June 30, 2013

The Great Escape.   Oooops!  There's the mom.... we're busted!  Just look cute and she'll forgive us!
Fox Island, Washington

June 29, 2013

We've had sunshine for most of the day.  Gorgeous, bright, warm, life giving sunshine.  So nice.  I found these this afternoon while checking out the yard.  Look at all that pollen just sitting inside that blossom!

Fox Island, Washington  

June 28, 2013

We had some babies come for a visit!  I need to figure out how to train these cuties to eat the weeds I don't want around on the property.  

Fox Island, Washington

June 27, 2013

I woke to rainy skies (again) today.  Zach had a long soggy practice run with the cross country team in a heavy rain this morning.  Nate and Sam got soaked to the skin while walking the pups this morning.  The pups got a bath to warm them up and get rid of their smelly wet dog stench this morning.  And the fog floated, drifted and clung to the still waters of the bay around the bridge this morning.  Sunshine comes in tomorrow.

Gig Harbor, Washington

June 26, 2013

Oh!!! The rains (again!!!!) today!  I'm really hoping the weather prediction comes through for the weekend.  I desperately need some sun, warmth and dry(er) stuff.
Fox Island, Washington

June 25, 2013

Mother Nature is still deciding on her plan of action for today, for the season.  We had a misty fog roll in over the water for the early morning hours.  As the day brightened with the sunrise it looked as if the sky would clear.  Soon after this shot, the looming dark clouds won out, delivering heavy, soaking rain showers.  At least I won't have to water my garden again today.  Maybe we'll see the sunshine later as the day progresses.....

Fox Island, Washington

June 24, 2013

I know we're at the end of our school year when art lessons are "Free Art Day."  That means we aren't going to learn any new concepts, but we still want to do something art related.  The dry erase board for doodling was the choice of medium.  Here's "Some Random Guy," by Sam Cutter.

Fox Island, Washington 

June 23, 2013

And a cry rang out throughout the house, "Steak!  Mom's making STEAK for dinner tonight!"  I really hadn't plan to make this for dinner this evening but rather, later in the week.  I didn't want to disappoint the hungry wolves of the house.  So, here it is, beer marinated flank steak with avocado spread on a bed of steamed rice and a side of spiced apple mango sauce.  Not too bad.

Fox Island, Washington

June 22, 2013

Still waters as the sun came up over the trees.  A quiet, calm summer morning.  It's a good day for our Girl to fly to Europe.  She'll be spending the summer term in Amsterdam, strolling the narrow streets, floating along the canals, taking in the sights and visiting her favorite haunts.  And studying.  Some.  Maybe.

Fox Island, Washington

June 21, 2013

Summer solstice, first day of summer, longest daylight day of the year. We had a beautiful day today, but look what's brewing.
Fox Island, Washington

June 20, 2013

With the mildly warmer Pacific Northwest summer weather making an appearance I've discovered a pleasant location for my yoga practice.  Just off my bedroom, the bushy wisteria is so full it creates a wind and visual barrier, giving me plenty of privacy.  Of course it will depend on dry skies, but this spot encourages the perfect zen-like feeling with a bit of sunlight, fresh air, singing birds and vibrant colors of the surrounding nature.  

Fox Island, Washington

June 19, 2013

We're back home and desperately need to unpack, clean up, shop for food, do laundry and get some school work done. But first, I'm checking out my garden and yard to see what's new! I found this wood rose bush with lots of these beautiful tissue paper petal flowers. I loved being warm and dry in the Utah dessert, but I love even more the tall, green trees and smell of moisture in the air.

Fox Island, Washington

June 18, 2013

Our final day on the road home to Fox Island took us on Interstate 84 along the mighty Columbia River on the Oregon side. We passed by many stunning sights, but I loved seeing these open flowing dams. Here is a shot of the John Day Lock and Dam which controls the waters of Lake Umatilla. So incredibly powerful!

Rufus, Oregon

June 17, 2013

We packed up our gypsy wagon and headed west today. After saying farewell to grandma and grandpa Cutter and leaving Jordan with them (to drop her at the airport after lunch) we started out for the Twin Fall, Idaho area. Lots of beautiful landscape to drive by, but the green fields were a welcome sight to see.

Jerome, Idaho

June 16, 2013

We awoke to cloudy skies and cooler temps. Father's Day Breakfast of pancakes, eggs and bacon was enjoyed during an light, refreshing rain. Today's adventure was exploring Dead Horse Canyon State Park and Canyon Lands National Park with Grandma and Grandpa. Again, I am in awe of the amazing landscape we came across. Big, fluffy clouds added to the scenery.

Moab, Utah

June 15, 2013

So difficult to decide which picture to post today! We hiked up to Delicate Arch this morning and did some exploring around Arches National Park. I think it's almost impossible to come away from the park without good pictures. The beauty of the landscape in this part of our country is incredible!

Moab, Utah

June 14, 2013

One of the views from our campsite in Moab. If you look closely you can see the crescent moon rising. The wind has died down significantly and the temps are in the high 90's.... perfect for thawing and drying out. The boys went for a mountain bike ride while the girls (and pups) hiked around checking out some petroglyphs. An afternoon swim is in order before our Mexican feast in town. 

Moab, Utah

June 13, 2013

We spent last night at Capitol Reef National Park. Our drive this morning took us through the magnificent park. It's a first visit for all of us so we were in complete awe. Just spectacular!

Torrey, Utah

June 12, 2013

Gorgeous landscapes and dry, warm weather made for a great drive to Capitol Reef National Park.
Sigurd, Utah

June 11, 2013

I flew to Utah this morning to hook up with all my guys. Here they are chillin' at our campsite. "Do these onions need to be caramelized, mom? This is some pretty fancy cooking for camping!" Sounds good, Sam.

Salt Lake City, Utah

June 10, 2013

Our last morning up at Whistler and the sun is shining!  We decided to take a quick 5k run through the large cedar forest before packing up and heading back to Washington.  These trees are enormous, old growth, magnificent beauties.  The knot where the sign has been posted is about the size of my head! You know it's got a warning sign because someone needed to be rescued after climbing in there!!!! Now that would have been a great scene to capture....
British  Columbia, Canada

June 9, 2013

Our last full day of running the trails at Whistler took us on a 7 mile trek out to Green Lake. We started early, running with a guided group so we wouldn't take any detours. This gave us the opportunity to get in an afternoon hike up to Nairn Falls Provincial Park before a relaxing dinner in our lodge suite for the evening.

A special Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband. I'll be joining you in just a few days! Love you! 

British Columbia, Canada

June 8, 2013

Day 3 trail running at Whistler, BC was scheduled to be an easy, sunny 10 miles. A wrong turn and an inaccurate weather forecast made it a cold, cloudy, pounding 15 miles. At least we didn't have any downpours and the sun wasn't blazing hot!  I think tomorrow will be a shorter day.... please!

British Columbia, Canada

June 7, 2013

Decent weather for our first full day at Whistler gave us the opportunity to explore some of the back woods trails. Our only goal was to have fun, get some mileage in and be back in time for Kathleen and Kelly's spa treatments. Valley Trail, Beaver Pass, Whip Me Snip Me, Rainbow-Sproatt Flank Trail, Cheap Thrills, Industrial Disease and Train Wreck Pass were the tracks we set foot on for our 10 mile run down to Function Junction. Thanks to the valet service at our lodge for picking us up so we wouldn't have to run another 10k on the hot road back into the village! A dip in the hot tub and a Chicken Milanese, pasta and salad dinner (prepared in our suite!) with a fabulous red wine are our reward for today's efforts! Bring on the long day tomorrow!

British Columbia, Canada

June 6, 2013

Diana, Kelly, Kathleen and I made it to Whistler Village this afternoon. We're here for the next 4 days for some trail running, good food, great conversation and much needed girl time. 

British Columbia, Canada

June 5, 2013

So, every 8-10 days I make a batch of peanut butter.  It's THE staple protein in my house.  We use it on sandwiches or toast (with strawberry jam!), on cheerios or chocolate chips, in cookie bars, granola, sauces and soups, on bananas, apples and celery sticks or (my very favorite!) just on a spoon.

Fox Island, Washington

June 4, 2013

We made strawberry jam today.  Guess what we'll be whipping up tomorrow?!?!

Fox Island, Washington

June 3, 2013

I love that I can say to my family, "We're having salad with dinner tonight," and know that it will indeed be fresh!

Fox Island, Washington

June 2, 2013

I had a fun morning running the Dirty Girls Run Wild Trail Half Marathon at Fort Steilacoom this morning. We had some rain and the temps were a bit chilly for me but, all in all, it was a perfect trail run.  The event was hosted by an amazingly supportive organization and store, Route 16 Running, right in Gig Harbor.   Through this group I've been fortunate enough to have met some of the kindest, most helpful people around.  Thanks for the great day!

Lakewood, Washington

June 1, 2013

Before the bridge was constructed from Gig Harbor to Fox Island, this was the only public transportation access point to our island. Since ferry service was abandoned, the dock and landing were no longer necessary. At this point, the structure is in such disrepair it's dangerous and must be fenced off with tall chain link fencing until it's either fixed or removed. Both of which require a great deal of funding. 

Fox Island, Washington