Mid Year Post

September 01, 2009

Mid Year Post

This year started with about five feet of snow in the yard. We had a lot of snowfall until the first of the year and then there were only light dustings to keep everything white.
(Winter view from our barn)

(Deer in the driveway) We had snow on the ground until May! We also had a moose that was living nearby.
(This is a picture of Kiana pointing to the moose from her highchair…he was laying in the front yard for a nap.)
One of the biggest decisions of our married life came in January when we resigned from our involvement with Life Choices Pregnancy Center. There had been some changes in direction for the organization and we felt that it was a good time for us to step out. This was a very sad transition for us because it had been such a big part of our life for several years and because of the relationships we have developed with the other volunteers there.
Jake spent some time helping friends with a house remodel project that involved everything from plumbing and wiring to finish work. The complete project had to be done in just a couple of weeks so there were plenty of late nights- which added to the fun!
We did a lot of traveling this spring. The first trip was a trip to Clarkston for our soon to be sister in-law’s bridal shower.
(Kiana, Ruth, Breann and Nana) (Kiana did a good job of guarding the gifts) We also made a few trips to Tri-Cities to see Grandma, drive tractors, shoot guns…and eat.
(Jake and Grandpa on the Farmal H) (Ruth and Lynae chatting it up)
(Kiana and Aunt Julie) (Grandma and Kiana having some quality time) (Robert, Jake and Justin talking business) (Hide-and-seek with Sean) Jake’s birthday wish was to start the ’49 for the first time. It took some serious focus to have everything ready in time, but on the appointed day the 235 rumbled to life! (watch video here).

Late spring brought a very special visit from Ruth’s aunt Mary and her new husband, Hartmut, from Germany. We met Mary and Hartmut in Seattle along with Ruth’s parents and sister’s family. We had a great time seeing the sights of Seattle and getting caught up with Mary and getting to know Hartmut.
(Ruth’s aunt, Mary, and uncle, Hartmut, visiting from Germany)

(Ruth’s brother, Michael, and brother in-law, Brian , cruising Elliot Bay)

(Kiana enjoying some German chocolate and her new beach towel from great Aunt Mary)

(Emma, Natalie, Mary and Ruth pose on the observation deck of the Space Needle)

(You know who these ones are)

(Ruth’s sister, aunt, mom and Kiana)

(Kiana and Emma after a little altercation about the play house)

This was followed soon by another trip for Justin and Breann’s reception (that’s right, no wedding ceremony- they were smart enough to elope).

Summer has finally arrived in Sandpoint and we’ve been outside as much as possible. Kiana has been enjoying her pool with some friends.
(Evie, Kiana and Kylen after a swim)

We have been trying to get out on the lake in our tiny sailboat.
(Kiana and Ruth sailing)

(Kiana’s not too sure about jumping in the lake)

We made the annual pilgrimage to the Goodguys Northwest Nationals car show in Puyallup. Jake and car buddy, Josh, spent hours checking out thousands of custom and classic cars and stayed for the evening cruise until their eyes watered from exhaust fumes.
(Jake…reflecting at the show)

Ruth and Kiana spent all of the car show hours visiting and playing with Ruth’s sister and the cousins.
(Kiana and Molly)

We spent a week in late August vacationing on the Oregon coast. The week was a record setter for hot temps in the northwest so we enjoyed the cool coastal temps. We spent a few nights in Manzanita and then a few in Cannon Beach.
(Ruth and Kiana ready for a day of shopping)

We did some crabbing on the Nehalem River. Kiana loved that adventure…except the ever scary crab.
(Ruth and Kiana handling the boat as we look for another ring to pull up.)