Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest I feel most alive surrounded by trees and breathing in the fresh mountain air.
When I am not working you will most likely find me spending time outdoors, volunteering with my church and exploring this beautiful planet with my family.
This is my place to share my passion for life and to encourage you to take time to find the extraordinary in your life.
All tagged West Seattle
Well it happened, we finally got a real bonafide, school was canceled, more than three inches of snow fell snow storm. Whenever we see snow in the forecast we first get excited and then usually become skeptical because the white stuff never seems to show up. This time it wasn't really talked about or expected and then bam, Monday morning we woke up to a Winter Wonderland.
With the viaduct closed for a couple of weeks we have decided to avoid the headache of traffic and stick closer to home on the weekends. Last weekend, we headed out on an adventure in the city. We hopped on the water taxi and within minutes were across the water and in the city. The weather was fantastic so our first stop was lunch down at Pier 56. After lunch, we made a leisurely stroll along the waterfront to the Olympic Sculpture Park. Afterwards, we made a quick stop at Pike Place Market to pick up provisions for dinner with friends. After grabbing a baguette, macaroons and a couple pounds of clams and mussels we headed back to the water taxi. Before we knew it we were back in West Seattle running around on the grass with Jasper and enjoying what felt like a lazy Summer afternoon. Such a perfect way to spend a hassle free day in the city.
In general, I try to pack as light as possible. In my beach bag I like to pack the following: sun hat, flip flops, a sarong which can double as a blanket to sit on and a towel, sunscreen, a variety of snacks, a small plastic bucket and a large water bottle. I have found the more I bring, the more stressed I feel about keeping track of it all. When you are out in nature, more toys generally does not equate to a better time. Also, unless Jasper is going swimming I do not bother to put him in his swimsuit or swim diaper. I find it to not be worth the hassle and most of his Summer clothes are quick dry anyways.
Since Jasper joined our family we have experienced a resurgence in Christmas cheer. As many of you know Asher's due date was Christmas day, so the past couple of Christmases have been downright hard. It has been easy to allow disappointment and sadness to linger throughout the season instead of peace and joy. Now that we have another little one in our family, we thought it was high time to get back into the swing of things. The funny thing with grief is how it bubbles up in the form of sadness, frustration, jealousy or anger especially during the holidays. After taking the past couple of years off this year we had our tree purchased and decorated the day before Thanksgiving. Although I am not one to typically rush Thanksgiving out, it just happened to work best with our schedule.
When Jasper was a mere four days old we were feeling a little restless and decided to go on a sunset walk along Alki. Before our walk, we briefly met up with some of Cameron's coworkers to introduce them to our little fella. Even though we were deliriously tired at this point, I am delighted I asked one of them to snap a few photos of our first family outing.
As we made our way back to the car there was a special feeling in the air as the sky became a blaze of pinks, purples and oranges. Gorgeous sunsets this time of year are rare, so I could not help but feel it was Asher's way of letting us know he was with us in spirit and as excited for Jasper as we were. Life is a combination of bitter and sweet, highs and lows. I am grateful for the sweetness Jasper has already brought into our lives. Every glance, smirk, yawn and smile I grow increasingly smitten by him and everything he does.
