Brinnon, briefly

The weekend before last Dave and I made it out to Brinnon for a quick, but fun, visit.

Kayaking on Hood Canal

We laugh that we're supposed to be the spry, fit 20-somethings, and always feel like we're running to keep up with my parents!  I guess that shows what you can accomplish in your retirement.

While out on the water, we saw dozens of seals - in fact, it was sometimes creepy because they would pop up, then dive down and sneak closer.  It was like they were stalking us...these floating heads in the water.  Okay, that makes it sounds really creepy, when it was really one of those amazing nature moments.

I helped man the barbeque for dinner, which was interesting since I'm pretty incapable.  But it resulted in some yummy roasted vegetables.  Cathy also made us to-die-for vanilla scones the next morning.  Nom nom.

Our visited ended with a short, but satisfying, hike to see a waterfall and walk-in campground along the river.  We walked back right down on the river's edge.

And of course, we always enjoy a good ferry ride...all the makings of a great, outdoorsy weekend!

Our wedding in the news!

Check this out!

I got an e-mail asking those who attended the Salvage Bride workshop to share, and this is what resulted!

Karla & Brian's wedding

Back in June we celebrated the marriage of my cousin Karla to her now husband Brian.  I was honored to be part of the wedding, serving as the "Week-of Wedding Coordinator."  I oversaw set-up, queued the bridal party, and generally tried to help out so that my cousin and aunt could enjoy the special day.  I think I did okay - I became very emotional about wanting everything to go off perfectly for my family. :)

The wedding was beautiful.  The bride was beautiful.  It was wonderful to watch the event unfold with my husband by my side.

I was honored that Karla chose to wear my veil.  She also had a garter made by the amazing Brianne.  I wore my grandma's pearls, and Karla carried her handkerchief.

Dave was a huge help, both to me, and in completing wedding set-up.  When he wasn't running around for me, he was taking some beautiful pictures...

Yup, they had a World of Warcraft groom's cake.  Needless to say, Dave was a little jealous!

What a GORGEOUS bride!

The groom (right) with his best man (left).

Our family, we know how to party.  Hahaha.

Congratulations to the bride and groom!  And Brian, welcome to our big, crazy, silly, always entertaining family!

Anyone need any peas or lettuce?

Because we have a lot.

Sugar snap peas.  I highly recommend the bush variety - they worked way better for us.  Thanks, Carol, for providing us with starts!

See all that lettuce behind the little green wire fence?  Mr. Bee is standing guard over our tomatoes, which were just this week freed from their "tent" (AKA pop-up greenhouse, which was GREAT - thanks, Debe & Rob).

Lavender, on the way.

Nom.  Strawberries.

Dahlias, just starting to bloom.

Sunflowers, growing tall, under the watchful eye of Ms. Ladybug.

Baby pumpkins make me happy.

How about everyone else?  How are your gardens growing?

Graduation

On June 11, I took part in the College of Education graduation ceremony.  I wasn't sure about graduation.  I finished classes and my Master's project in March, so going back months later for the ceremony felt odd to me.  But, little did I know, my wonderful friend Debe was planning a special party in my honor!

That meant Dave was in charge of 1) convincing me that I should walk and 2) getting me to the surprise party at Debe's.  I don't think I made part 1 very easy for him, but Debe helped with part 2 by sending me sweet text messages of congratulations and asking about taking photos of me with her daughter (my honorary niece).

So, Dave and my dad joined me for the ceremony, which took place in the Quad on UW campus.  It was a cool June morning, but we made it through rain-free.

No, I didn't wear cap, gown, and hood (what you get for a Master's).  I had decided not to go through the big UW ceremony after the madness from my undergrad ceremony, so I couldn't justify buying it.  I told Dave I would wear full garb if I successfully earn my PhD.  I was glad to walk in with some of my class friends - apparently the Curriculum & Instruction crowd is pretty apathetic when it comes to regalia!

Walking up to shake hands and be handed a key chain.  No joke.  You'll be happy to know my real diploma came in the mail this week.

The gathered the full group of walking C&I Master's students.

Afterward Dave talked me into swinging by to return a book to Debe and Rob.  I found this odd, but was convinced because I wanted to say hi to Debe to thank her for being so thoughtful about graduation.

I don't think we took any photos at Debe and Rob's house, but it was a wonderful afternoon with many friends, barbecue, wine, and several adorable babies to play with.  I'm a lucky girl, and graduate.  Thanks Debe, Rob, Brianne, Danielle, Dana, Blake, Kendra, Jonathan, Kaity, and of course Dad and Dave!