242 E Manito Place

Baby Alex

2012-02-08T14:48:00.001-08:00

A little light on the text, but full of extreme cuteness.

Cute hat!

My boys

My first walk with my boys

Owl hat

Kissy face

Bubbles

Minutes before we walked out the door to meet Poppy

Venting

2011-12-26T14:51:00.000-08:00

I'm not a complainer. Really, I'm not. I'm a glass-is-half-full, Pollyanna-type who regularly finds herself in trouble due to the aforementioned naivete, but really, I wouldn't have it any other way. Which is why, dear readers, I find myself in a conundrum. I. Am. Uncomfortable. I'm waddling. My clothes, even the huge ones, don't fit. I can't sleep. And some of those cute little kicks are getting less cute. Pregnant friends and acquaintances have shared, in their final few weeks, that they are DONE being pregnant, ready for the next round. I, apparently expecting to be immune to these final month discomforts, was in la-la land, fully and totally enjoying all things pregnancy. Until about two days ago.

Now, I will preface with a very truthful statement - I have LOVED being pregnant. I am amazed at what the body can do to grow another human. I haven't been sick. I have felt fantastic. And I know that besides being exhausted, I'm very very lucky to not have had any of the regular maladies of pregnancy (swelling, barfing, heartburn, weird skin, the list goes on. It really is a miracle that the human race continues...), it's fun to have the people in my life - both the really close ones, and the peripheral (the gals at the market, for instance) - comment on the growth and changes, and provide support. I will miss that. I will miss having this close physical connection to Poppy. I will miss the support from my fabulous husband who regularly rubs my back, draws a bath, cleans the kitchen and a million other tiny (and not so tiny) items in his already extremely busy life that not only make my day easier but make me feel supremely loved. And, the selfish part of me will miss this phase that is all about me. Next phase is all about baby.

But about two days ago, I started having inklings that perhaps, just perhaps, I'm ready to be done. And it hit me that I'm super pregnant. Mother Nature does a damn fine job of helping women past the adoration of pregnancy into the 'get this child out of me now' stage. And here are her most convincing tactics:

Lack of Sleep:
This is a big one. As a friend once put it "It's not fair or sane to pre-hobble someone before the baby arrives". I concur. Several trips to the loo each night. General hugeness of belly that absolutely forbids finding a comfortable position. Constant side-lying that puts your hip joints to sleep (um, what?). And not being 'allowed' to sleep on your back - which contributes to minor panic when I wake up on my back after being there for goodness knows how long. This all adds up to a very very tiny amount of sleep each night.

Waddling:
From about month 5 - 7 1/2 I had the pregnant-gal sashay. It was awesome. It was the height of feeling pregnant-gal sexy. But now, the sashay is long gone. The regular walk is total history. I waddle. There is nothing normal or cute or sexy about it. Waddling is for ducks and weeble-wobbles and me.

Clothes:
What clothes? I am now relegated to the world of elastic-waisted pants. Ew! Until very recently I poo-pooed the gigantic stretchy clothes, thinking that they wouldn't EVER fit, as if the rules of pregnancy somehow did not apply to me. I refused to buy exorbitant amounts of maternity clothing (a: because they are SO ugly and b: they know they have you over a barrel and force you to pay stoopid prices for ill-crafted garments. I refuse), so now I find myself with one pair of jeans, one sweater, my trusty yoga pants, and thank God for the Bella Band but even those are starting to be uncomfortable. This clothes horse finds it seriously unfair. I was pleased (and between you and me, a bit smug about) fitting into pre-preg items until very recently. And with 2 1/2 weeks to go, I will not be spending one more dime on maternity gear. No way.

General Belly Bigness:
I can't put on shoes without a fight. I run into the counters in the kitchen. I opened the refrigerator door into my belly earlier today. Bizarre groans emerge when I try to haul myself off the sofa, chair, bed. I'm a yoga teacher - and I can't move!!! Did I ever have a waist-line? Pete claims he remembers my figure, but I have zero recollection.

Uncomfortableness:
Weird things hurt. Ligaments that I didn't know I had. A really cute little foot that loves to kick me in the ribs. Getting tickled from the inside. Remember that fall I took exactly one year ago where I flashed the UPS guy? Well, that back injury is back in full force due to shifting joints and bones.

I'll stop. And take a moment to reiterate that I really have enjoyed the entire ride. And the whole thing is a miracle - I feel guilty even mentioning any of the negative stuff in light of such a fabulous experience. But I'm starting to feel like a host. And perhaps, Mother Nature is even starting to prepare this Pollyanna for labor.

Uncomfortable Fruit

2011-12-26T14:37:00.001-08:00

Poppy got his/her name from this weekly 'fruit comparison', but I'm starting to get a bit spooked... These were taken several weeks ago. Now, we're at watermelon. Dude.

What I'm Looking Forward To. A Lot.

2011-12-12T20:00:00.000-08:00

Well, with just shy of 5 weeks left until the big day, there are all kinds of thoughts running through this head of mine. Last minute to-dos (final nursery set-up, protein-cramming, little things like finding a pediatrician...) make for a loooong list, thoughts about what labor and delivery might actually be like (a breeze, right?) and wonders about if there is/was anything else I can do/could have done to ensure baby is as happy and healthy as possible.

All in all, I have loved being pregnant, and while I have started to get a smidge uncomfortable, I know I'm going to miss it. But then, I think of the things I'm soooo going to enjoy again after Poppy arrives. The Top Ten List of Things I'm Looking Forward To:

- Sleeping on my stomach. Like, full-on take-over-the-bed, push-Pete-aside sprawling. (Yes yes, I know I'm "never going to sleep again". In fact, a sub-benefit to this item is that I don't need to hear people tell me that again... That and "your life will never be the same". Oh yeah? No kiddin. I didn't realize that.)
- Poached eggs. Oh how I've missed you.
- Massive quantities of sushi. The real stuff. The rawer the better
- Yoga. All of it. The flow, the inversions, the deep stretches and the twists. Oh, the twists.
- My clothes. Although living in a small sub-set of items makes me realize that I can happily reduce the number of items in my closet.
- Wine. More than the occasional "ration".
- Getting my figure back. Perhaps superficial, but ...
- Related - running. In fact, I already have my first race lined up. Bloomsday folks. Pete will push Poppy and we'll charge up DoomsDay hill together.
- Bending over. Well to be honest, moving in general. And getting rid of the back pain. That'll be nice.
- Meeting my little baby. I've been looking forward to meeting this cute compilation of Peter and Amy for over nine months. Heck, all of my adult life. I am SO excited to meet Poppy!

Baby Update!

2011-12-02T09:22:00.000-08:00

Well, Poppy and I have made it to the point where we have doc's appointments once a week. Which, I kind of love. It helps when one adores one's doc, she's fantastic! Yesterday, we had a growth ultrasound - according to the ultrasound, baby is still extremely cute. No bias from this mom-to-be. As for the non-objective items the ultrasound was checking, here are the stats for the end of week 33:
- Baby is weighing in at 4.6
- Kind of small, but not worryingly so. Especially since I was apparently 6.3 when I arrived in the world. That sounds itty.
- Poppy has LOTS of hair. Cute little bean.
- Except for the slightly low weight, all other measurements (head, belly, fluids, etc.) are all spot on. Way to go Poppy!
- Extreme cuteness (couldn't resist)

Mama's stats:
- 30 pounds up. Whoa. Every visit I find myself saying "huh, never seen that number on the scale before". Side note: I have a great old photo of my parents, my dad's mom and me as a tiny baby at the beach in Hawaii... I must be 5 or so months old. And mom is rocking the bikini. I'm planning to post it on the fridge as motivation.
- Getting tired again... they said I would, and I did
- Finished reading Creating Your Birth Plan. Loved it, so much information. Have started Ina May's Guide to Child Birth. Not loving it so much. For a holistic midwifery approach, the whole book seems ironically combative towards anything that's not a home birth. I just don't see how hospital settings with a doctor (and a doula, by the way) are all necessarily "horror stories". Can't we all just get along?? I think I might shelve the book...

Nursery is almost complete - photos to come!

Poppy's Progress

2011-10-27T12:34:00.001-07:00

Poppy, Pete and I hit the third trimester this past Saturday. "Poppy", by the way, is junior's nickname until arrival. And honestly, we use it so much, I wouldn't be surprised if it sticks after baby is born. The nickname came about because when we learned we were pregs, a website told us "your baby is currently the size of poppy seed". And the name stuck. There were some other options along the road (kumquat, for instance, is darn cute... but who really knows what a kumquat looks like), but Poppy he/she is. Although, currently "Poppy" is more like a savoy cabbage. Yo.

Still feeling good, baby is kicking up a storm, and we have another ultra sound on Monday. Last time, Poppy stuck his/her finger in his/her ear. This is a seriously talented child, people!

Here are baby bump profile photos thus far. Thanks everyone, for checking in - you're all amazing!

28 1/2 weeks. Yes, half weeks totally count.

I'm giving these pre-pregnancy jeans another week to 10 days. Then, who knows when I'll see them again.

23 weeks. That's an "I'm grumpy but I'll half smile for the photo" face.

19 weeks. I can't believe I thought I was big at that point...

Pete's sympathy photo

Halloween 2011

2011-10-27T12:17:00.001-07:00

Front porch spookiness. Actually, I'm serious. I get spooked every time I go out to get the mail! Happy Halloween everyone! If you're in town, swing by! Last year we had 450 kids, so come early if you want candy...

Cave B Adventure

2011-10-27T11:36:00.001-07:00

A much needed get away for all of us, the Kilmers and the Chases vamoosed to Cave B, a spectacular winery right on the Columbia river. Despite an expensive start (Yes, officer, I saw the No U-Turn sign, but I needed a place to turn around, you see?), it was a wonderful and relaxing adventure. We love you guys!

Morning yoga and coffee overlooking the river, and Rebecca feels Poppy kicking.

Serious boys at dinner.

Happy ladies with dessert!

Grape thieves!

The great Flip-Flop search of 2011.

Three Chases on bikes.

This IS my happy face. (Koa joins us on a hike...)

Pumpkin Patch!

2011-10-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

Three quarters of the Sullivan/Matteucci team came to visit, and part of the adventure was a trip to Green Bluff and the Pumpkin Patch! We rode the train, we braved the corn maze, we picked the BEST pumpkins.

Sophie's perfect pumpkin

Amy's first (ever) trip to a pumpkin patch and the resulting enthusiasm. Isn't that something one usually crosses off the list at age 4? Just a few years late... 'Pineapple Patch' doesn't quiet have the same ring to it...

The girls are really getting into it.

Pete's being extremely helpful and cheering them on. 'Put your back into it!

Alright, that's more like it, Peter.

Pete is concerned about the giant mouse trap in the corn maze...

Berret's Party!

2011-10-27T09:57:00.001-07:00

We're sad to see you go, but you're going to LOVE Seattle!

Epic Mulching

2011-04-19T15:26:00.000-07:00

Koa should get a paying job with the Manito Park Grounds crew

Spring Break in Bend

2011-04-05T11:51:00.001-07:00

We hitched a Yakima rooftop carrier to the car and hopped in the family wagon to head south for Spring Break. Pete, Luz, Luz's darling friend Savannah, Koa and I hit the road and enjoyed a full week in Bend. Lots of visiting with friends, enjoying a town that will always feel like home and celebrating two birthdays!

Luz's 16th birthday, the Bend Version

Mom and pup.

Pete and I visited the engagement site at the High Desert Museum. No sparkly bauble this time, but awfully fun to relive that day.

Lunch at Common Table - an incredibly cool new restaurant and concept in Bend that provides meals to homeless, runs on volunteer and donation support and brings the community together. You can find homeless folks dining along side folks who can pay for their meals - really fantastic and inspirational organization. Here we are sporting our new Common Table tee shirts. Check 'em out: http://www.commontable.net/tag/non-profit/

Great food and even better mission.

Makena unwrapping Kitty Crayons

Pete makes a new friend. Hazel is impressed by his artistic skills, especially the elephant with a lollipop.

Dad's 82nd birthday! Pete and Aka are intrigued by this present...

A super cool cutting board from the Salt Lake contingent!

Savannah and Luz snuggled up on the deck.

The birthday boy with his mini-cupcake. Happy birthday Dad!!

Mom and proof of mini-cupcakes. Delicious.

Mexico 2011

2011-03-10T10:44:00.001-08:00

Well, I finally managed to get some photos from our dreamy trip to Mexico posted. Between you and me, I think the delay was that I am still in denial that our beautiful, relaxing, colorful, and all-in-all fabulous vacation is over. An enthusiastic and heart-felt thank you to Rebecca and David, who are the most generous hosts I can imagine and went to great lengths to ensure complete relaxation. I'd also like to thank Samantha, aka Rusty Gimbal, for allowing us to show us how a pup enjoys boat life, and last but not least, Liberte - the prettiest and most adventurous boat in any harbor.

Our hike to the Secret Beach

Up these stairs and down the other side leads you to a secluded and simply gorgeous secret beach. I got thoroughly doused by a big-ole wave on my way up the stairs. Never turn your back on the ocean, right? Right.

View from the top of the stairs of our own private beach.

On the hike back to the Grand Bay, we wandered past this golf course. Lovely and relaxing. Except for the vultures looming in the palm trees.

If I had to pick one favorite thing about Mexico, and it's a darn tight race, it's the color. Yellows, reds, blues one can only imagine when you're back at home and in the doldrums that are the end of winter.

Pete the fisherman, on street of the fisherman. heh.

Has anyone ever seen Pete so relaxed? Samantha is helping by providing a warm snuggly place for his feet.

Our view from the stern of Liberte each night we were at the Grand Bay marina

The French Baker!! He came around every morning with insane breads, treats, pastries... So delicious!! He gave Rebecca and me roses on Valentine's Day. I love him.

The view from the top of the Grand Bay. Across the way is Barra, accessible by water taxi.

Valentine's Day in Barra

Meandering the beaches of Barra

Happy Pete. Beer and a mango on a stick.

Happy Amy

Sunset in Barra on Valentine's Day

The ittiest margaritas we found.

Tree lights!

Valentine's dinner, at the restaurant in the tree. They gave us roses, too. And, our boys gave us massages and facials at the Grand Bay. Valentine's Day in Mexico rocks.

My hair goes wild in Mexico. I decided that the crazier it got, the more relaxed I was.

Veggies! More proof of gorgeous color in Mexico.

Liquados. Shakes in a ziploc that you drink with a straw. Genius!

Local dancing talent.

Another sunset in Barra.

The trusty kayaks that got us from Liberte to, well, anywhere, when we were on the hook.

Samantha is an excellent kayaker. (So is Rebecca!)

A pup's life.

The boys drinking rum.

The view of Las Hatas from Liberte. The purple bougainvillea was spectacular. That night, we saw the luminescence for the first time - jumped off the boat and swam around in it. Amazing, I've never seen anything like it. It was our last night. I threatened to chuck our passports overboard.

The last moments before getting into the cab to go to the airport. That was silly of us, wasn't it - shouldn't have left! What a fantastic adventure.

First Anniversary, awww, cute

2010-11-04T18:08:00.001-07:00

What a fabulous get-away. Pete and I spent three nights up on Orcas Island in the San Juans. Drove through the middle of Washington, with a stop in Leavenworth for a brat (pronounced braaaat, not like a whiny kid, for all you smart alecks out there), and caught the ferry over to the island. It. Was. Perfect. For any of you viewers out there who are considering a trip to the San Juans, I can't say enough about Orcas Island, East Sound (the main town on the island), and Rosario Resort, the place we stayed. If staying at Rosario, I highly recommend the Round House. It rocks. There are also an incredible number of spectacular eateries, which is a treat seeing as the year-round population is below 5000 people.

The previously-mentioned Round House - our fabulous abode for our stay on Orcas. It's a stand alone building, and you guessed it - it's Round! Right on the cliff, with unbeatable views of the sound. Perfect for star-fish-gazing, hoping an actual Orca (Orcas? What's the singular?) will wander by, and watching storms roll in.

Another view of our lovely accommodations.

The view from the Round House, towards the main resort building, which used to be a private family mansion. Right. The Round House, in fact, was built for the kids to play in. Nice digs.

Perfect for sitting and staring out.

Amy's version of perfection

Local art, very neat. Lots of galleries and installation pieces throughout town. A good spot for wandering and checking stuff out.

Pete wandering the shore. Staring at those crazy starfish.

Sittin' on a log.

Cormorants cormoranting.

Neat! They event point you towards where to get ice!

Swinging!

Halloween!

2010-11-01T15:48:00.001-07:00

"Charleston Cutie" and Home-made Peacock!

Om Pumpkin

Swedish Chef, Sous Chef (dogs wearing aprons make me laugh!) and Giant Chicken

Close-up!

Koa, as the Hound of the Baskervilles. Wearing an apron, ha!

Sailing with the Olivas!

2010-10-29T09:02:00.000-07:00

Char and Al took Pete, Luz and me out for a morning sail on Lake Pend Oreille. Not much wind, but lovely and fun regardless. Talented sailors, those two!

Examining the map.

Pete enjoying the ride.

Charlotte showing Luz how to trim lines and sails.

Quick Jaunt to San Antonio

2010-10-29T08:49:00.001-07:00

Pete took a quick trip to San Antonio, and I tagged along.

Clearly, I need to return to middle-school history class, because I could've SWORN that we won...

The Alamo.

From our hotel room, all lit up at night.

The Riverwalk. A bit like a Disneyland ride, but cool none-the-less

These fellows serenaded me. At lunch. When I was dining by myself. Not awkward at all.

Manito Photo Shoot

2010-10-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

My boys agreed to a quick photo shoot in Manito Park.

Tomato Day

2010-09-19T09:02:00.001-07:00

It started at 8:00 on Sunday morning, with 425 pounds of tomatoes and four families working until 9 at night. In the end, we had 170 quarts of home-made and absolutely delicious tomato sauce based on an Oliva Family recipe. We have 2 dozen quarts in our basement!

So thrilled to be a part of it again this year, thanks Olivas!

Tomato prep - the kids wash in three stages, Cam starts the cutting.

Proof of 425 pounds of tomatoes

Laurie and Char prepping the station where the boiled jars and lids have been filled with sauce and are waiting for their second boil.

Lots and lots of tomato cutting

Al, the orchestrator of the whole production. Stirring the cut tomatoes until cooked to perfection, then grinding them twice before boiling the sauce for 20 minutes, and finally pouring the sauce into warmed, waiting jars.

Second and final boiling - 45 minutes per batch.

Laurie and me working hard - she's the sauce pourer, and I'm the jar opening wiper. Very important stuff.

The last batch of 2nd boils are in and we're starting to relax.

Later in the evening, we celebrated with Limoncello

Oh how I adore thee, Farmer's Market!

2010-09-11T10:01:00.001-07:00

Spectacular dahlias (the orange ones are each as big as my noggin) and the most fantastic eggs I've ever had. It's Sustainable September Spokane - we kicked it off this morning with the Farmer's Market, soon to be followed by a walk in the park with a good friend and our pooches, followed promptly by the Main Market Street Fair. It IS easy being green!

Back-country (Bear Country!) Camping

2010-09-10T09:47:00.001-07:00

Pete and I spent three evenings at Trout Lake in the Selkirks a few weeks ago. It was really lovely - no bears, but plenty of good fun outdoors regardless. Fishing, camp fires, bear-bags and yoga on a big rock.

I *heart* my snazzy new orange hiking boots! Love love love.

Trout Lake. Our camp site was to the left of the rock slide across the lake. It was perfect. Gorgeous views, secluded from the other campers, and a tiny stream running through it for chilling our, ummm, martinis. Camping a la 007.

Cocktail hour at Camp Chase

Home away from home

Pete's snowman brought me flowers!

View from the ridge

Pete's lucky fishing rock

Happy Pete! (Biiiig rainbow trout!)

And begins the Yoga on Giant Rocks series. Thanks to Pete, who knew that I have always wanted an outdoor yoga series, and acted as photographer extraordinaire.

Tree

Upward Facing Dog

Wheel

More tree

Warrior I

Warrior II

And I'll leave you with this parting shot. We diligently hung bear bags nightly, but it appears we should have been more concerned about smaller critters. All in all, some mini-character made off with my sock liners, and one flip flop. They were kind enough to leave this one, albeit with no straps. And, to top it off, the critter pooped in my shoe!!! See proof above.

Ah, camping.

Anthony Bourdain Party

2010-09-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

We decided to forgo the traditional Labor Day activities (plus, it's 45 degrees up here, making it entirely too cold for barbequeing), and had an Anthony Bourdain-inspired cook-off! It's "No Reservations" meets "Iron Chef" in the Chase household.

In honor of Anthony Bourdain's 100th "No Reservations" episode (France!), each of us selected a dish that we had never before attempted. We prepped and cooked each dish and ate mini portions of each - one per episode during the countdown to the 100th episode

The "rules" were:
- A recipe you've never made before
- At least one ingredient must be from the Farmer's Market

The menu (after convincing Pete that maybe it doesn't have to be a mystery until the last moment...) was:
- Watermelon, basil and feta salad (Petra and Adam)
- Risotto Carbonara with prociutto and poached egg (Amy)
- Red-Cooked pork (Joe)
- Lapin Gibelotte (French rabbit stew. Whoa) (Pete)

All credit goes to Joe, who concocted this fantastic plan.
Here's the proof (bear with me as I give in to my obsession with food...):

Pete and Joe

Frying prociutto. Mmmm, fried.

Watermelon salad, so good!!!

Frying the pork belly

Joe is a master chef and the most meticulous "prepper" I've seen in action.

I think I have concocted a smashing version of Risotto Carbonara - with prociutto and a poached egg. Holy smokes.

Fabulous friends Adam and Petra! Thanks for coming you guys, we'll have to come up with another excuse for a themed dinner!

Red-cooked pork belly close-up. Crazy good.

Silliness with chopsticks.

And the grande finale, just in time for the 100th episode, Pete's Lapin Gibelotte. Totally scrumptious. No Fatal Attraction jokes, please.

Fishing the St. Joe

2010-07-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

Pete and I spent Sunday fishing up on the St. Joe river. Well, he fished and I thoroughly enjoyed sitting on a rock by a gorgeous river. This weekend, we're off on a three-night overnight in the Cabinet Mountains, hiking in and setting up camp at Trout Lake. Sounds promising for fishing, no?

Fish on!

Remains from the crazy huge fire that burned 3 million acres in 1910. If you haven't read the book The Big Burn, I totally recommend it.

Our Garden

2010-07-21T10:11:00.000-07:00

In an EXTREMELY exciting post, here are photos of our garden! Ok, but seriously, we're having a ball planting, weeding, and watching it all grow. Turns out I might just have a bit of a green thumb! Mostly dirty nails, but whatever. Same thing, right?

Before...

And after!!!

The Head Gardener on watering detail... (And our pansies, I'm awfully proud of those cheerful fellows)

The Head Gardener doing the Dance of the New Gravel Path (he's very proud of the path, as he should be. It's lovely)

The rare and well-camouflaged Ridgeback of the Garden

Photo Shoot on the Front Porch

2010-06-29T08:21:00.001-07:00

My baby boy.

Hoop Fest 2010!

2010-06-28T09:08:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been an admittedly long time since the last 242 E Manito Place update, and dear viewers (all 3 of you out there), I vow to do better.

And what way to kick off the newly attended to blog, than with photos of my darling husband and his incredible team kicking butt at Hoop Fest 2010! The Julie Andrews did an incredible job, winning their first 3 games, and playing their absolute best. The two losses that took them out of competition, in my humble opinion, should have been wins. Joe deserves special mention for a) playing on his birthday and b) suffering a brutal injury to, ummm, nether regions. Joe you're a champ. Pete, Gavin, Jerry and Joe - congratulations on a fantastic weekend.

The Julie Andrews - Jerry, Gavin, Pete and Joe

Jerry exhibiting fabulous defensive tactics

Pete driving for the basket

Swish. The ball. Not Pete.

Joe celebrating a 2 pointer.

Gavin outsmarting the opponents

Celebrating a win with lots of good sportsmanship

heh heh

Whoa, what just happened...

Legions of fans.

Luz and her friend Emily

The player and his wifey.

After the last game. Grueling loss, but you guys did great! Congratulations, we'll see the Julie Andrews at the Alumni Tournie!

The Oscars

2010-03-08T16:07:00.000-08:00

It's a little known fact that Spokane is a hot bed of red carpet parties and celebrities. We hosted an event to proliferate said fanciness. A great crew including Peyrons, Cooleys and Chases, we munched on bacon cheeseburger sliders, pesto, deviled eggs and milkshakes. I'm actually still cleaning ice cream off the cabinets, THAT'S how fancy our wee Oscar Party was. As our own award competition heated up (Best Hair, Best Red Carpet Look, Most Creative, etc.), the Golden Bunnies were much coveted. The grand prize was a two-way split between the Peyrons and the Cooleys, each the soon-to-be recipient of a home-made pie.

Thanks for coming everyone! What a great evening.

The coveted prizes

It simply wouldn't be the Oscars without Joan Rivers

Koa is unsure about his bow tie

Beautiful Yenny

Awkwardly posing hostess

Is there really any other way to cook bacon than when wearing a tux??

Petunia is our first guest on the red carpet. She was really excited about the paparazzi.

Koa was next, but mostly because he was so excited to see Petunia

The adorable Berret and Matty

Pete practicing his acceptance speech.

Louis and Micah!

Maryellen and her gorgeous disco ball dress.

Clare and Gav take a turn on the red carpet

Two beautiful Colombians taking a turn on the red carpet. Yenny and Luz won "Best Picture" for the evening.

Pete and Louis acting out a musical number in the kitchen.

Proof of food and milkshakes!

The beautiful Petunia acting coy for the paparazzi

Micah won the Golden Bunny for Most Casual Pregnant Lady. The Academy congratulations you!

Maryellen celebrating her Most Creative win

Eating the awards.

The lovely Cooley sisters.

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

2010-02-16T14:27:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-16T11:11:00.001-08:00

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

Merry Christmas!!!! (Part I)

2009-12-23T09:13:00.000-08:00

As Pete, Koa and I hit the road, heading south for Bend, here are some photos of Christmas, Take I. Luz, Yenny, Pete and I had a full-fledged Christmas on Sunday, with fun home-made stockings, gifts galore, and a Christmas Feast. We combined holiday traditions - Pete wore his jingle hat, the girls' introduced me to "santa for a day" and I passed along the Anderson tradition of wearing all the ribbons from the gifts. Plus, no holiday would be complete without a high-spirited game of Shut The Box. The evil-step-mom (that's me) won the pot and took all the girls' quarters. Meanie.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care...

Lovely cards and photos from family and friends - love them all!!!

Tree!!!

Pete, wearing his Colgate colors. Go Gate!

New stockings! And the loot that was in said stockings

Meeeerrrry Christmas!

2009-12-11T19:46:00.000-08:00

I have a sneaking suspicion the neighbors have nicknamed us the Griswalds, but I think it looks lovely. Blurry photo due to lack of tri-pod and shaky (freezing) hands.

I'm a sucker for the holiday spirit!

We hired Kevin, the gent who did all the paint work on the house, to come over with really tall ladders and help us deck out the tree in the front yard. Pete's son Joe and his buddy Craig were here over Thanksgiving - we most definitely couldn't have done it without them.

Apparently, Pete's a perfectionist :) He pulled out the ladder, borrowed an 18 foot golf ball retriever and "patched" spots on the tree that needed more lights. The day after the fact, he admitted that at one point, he kind of fell into the tree. Great.

We cut a bunch of branches from Pete's lake house and made a big ole wreath! Joe and Craig, putting the finishing touches on the wreath.

Happy Birthday Koa!!

2009-12-11T09:17:00.000-08:00

Happy 7th Birthday Buddy!! I love you!

Working on his newest birthday toy. It's supposed to be indestructible - jury's still out.

Neat Things about Spokane that Surprised Me

2009-12-03T14:37:00.000-08:00

In no particular order:

Manito Park
Watching the crazy squirrel inhabitants of Manito Park (one is staring me down right now)
The fact that you can rake your leaves directly into the street and the City of Spokane takes care of them for you. An incredible perk, seeing are there 10 times more leaves in Spokane vs. anywhere-else-I've-lived.
Our incredible neighbors. I can't imagine a friendlier, better welcome to a new city. I mean, Laurie brought me a bag of cheese on my second day here!!!
Nordstrom.
Our really lovely house.
Wild Sage and Sante - two of the best restaurants I've been to. Oh! And Cafe Marron!
Lower gas prices (which slightly makes up for the fact that you have to get out and pump your own gas here! Come ON Washington!!)
Dick Newton, who just might be the world's best general contractor.
Four "local" ski areas - Mt. Spokane, 42 Degrees North, Lookout and Schweitzer. (I'm still partial to Mt. Bachelor, but at least there are good options up here!)
The Spokane Symphony
Auntie's Bookstore
(13 and 14 are excellent additions suggested by Mom and Dad) Saunders Cheese Store (see #4)
Wine Festivals - an afternoon of wine tasting at Barrister, Arbor Crest and others, with friends and parents.

That's all for now, but I know there are more. The first four months of Spokane-habitation have been great!

But he's just so cute!

2009-12-03T09:36:00.000-08:00

Mom and Dad swung through Spokane for Thanksgiving Part I, and brought Aka with them. He is too much. Part stuffed animal and part comedian. Koa thought he was cool, until Aka discovered Koa's tail and thought it was the. best. toy. ever.

Koa and Aka deciding if it's too cold to play outside.

He has not mastered the concept of keeping one's mouth closed whilst drinking

Aka likes being under stuff.

Under barstool in kitchen.

Under chair in dining room.

Under sofa.

Under Koa.

He also (according to the humans) likes being picked up.

Picked up by Luz.

Picked up by Yenny.

Picked up by Amy

Trying to get Koa to play.

Newest Family Member

2009-11-20T13:26:00.001-08:00

Anyone who has met the Andersons knows our borderline obsession with our darling dogs. Well, there is an addition to the family - Aka! Mom and Dad brought Keaka home on Tuesday and he is simply too adorable to not be posted to a blog. They are all coming to visit this weekend, so any regular visitors, please prepare to be inundated with puppy pics.

Proof of cuteness.

Veery sleepy puppy, crashed out under the table.

He's already an Anderson - camped out in the kitchen!

Dad with his new boy. Because, who doesn't need a giant puppy when you're 80!!!? Although I have a sneaking suspicion the fluff ball (Keaka, not Dad) will make the Bend-Andersons feel 20 years younger.

Wedding!

2009-11-17T07:58:00.000-08:00

Wedding photos! These are photos taken by Ethan, nephew-in-law extraordinaire. We should also be getting the photos from the official photographer soon. I'll upload yet another batch then. Thank you to everyone who could join us - it was a perfect day.

Mom and Dad delivering and installing our new Anderson-original sculpture! Love it!!!

Greta, being put to work to make "place cards" with her lovely architect-handwriting

See?

Soon-to-be step-daughters Diana and Yenny posing in the alcove

Diana, Yenny and Greta, the night before the big event

Oil lamp favors, made by Mom Anderson

This is when we moved ALL the furniture out of the house, to then move tables and chairs into the house!

Tent. And Koa exploring the new tent

Luz and wedding chairs on the front porch

Pete and I took photos before the wedding, so we staged a little "viewing" with the family. Here is the unveiling of the bridey.

Mary, tempting the sculpture with champagne. Earning her the nickname "champagne" for the weekend.

Fixing Pete's tie.

Ethan's photo creativity!

Ethan, David and Greta!

Flower Girl #1, Gabrielle, with a little help from Mom Amy

Flower Girl #2, Makena, with a little help from Mom Jenny!

Ring Bearer Ben, with help from mom Corey!

Ben, stopped in awe of the crowd gathered.

Diana and Luz!

Koa Anderson and Yenny! well, Yenny's legs...

Dum, dum, di dum. The bride, with debonair dad!

The ceremony, officiated by Reverend Happy Watkins. He was fanTAStic! He had Pete and I in stitches, got the crowd fired up, and it was a perfect balance of decorum and laughter. What a fantastic ceremony.

The bit with the rings...

Proof of laughing.

You may kiss the bride!

A touch of aloha. Mom and Dad surprised us with leis. Pete's first maile!

Mmm, cake.

We went to Cave B on the Columbia River for a few days after the wedding. What a spot - great food, beautiful view and accommodations, and Cuvee, the Inn Dog adopted us for the weekend! She slept in our room with us and joined us for hiking! Don't tell Koa....

Thanks again everyone, it was a perfect perfect day.

Chicken-eating Spiders

2009-11-05T07:40:00.001-08:00

Spokane is exTREMEly dangerous...

Our First Halloween!

2009-11-04T09:25:00.000-08:00

Halloween, Manito-style. Apparently this neighborhood is a trick-or-treating destination! Good thing we got the heads up from our neighbors... We had, no joke, about 250 kids! But we had a great time, the bat with red glowing eyes scared even the adults and the giant chicken made her Spokane debut.

Pete being attacked by the giant spider

Jack-o-lanterns!

The house at night - note large chicken waving to the crowds from the left window...

Wedding photos coming soon, promise.

Pre-Moon Part Tre - Amalfi!

2009-10-13T00:34:00.000-07:00

The last leg of the Pre-Moon was by far the most relaxing, which is saying something since we've already had a completely fantastic trip. We ditched the car and took a train from Orvieto, back through Rome (hello Rome!) and down to Naples. Side note, what you've heard about the piles of trash in Naples is true. I actually saw a kid, must have been at least 12, finish his juice box and chuck it off the train onto the tracks at a station. While his mom looked on and laughed! I'm still shaking my head about it.

Anyhow - in Naples we got on a local train called the Circumvesuviana (get it?? The train that goes around Vesuvius?? I love it) and after 35 stops (no joke), we arrived in Sorrento and spent the evening at a hotel that took our breath away. Honestly, this is what I picture when I think super-duper-luxurious-location. The hotel itself was gorgeous, lots of blue and white, but the private swimming area was jaw-dropping.

Next afternoon we hopped on a bus for Positano. The trip is not for the faint of heart nor for those prone to air, sea or car sickness. Imagine, if you will, giant tour buses hurtling along cliffs that go straight down for, oooh, 200 meters before dropping into the ocean and squeezing by other buses on roads that buses really don't have any business being on, the whole while the driver (an incredibly good looking Italian Man, sorry sweetie) drives with one hand, using the other to talk on the phone, gesture wildly and very frequently mash down on the horn to warn anyone coming around the curve from the other direction. Anyhow, super exciting, I wish we had taken a photo of the ride. We spent 4 nights in Positano and I actually cried when we left. It was perfect.

Swimming in Sorrento. My first dip in the Mediterranean Sea! Really clear water, photos don't do it justice. And all kinds of fun sealife - anchovies, sea urchins, opihi, etc.

Proof of luxuriousness. we're soooo going back here.

Aerial view of swimming hole (past the breakfast tables of course).

Mt. Vesuvius at Sunset. View from our room.

View from hotel room.

Pete's dream. And now his screen saver.

Off we go to Positano. I think we had the last of the summer weather. High 70s, water was still warm. We were on the tail end of tourist season, so the crowds weren't too bad. Anyone who is considering a trip here someday, I can't recommend it enough.

We rented a wonderful little apartment and got to know three generations of the family who owns it. Lilli, the grandmother, met us at the bus stop. Don't let the grandmother title fool you - this lady is a firecracker. She grabbed half of our luggage, said 'follow me!!!' and took off. We trudged along after her. One note about Positano - there are zero flat streets. Great quote from Steinbeck - "Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone. It's houses climb a hill so steep it would be a cliff except that stairs are cut in it. I believe that whereas most house foundations are vertical, in Positano they are horizontal. The small curving bay of unbelievably blue and green water laps gently on a beach of small pebbles. There is only one narrow street and it does not come down to the water. Everything else is stairs, some of them as steep as ladders. You do not walk to visit a friend, you either climb or slide."

There are 213 steps from the beach up to our apartment. We counted. Bummer when you forget your towel at home. Anyhow, it was a dream vacation. Thank you sweetie for making it happen.

Pete was almost hit! Kidding. Pete with anchor.

Cool house cut into the cliff in the background.

View up the mountains from our apartment.

Ahh. Our beach.

Our last night in Positano.

Pete took a day trip to Pompeii (I have to admit I opted for more swimming and beach lounging.) and loved it. Some crowds, but his report was that it really is a small city that simply stopped. Entire homes and businesses almost preserved as they were back on that super scary day when Vesuvius got tired of having a city on its slopes.

Bakery

Eek. The description says that the day it exploded, Vesuvius sent down an "avalanche" of ash, rock and deadly gas that traveled up to 180 km per hour. Dude.

Pre-Moon Part Due - Tuscany!!

2009-10-12T23:37:00.001-07:00

After Rome and Siena, Pete and I drove (DROVE!) through Tuscany and Umbria. Let's just say lines on the roads mean zip to Italian drivers. But Pete did a great job of maneuvering our sweet Citroen ride through the Italian countryside and on the autostrada. Ask him about Poggibonsi some day.

If I could sum up this part of the trip in one word it would be 'food'. Lots of it. We have eaten like champs. I think in the 5 days we've been here, I've had a dish with some sort of truffle addition for every meal but one. Again - aren't brides usually trying to trim up before a wedding? Apparently not this one.

Apologies for the haphazard photos - for some reason I'm not able to reorganize the photos in this posting. I'll put the town name under each photo to keep it straight. We drove from Siena to San Gimignano - a gorgeous town known for it's competing towers (Back in the day, the way to show social status was to build the tallest tower in town. Men were clearly involved in that little competition...) and resulting beautiful skyline. Then down to Cortona (a favorite of mine) for a few nights, then to Orvieto for a few nights.

Pete visiting with a suit of armor at the torture museum in San Gimignano.

Towers in San Gimignano

Orvieto has an incredible Italian Gothic Cathedral - it's striped! Here is a detail shot I like to call Marching Eagle. Besides being striped like a zebra, the detailing on the cathedral is gorgeous.

Proof of Pete in Orvieto.

Proof of sausage in Orvieto. Popular local snack is wild boar sausage (chingale), so delish. After the truffles, that was probably the second item I ate most.

Zebra Cathedral in Orvieto!

Inside detail of Orvieto cathedral

Orvieto cathedral. Relatively impressive, no?

Little tiny Amy in front of massive Gothic Cathedral

View of stripey cathedral from our hotel room.

We visited Civita for the day. It is the epitome of a hill-top town. Photo of town in the distance following shortly. Until recently, it had approximately 5 inhabitants, people who grew up there and were now well into their retirement years. Recently however, big shots from the cities have rediscovered it and are buying up the old homes to get away from the hustle and bustle. Unfortunately too many of them have done so, and now the hustle and bustle can be found in Civita. Sigh. Anyhow, cool shot of old school (Madonna and Child altar) and new (Vespa. Vroom).

Entrance to Civita. It was a workout to get across the bridge and up the hill. No cars allowed.

Detail of Civita. I'm awfully proud I got this shot with all the tourists roaming about.

Getting ready for the climb to Civita.

View from our room in Cortona. I seriously *heart* Cortona. It's a place I could hole up and live for a long time. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming, the food is lovely, and well, it makes you want to snap up a villa like Diane Lane in Under the Tuscan Sun.

Relaxation in Cortona.

TRUFFLE HAPPINESS!!!

Someone's backyard. Note grape bunch. Ahh, idyllic.

Downtown Cortona. We saw a wedding on the steps!

View from Cortona over the farmland and towards the lake.

Sunset in cortona.

Amy at the center-of-town well in San Gimignano.

Pre-Moon!

2009-10-03T07:48:00.000-07:00

I wish I could come up with the perfect way to explain our trip, but I simply don't think I could do it justice. I'll work on it. In the mean time, we are having an absolutely spectacular trip, Italy is soooo wonderful, and each stop is better than the last. And, success! Pete is really starting to unwind. Here are the photos! (Rome and Siena. We're currently in Cortona, off to Civita and Orvieto tomorrow. I'll post those soon! Attraversiamo!)

Dinner at the same restaurant in Piazza Navona where Pete and I drank wine with Robert (right) until the wee hours on the very first day we met. This was our first night in Italy, and a perfect way to kick off our pre-moon.

Sitting at the Fontana di Quattro Fiumi (fountain of four rivers) in the Piazza Navona

Spectacular ceilings in the Vatican Museum. And proof of oodles of tourists.

Pete on our rooftop terrace at our apartment in Rome. You can see the dome of San Pietro in the distance (left). We had a glass of wine up there each night before wandering out for dinner and the Roman nightlife. They are party animals!!

Our street, Via Giulia. By the way, there were banners posted all along the street announcing the celebration of the street's 500th anniversary. Yes, 5-0-0. Tends to put things in perspective, doesn't it?

I have oodles of photos of details like this from the trip so far (so many in fact, that today when I told Pete, "I brought my camera!" he replied, "of course you did"), but didn't want to bore you all. Italian cities are covered with details like this - small altars, mostly of the Madonna carved into alcoves or fountains or just stuck into rock walls along these streets. So beautiful. As a girl whose formative years didn't include much in terms of organized religion (Pete calls me his Hawaiian Heathen), I am constantly amazed and impressed by the intensity of Catholicism. THe older folks highly devoted, and going to church each day. The younger generation a bit more relaxed, but still attending every Sunday. Actually, on a similarly impressive note, the "neighborhood churches" you can wander into - not just the world famous numbers - are incredible structures, with soaring ceilings, gold inlay, the whole nine yards. The whole experience is kind of awe inspiring.

Photos from the Roman Forum and the Palentine Hill. This was our third day in Rome. I finally wore sensible shoes. Yes, I know.

The history here is kind of spectacular. Romans with spears and stuff used to wander around here! I made the point to touch a chunk of marble pillar lying around because maybe a Caesar touched it too!!! Although at that time, the marble column probably wasn't lying on the ground....

Pete standing under a sign announcing that this was the Augustus residence.

Now here we are at the Coliseum. Doesn't matter how many times I see it, it always takes my breath away. But! I had never been inside before! Total treat to wander around inside.

Those are the pits where they kept the gladiators and the animals that the gladiators were either supposed to fight/kill or be eaten by. The wooden floor over the pits could be flooded so the gladiators could have sea battles. You know.

Our view from lunch.

The Pantheon. Another take-your-breath-away wee structure.

Inside of the Pantheon - we were really lucky and while we were visiting, the British Royal Choir was singing inside, yay!

Sunset from our rooftop terrace.

After Rome, off to Siena! The main square is made up of nine of the "old family" houses. The family rivalry is still alive and kicking.

The view from our hotel.

Each of the Sienese families have family flags. Each little street was lined with them! Usually paired with a matching lamp. So cool.

Gelato. Oh the delight.

Amy with well.

The main piazza at sunset.

The cathedral at sunset.

Zebra-y stripes inside the cathedral. Again, we were lucky with timing - apparently the detailed marble floors are kept covered the entire year EXCEPT during September. Yay us. They were pretty neat.

Lake City Spirit Day!

2009-09-25T07:15:00.001-07:00

Today is Spirit Day at Lake City High School. And tonight is homecoming! Extra fun. Here are Luz and Yenny in their home-made Spirit Day outfits, showing their Lake City Spirit Skills!!

More Visitors!

2009-09-24T19:39:00.000-07:00

Izzie making a reappearance, this time with Dad, Ken! Both photos were entirely too cute. I couldn't chose.

Annual Tomato Canning at the Oliva's

2009-09-24T19:31:00.000-07:00

Our neighbors two doors down have an annual tomato canning and sauce making party. The event lasts all day! They were kind enough to invite us to the party, and then to dinner to taste the new sauce! Totally genius. Thanks Al and Charlotte!

Charlotte in action.

Al fishing the jars out of the pressure cooker.

Laurie, in her 3rd apron of the day.

Pete schooling the elementary kids. Way to go sweetie!

The neighborhood kids, with new friends Yenny and Luz!

Ohmigosh, SO DELICIOUS. And I'm not even an eggplant fan!

Visitors!

2009-09-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

Until we find something for the alcove at the bottom of the stairs (which I believe is going to be an Anderson original!!!!) all of our visitors get to be "stand ins".

The adorable Kennedy and Campbell from three doors down.

Now, with lovely mom Laurie

Cousin Barrett with friends!

Nicole and Izzie!

Luz and Jenna channeling the Angels

The very adorable Colleen and Brian. Our first visitors from Bend!

Pete's a thinker.

Luz being silly.

Amy with wine

The Restoration - The "Exterior" Photos

2009-09-07T21:04:00.000-07:00

As I'm typing this, I'm staring through scaffolding outside my window. I'm just saying.

The first hole in the porch

Lots and lots of rotten wood. For instance, when they propped this up with cross beams, water came pouring out of the top of the column.

For some reason, this photo makes me laugh every time. This is, no joke, about 1/5 of what came out from under the porch. And none of it had anything to do with structural integrity. Just junk that was chucked under there because, you know, why not.

Dude under the porch, hauling said junk.

The original vent work

So THAT'S why they recommended we didn't go out on the top porch.

"Skylight" where the upper porch used to be.

The front of our house is now a maze of orange fencing, "caution do not cross" tape, and scaffolding. Scaffolding with a ladder no less.

This is, I'm happy to say, where they have started to put things "back up", rather than simply "tear down".

Boulderama - the Jennie and Adam Nuptials

2009-09-07T18:27:00.001-07:00

Lots of the crew from school had a chance to get together at Jennie Norton and Adam Brucker's wedding in Boulder at the end of August. It was, hands down, an incredible weekend. Congratulations to the happy couple, The Bruckers - who, if I might add, throw a hell of a party - and it was wonderful to see everyone!

Most adorable twin flower girls

Beautiful bride and proud papa.

Gorgeous streamside ceremony presided over by Brother Pastor!

Proud Mom.

Proud Adam!

Some of the gang. Most with sunglasses.

That's our girl!! The bride, sipping on a Fat Tire

The bean bag game. I refuse to call it what we were calling it at the wedding. I refuse. (For those of you not involved that evening, it's apparently called "corn hole". Again, I refuse. Any substitutions are welcome). Fantastic form Jenn!

Ditto Harper, well played.

Pete and I played too. But unlike Harper and Jenn, refused to put our drinks down. Wusses. Plus, we all played in the rain. Yeah, I'm feeling pretty tough.

The "crossed arm crew"

The wedding was held at an incredible outdoor venue called Planet Blue Grass - absolutely fantastic.

Almost candid shot. Would have been, except the photographer (me) announced the photo being taken

The groom, giving a really wonderful speech.

Same with the bride - these two have second-to-none stage presence. Jennie, fantastic speech - and girl, you're SUPPOSED to be emotional!

One of the BF's speeches. Also great.

First dance!

First dance, with guest

The Robinsons

Beth and cuteness!

Amy and Blair

Mac and Maren

Swimmers and divers! Go 'Gate!

Bride playing drinking games. Oh yeah.

Pete and I visited the infamous Red Rocks. I regaled him with stories of my Phish concert there. Oooooh, the olden days. Anyhow, fantastic amphitheater. Glad to see it again.

Trip to Bend and Birthday!

2009-09-07T09:06:00.000-07:00

Pete and I had a fantastic long weekend in Bend - my first visit since the "relocation", and it was so lovely to see everyone, visit with my folks and tromp around in the central oregon wilderness. We ran the river, hiked Fall River Falls and Pete got a good several hours chasing big fish at Hosmer.

I also was the recipient of a really fantastic birthday party. Thanks Mom, Dad and Pete for throwing an unforgettable bash and thanks to everyone else for celebrating with us!!

See the dot under the pine branch? That's Pete in a float tube...

Back side of Mt Bachelor across Hosmer Lake

Koa of the woods. (Koa and I hung out shore-side while Pete fished.)

Fall River Falls Hike (otherwise known as Green Lakes Trail). Me with waterfall.

Here are really fun shots from the birthday party. Thank you again everyone for joining the festivities - it was SO wonderful to see you all!

Miss Makena Mudd hamming for the camera.

Ben and Hazel showing us the subtleties of Blongo.

Brooks and Cynthia. Self-explanatory

The Husbands

Mom showing Ben how to work the sky writer kite. Thanks for bringing that mom, it rocks.

Mike masters the sky writer

Corey and Ben master the sky writer

Brooks is hauling these days!!!

Excellent blongo form

Ditto

Pete is clearly intimidated by Mark's skills

Brian, making it look easy with drink in hand.

Unfortunate angle, but this is the birthday girl playing blongo. I do believe I won - even if only because I was in fact the birthday girl.

Pete made a cello pinata. Does that make it a pinato? Cellata? Anyhow, it rocked. It came into this world as a pink Hannah Montana guitar which he spray painted and added pegs and strings to. The pinata was filled, not with candy, but with socks. I *heart* brand new socks.

Another unflattering photo, but I think it's hysterical. This is me wailing on the sock-filled-pinato.

Amy and Melanie

The big earring girls.

Kirsti and Amy

Watermelon birthday cake!!

Having recently celebrated his own 2nd birthday, Ben was a pro in helping Auntie Amy blow out the candles.

But he let Auntie make the funny face.

Pete serving cake

I just this moment realized the balloons on the sign are upside down. Excellent touch. Seeing as it's "all down hill from here". Get it, get it?

Makena and watermelon

Dad and watermelon

Ben, with watermelon remnants

Colleen and smiley watermelon

Brian and Colleen double teaming the watermelon

Our House

2009-09-05T12:42:00.001-07:00

Pete and I bought a gorgeous home in Spokane right on Manito Park. The previous owner did a seriously fantastic job with restoring the original woodwork, floors, fixtures, etc., but reeeeally liked his wallpaper. He had done the dirty work of removing probably 4 layers of wallpaper and another 8 of paint, but the wallpaper had to go. When we moved in, we hired a great team to take it down, sand, mud, prime and paint. I can honestly say I had no idea how much work went into taking down wallpaper. And that if I had tackled it as originally planned, I would a) still be working on it eight months from now and b) have ruined the walls in the process.

These photos, and I'm sure many more to come, are a chronicle of "before" and "during".

Our new home!

See?

My boys on the front porch. Our first morning in the new place.

The house in February, when we first started looking at it...

The entry. Gorgeous light. But it trips the breaker anytime we turn it on. Rats. This is the only wallpaper we're keeping.

The Restoration - The "During" Photos

2009-09-04T17:07:00.000-07:00

Luz and me making fresh rolls in our very black and white kitchen

Contractor Mike ripping up the cabinets

More proof of black and white

Black and white wallpaper GONE.

Koa had to escape the madness

Kevin, the extraordinarily tall painter, didn't need a ladder

Proof of contractors. Every car is a contractor's car!

Pete's library: after wallpaper, but before sanding, priming and paint.

Pete's fish in Pete's library

The living room after wallpaper

The living room after wallpaper, sanding, and priming, but before painting

Living room with one coat

Living room almost finished!

The den, after wallpaper, sanding, priming, patching and priming again.

Lots of "during" shots from the dining room. This is what the room looked like after pulling down the tapestry

Dining room with first coat of primer

Red paint swatches in the music room

First coat in the piano room. And, well, the piano in the piano room.

Second coat in the music room.

Family room. Post stinky carpet.

Sparkly linoleum under stinky carpet.

The Restoration - The "Before" Photos

2009-09-02T20:04:00.000-07:00

Here are the before photos! Some that I took, and also a link to the real estate listing
http://www.trackmy.com/tmapps/vsflyer/?m=W29011454&ls=OWS&sid=TMOCBA

The kitchen, with what was affectionately named "Cowboy Colonial" wallpaper. Oh, please do click on it to see it up close.

The bathroom on the main floor. These were stairs leading to the hot tub. Through the window!

Guest bath upstairs

Dining room - the red below the moulding is leather, the floral is tapestry!

Check out the ceilings!!! Apparently a Russian wood worker made those during the last restoration. I think that's one of my most favorite parts.

Fireplace in the living room. All the fireplaces were converted to gas several years ago.

This is the linoleum that was beneath the carpet in the family room. It has gold sparkles! The gentleman who owned the house before us was apparently an avid smoker, and spent all (all) of his time in there enjoying his pastime. We pulled up the carpet and padding, scrubbed and repainted, and voila - livable, smoke-free family room!

The Paaahlor. Or Parlor. Or, once it gets all set up with piano and cello, the music room!

A close up of the really nifty wallpaper in the living room. It has since been steamed, pulled down, walls were mudded, sanded, mudded again, sanded again and painted. Phew.