nomadic tipi's and snoqualmie falls...

Our weekend was a success! Such a beautiful place. Bobby picked me up after school on Saturday and from there we headed to North Bend to the Log Cabin Bed & Breakfast
where we reserved a majestic tipi that's nestled next to the Snoqualmie River. 

We drove down a long gravel road to get to the main house, a log cabin, where we were anxiously awaited by the family who owns the bed & breakfast. They were just as excited for us to be there as we were and apparently we were the first tipi reservation of the season. We were handed a welcome basket full of coffee, water bottles, hot chocolate and other small necessities. From there on we were pretty much on our own to make ourselves at home. We were okay with that! 

Our tipi was the red one that sat first on the property and the one I was praying for! Beside our tipi was a picnic bench set up to be our little kitchen area complete with a stove/oven and all the pot & pans we needed for cooking. The fire pit was between our tipi and the river so we faced our camping chairs so that we were looking out onto the flowing clear blue water. Firewood was at our disposal with axes laid out for us to us. Bobby enjoyed pretending to be a lumberjack, chopping away at the logs. Our first night we spent sitting by the fire and enjoying the soothing sounds of nature and even played a game of Scrabble. 

The inside of our tipi was simple which made it so peaceful to be in. Inside was a full sized log bed, handmade by the gentleman who owns the bed & breakfast, a table and another fire pit! That's right we were able to have a rolling fire to warm us during the night while we slept. In case you're wondering the top of the tipi open just enough to make it so that we could have a fire yet keep the rain out just enough. I loved it! We were a little smoked by the end of the weekend and our things had a slight layer of ash on them but it was part of the experience and I really wouldn't of changed it for anything. Having a blazing fire as we snuggled in bed put us right to sleep and we both slept like babies. 

Sunday morning we woke up early, well, I woke up early to make breakfast and make a cup of coffee in my french press and as soon as our tummies were full we heading up to Snoqualmie Falls. Snoqualmie Falls is dear to our hearts since it was the place we said "I Do". At the time of our wedding the trails were closed down due to renovations so were weren't able to climb to the bottom of the falls. Since then it has reopened and we wanted to make a point to adventure down to the bottom of the falls. It was a beautiful little hike. 

It was an amazing weekend and we highly recommend the bed & breakfast to anyone who is looking for a tranquil experience. They offer actual log cabins as well as big tents. The tipi's are fun and I hope to do it again but maybe bring Sebastian along! 

xoxo. 

on my soul mate...

This day three years ago, I stood just a short distance away from a beautiful waterfall underneath a typical Pacific Northwest sort of sky and married my soul mate. 

Marriage is such a complex thing, so much more than I would have ever imagined. It's more than love and trust. It's deeper, a more internal connection that runs down into the center of our hearts. Even though Bobby and I have only been married three years we've been together almost eight so there was a good chunk of time spent working on ourselves individually but at the same time becoming one. Whenever I have conversations with others about marriage, typically people who aren't married, I always end up telling them that it's a lot of work. It's not easy and the sooner that you realize it the quicker you can start flourishing into better people. 

Teamwork is probably the most key quality in a marriage. If you don't have teamwork then things fall apart. I'm lucky because Bobby and I have been able to really utilize teamwork. It's been something that in our relationship that has grown the most. It makes things easier when the person you share your life with is right there with you helping and planning the next move.

We're no where near perfect but I can say that we've grown since day one and our growth has made us better people and parents. It's truly amazing to have someone who completes me in every way. Sharing my dreams with him as well as him sharing his with me and us working together to do whatever it takes to make those happen is without a doubt the best feeling in the world, it makes me literally feel like I can do anything.

Don't get me wrong we drive each other crazy but that's just nature keeping things in balance! 

This year for our anniversary we wanted to get away for a few days. With me being in school and living at my father's we rarely have anytime together (if you know what I'm saying!). Saturday after school we'll be heading to spend a few days camping and hiking near Snoqualmie Falls. When you think of camping you probably think-- tent with sleeping bags. Fair thought, however we won't be pitching a tent because actually we'll be sleeping inside a real TIPI right next to the Snoqualmie river!! I found the coolest Bed & Breakfast where they have authentic tipi's set up along their property fully furnished with a bed along with cooking supplies and firewood. We couldn't say no. It's going to be a fun experience and something different, and we all know I love to do things out of the ordinary. 

Happy Anniversary to us! xoxo

on seven years...

Today, seven years ago I met my husband. I flew from Seattle to Philadelphia and bumped into him at the airport for the first time. Love at first sight is a real thing! I experienced it back on that day and every since, our love has been stronger than ever. Many people doubted what we had and I know both of us had people in our lives at the time that didn't think we would last (both family & friends) but we proved everyone wrong. I'm a big believer in fate and I still to this day believe that the Universe brought Bobby and I together for a reason. We were put on this earth to be together so that we do great things. I love him to death and can't wait for another seven years! CHEERS to us :) 

xoxo.

on back into the swing of things...

I'm trying to get back into the swing of things. It's been a little rough, more than it should be. I had three days off, well technically four because I had to take an extra day off last week due to Sebastian having some sort of 24 hour stomach bug. All clear on that though. Bobby and I left for the Pocono mountains early Friday morning, both of us full of excitement. I was mostly pumped for my first snowboarding experience and also just the thought of having a long weekend with the fella turned me into a giddy mess. We don't get out much so a long weekend together is like icing on the cake! 

Snowboarding was a success! It's challenging, frustrating, thrilling and fun all at once! Oh and it can be scary too. A few times I was afraid I was going to plummet to my death but alas I've got all limbs in tacked and ready for experience #2. With that being said, hubby was not so fortunate. On our last day on the slopes he managed to sprain his ankle really bad. It's a swollen mess and he can barely walk. So, this week he's working from home and keeping it elevated. We're hoping for a quick recover so we can plan a day trip to a near by mountain! 

Have any of you been snowboarding? It's totally not as easy as I thought. I did enjoy it so much so that I intend to purchase my own snowboard and boots in time for next winter. Hurrah for future adventures and a new hobby :) 

xoxo. 

ps: big hugs & kisses to my wonderful man for putting up with me. Believe me it's not easy at times.

on dad's day...

My day started out with cooking up some chocolate chip pancakes for my husband and wonderful dad. I even let the guys sleep in. Aren't I a sweetheart? He was a happy camper with a plate full of chocolate flapjacks. 

Other than spoiling all the dad's in our lives, today's theme was relaxation. My mother-in-law and I were tossing around different dinner ideas this past week. It was either crab cakes or portabella mushroom  Parmesan. But of course my father-in-law came up with the best idea, let's just order pizza's! Me and mom more than welcomed the idea. What is this mother's day?!

We spent the day lounging in the pool and sipping on iced tea while the sun tans our pale bodies. It makes my heart skip a beat seeing Sebastian and Bobby play poolside. I am one lucky lady to have such a family oriented man in my life. Such a sweet and goofy dad!

 (That's the father's day treatment right there!)

Annnd here's a shout out to my amazingly awesome papa bear who I miss dearly!

on Father's Day...

This morning I was up early cooking up some yummy breakfast for the best daddy in the world, my husband. Not to knock all the dad's out there but my mister is a pretty darn great dad. Always has his family in mind and loves to wrestle with his little boy. Oh by the way, forgot to tell you yesterday but I was wrestle with Sebastian yesterday and the boy gave me a bloody nose! Ummm cheeyaah. He elbowed me in the nose and out came the blood. Of course it was an accident but I think from now on momma is going to do the cuddling and dadda will handle the rough housing. Thank you very much!
Back to breakfast...Eggs benedict :) Ever since that one morning at Salish when we had amazing eggs benedict I've been meaning to make a plate of my own and today was the day. Since I've never really made it naturally I was a little nervous. But Bobby gave it two thumbs up! Sure it wasn't five start but it was anny-star and made with a whole lotta love.

After breakfast we patch our selves up and headed to mom and dad's house. The day was pretty busy for the family. Mom had a surprise party to go to, dad & Chris were pressure washing the fence around the house, and Kate & Cousin Dan had plans to see Dan's dad. So, we just hung out. Sebastian played in the pool and later took a nice two hour nap while I got some much needed reading, writing & wedding photo organizing done. It was so nice. Sebastian was happy to have his cousin to play with after nap and they spent most of their time goofy off in the pool. Those boys love the pool!

We had a simple BBQ with teriyaki chicken, burgers and hot dogs. I made a great shrimp & dill pasta with cucumbers, perfect summer salad. And then we had some strawberries filled with cream and chocolate filled raspberries for dessert. Everything was so yummy that I thought I was going to have to be rolled out of the backyard. 

After dinner the boys had some more fun in the pool.

 Love action shots :) I can sit by the pool and watch these two for hours. They are the best ever. Today was great. Hoping the week goes by fast so we can have another day just like this one :D

Happy Father's Day to my wonderful husband and all the fathers out there.

♥A.

on his birthday...

That's my birthday man! This morning I woke up like any old weekday and headed to work. However, I secretively didn't have work. I plotted against Bobby and surprised him. Bobby went about his morning and little did he know when the door bell rang that I was hiding out of sight. He came down, opened the door and I jumped out yelling HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I basically scared the bejeezus out of him but it caught him off guard and I was a happy camper. 

I plopped his gift in his lap and was eager for him to open it. Sebastian and I got the best daddy & husband ever the brand new Ipad 2 :) He had the biggest smile I've ever seen and made me all warm and fuzzy inside. Love seeing that.

I didn't make big plans for the day being that it was 100 degrees outside, there was little I could think of to do that would be fun & for us not to deep fry. So, we grabbed our bathing suits and headed for the family pool. Perfect for a day like today! Sebastian loves the pool. I on the other hand have to be in the mood to take a dip in the pool and today was perfect for a soak. 

 The last two photos make me laugh. 

Bobby's been playing around with his gem. The very first app he downloaded was some sort of game called "Contract Killer". Ha. Men will be well, men! Another birthday came and went and many more to come. It was kind of nice looking for a birthday card this time around...a husband card :) 

♥A.