Camping Trip

A few weeks ago, Mackenzie and I filled our Honda Civic with camping gear and supplies and went on a three-day adventure along the Washington Coast and around the Olympic National Park. We've been to the Washington Coast before, but never to the Olympic peninsula.

And believe it or not, this is only the second time we've been camping since we've lived in Washington. The first was for our second anniversary. It wasn't exactly a disaster, but we did get rained on quite a bit, and in hindsight it didn't seem like we packed all the supplies we should have. That wasn't entirely the reason we hadn't been camping again, but I think it kept Mackenzie from wanting to do so anytime soon.

But we wanted to take a short trip this summer and knew we needed to do so with a small budget, so we decided to give camping another go. I'm happy to say our second experience was far better than our first.

We stayed at Kalaloch Campground, literally one block from the beach. Even in August it was cloudy and cool, but we kept a warm fire going at all times while at our site. We even did most of our cooking over the fire, which I think was one of Mackenzie's favorite things. We went with a few of the tried-and-true camping favorites (hobo stew, franks and beans, smores, etc.) and even tried making bacon and coffee over the fire.

While we were there, we took a few hikes along the beach, as well as a few day trips to the Hoh Rain Forest, La Push, and Ruby Beach. Driving just a few miles from the coast, the sun would start to peak out and the temperature would increase by at least ten degrees--weird Washington weather.

My favorite part was lunch along the Hoh River. We found a spot just off the beaten path, stuck our feet in the freezing cold water, and enjoyed the view.

On our way home we took the northern route and stopped along the way to explore Port Angeles, Hurricane Ridge, and Port Townsend. We're already making plans to go back.

Trip to Friday Harbor

As I started to write a post about our trip to the Washington Coast a few weeks ago (coming soon), I realized I hadn't written anything about our trip to Friday Harbor in July with my parents. This summer has just flown by (due partly to the fact that warm, sunny days have been few and far between, which unfortunately, was the case on our trip). But we didn't let that stop us; we never do.

We had a great time exploring San Juan Island: watching for whales along Lime Kiln Point, having breakfast and dinner at Roche Harbor, visiting Mona the camel at the San Juan Vineyard, and hiking through the English Camp and American Camp. Check out some pictures from our trip below.

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"

Photo courtesy Matthew R. Throssell

For one of my favorite date nights on record, Cliff bought tickets for us to go and see "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." I'd never really heard of this show and certainly didn't know what it was about, but it had come recommended from Cliff's parents.

Cliff surprised me with tickets and we attended the show two weeks ago. It was awesomely hilarious! The show was witty, the music was creative, and the venue for this show was small and you really felt part of the spelling bee. They even had audience members participate. Couldn't have been better!

Haven't seen it? You must go.

For our Seattle friends, you can buy tickets for $20 by clicking HERE. The show runs through August 14th.

Trip to Friday Harbor

Last weekend, Mackenzie and I drove two hours north to Anacortes and took an hour-long ferry ride to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.

We were starving when we arrived, so we quickly sought out a place to eat. We decided on the Blue Water Bar and Grill for some delicious fish and chips--some of the best I've ever had.

We then spent the day driving around the island, stopping at various lookouts and beaches along the way, including Lime Kiln, which claims to be the best place in the world to see Orcas. (The Orcas follow the salmon out to sea and back, so unfortunately, they were nowhere to be seen, but we hope to do a whale watch sometime in the near future.)

After getting our fill of the island (including a stop to see Mona the camel at the San Juan Vineyard), we checked in to our room at the Friday Harbor House. The view was gorgeous--literally one block off the water near the ferry terminal. We then went to dinner at Pazzo Vivo for some delicious pizza and mediocre live music.

The next day, after enjoying an impressive continental breakfast (homemade scones, granola, yogurt, and fruit), we spent some more time exploring the shops and sites in Friday Harbor, including a few bookstores and the San Juan Coffee Roasting Company. We then caught the midday ferry and had lunch in Anacortes at Adrift Cafe.

We were blessed to have two beautiful days of weather, and everything seemed to go off without a hitch (except that a good portion of our pictures didn't turn out, but more on that later). We've already talked about going back with my parents in mid-March, depending on the weather.

I couldn't get the Flickr slideshow to embed, but you can find more pictures HERE.

Off to Friday Harbor

For Christmas and Valentine’s Day, Cliff and I decided to give each other a night or two out of town rather than trying to figure out what to buy each other! So, tomorrow we’re heading to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Cliff has been up to the San Juans with his family when we were still in college, but I’ve never been.

One of our very favorite things to do is explore new places, so this is the perfect adventure for us. We’re looking forward to a beautiful room at Friday Harbor House, delicious food, exploring a new town, taking the ferry, and leaving the “to do” lists for a couple of days. If the weather is anything like the sunny 50 degrees we’ve enjoyed the past few days, it will be an amazing treat.

We’ll post pictures soon and share our adventure!

Thanksgiving

We had a great time this past week. Mackenzie's sister, Katie, and her husband, Brent, were in town from Kansas City. We stayed busy, but also enjoyed some quality time together.

During the week, we took an Argosy cruise through the Ballard Locks, went for a hike at Rattlesnake Ridge, took a tour of Safeco Field (and saw Ichiro!), and enjoyed tons of food.

Swan Lake

Yesterday, because I have a very kind, loving husband, we went to see the ballet, Swan Lake. It was so beautiful and incredible to see such precision. Even though I knew the music because of years and years of ballet class, I didn't know the story of this ballet.

Essentially, it is about a prince who must get married. He falls in love a woman who is a swan by day and a woman by night. Then he is dooped into believing he marries his love, when in fact the local sorcerer plays a switcharoo.

Thanks, honey, for loving me enough to endure the ballet!! I appreciate that you went without one complaint and a lot of smiles. I'm a lucky girl.

Back from Vacation!

We just got home from a wonderful three week vacation! We went everywhere, or so it seemed. Our trip started in Omaha, NE, where I was in my friend Amanda's wedding. Then we drove to Kansas City with Katie and Brent. We had such a relaxing week hanging with them in their gorgeous home near a lake in Kansas - it was such a treat.

Then from the quiet relaxation of their house, the four of us flew to NYC for quite a four day experience! We had such an amazing time...doing all the "touristy" things. We saw the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Ground Zero, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Plaza, went to The Lion King and ate amazing food! It was a very special and memorable trip with them.

From NYC, Cliff and I flew to Birmingham, AL, and drove to Huntsville, AL. We stayed with some dear family friends there, and I was in another friend's wedding (Hannah). From Huntsville, we flew to KY to spend time with Cliff's brother, Mark. We had an amazing time touring around the beautiful state of Kentucky, with quite a fantastic tour guide. :)

Our last leg of the trip was to Indianapolis to spend a brief night with Cliff's parents in their new house. It was so fun to be there to see how much they've already done to their new home. We spent time with family and friends we haven't seen in a quite awhile - it was a treat.

We had a wonderful trip, but it was nice to arrive home to our two pups and lawn that looked like the jungle. Tucker was exhausted from spending time with Mimi and Grandpa and our friends Katie and Ryan from church. Gunner stayed with our friends Matt and Court and their black lab, Sabre. He has grown SO much! It was shocking to see him, but such fun to see him grow. We love our boys. (Pictured below: Sabre and Gunner)

Jerrod and Amanda in WA

Our friends from college, Jerrod and Amanda, spent their summer vacation with us in Seattle. We had a great time playing on the beach, going to a Mariners game, kayaking, and enjoying things the Pacific Northwest has to offer. I'll probably write more about their visit when I have time, but for now, check out the photos on our picture site. (By the way, this is my first time linking from our blog, so please let me know if it works. Thanks!)

Dave Matthews Band

What a Saturday! Early Saturday morning, Cliff and I met up with 8 or so friends, drove east across the beautiful state of Washington for about 2 1/2 hours to George, Washington (yes they were quite creative with that one!) and went to a Dave Matthews concert at the Gorge Amphitheater. The Gorge is one of the most famous concert venues in the US...breathtaking views. We sat outside last night, facing the Columbia River and watching O.A.R and Dave play from 7:00-midnight. Can't beat that! (Check out the Gorge - http://www.hob.com/venues/concerts/gorge/index.asp)

Then we went back to our campground and crashed! It was a very fun day and it was our last hoorah before school starts on Tuesday. Such fun! :)

Mr. and Mrs. Brent and Katie Luettel

Katie and Brent were married on June 30, 2006, in Kansas Ciy, MO. It was a blast! The ceremony was gorgeous, Katie looked beautiful, Brent was dashing in his white tux, and the party was awesome!

Katie did such a great job planning everything and making it all work perfectly. Everyone that was there and part of their special day was thrilled for them. :)

Kate and Brent went to Mexico on their honeymoon. Such fun! It is great to have another new brother. We couldn't have asked for a better match for Kate. Brent is such a great guy!

Yeah for the new couple. We love you so much!!!

Washington Coast

This weekend we went to the Washington coast with some friends! Two of the guys are in the army, so they were able to rent an army owned beach house, quite inexpensively. It was a great time - relaxing, filled with laughter, and lots of smores!

We drove out on Friday night with our friends Matt and Courtney. Tucker joined the group and was a very good boy. We played some lively games of Catch Phrase on Friday night then headed down to the beach on Saturday. We made a fire pit, grilled hot dogs and smores, and played frisbee and football. Tucker also had his first beach experience (with us anyway). He loved the water and we could barely coax him out! Granted the wet dog smell was not the greatest. :)

Cliff's Birthday Weekend

Yeah for Friday!!! I can hardly believe how quickly this week has gone by. Cliff's birthday is this weekend, so we have lots going on...of course. :)

Tonight we're going to The Keg for dinner - great steak and they send you a coupon for a free steak and lobster dinner during the month of your birthday. How can you refuse that??? Then we're going to see Nine Parts of Desire - a play at the Seattle Reperatory Theatre!

Tomorrow we are getting our NEW COUCH!!! You'd think a cable guy was delivering...they give you a 3 hour window that you have to be home; but for my new couch, I can handle it. We'll post pictures, so be sure to check them out. My parents are having us over for dinner Saturday night to celebrate the birthday boy. Then on Sunday, we'll go to church, hang out, and then I'm making a nice dinner. Sounds like fun to me!!! Happy Birthday, Cliff!

I hope everyone has a nice weekend...

What a trip!!!

We just got home last night (late!!) from Chicago and Indianapolis. We flew to Chicago on Wednesday with Nate and Kara after their visit to spend some time with the fam. It was nice to have 2 whole days where we weren't painting or doing any housework - it was amazing!!!

Then on Saturday, we drove to Indianapolis with Rita and Gary for Nana's (Cliff's gram/Rita's mom) 80th birthday party! It was a surprise...and boy was she surprised. It was nice to see family and spend time with Mark and Trent. (They drove over from EIU.)

Sunday morning we went to church with Bob, Sheron, and Brit (Cliff's aunt and uncle/Gary's sister). It was nice to see their church - it reminded me of my church in Alabama. It was great! Then we went back to Sheron and Bob's for an Easter brunch. It was exciting to see that whole side of the family and all the new babies that have been born since the last time we saw everyone. Amazing how time flies.

We flew home late last night...getting it at 11 is rough, but well worth it! Then it was back to work today...crazy as ever. It was a beautiful day though, which was awesome. We got home, mowed the lawn, I went for a run...great day!