wkJ06UvEStO3wo1Aok75xgI824_DMsCbHVn7zTfflkIsdNBfg/s200/041.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4h8zX9CLg0xUp_yPKeAGFGAZHg2wV_YmKJ2U9b85t5dN4QFPdVPgrDC2GsrsfCvA0XQO4drAYYY_p23evo_fKfoGb9DJYRqs7taBlsA_tjqzeCYsfFzMXep8HyZimotzQQ1p89kUwhzU/s1600-h/048+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357432926946931538" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4h8zX9CLg0xUp_yPKeAGFGAZHg2wV_YmKJ2U9b85t5dN4QFPdVPgrDC2GsrsfCvA0XQO4drAYYY_p23evo_fKfoGb9DJYRqs7taBlsA_tjqzeCYsfFzMXep8HyZimotzQQ1p89kUwhzU/s200/048+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojb5uO0pltoZA16Y_pKOAPUJH7wuP6Gj5xoRspRcEFxzIsKhEg5blRXOLJX4759NweFjRZe1S2cPUK6m1IKqDYiCgBPbz_aPQrb_OPeLADrI90PRzvROKlpcoTy2zQgcfyUasAHCcvrw/s1600-h/034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357432936012974226" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojb5uO0pltoZA16Y_pKOAPUJH7wuP6Gj5xoRspRcEFxzIsKhEg5blRXOLJX4759NweFjRZe1S2cPUK6m1IKqDYiCgBPbz_aPQrb_OPeLADrI90PRzvROKlpcoTy2zQgcfyUasAHCcvrw/s200/034.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here's a pic of the fountain my aunt built all herself -- I want one of these for our house some day! They are so crafty! :)</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_silpjNzdQq67T5cG-KaFCT8x2Og_0LXPTjwgzItkCYf8CP5waT-cjhinDwNGYaaQ9HoGTVgkT3ky9jGj5VJmH8j1vBg8yhqJQrhmYKNc0ZIvAJJmGPvnAwjucqzrc0rTtNrdkrFySyE/s1600-h/027.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357432918221370018" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_silpjNzdQq67T5cG-KaFCT8x2Og_0LXPTjwgzItkCYf8CP5waT-cjhinDwNGYaaQ9HoGTVgkT3ky9jGj5VJmH8j1vBg8yhqJQrhmYKNc0ZIvAJJmGPvnAwjucqzrc0rTtNrdkrFySyE/s200/027.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br />We also had a ton of fun checking out some of old relics we found -- here's Jen and I sporting some old glasses, and my bro talkin' on the original cell phone.<br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-49y8lWB13PG03tFSrEbnsS1JDHRL6cJ9GgY_4-7kNWLzH7AtnQYuzWwZIwFwauYgRaZo2PFCUaJ6IhSkmnJenYWh2igOguKtkujZ5h4PloL6LRSFvMit02ANkP4js2C4koc7GrPhto/s1600-h/122.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357434573181675426" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-49y8lWB13PG03tFSrEbnsS1JDHRL6cJ9GgY_4-7kNWLzH7AtnQYuzWwZIwFwauYgRaZo2PFCUaJ6IhSkmnJenYWh2igOguKtkujZ5h4PloL6LRSFvMit02ANkP4js2C4koc7GrPhto/s320/122.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCX2Djyoj55v2ENIkMygJRc9c35e47SWr-OUnvXfZ3l7WNXzsfJxqiStyUuU1UnbFLn9qnv9CqEfALIPRRVM0AuMBGBTcpUhdpwxHn_mavDSpy4aOGYTsqpwIXceDLDIWqLxFzZS91QHo/s1600-h/126.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357434581803671874" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCX2Djyoj55v2ENIkMygJRc9c35e47SWr-OUnvXfZ3l7WNXzsfJxqiStyUuU1UnbFLn9qnv9CqEfALIPRRVM0AuMBGBTcpUhdpwxHn_mavDSpy4aOGYTsqpwIXceDLDIWqLxFzZS91QHo/s320/126.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here my bro is wearing my grandpa's original American Airlines hat and shirt, posing by one of the ultralight airplanes my grandpa built.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPpEch6kMxfPxGeToygCnlUcignBWN7FqQ1O81x2AAXxYW5NsTTSlRKrWjNU4UqpwmPTVO5v-kZYwRfY9OksNkrC8sQNo8GuuVfvuydXrnstt-AyK5AEtSF2GfFomoQhKN764Wa4EkVA/s1600-h/004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357434573112331170" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPpEch6kMxfPxGeToygCnlUcignBWN7FqQ1O81x2AAXxYW5NsTTSlRKrWjNU4UqpwmPTVO5v-kZYwRfY9OksNkrC8sQNo8GuuVfvuydXrnstt-AyK5AEtSF2GfFomoQhKN764Wa4EkVA/s320/004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We love and miss you grandpa and grandma, thank you for some of the most wonderful memories of my whole life out at the farm in Minnesota. It will always be a second home to me :)</div><div> </div><div>More summer adventures and updates to come as I try to catch up our activities with our blog. :) I gotta get on this! Love to you all, and we hope you are having a wonderful summer filled with your own adventures!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Katie & Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01112456290057508617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448170773579213905.post-31153033079104033912009-07-04T08:54:00.000-07:002009-07-04T16:04:30.149-07:00Arches and Black Canyon of the GunnisonFirst of all, happy 4th of July everyone! I have been meaning to update our blog for weeks now.... and there have been lots of adventures since the last post. I'll start by continuing with our National Park's "tour" and camping we did at the beginning of June. Later I'll update with Colorado pictures, Minnesota, Walla Walla, Chelan, and Bellingham.... so stay tuned! :)<br /><br /><div>Curt and I continued our adventures as we left Zion by heading to Arches National Park! It was beautiful… We arrived about 5 pm, and since there weren’t any camp sites available, we just hung out and hiked in the park until it got dark, which wasn’t until about 9:30. We LOVED Arches, and the little town of Moab just outside of the park was awesome – definitely somewhere we would like to visit again. For any of you mountain bikers out there – apparently it’s DA-bomb. :) </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtoDdLwjkp42JI2pl7-7YGCInlTVfUtj6LIyEhAfDP7BNO_gdxi-o82Xee0yaofuFkQLNsvB_ldWneiLg1KnSwIR2zVoxAZtpNI23ifbVuuKKjCji5jamkLfNvBpassdGF_wiMDzkK1l0/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+216.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354635322162648562" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtoDdLwjkp42JI2pl7-7YGCInlTVfUtj6LIyEhAfDP7BNO_gdxi-o82Xee0yaofuFkQLNsvB_ldWneiLg1KnSwIR2zVoxAZtpNI23ifbVuuKKjCji5jamkLfNvBpassdGF_wiMDzkK1l0/s320/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+216.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>First we took a little jaunt to Balanced Rock, which you can see me “holding” here:</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvt1wq8MCGIVFvcYuvxlYhkOfodcl4Ip1K1SU52rTVUHa2JczH1WC0udRBzVsc6b5jIvhjsq74BAlLgwmmJnm8JkN43xwFcTmWdKJw3EHAi6L1_gnFdDtC740_mGU3Q9_VSOAJpZqwPQ/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+229.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354635331344901762" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvt1wq8MCGIVFvcYuvxlYhkOfodcl4Ip1K1SU52rTVUHa2JczH1WC0udRBzVsc6b5jIvhjsq74BAlLgwmmJnm8JkN43xwFcTmWdKJw3EHAi6L1_gnFdDtC740_mGU3Q9_VSOAJpZqwPQ/s320/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+229.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>Here's a pictures of Double Arch, and Turret Arch:</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFG4IB31jzwP7bV3GS6sfKCgSZ4CunnfhHcmeZ-xoybTW_TjNgsfNA9KnEBsSCKwLjDibjKR80MrhYAwx37UuemxvZcvlNA8nFg2pVNHTPuDz4qgw-hgwLqFh6oapNBkQbr5RI8Bl7f0/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+248.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354637138076615986" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFG4IB31jzwP7bV3GS6sfKCgSZ4CunnfhHcmeZ-xoybTW_TjNgsfNA9KnEBsSCKwLjDibjKR80MrhYAwx37UuemxvZcvlNA8nFg2pVNHTPuDz4qgw-hgwLqFh6oapNBkQbr5RI8Bl7f0/s320/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+248.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KRBw1Wq5w0dvMcDUVsTzdWK5JUcFJavw9vI7TPBNsXHyvJiVXuhAhYLEluFkMdoVcXrZ9qzDeW8ITz8CJNV0vANZlOvzbH4-WqrUfh6LXH7h8ze-m55Nw0jdrPS4pOdOPahe7_8QROo/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+244.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354637133432928786" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KRBw1Wq5w0dvMcDUVsTzdWK5JUcFJavw9vI7TPBNsXHyvJiVXuhAhYLEluFkMdoVcXrZ9qzDeW8ITz8CJNV0vANZlOvzbH4-WqrUfh6LXH7h8ze-m55Nw0jdrPS4pOdOPahe7_8QROo/s320/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+244.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />From there we headed up the road to the trail head for Delicate Arch. The hike was gorgeous! Amazing panoramic views and scenery – this was one of my favorite hikes of our whole cross-country trip…and the view at the top was mesmerizing. I could have sat up there for hours (and many people were doing just that!) Check out Curt and I under the arch....<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKo-f_0j4oQmSBftj4J1rRJ7BXDM2vJzRD4QgtVkBji7EASXcyiSXr6oiMPrmvG3-RtrfT50YE-uIxN5-A3tAUkP95W70UEvFWgHbyRiRfIJvzroVallPSzLAwxKy6AfMG0wRLESk-WZo/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+263.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354637146718679506" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKo-f_0j4oQmSBftj4J1rRJ7BXDM2vJzRD4QgtVkBji7EASXcyiSXr6oiMPrmvG3-RtrfT50YE-uIxN5-A3tAUkP95W70UEvFWgHbyRiRfIJvzroVallPSzLAwxKy6AfMG0wRLESk-WZo/s320/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+263.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4uO6hI10iPpREsb3vfAuufo_0TcZAE0H6-3A9WIIJwFn75TUMOJVdfHOoRlbLGNh_qjQXnY_84aEKHjIDxu8b2pCrxYGP0M07oAUq1H9A9Dr8F4CnmbyvG543Zeach4l9P2wQ_pKY9o/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+269.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354638952279074002" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4uO6hI10iPpREsb3vfAuufo_0TcZAE0H6-3A9WIIJwFn75TUMOJVdfHOoRlbLGNh_qjQXnY_84aEKHjIDxu8b2pCrxYGP0M07oAUq1H9A9Dr8F4CnmbyvG543Zeach4l9P2wQ_pKY9o/s200/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+269.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>After viewing the Fiery Furnace from above, and snapping a few last pics in the fading light, we made a little late dinner and headed out of the park to find a place to camp for the night.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-MA8nOjdc4SnNIW_CD1Svj_ojNN5Kp7N1k4TZKk-yFNz7RtPV1tBSwq5B_SYsOSAtErxE4lNAgK2_6goUv5ASAsGVydm1ljmOtctFu64_gug6F8hU-1Vy67YtMChD9hBDFtxPLTAMdY/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+274.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354638955834594306" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-MA8nOjdc4SnNIW_CD1Svj_ojNN5Kp7N1k4TZKk-yFNz7RtPV1tBSwq5B_SYsOSAtErxE4lNAgK2_6goUv5ASAsGVydm1ljmOtctFu64_gug6F8hU-1Vy67YtMChD9hBDFtxPLTAMdY/s200/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+274.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WiJ7W010uXU58Te6zqSqsjvz4UPWDLbUoDYvvu4eehgyoZ_uTEA7Cs5ylZuyUpyo_AlaUdU6Uyz2lcvNsyXpOTin3S1L8q6Or0hjfZUTQuFXLIlFJUQhprqdvkUsQLlLyV4udVXR0DE/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+276.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354638962144789570" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WiJ7W010uXU58Te6zqSqsjvz4UPWDLbUoDYvvu4eehgyoZ_uTEA7Cs5ylZuyUpyo_AlaUdU6Uyz2lcvNsyXpOTin3S1L8q6Or0hjfZUTQuFXLIlFJUQhprqdvkUsQLlLyV4udVXR0DE/s200/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+276.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Next stop, The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado! I have to be honest, this stop was high on Curt’s list, but I had never even heard of it, and didn’t really know what to expect as we drove the high mountain road up to it. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3Wc9RLTxS69gVQGkPJHTIYI1KVG12uP03rAy1_3UFqbeLXvLeNZKFJPx1GA-hoOKR4m-pTKGDIXCL2u2EGVxGlLvq_oDb0rDDNj4x0CcwF42kmA3P-E0TuGzJHuQtsH1VNsJ9oFxJJY/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+283.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354640418124405666" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3Wc9RLTxS69gVQGkPJHTIYI1KVG12uP03rAy1_3UFqbeLXvLeNZKFJPx1GA-hoOKR4m-pTKGDIXCL2u2EGVxGlLvq_oDb0rDDNj4x0CcwF42kmA3P-E0TuGzJHuQtsH1VNsJ9oFxJJY/s320/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+283.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>Boy was I ever in for a surprise! It was gorgeous! Sweeping views of a breathtakingly deep canyon with a green river flowing at the bottom…We decided we definitely wanted to hike down the steep canyon walls to the bottom, so into the visitor’s center we went to grab a back country pass.<br />You can see the river... WAY the heck down there!</div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6-DIGIkzqXcEU0PG-tiUlh4BusP2_PQpyvci_4R9S-dEO7Z-ZSVIFcyq6jkRSEWY_Mc2Vb2UEtAA1JDsettBBBIOlKBL_vN0i5BGpbQxJYe-8E9k80YlT8tPn52jsN_9ofhMSQKVfp0/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+285.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354640429301397298" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6-DIGIkzqXcEU0PG-tiUlh4BusP2_PQpyvci_4R9S-dEO7Z-ZSVIFcyq6jkRSEWY_Mc2Vb2UEtAA1JDsettBBBIOlKBL_vN0i5BGpbQxJYe-8E9k80YlT8tPn52jsN_9ofhMSQKVfp0/s320/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+285.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVmmIHO6VMB_atN9jPbRqCS6vSMmZ3NtBvnq8yKeFZwCjwtXyQ81xuqRPFfY3doHs6VNiLdn1bJAIQbpnVK3Qm3hcriUv1PBJgRO1Jg7Sn5WGE8poTstJgFoUhAJZx3sKfsdEltKsa44/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+292.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354640438922578114" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVmmIHO6VMB_atN9jPbRqCS6vSMmZ3NtBvnq8yKeFZwCjwtXyQ81xuqRPFfY3doHs6VNiLdn1bJAIQbpnVK3Qm3hcriUv1PBJgRO1Jg7Sn5WGE8poTstJgFoUhAJZx3sKfsdEltKsa44/s320/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+292.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />My first clue should have been when the Park Ranger mentioned the hike was “SELF-RESCUE” (aka, if you fall and break your leg, you crawl out…yikes). It didn’t help that they kept mentioning this fact, and then had to show us a book of all the scary parts of the hike (like the section you have to repel down the trail with a chain, or all the loose boulders you crawl over, or the THICK layers of poison ivy you cannot possibly avoid). Did this deter us? Heck no! So down the trail we went. I definitely thought about turning back after sliding (not hiking mind you) down the first 50 yards of the trail. Think all loose rocks, dirt, and pine needles on a ridiculously steep incline. The fact that Curt also put HIS cell phone down as the emergency number our contact sheet we gave to the rangers also had me a little worried. Sweet that they would be calling our cell phone, which doesn’t get service, if we ended lying at the bottom of a cliff somewhere!! (Thankfully that didn't happen).</div><div>Here's some pictures of the descent:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2OXlIpmVAyT6eCdUR91oVAFClQRKLkWVvtuzfAZKU0KtiJqxwn5Q9M6rqNMqbQ0N0kaXVJE6DnjYkRNyruboF8XGrw5-wf1iRju9GO74kwjySDaGtUHzCmFhYMHCav8p6omQpB7HTNE/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+302.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354644440445081650" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2OXlIpmVAyT6eCdUR91oVAFClQRKLkWVvtuzfAZKU0KtiJqxwn5Q9M6rqNMqbQ0N0kaXVJE6DnjYkRNyruboF8XGrw5-wf1iRju9GO74kwjySDaGtUHzCmFhYMHCav8p6omQpB7HTNE/s200/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+302.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DcksaAknGqSYhrNkrLlVfBcsV9r48c90Vb-ZYTasoi9SHmynnDaz45PURI_InJ09fvoMjZBy-4ZUqKClHmGMgGOmkeaIf7lviYAzFelE5ER8-h7KpxUNp9VcWwD0PcE-muMyhqOELjA/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+306.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354644448557195330" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DcksaAknGqSYhrNkrLlVfBcsV9r48c90Vb-ZYTasoi9SHmynnDaz45PURI_InJ09fvoMjZBy-4ZUqKClHmGMgGOmkeaIf7lviYAzFelE5ER8-h7KpxUNp9VcWwD0PcE-muMyhqOELjA/s200/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+306.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIPeK9RLBoHoDZmA68HDhHgfBGEHJO2OpbaldjdUaSxvIaT7jS4qjztAkMSUWACKBQpsZt2EGNy93N69mzTOmRNqc4GF-6PBOZU4AVe4V7qmUtydWWnA_8aLBDma4EO2ImcOvAG5TMdk/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+309.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354644453509882098" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIPeK9RLBoHoDZmA68HDhHgfBGEHJO2OpbaldjdUaSxvIaT7jS4qjztAkMSUWACKBQpsZt2EGNy93N69mzTOmRNqc4GF-6PBOZU4AVe4V7qmUtydWWnA_8aLBDma4EO2ImcOvAG5TMdk/s200/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+309.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div>On our way down we also kept a look out for poison ivy, which sadly, niether one of us knew how to identify. We finally decided on the plant below. Wrong, wrong, wrong! We looked it up later, to see what it <em>really</em> looked like, and I'm sure we were frolicking in meadows of the itchy stuff! Thank goodness I was in pants. :)</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0g2sTUfTmVnX6Oyn4d__2IepCxIhCIqVpMRpLr129xP4qHUECbw-mWt37uA_5ffRO_xDTWKrkQX7_nh0q56rgKLPja_N6YM594vH4xtZhshc3324MAderEeWtBkBHogRHaaJ1bycvCc/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+305.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354743738925352498" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0g2sTUfTmVnX6Oyn4d__2IepCxIhCIqVpMRpLr129xP4qHUECbw-mWt37uA_5ffRO_xDTWKrkQX7_nh0q56rgKLPja_N6YM594vH4xtZhshc3324MAderEeWtBkBHogRHaaJ1bycvCc/s320/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+305.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><div>Finally at the bottom of the canyon enjoying some lunch:</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6fbKNrsysXoTRrn44ZGpuY2yPvel2xU47bGV2xxTuREbLkEmhuQpFiHMA3ymGEATGkT9tyk5qUjCJ7CdvayDvUQxHgy8duZOKb9LeRUMY4UnjjA10TAqr9KayLAO8zDBOS5azQAk3FM/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+322.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354645382486053106" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6fbKNrsysXoTRrn44ZGpuY2yPvel2xU47bGV2xxTuREbLkEmhuQpFiHMA3ymGEATGkT9tyk5qUjCJ7CdvayDvUQxHgy8duZOKb9LeRUMY4UnjjA10TAqr9KayLAO8zDBOS5azQAk3FM/s200/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+322.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcJNtDhKwhGwyaLKEFpY92xUhGRxVaiadNkKdkbmv9Bhg9Kr3LfxH13yDuFuRysvvsLNC8DbdZjuEDc2tcc0-McaivmCPqCqcGHKgoFG489hekf5UGl6u9RiQKrJvUOuIMrnMXmRVlRY/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+325.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354645383509183330" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcJNtDhKwhGwyaLKEFpY92xUhGRxVaiadNkKdkbmv9Bhg9Kr3LfxH13yDuFuRysvvsLNC8DbdZjuEDc2tcc0-McaivmCPqCqcGHKgoFG489hekf5UGl6u9RiQKrJvUOuIMrnMXmRVlRY/s200/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+325.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>It was actually a pretty awesome hike, and if given the chance to do it again, I would definitely go for it! </div><div>Our adventures continued in Colorado.... and I'll update soon with pictures from Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods, and Boulder!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Katie & Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01112456290057508617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448170773579213905.post-24226519086459354472009-06-05T20:39:00.000-07:002009-07-04T08:54:01.130-07:00Adventures in Zion National ParkOur trek across country has been wonderfully fun thus far....and we wanted to begin by sharing a few of our favorite highlights from one of the three national parks we have explored in the last week....Zion!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344077134455523586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dIKaKe-AsmcmaPR6sesqkvoiRDDG4464CRCKfFAz44oAZUdIkyYX-CucyeOr-iBSC-q7Z4I3DbVVxAE3v_zVuzDczVwIjknOkAvqPvoUQosTPGX7HFwbb0pFQ9IsUQ0OlCrd-U55dtM/s400/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+199.JPG" border="0" />We rolled into Zion in the late afternoon on Monday, and we were fortunate enough to reap the benefits from someone who had to cancel their camping reservations (yay!!) So we set up shop, and began looking over the handy brochures and maps to pick out what hikes and sights we wanted to do/see. Of course I tended to veer away from the ones that stated: "extremely strenuous, steep exposed cliffs with long drop offs, not for those with a fear of heights." So what hike did we end up doing the next day? Angels Landing of course! (Scared out of my mind - but the view was totally worth it). <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>The peak we hiked to is actually the one above Curt's head:</div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344064865847272226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFr523icliYapJiy8FxjD9spy-Z9E50ITsRSLapYpzSIwrQg2kjLPZmUr8Z0mQ8BKvC9Z6Mj9TBLkJTe_ChRHAjrGVzLVbC8WcQnvIGfgrVbDQz7KG8WZJOAiAddjrbjA3HBA1fCf8gA/s400/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+040.JPG" border="0" />A little something to get my anxiety levels sky-rocketing. You want shaky legs before you start hiking the part where you hold on to chains and you have a 1,200 ft. drop on one side, and an 800 ft. drop on the other, right??</p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBV2SapN-ndBUzitn4EQcuu6w1nxJUIswYEd87ZsFT6vQmAG7PSNauJ91JdL02RWynXWsXZk5AL7Qt4dJ2aNM3ZQtI4hFdsVrjh2QPlEAgnMhuVvYDuIseeJA4fcmFX5qe0bCESKbaOA/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+055.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344066007644681474" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBV2SapN-ndBUzitn4EQcuu6w1nxJUIswYEd87ZsFT6vQmAG7PSNauJ91JdL02RWynXWsXZk5AL7Qt4dJ2aNM3ZQtI4hFdsVrjh2QPlEAgnMhuVvYDuIseeJA4fcmFX5qe0bCESKbaOA/s320/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+055.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-3vCv5FzQxWBRV7XA-heENZX1E-_aWMQTyf02QbskEpbZ5bxSJkn9o_xelM4pPj3YJoK2gN5eMzis6N4dF6LX48JytglOPu6rw2Qk31UDjlH8sqJmGp9v9SRpKPC0Oz4K_SFnhpjTS0/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+054.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344066004734161506" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-3vCv5FzQxWBRV7XA-heENZX1E-_aWMQTyf02QbskEpbZ5bxSJkn9o_xelM4pPj3YJoK2gN5eMzis6N4dF6LX48JytglOPu6rw2Qk31UDjlH8sqJmGp9v9SRpKPC0Oz4K_SFnhpjTS0/s320/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+054.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div>They weren't kidding. Cliff exposures? Notice the chain in the corner of the left picture?!?</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTz4fmP15buxsJ838lzAP4S2KLKOqeXIw5bC775cXpb5AmF1LAR50mQI_TmwBOtG5agi85YcRe6TH-ZtpItlRPhpcfJdxNsgWm9f3a31nzD47d9qf1sd0tdAiBDJ0F0HHgl46j-Wl2e8/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+061.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344067455597120514" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTz4fmP15buxsJ838lzAP4S2KLKOqeXIw5bC775cXpb5AmF1LAR50mQI_TmwBOtG5agi85YcRe6TH-ZtpItlRPhpcfJdxNsgWm9f3a31nzD47d9qf1sd0tdAiBDJ0F0HHgl46j-Wl2e8/s320/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+061.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKLDQTVgDxKVDgNnhXBF2qitpQtCak16oxVkLB77fn3G6l60DmFtQRpYvqi4FGztllxX6QpslQcd8QZHUW5eh5fQKuthAY2n9wMVCn2sGd2LrexUzExRYNuV0eU3sPFrk-_IrnotBEDs/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+058.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344067453127105586" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKLDQTVgDxKVDgNnhXBF2qitpQtCak16oxVkLB77fn3G6l60DmFtQRpYvqi4FGztllxX6QpslQcd8QZHUW5eh5fQKuthAY2n9wMVCn2sGd2LrexUzExRYNuV0eU3sPFrk-_IrnotBEDs/s320/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+058.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div>As Curt leaped from one rock to another like a gazelle, I held onto the chain with sweaty palms for dear life. In the end... the view was amazing, and I am glad we both made the trek, and made it up and back down in one piece. The view from the top:</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fCeB52EghTDIJ7wzA3YgPDxHi4s5YATD-NO5pxR3ZP7kZcRmVH7GdbArZJEUIIQk2WKiTh3kDI8JhUkzTLGEZJHGypTG371hlfbqSIh20V4K33jIF8tr-_tkiqA6u0S_IIu7jF-BZXo/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+074.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344069249293561954" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fCeB52EghTDIJ7wzA3YgPDxHi4s5YATD-NO5pxR3ZP7kZcRmVH7GdbArZJEUIIQk2WKiTh3kDI8JhUkzTLGEZJHGypTG371hlfbqSIh20V4K33jIF8tr-_tkiqA6u0S_IIu7jF-BZXo/s320/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+074.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHRm3lprbwP3YalIhGaPYVUHRPGXvgRPRAUlz8k-v05afnZ-Fq66UXXf1_37nVOqw9h8IH2dEt7H4VWOlh6PnfIWCIenxkPLlqr32mFigq_MAYbztKvs_AYq3MXWCol_WkIhfzSIReG4/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+072.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344069260149669586" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHRm3lprbwP3YalIhGaPYVUHRPGXvgRPRAUlz8k-v05afnZ-Fq66UXXf1_37nVOqw9h8IH2dEt7H4VWOlh6PnfIWCIenxkPLlqr32mFigq_MAYbztKvs_AYq3MXWCol_WkIhfzSIReG4/s320/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+072.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>The Emerald Pools were also amazing.... (and not so scary to get to)... though I am realizing that we actually didn't take many pictures of the pools. Oops. And to be quite honest, they weren't really emerald. At any rate, the surrounding scenery stole the show:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFi0QCCXjjpkuj0usraQe7ZtdAnEPojhmCza4cSWookMN1VobswTe8AKMsmTy38Gl4u1VysSuxfV36EzYQLhKqN6LqmbWaii1GvfuIpVlLzHI5jGthc872AJv3qqhrbnXHnkqZWfEnG7g/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+156.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344071422068425842" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFi0QCCXjjpkuj0usraQe7ZtdAnEPojhmCza4cSWookMN1VobswTe8AKMsmTy38Gl4u1VysSuxfV36EzYQLhKqN6LqmbWaii1GvfuIpVlLzHI5jGthc872AJv3qqhrbnXHnkqZWfEnG7g/s200/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+156.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3VpHUbBNhjJFfegiHPQwoTWH1mLaRQGe23xtEJoKxK696dOs6gM4diUtrfT9w7EaWnX2I96Ok6fPlresLYPuDiXEIEwNRPkPsf2eK1-dEvOS81lNUrXqVEMlNyorKACiB5h6ri2Bkm8/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+151.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344071413151337218" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3VpHUbBNhjJFfegiHPQwoTWH1mLaRQGe23xtEJoKxK696dOs6gM4diUtrfT9w7EaWnX2I96Ok6fPlresLYPuDiXEIEwNRPkPsf2eK1-dEvOS81lNUrXqVEMlNyorKACiB5h6ri2Bkm8/s200/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+151.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNN5uqZcu0HGKVuYiM6VXSw4FedNpN2erD54UvrztDPDGikbCnWaMRlp7iHSXN89ZRBQfOIZvPF7dfUfyKxjDFCgza1IV7rv8QwuQLK70cfRrUouJHgmgjwbdSnpawyGL2XzQcnvxmXjQ/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+144.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344071415432031474" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNN5uqZcu0HGKVuYiM6VXSw4FedNpN2erD54UvrztDPDGikbCnWaMRlp7iHSXN89ZRBQfOIZvPF7dfUfyKxjDFCgza1IV7rv8QwuQLK70cfRrUouJHgmgjwbdSnpawyGL2XzQcnvxmXjQ/s200/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+144.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div>We also wanted to hike "The Narrows" -- which follows the Virgin River through one of the many canyons in Zion. Darn those required permits! (Though, let's be honest for a second here, the 16 mile hike through mostly water with the constant reality of a flash flood snuffing you out in seconds did make me feel a <em>tiny</em> bit better about not being able to do it. That and the people we witnessed going farther and farther upstream -- some up to their chests in icy cool, rushing water, yeeesh). Don't get me wrong, however, Curt and I fully plan to go back and do it, anyone else interested??</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpB5Dk9Waqg5j_CKV7K9qFbEk-SLMd81nchGfrOMa2u6QP4zkybawK2vLwFZ7knmm7MSvLiULlu8u3lEhkmtlQ1oi0-NT_nvX7IaJLFlMypLOFPfwbFYxFPEGpkeK8hLBhyphenhyphenB-1RcnTkFg/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+118.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344075944167101378" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpB5Dk9Waqg5j_CKV7K9qFbEk-SLMd81nchGfrOMa2u6QP4zkybawK2vLwFZ7knmm7MSvLiULlu8u3lEhkmtlQ1oi0-NT_nvX7IaJLFlMypLOFPfwbFYxFPEGpkeK8hLBhyphenhyphenB-1RcnTkFg/s200/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+118.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5D0kIuTIChhRKotnEgfTq44aWdooTL_xy21x_Oj3uYjyLDtyqI3dgWT0KH8zFX-UqzoxMqJWTTdV0ZuLcyHRkswnDPHo4FHTV-JVkhAEtXLakVB9I5_voNbkDo0bXwoWhcUEoYRNXJgM/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+125.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344075937049493346" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5D0kIuTIChhRKotnEgfTq44aWdooTL_xy21x_Oj3uYjyLDtyqI3dgWT0KH8zFX-UqzoxMqJWTTdV0ZuLcyHRkswnDPHo4FHTV-JVkhAEtXLakVB9I5_voNbkDo0bXwoWhcUEoYRNXJgM/s200/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+125.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqBreu83woNcIopBpK0ZCOrJrwWmSAZnuIfGoSs3t5lPoH8qeWfaumMs6u_73Sf5SYHf_JMs7vicTCwhjfpjGQt1lPQua6Y5VjZZfGYf1OWFYv0iYODKGll8pJQsmT4Q6QBd-L7kTgy0/s1600-h/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+128.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344075936113859650" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqBreu83woNcIopBpK0ZCOrJrwWmSAZnuIfGoSs3t5lPoH8qeWfaumMs6u_73Sf5SYHf_JMs7vicTCwhjfpjGQt1lPQua6Y5VjZZfGYf1OWFYv0iYODKGll8pJQsmT4Q6QBd-L7kTgy0/s200/Natl'+Parks+Summer+2009+128.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />All for now... more summer adventures and pictures coming up! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Katie & Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01112456290057508617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448170773579213905.post-27254885409238872882009-05-27T17:45:00.000-07:002009-05-27T18:09:00.466-07:00Amanda's WeddingClearly this spring has found us rather busy, as I haven't updated our blog in years it seems. As of this Friday I am done student teaching and practically done with my Master's program! Just a few loose ends to tie up and my diploma application to send in! Waahhooooo! :) It definitely feels good. This Sat. we'll celebrate by going boating with our good friends Brian and Andrea, and then on Monday morning, take off for our cross-country adventures! We are planning on camping in Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches Natl' Park, then hitting up Colorado (seeing a few friends along the way)... and then booking it to Minnesota to hang out with family there for a week and a half. We are way excited :)<br /><br /><div>Yesterday I got back from a whirlwind Memorial Day weekend in Walla Walla for Amanda Thomas's wedding, to her now husband Justin. Curt wasn't able to make it (the $500 dollar plane ticket was a bit of a deterrent), so he headed up to Mammoth for some high-altitude training, aka: trail running while I stuffed myself full of wedding cake and paid the price for it (sick all Monday night... ugh). The weekend was a total blast, despite missing Curt and being sick however, and here are a few pics capturing the fun memories made:</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> Here's Amanda and flower girl Madeline Harrell at rehearsal :)</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340671678208647922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWmvr-mfO0lpMXLn7TJ6HjWtW-wEghEtzE67NjEdj9l6vFNyTXflIKfSp1i3E22jADpKp6mBt7CGezl331NnPhwXh0_svKqTXpzpDApfST3s_HxJD53yOP8PHJ3wvFRYZKLdVj-wBKHs/s400/Amanda's+Wedding+019.JPG" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div> Tyler, Lisa, me, Katie, and Amy hanging out at the reception.... </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340671688398925794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkO72rzT6vCgkX_v9FW_0JiQBPeGLs-xThnJDT6qQ2G1sL0wWb0aXAMzQM3urfNi0LJGFX2jERE8VrndOuXc3VZKBvk5zdN0-dn4KW8JB95MWTgph-l4VAoucAUUdBIyZ__Xc9I-vO5VQ/s400/Amanda's+Wedding+028.JPG" border="0" /> <br /> Me, Amanda, Katie, Kelsey, and Amy at the "photo booth"<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340672727122909106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhj_Ucpt2l7rL1Z1pJUfSV9N2V8CGgRH1wwlSMM7SAv5UsFySuvrGpgqZ3uqmS5MbIF9vw5-507B-6mYji146iVf2e0gtZ8Lf2x7-nrgstNSV-r9fyyEctIFaINvIY-NVYKIE-pN7L0l4/s400/Amanda's+Wedding+032.JPG" border="0" /> </p><p> Amanda and Justin cutting the cake.....<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340672730921852082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgrZX2i5TVcU8X3lyGbpMZrnV-gLppninsfTp_lc-GS_GI9k5a-n1rbbbvjWkBgzHHWR_SP8RxBRQdZwAlefxXJm_ymkQJwA84pQpZ1QSf914C4AX9VnWBL3DnZ1PhhgwbOr5q11bw0o/s400/Amanda's+Wedding+038.JPG" border="0" /> ...... it was soooo yummy!</p><p>Hopefully we will update more often along the way this summer .... can't wait to see all our loved and missed family and friends! :)</p>Katie & Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01112456290057508617noreply@blogger.com1