Father's Day

This year Father's Day was unlike any other for The Mag 7, as we celebrated 2 fathers (well 3 if you include Nick fathering Charlotte): Matt and my dad of course. It was a weekend gathering in Steilacoom, with the loose agenda of Kayaking, BBQ and Church to be followed by the traditional trip to Costco for mocha freezes, pizza and soda. We did as we always do...living life at an easy pace in Steilacoom.

Since my mother had a bit of a migraine, neither she nor Brea attended the kayaking festivities. So that left: Dad, Delya and Matt in the canoe, Ami, Nick (& Charlotte) and I in individual kayaks on American Lake in Lakewood. We paddled for about 2 hours, with deep cravings to jump in the water, but too intimidated by the daunting "I just may rain on you any second" clouds. Midway through the adventure, Delya needed a snack so Ami and Matt swapped vessels for appropriate feeding. It was hilarious and wonderful.

I do love how different land looks from the water (verses seeing land on land). And it pains me to say that I have not been saving up enough money for our water front dream home...hmmmm only 2 million to go...Yikes!

It was such an enjoyable weekend. Not only to honor the dads in our family, but also because I got some serious time with my niece. It had been about 5 weeks since I seen her last, and boy oh boy had she changed. Physically, she has turned into a baby after my own heart: Chubby-chub-chub with eatable cheeks and rolls upon rolls (this is healthy you know...baby's need fat for brain development and extra nourishment in case they don't get enough calories in a day - that is nature taking over). Developmentally, she is leaps and bounds beyond our last encounter: She is so very alert, wide-eyed and expressive. She is strong...holding her own weight while standing (assitance with balance is needed of course). She smiles the sweetest smile and is much more go-with-the flow: From Auntie Andi, to Uncle Nick, to Pappi, to Omi then to bed...she transitions beautifully and rarely fusses.
It continues to amaze me to watch my sister in this new role of motherhood. She is excelling. She is a patient and loving mother. She is adaptable, adventurous and embracing the challenge. She is not over-panicky, over-bearing or over-protective. She is an amazing mom...as is Matt an amazing Dad...fully present, completely helpful in all infant duties and expressive for his love for his little girl. Not to mention the hilarious names he comes up for Delya: Little Sumo, Milk Coma Baby and 100 others that I just can't think of right now. It is great to watch them be parents together...especially when I get to hold my niece and nibble on her cheeks!

Whistler Relived

A few weekends ago a group of us headed up to Whistler BC for a weekend of adventure and relaxation. Thanks to a great friend's hook up, we were able to score a sweet deal on a great condo in the Upper Village. A mere 15 minute walk took us to the heart of the Village...a place for shopping, delicious dining and oh-so entertaining people watching. I LOVE hanging in the village. The vibe it gives off is one of great appeal to me. Such a blend of people...young to old, rich to rags, it has got it all. The die-hard bikers who live for the hills to those who may not even notice the recreation options...but more specifically there to shop, dine or raise a ruckus during a bachelorette party. The entertainment is unlimited, therefore, I love it.

After 2 years of recovery and positive self talk from my last horrific Whistler down hill park bike riding experience (http://nickandandi.blogspot.com/2007/08/whistler-bikers-dreamunless-youre-me.html), I decided it was time for a do over. We went about it the right way this time: I rented the fattiest bike I could get my hands on...9 inches of travel with motorcycle tires (basically) to boot. I padded up with the right gear, caffeine up to give me a boost and we were well on our way up the mountain (via chairlift of course...those bikes weren't designed to be peddled up hill...or flat for that matter). I am so very proud to report, not a single tear was shed this year. Only hoots and hollers of exaltation! I even stepped up a few skills while I was there: Overcoming my fear of drops (or basically allowing my tires to be off the ground longer that .01 seconds) and taking full advantage of the berms. Nick of course was a great encourager (yes...he definitely learned his lesson from the last go-around). He stuck by my side the whole day...taking breaks when I needed them (read: to get food and more food), gave me on-the-spot lessons and techniques that would help my advancement and praised me for the littlest of accomplishment (which I have learned helps me more than anything else). It was an amazing day...we returned to the condo that evening with smiles on our faces and excitement to hear the stories of our fellow traveling companions. Not to mention the hilarious observation of 3 grown men trying to expedite the process of charcoal burning.

Sunday brought a yummy "family style" breakfast, a people watching/coffee drinking period at the park and a sun tanning session at Lost Lake with the crew. We lounged, relaxed and laughed...things all Sundays should include.
I can't wait for another go around in 2010! Or even a few more in 2009!

Whoa - weekend catch up

The last few weeks have been an absolute blurry blast. From here to there on the weekends to slamming weekday, work-filled hours...I haven't found the time to blog about life. But a las, a quick update just cause I can!

In May, Nick and I visited our amazing friends Pete and Joy. Their twins turned 1 that weekend, so we got to hang with them a learn all about Diaper-Genie, frozen pureed food and landscaping the yard.

Isabelle loves to push David in the buggy.

Charlotte likes to see what's going on too:


I'm getting served up my all time favorite treat: Ice cream!

Mother's day weekend was spent up at my parent's cabin. And though I have no photos to show off that blessed weekend...we definitely had a blast! Hanging around the cabin, venturing to the fabulous town of Enumclaw for a hair cut and Starbucks, and a rather long, wet bike ride with Nick in Black Diamond. I am happy to have that destination scratched off our list...was a maze!

The following weekend, mom and dad payed Nick and I a visit. It was a long time coming and we were so happy to have them up. There was defiantly more play than work being done...but of course dad's amazing skills were put to good use...fixing our sink, shower head, and endless consultation on deck repair and refinishing. He says not to do anything until August when it's really hot. Perhaps we will just have to schedule another gathering with them then to help us out!

We took them up the Ridge line for a hike on Galbrieth
Dad built a little muscle too...that push mower is no easy task:

Memorial Weekend took us to Squamish...or as Taylor puts it: Bellingham times 100. Gorgeous terrain, awesome mt. biking, beautiful lakes for swimming, plentiful trails for hiking...really the list goes on and on. And if you can believe it, we forgot our camera! Ahhhh!!! But had a great time with friends Mindy and Taylor, as well as Nick's co-worker Corley, his girlfriend Laura and friend Oscar from Portland.

Last weekend was the first weekend in weeks we had to ourselves. Besides the 300 cupcake delivery to Semiahmoo for a wedding on Saturday, we managed to pack a lot of recreating and fun into our two days off. Bike riding, Costco shopping, yard work, dog parking with friends, church, ice cream eating, house cleaning, you name it, we did it. I love those weekends. The ones that feel really long, but in a good way. A balance of productivity and complete relaxation.

This weekend brings even more fun events. It all starts with a clothes swap (best way to clean out your closet, go "shopping" for free, help those less fortunate and hang out with a bunch of super cool girls all at the same time!), a baby shower, rockin' out with a band, a bike ride and everything else that falls between. We really, truly are blessed...life is what you make it!