Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Love is in the air (Valentine's at the Coast)

Pete and I took a wee getaway at the coast for Valentine's weekend. Lovely get-away and particularly timely for Pete. Who, shocking, didn't even bring his laptop!! When his Blackberry died on the second day, it really forced him to disengage - yahoo!

Surprise V-day flowers


Pete at dinner, continuing to be embarrassed by my need to photograph our meals.


Medusa Amy at a Hwy 101 lookout point.



One of those self-portrait deals that doesn't work out so great for the short person...



Pete in front of Haystack Rock.


Flying Amy in front of Haystack Rock.


Pete on log.


Amy sporting her new hat on Manzanita beach. (The tiny black dot on the far left of the photo is a sea otter!)



Pete and coffee on Manzanita beach.


GiGANtic tree down.


Amy's political views as announced by a bench outside of the Cannon Beach Market. But I did make friends with a gentleman sitting on the Republican bench. Reaching across the aisle, if you will.


Incredible views from our hike to Falcon Cape.


A Bald Eagle even posed for us! See the tiny black dot at the top of the rock outcropping? Yes, there's our national symbol.



Pete inside a big tree.



Amy climbing a tree. (That thing was HUGE)

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

At Long Last - Christmas Part II

It's absurdly late, but I've had a few folks ask "what the heck happened after Christmas Part I???" Well, a wonderful trip to Bend, that's what. Here are a few highlights. Scratch that, as I started uploading, I realized the large number of photos made the phrase "a few highlights" completely inappropriate. So - here's Christmas Part II in it's entirety!

The stockings were hung by the kitchen with care


Christmas morning kisses for Diana


Mom modeling one of her lovely presents



Koa and Aka devouring their new toys.


A delicious Christmas dinner and excellent party with Dad, Mom, Diana, Pete and Steve.


The inCREDible home-made Bouche de Noel. Mom, you outdid yourself! The dessert is proudly displayed on the brand-new table-cloth created by one Diana Chase-Bayless! Beautiful.



The ladies all very seriously checking their email....


Mom and Dad generously offered to host a holiday party for some folks while we were in town. Here are some highlights (seriously this time). Thank you all for coming, it was wonderful to see you!

Are you kidding with the cuteness?? Makena hamming for the camera


Makena and Pete doing the Flamenco. Ok, just Pete doing the Flamenco...


All kinds of cuteness piled in one chair


Makena and Ben sharing nicely.


Party goers.


Bomber, Aka and Ana!




Hazel and Makena exploring the stairs.


Seeing Diana off on the Portland bus. Thanks for coming!


Next up, here's the section devoted to our pups. You knew it was coming...

Koa and sculpture.


Aka posing


mom and Aka


Christmas puppy





Our two boys