Our getaway

 

Last week KC got a surprise email from his boss offering our family his vacation home for the weekend.  Without hesitation both of us looked at each other and said YES! We skipped out on soccer and headed to Vantage, WA that Friday night.  Neither of us have been to Eastern WA so we were especially excited to see this part of our state.  To my surprise it was more amazing than I had imagined.  For 3 days I truly felt like I was in Arizona.  And because I am desperately home sick this change of scenery was just what I needed.

The house "buffalo lodge" was huge and it was super fun to see my kiddos experience a large house with 3 bathrooms! Funny because when you live in a small house and share a bathroom you tend to be in each others business all the time.  I laughed so much when I realized that even though we had this big house all to our selves, the kids and I still used only 1 bathroom and never even touched 3/4 of the house.  The hot tube was the main attraction.  Both days consisted of eating and hot tub'ing.  We did venture out Sunday morning to explore.  We just set off on a drive and when we saw a place to pull over we did!

The wild horses monument was the kids favorite.  We hiked up and spent time 'horsing' around haha!  My favorite was when we were driving and I saw a picture perfect valley untouched and identical to a western movie.  I said to KC, "pull over! we have to get out" and then of course Rhone our little rule follower chimed in to point out that we weren't allowed and that we could get a ticket!  I mean as a mom it is my job to teach the laws and teach rules, but man, I am making a personal challenge to myself to teach my kids to seize the moment and to enjoy life! We pulled over, dragged Rhone out and went for a short walk.  The whole time Rhone saying "OK mom, you did it, now can we get back in the car and find the parking lot" LOL.

All in all it was a great weekend away filled with relaxation, family time, and exploring.  I can honestly say that I love that part of the state and I can see ourselves visiting it more often now.

A weekend away

 

The weekend before Rhone started Kindergarten we had the opportunity to meet up with my brother, sister-in-law, my two adorable twin nieces, and my parents.  My brother had rented a house right on the beach in Oregon so that we all could hang out and just relax.  It had been over a year and half since we have been together so it as nice to catch up and see the kiddos all playing together.  It made me realize how lucky I am to have an amazing family, and also how much I miss time with them!  KC and the kids loved chasing the waves and their were occasionally many falls in the icy cold water.  But the kids had a blast and it was just what we needed before the start of the school year.

Celebrating 12 years

 12 years ago on August 15th 2003 I married the man of my dreams.  He is my soul mate and each year we have grown together.  The ups and downs are so much better when you know deep deep in your soul that the man you love feels the same love you do.  We were given the amazing opportunity by my parents to come up to Vancouver BC and drop the kids off with them so we could spend the weekend together.  It was a much needed trip for both of us!  KC and I have had quite a busy summer, not with a ton of vacations, but with dedication to healing for me and work for him.  Needless to say, we felt like we needed some alone time with each other and I feel so refreshed. 

We headed out Saturday morning, dropped the kids off and drove to Vancouver.  Because I am on a very restrictive anti-inflammatory diet finding food for myself was a big concern for me.  Luckly Vancouver understands and provided us with many options for all organic meals.  I did veer off of my diet a little to drink a wine that KC and I had purchase last October in Italy.  We wanted to save it for just the right occasion.  It was delicous and was the best time to open it!  We went to Granville Island in Vancouver, walked around, ate, laughed, and talked.

We then headed to Squamish, B.C. to go on the Sea to Sky gondola.  The gondola ride took us almost 3000 feet in the air and was by far my most favorite thing that we did.  The views were more than breathtaking.  For me, it was God showing me his beauty.  The clouds and haze at first and then as the sun started to break through the view was flawless.  Follow that up with an incredible meal and a movie and it was a magical day that I will never forget.

I can't tell you how blessed I am to be married to my husband.  We complement each other so well and we give our hearts to our relationship.  This year has been a incredibly difficult year for myself in my health and he has not only been there for me every step, but has continually reminded me of hope for recovery.  He is the most positive person and has a gently way of reminding me that everything happens for a reason, its just a matter of how I take my experiences and use them to glorify God.  All the while... working incredibly hard at his job and providing for our family with not only finances but also the love that I was unable to give at so many times. 

KC, I love you and thank you for being my best friend and my rock.