Halloween Spirit

Fall is officially here, and we're all getting in the Halloween spirit.

Yup, all of us.

A housewarming party was overdue, so we had a spooky housewarming party this weekend. I had almost as much fun decorating as I did seeing so many good friends.

Those who follow my Halloween board on Pinterest had a sneak peek of our decor. Here is the tablescape pre-guests.

I was too busy socializing at the party that I forgot to take photos. Hopefully I can snag some from friends this week.

Today, Isaac and I continued the Halloween spirit by painting pumpkins. I really like Isaac's abstract "rainbow" pumpkin.

Fall Days & The Great Outdoors

We were spoiled in Park City with so much nature in the near vicinity. But, we're reminded every day that Seattle is quite amazing as well. Here are a few photos of us out and about in the neighborhood, and right in our own back yard (literally).

Isaac and Dad Hiking at Carkeek Park

 Isaac Picking Apples in Our Backyard

Isaac with Lodi at Carkeek Park

Photos of Our House

Fall is Here!

Back in the PNW (and Snapshots of the Journey)

We're baaaaack.

Back in the Pacific Northwest!

After two great years in Park City, Utah we were pulled back to Seattle with a fantastic job offer for Eric, and lots of family and friends saying "yes, come back". Of course, the decision was more difficult and complicated than that... but not by much. The hard part, of course, was saying goodbye all the fantastic people and the unparalleled lifestyle perks of living in Park City. But the decision to move back to Seattle felt right. And now, after a month of planning for the move, physically moving, Eric starting a new job, and getting Isaac settled into a new routine and new preschool, we're feeling at home again back in Seattle. We moved back in to the same house, and I am working the same Park City job remotely. There's so much to write about, and yet I'll let the photos do the talking.

Snapshots of the last few weeks in Park City, packing, and saying goodbyes ("see ya laters"). One of the hardest goodbyes was to Isaac's beloved preschool teacher, Ms. Terri.

Snapshots of the last few weekends in Park City. Enjoying the weekend festivals and Park Silly markets.

Snapshots of arriving in the PNW. Isaac and I stayed with my parents for a few days while Eric arrived with the moving truck.

Snapshots of life back in Seattle which includes seeing lots of good friends.

And of course... Snapshots of the Sounders! Isaac was so excited to go again, and was a trooper in the (literally) 90 minutes of pouring down rain.

Overall, the move went smooth. Just a few hiccups and character-building days that are part of every move. Isaac seems to be thriving at his new preschool (after about a week of, well, let's just say "adjusting").

Summer Vacation with Grandma & Grandpa

Our little guy is back from his awesome vacation with Grandma & Grandpa in Washington. We missed him like crazy, and it was so good to see him today (yes, I cried). But, he had such a great trip with G&G. Here's a few photos from Grandpa's camera. I look forward to hearing all of Isaac's stories over the next few weeks!

Jackson Hole Get-Away

While Isaac is finishing up his summer vacation with grandma and grandpa, Eric & I escaped to Jackson, WY ("Jackson Hole") for a weekend of hiking, exploring, and relaxing. Jackson is four hours from Park City and at the base of Grand Tetons National Park.

We arrived Friday night in time for a late dinner at the Roadhouse Brewery. We checked into our hostel at Jackson Hole Teton Village. Saturday we had a leisurely breakfast, then drove out to the Lupine Meadows trailhead in the Grand Tetons National Park. On the drive out we saw both a bear and a moose.

We conquered an 11 mile hike (roundtrip) with 3,150' gain. It took us 4 hours including a break at the top to dip our feet in the cool glacier lakes and re-fuel. The type-A'ers in us were quite proud that we smoked the brochure's "6-hour, strenuous" description of the hike.

The hike was amazing -- the panoramic views were breathtaking and we had 3 bear sightings on the hike. Luckily, they were non-aggressive black bears and not interested in us one bit. We had bear spray just in case.

After showering up we headed out to Thai Me Up Brewery for some stellar IPAs and noodles. Then we headed back to the village for the Seahawks game and beers.

Sunday we drove back to Park City after breakfast in Jackson and a few touristy photos. All in all a great weekend get-away.

Hike to Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes, glacier lakes in the Grand Tetons from the Lupine Meadows trailhead

Being Tourists in Jackson Town Square

Meanwhile in Washington... Isaac is having a blast with grandma and grandpa M, but we miss our little dude and will be totally stoked to see him on Tuesday.

More photos here.

Camping in the High Uintas

With Isaac off with the grandparents, Eric and I escaped to the Uintas, near the Wyoming and Utah border. We went with friend Andy, and of course the dogs. The boys were scouting. I tagged along for an escape to the mountains and the hiking.

Hike through the hills (sans trail...)

Beautiful aspens

Signs of black bears

Campsite... very remote spot... beautiful stars at night

taking in the view

We Live in "The Best Town in America"

Outside Magazine just named Park City, Utah "The Best Town in America." Here we are enjoying this beautiful place we get to call home...

Isaac at City Park... proud of his climbing skills

Isaac and Grandpa Don at PCMR's Alpine Coaster Ride (so fun!)

Christina on the coaster

.... and Eric

Isaac and Grandpa on the alpine slides at PCMR

Bear Lake Camping Trip :: July 2013

We just got back from a weekend camping trip to Bear Lake. Lots of lake time and friends time, and it's always nice to be unplugged for a couple of days. The first night we stayed at the north end of the lake, right by the sandy beach. The lake stays shallow for 50 or so feet off the shore -- ideal for an almost-swimming three year old. The second night we stayed on the east side of the lake at more of a remote camping spot-- to get away from the crowds. We came back sunned, refreshed, full of great memories, and as always... ready for a full night sleep in our own beds.

More photos here.

Where is Bear Lake? It straddles the Utah/Idaho border... about 2.5 hours from Park City. It's hard to see in the pictures, but the lake is a gorgeous aqua color. 

6 Years :: Life's a Beach

We celebrated our six year wedding anniversary on Sunday, with a morning at the beach (Jordanelle State Park), followed by a nap (yes, all of us...), and then a picnic dinner at City Park.

Like Father, Like Sun

Ahh... summer

Our climber!

Our bike rider (Isaac cruising the BMX dirt bike park)

Summa' Time

Just a couple more photos of fun in the sun!

Isaac wants to be an "excavator driver" when he grows up (this week). Last week it was a super hero.

Splash pad with friends!