A Bag & A Balloon

Who knew such simple items would provide such grand entertainment!?!?!

Trip to Seattle

Day 1 - Rest & Relaxation

Dave dropped me off at Josh and Laura's house straight from the airport so that he could go to his client's office to begin the install he had come to do. It was only 2pm so Josh and Laura were still at work. As I entered the house and began to walk around I instantly felt at home. The house is perfect; beautifully decorated, completely imaculate, and incredibly homie. As I sunk into the sofa in the family room, book in hand, I gazed out the large bay window to be greeted by robins and blue jay's in the back yard. Relaxation came immediately.

By 5:30pm Laura was home and another hour later Josh, Dan, & Dave had also arrived. We had a tasty home made Tortilla Soup dinner followed by a rousing game of Ticket to Ride. As I recall I think Josh won.

Day 2 - The Adventures of Laura & Kristin

With Josh & Dave off to work, Laura and I had the day all to ourselves. No time schedule and no 'have toos'. So we got ready at a leisurly pace and headed out to explore Seattle. The only things are the agenda were to take pictures and have fun. And we did both for sure!

First we went to Pike Place Market.

We strolled the market place talking to venders about their craft and genrally taking it all in. After walking thru nearly the entire market there was still one vender that stuck out in our minds so we decided to go back and make a purchase. We each got a handmade ring of wire and handmade glass beads. The lady made Laura's ring as we watched. There was an amazing vocalist street performer singing not far from there so we were in no hurry to leave as we watch in awe. Then we crossed the street to visit the very 1st Starbucks and Laura intoduced me to my new favorate drink; the Chai Tea Latte.By this time we were getting pretty hungry for lunch so we headed back to the car taking advantage of any photo opportunities along the way. We had lunch at Maggie's Bluff Cafe, which was quite yummy and a fun atmostphere. After lunch we toured Magnolia Hill and Queen Anne Hill. So many beautiful homes and amazing views.

We also toured Freemont and Golden Garden Beach before heading home to regroup.

We ended up going to the cute and quant downtown Edmonds for dinner. After dinner we caught the tail end of an art walk.

Then dessert (key lime pie & creme brule) on the water at . It was the perfect ending to a perfect day!!!

Day 3 - Urban Underground

Josh & Dave got to join in the fun this time. 1st we visited the troll under Aurora Bridge.

Then to down town Seattle for dinner at a Brazilian BBQ place for lunch. Then for a 6 block swift hike to Pioneer Square to catch the Seattle Undergroud Tour. It was so fun to learn about the begins of Seattle.

Then a quick drive thru the University of Washinton campus. And then back home to pack up and head to the airport.

It was such an awesome trip and so full of wonderful memories I couldn't possibly capture them all in a blog post, but above are just a few of the highlights.

Thank you Josh & Laura. We love you both so dearly and so treasure the time we got to spend with you.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I can't have my blog page getting pinched because there isn't enough green!

AZ Road Trip

Friday morning my dad and I headed out on the road to Scottsdale, AZ. We made a 30 minute stop at Uncle Scott and Aunt Coletta's house and then on to Payson to stay with my Grandma and Henry. We had a nice dinner and then spend Saturday morning looking thru old pics.

Grandma & Grandpa in their early years of marriage

The ship Grandpa served on, USS Gillespie
It was so great to see Grandma. I am so glad I could make the trip!

Grandma & Henry in their front yard

Me, Grandma, Dad, & Henry
Then we drove back down the hill to Scottsdale and spent the rest of the weekend with Uncle Scott and Aunt Coletta. We played lots of games including Settlers of Catan and Hand & Foot and had several 'debates' :)

All in all it was a very fun trip!

We even got to enjoy so beautiful scenery

View from Grandma's back yard

Happy Valentine's Day!

Emily Jungers

A lovely lady was lost at 3:40am this morning after a courageous battle with cancer. She meant a lot to a lot of people and will be missed greatly.

Surf City Marathon

Dave and I got up early this morning and headed to Huntington Beach to cheer on his sister running in her 1st marathon. She did amazing! She ended up with a finishing time of 3:37:46 and qualifing for the Boston Marathan. She was 6th in her division!!!

Debbee at mile 16

At mile 23 with the family cheering her on

She looked so great. She looked like she might have only been on mile 5!So proud of my sis!

Debbee's final results!

Breezy Has A New Mommy

Well, Breezy sold today. He will be moving to a ranch in Idaho! I have not met his new owner, but from what I hear she is a really nice lady. I think Breezy will enjoy his new home. I so wanted him to get a good new home and I really feel like my prayers have been answered.

I really feel that this is the best for us. As Johnette says, "too much has been said that can not be unsaid" between us. It's just time for both of us to move on. I want to show and learning and get better. He really prefers to take care of rookie riders and resents being pushed really hard. We just want different things now. I just know that his new owner will fall in love with him has I have.

A few things that I'll never forget about Breezy:

• The way he would nicker at me when I'd call his name
• His 2 favorite treats - baby carrots and vanilla wafers
• How he loved hugs (even when he's grumpy he can't help but put his ears up when I'd give him a big hug around his neck)
• The way he would stair and nicker at me when I'd leave him. Most of the time I'd get half way to the car and have to go back to give him another hug.
• His warm breath on my neck while he'd nuzzle in my hair
• The way people would gasp as he'd charge down the arena with his classic both that he only does for me for some reason I'm sure I'll never understand
• Winning my 1st bronze on him
• Sitting on his back under the Gateway of Champions before galloping in the arena at the AQHA World Championships

Sun Circuit 2009

Since both horses were going to the show to get sold and the plane tickets were cheap I decided to fly out to the show for the 1st weekend to show Zeke for fun. And fun I had!!!

Getting ready to show in the Amateur Reining on Saturday afternoon.

Talking thru my game plan with my trainer.

Zeke about to get spiffed up before going in the show arena.

One final lap in the warm-up area before we show.

Loping in the in-gate for our run-in pattern.

Spinning to the left. Check out the cross over of his front legs!

Stepping in the left lead to do our 1st set of circles.

Big and fast.

I had so much fun on Saturday that I decided to show again on Sunday. There weren't any amateur classes so I just showed in the Senior Reining with the pros.

Taking a breather after our spins before loping off into our circles.All done. Time to relax.

Such a fun weekend. Loved cheering on my pals and loved showing Zeke. He is such a sweet horse and always tries so hard for me. He's such a good partner to have in the show pen.

A big thanks to Aunt Coletta and Uncle Scott for providing my lodging for the weekend. And a special thanks for Uncle Scott for all the pics!

And I also received my 4 year end championship buckles from DRHA for last year. They are gorgeous. I just love them!