Peyton's First Hike

This weekend was very fun and full of activity. On Saturday we decided to take Peyton on her first hike up to Greider Lake, which is about 45 minutes past Sultan. The hike was 5 miles and pretty steep, but Peyton impressed both Derek and myself with how well she did. She only needed a little help getting over a couple of really high obstacles, but other than that, she did great. She even got to see snow for the first time and really seemed to like it.

Derek and Peyton both went for a quick swim in the glacial water (Derek learned that logs float) and it seemed like neither one of them really liked water that cold.

After the hike we went to my aunt and uncle's to visit with them. My dad was also already up there dirt biking. My mom and sister also met us there for a BBQ and a campfire. Dave and Ann's is always a lot of fun!

Jenny loves to play in Ann's swim spa!!

We spent the night at my parent's house and then we all went to breakfast the next morning. (Matt and Kori were also in town again) After that Derek and I drove to Tolt to go mountain biking at a new place. It was pretty fun, but the trails were pretty advanced for me. I'll just say that the 1 mile trail to get up to all the other trails was called "It's a Bitch" and they weren't joking! We mountain biked for about an hour and decided to call it quits.

Overall, another great weekend with awesome weather!!

Our Baby is Growing Up

This weekend Peyton graduated from her baby crate to a big dog bed at night! We can't believe how big she is getting. Derek weighed her a couple of days ago and she has reached 20 pounds! When we got her she was a little over 9. She has been so much fun to have around despite the hard work and patience that goes into puppy training and house breaking, and we are very glad that we decided to adopt her.

I think Gunther loved life a lot more before Peyton came into the picture, but he is learning to deal with it. We have been teaching Peyton to be "gentle" around Gunther considering she got a little rough a couple times and ended up pulling out some hair and even drew a little blood. Poor Gunther!

This is why it is so important that Peyton learns to play gentle!

That could have been Gunther!!!

An Afternoon at the Beach

On Sunday we decided to take Peyton to the beach to introduce her to all the exciting things that can be found there. I would have to say that Peyton's highlights were digging in the sand and playing with dead, old crab. I know, kinda disgusting so we discouraged the crab play! There was this Golden doodle there, which is a golden retriever and poodle mix That dog was the funniest dog and had the best personality ever. She was just so funny to watch! She was very social bouncing from dog to dog, and swimming in the ocean and then rolling in the sand. That dog was great entertainment, but I don't think I would ever want to own one because she was extremely hyper and seemed to be quite a handful!

4th of July

For the 4th of July Derek and I went over to my parents house for a big seafood cookout fresh from the Pike Place Market. Jack and Janet, long time friends of my parents, Matt and Kori, and Dave and Ann also joined the party. Jack is also a chef so he came over at about 10:30 in the morning to start the cooking. He makes the best clam chowder EVER!! Along with that we had shrimp, crab, oysters, corn on the cob, salmon, and potatoes. IT WAS SO GOOD!!! Later on in the evening we enjoyed a camp fire and also watched/listened to the fireworks going off all around us. Chef Jack Preparing some OystersLilly and Aunt Ann

Derek and Peyton

Dad and Jack

Kori and Matt

Mom, Jenny, and Janet

Just Like the Old Days...

My best friend from Spokane, Jenny, came into town this past week and stayed through the weekend. Luckily she brought the Eastern Washington sun with her! Jenny and I have known each other since high school and when I lived over there we were inseparable all the way through our sophomore year of college until I moved over to Seattle. With that said, we have a ton of funny and crazy memories and whenever we get together we always make a lot more! It really was just like old times hanging out together getting pedicures, sipping on coffee, and having "deep" conversation. Okay, our deep conversation may not be all that deep, but it is still good!! Jenny's new boyfriend lives over here in Everett, so I got to meet him for the first time and size him up a bit. Yes, he did meet my approval!

Cody and Jenny

After she left on Sunday morning, Derek and I decided to take Peyton to a lake in Snohomish. We lounged in the sun for a few hours and introduced Peyton to the water. She definitely has some lab in her because she loves to swim and play in the water.

A Very Busy Weekend...

The gang...My brother Matt, his wife Kori, sister Jenny and cousin Meagan.

Last weekend Derek and I struggled to fit in family time with both of our families. My cousin Meagan, who I haven't seen in almost four years was in town as well as my brother and his wife who haven't been up our way since December. On top of that, Derek's brother, Chad, graduated from college so a lot of his family was in town as well. Despite it being a crazy busy weekend, I think we managed! Here are some pictures from the weekend; however, I was horrible about taking pictures since I forgot to take my camera but my mom was nice enough to send me some!Jack and my dad (they grew up together and are like best friends!)

My brother Matt and cousin Meagan enjoying their cigars. It's kind of a family tradition my dad and brother started years ago.

My Uncle Dave!!

Sister Jenny with our Niece Lilly

Janet, Lilly, Jenny and Debbie (Derek's mom)

Happy Father's Day Pumpkin!!!

For those of you who didn't already know, my dad and me have always had nicknames for each other and I have called my dad pumpkin for years!!

Anyways, I just wanted to let dad know how much I love and appreciate him. My dad has supported me through everything and has always been there. He is such a selfless man and has worked his butt off to support his family. Just like my mom, I also consider my dad one of my best friends and we have a great relationship that I absolutely cherish!

So dad, thanks for spending all those hours outside playing with us kids when we were little. I think you are one of the main reasons we all got into sports and succeeded at them. Thanks for all those hours you spent out on the soccer field with me in the dead heat of summer over in Spokane. You are the reason I reached all of my goals that season and I know I wouldn't have done nearly as well as I did with your support! (example: "You can go harder then that! Faster, quicker, stronger!!! 110, 110, 110!!!! Even though we got into a few times, looking back I love you for that!

Thanks for all the good advice you gave that had to do with school, success, etc. (Thanks for the college education!) Even though I may not have done what you advised all the time and wouldn't admit at the time you were right about some things, I do now! Dad you were right!!! There, i said it.

Oh, and thanks for helping me get back to the cruise ship!! I might still be in Mexico if it weren't for you!!! haha

Love you Pumpkin!!!