Cows!

We spent some time at my family's ranch in Idaho last week, and one of the biggest highlights for Lucy was petting (and riding) the super tame and gentle Jersey cows. Now that we're home, I don't think she is the least bit satisfied with boring old Henry the cat, who tends to run for it when she tries to climb on his back.

What we've been doing...

Picking blueberries.

Playing peekaboo.

Chasing seagulls.

Going hiking.

Being cute.

Being happy.

Arrival

We are officially in Washington, and the move is offically OVER. (If I can call it "over", when my garage is still occupied by packed boxes instead of cars. I think I totally can). There is a ton of updating to do, including a post on Lucy's birthday, but that can come later, mostly since I'm still a little bit in denial about my baby being two.

So, instead, here is a picture post from our first little adventure here in Washington. We took a trip around Hood River, Mt. Adams, and then in to Mt. Rainier National Park over the weekend. It was a lot of fun, and nice to get away from the unpacking that I have lost all motivation to continue. Lucy was a champ during all the hours in the car, and was adorably delighted with every little thing she saw on our hikes. Deer, elk, trees, pinecones, bumblebees, rocks, grass...all were equalling thrilling for our little nature girl.

And now for the countless pictures...mostly for family in Utah, who Lucy is missing in the worst way. (by the way, she really does own more than one set of clothes. Somehow these were all taken on the same day).

By the way, lets not discuss how grown up Lucy looks in these pictures. The little braids are killing me. It's like she's only moments away from her college applications or something. Sob.

Last family weekend in Utah

Sterling came home last weekend for a visit, and we had a great time hiking around the mountains (and feeling more than a little sad that we'll be leaving them so soon). The next time Sterling visits, we'll be packing up the moving truck, and Lucy and I will be going back to Washington with him. I'm glad that we had a couple of days to hang out in some of our favorite places before then.

Remodeling

When we bought our house five years ago, there was a huge amount that needed to be done. Seriously. An absurd, daunting amount. We really had no idea what we were getting ourselves in to. But now, after tons of help from family and friends, and some frantic projects in the last few weeks, it is finally really close to what we wanted. It's a little (a lot sad) to have to leave it now that it is finally coming together, but hopefully the renters will like it (and take care of it. Is it possible? I've heard it isn't).

Anyway, here's a glimpse in to the before and after of our house. The before shots are from when the little old lady we bought it from was still living here. I am laughing so hard at the before shots. What were we thinking??? I honestly have no idea how we saw any potential whatsoever through the endless knick-knacks, clutter, and terrible wood paneling. Wow. Just...wow. I can't believe I had forgotten how bad it was.

Basement:



Nursery:



Bathroom:



Kitchen:




Living Room: (no before shots of this, but I'm sure you can picture it. Lots of rose wallpaper. I wasn't previously aware of this fact, but apparently, one can never have enough pink floral wallpaper).

Mother's Day weekend in pictures (no time for words)

Backyard fun

One of the things I'm really sad about leaving when we move is our backyard. It's not going to win any landscaping awards, but it is a perfect yard for a kid. There are big trees, little shaded nooks and crannies to explore, a hill to roll down, and tons of flowers, birds and bugs. For whatever reason, we haven't really spent that much time out there with Lucy until this year. Today I took a break from my frantic moving schedule (and Lucy from her frantic Mickey Mouse Clubhouse watching schedule) to hang out in the backyard and play in some dirt.