Tulip Time

Saturday Wes and Paul came up to work on my computer.  Once the rain stopped the three of us and my mom took a little drive in my new white toyota camry hybrid out to the tulip fields.  Because it had rained hard most of the day, the traffic wasn't too bad, so we were able to get around in West Mount Vernon fairly easily.

Hurray for my new camera. It really captured some great shots. Actually, Wes is the one who captured the beauty of the freshly rained upon blossoms. These were mostly taken from the car, the fields were too muddy for us to drive or walk to. Good job Wes!

 

Me and my bros.  Sure like Paul's new haircut.  I'm glad I have brothers nearby who like to get togther and have some fun.  Families are the best.

 

This post is about what Keith and I have been up to lately...besides working.  And we've mostly been doing lots of that.  I am now considered an official employee of our company.  And that's a good thing.  I like having work and purpose in my life.  So besides lots of work, I got a new camera!  It's very cool, and I'm excited to learn more about photography.

 

For instance, this photo was talken using a setting which softens facial features.  He looks good, don't you think?  If only I could find that setting again, haha!

 



We are hoping to do lots of hiking this year.  I'm so happy that my knee injury is better.  Hiking feels great.  And the beauty of this area is best enjoyed from the top of some steep trail or other.

 



Notice how the setting sun is painting a reddish stripe on a few of the trees on the way down the trail.

 



 

Another view on the way down. This is a trail at the south end of Chuckanut Drive.

 

On another day, at the North end of Chuckanut Drive, we caught this view of a gorgeous blue sky and water from a boat launch.

 



 

We took a drive in our new car to test it out on the winding, curvy, twisting road. 
It is one smooth ride!

 

 

It's a good thing we enjoyed this sunny evening, it looks like it will be the last one this Spring for weeks.  Lots of rainy days ahead. Luckily we have the memories of a beautiful sunny day overlooking Samish Bay.

Easter!

This year marked the beginning of a very different kind of Easter celebration. Instead of an early morning hunt for all the goodies the Easter bunny may have brought, all the Easter basket stuffings were mailed away weeks ahead of time to New York, Wisconsin, Utah and Idaho.  But it was a lovely Easter nonetheless. We were fortunate to have nearby family join us on the warmest day of the year up to that point for an afternoon together. We visited, had an afternoon brunch, played with a flying disc outside until it landed on the roof, cheered on Michael as the sole egg hunter and celebrated Wes' birthday too!

Haven't won that million dollars yet Wes?  Keep spinning, come on, just give it one more try!

 



The First Day of Spring

 

The daffodils are cheerful despite the windy rainy weather we are welcoming Sping with this year.

 

We are ready for Easter around here, bunnies, eggs and all.

 

In celebration of Beatrix Potter and her wonderful storybooks, I am using this new collection as the backdrop for the Easter bunnies.

 

 

Happy Spring!

I Share a Birthday with Someone Special!

Although that day is in the now distant past, I feel the need to at least post a few pictures, after all year 2 and year 50 are kind of a big deal.

I have an affinity for aprons for whatever odd reason, so my plan was to make a ridiculously cute apron for Eleanor.  With my mom's expert help, we found super cute fabric.  I love the ruffles, and Eleanor seems to like them too, it's really fun to see her wearing this while she "bakes cupcakes" in her "kitchen".

 

Or doing a quick clean up around the house.

 

To celebrate the big day, Keith, Eric and I went to the temple, then we met Paul, Wes, Richard and Diana (and Michael too!) at Sykart to do some racing, which I love!  I was really feeling the need to get my speed on, and I beat everyone but Wes and Paul on a couple races! Woo Hoo!

 

This is Eric taking coming at me on the side lines with supersonic speed!

 

And this is me at 50, my best age yet.  (See quote at bottom.)

 

 



On my birthday, Eric showed up with this gorgeous flower arrangement from all my kids.  The florist helped him pick out just the right flowers and arrange it to perfection.  Thanks kids!  You're the best!

And now, my feeble to attempt to make a tiny cake.  It's baked in a large tomato sauce can.  Maybe now that I'm 50 I should finally invest in a cake decorating class, this one could use a little help, haha!  But I am kind of excited about the cake plate, I made it with a little help from Pinterest!

 



And lastly, I need to share this fabulous quote Katie found in a book she was reading. 

Marjorie Hinckley said this, so that makes it extra legit!  Love her!  Although the quit competing part doesnt really apply to me when it comes to racing, haha!

The Salt Lake Temple

 

We had a lovely afternoon in the Salt Lake Temple.  Eric enjoyed the live session and said he learned a lot from it.  It never ceases to amaze me how big this place really is.  The inside rooms are so beautiful and so spacious.  It was a neat experience to be there again.

 

My missionary.

Proud dad.

 



 

It was so nice of Diane and Dennis to take time off of work and school to be with us.

 

We're gonna miss this kid!