Hiking in the Northwest

Last Saturday was going to be a beautiful day in the Northwest. The stars aligned: not only was our schedule free of activities, but Jarrett was willing to go on a hike with me. Nevermind that the boat is in the shop, he was willing. So we drove all of 1/2 hour to hike the Twin Falls trail. It was beautiful and a great way to spend a Saturday morning. We may have to try that again!

Girls' Weekend at Whidbey

It seems like ages ago, but back at the beginning of July I was invited by a friend to get away for a weekend at a cabin on Whidbey Island. There were just three of us, and the "cabin" was far from rustic. It sat right on the beach, and we sat for hours watching out the big windows at cruise ships going by, dolphins swimming in the Sound, and a big blue sky. We watched movies, ate junk food, went on a short hike, and strolled an arts festival in Langley. And of course, we did a lot of talking and laughing. Thanks girls, I needed that!

Soccer Tournament Success!

We spend 3 weekends of our summer going to soccer tournaments with Tristan's select team, the Rapids. Last year the team had a discouraging season. But this year got off to a GREAT start. The Rapids participated in a tournament almost 2 hours north in Burlington, WA. The team looked so good! We ended up in the finals, and faced a tough team on their home field. The Rapids were on top 1-0 with about 7 minutes left in the game, at which point the opponent scored. Tied 1-1 at the end of regulation, they went into a penalty kick shoot out. The Rapids came up just short with 3 goals compared to their 4. While coming in first would have been amazing, the team felt really good about their 2nd place medals. It was the first time the Rapids, a team in their 3rd year, had placed in a tournament. Way to go Rapids!

Family Fun in Iowa

We just returned from visiting my brother, Brian and his family - wife Gayle and kids Ronnie & Cameron - in Des Moines, IA. We had so much fun together! Iowa was different that we expected. It is very pretty and green and is not flat. It was humid. And it rained on the 4th of July. But that didn't dampen our spirits, and it cleared up in time for fireworks. Many thanks to the Borst family for their wonderful hospitality!



There are so many great pictures, I put together this slideshow. You will see the state capital in Des Moines, one of the "Bridges of Madison County," our July 4th fun, the old buildings of the Amana Colonies, and an Iowa Cubs (AAA minor league baseball) game, and lots of cousin adventures.

Karina's Piano Recital Video

Concerts!

I have had TWO musical children this year! Karina continued her piano lessons, and Tristan took up the baritone in 6th grade band. Here they are at their concert and recital last week.

Tristan was the only baritone player in the band!
Here is Karina at the piano.

And with her wonderful piano teacher, Mrs. Lindell.

And here's the whole 6th grade band. One of my favorite songs they played was "Let's Go Band." Brought back memories.

It was a farewell concert for both the music teacher, who retired, and for Tristan, who decided on art and drama for electives next year. So glad he tried a musical instrument, but, even though I'm a former 10-year band member, I'm totally okay with him moving on to other interests. :)

Read on . . . I've done two posts in one night!

Fishing 2010

Our annual fishing trip in Eastern Washington took place the last weekend of April. This year our group was small - only 11 Houser/Dennis family members were there. But the weather was good (I always seem to get the camera out on the last/coldest day!), and the fish were plentiful.
Tristan really became a great netter and hook-taker-outer.
Karina spent some time with her favorite how-to-draw book, but she caught her share of fish, too. She really took full advantage of the pole holders!
I was really proud of how well these two got along for 4 days. They played well with each other, and with cousin Mitchell. Another successful fishing trip!