Unbelievable Views & Scenery, Catalina 2008

We didn't dive, snorkel or sail...and it didn't matter. We had a relaxing couple days, enjoyed some delicious, fresh seafood, and took a gorgeous hike into the nature conservancy beyond Avalon. I recommend Catalina for anyone looking for a weekend getaway. It's probably more of a "romantic getaway" place than a raging girls' weekend locale, but I recommend it nonetheless.

Ironically, we found a Catholic church named St. Catherine. Not St. Catherine of Siena like the school I work in and church I attend, but St. Catherine of Alexandria. Maria and I enjoyed mass Sunday morning and Julie enjoyed what she called "church of the deck" while sunning herself on the porch.

Lots of laughs and a good time had by all last weekend. Now, it's back to reality. Tori is walking like crazy and we just celebrated my dad's 68th birthday at Maggiano's. I made an angel food cake with some rich mocha frosting and it was h-i-t. Steve's been calling me Betty the last couple

days and the sad thing is, I'm prideful of this new nickname.

On a completely unrelated note: The Cougs absolutely blow this year. Oh well. It's a "building" year. We'll head to Pullman mid-Oct for the USC game. Not sure what we were thinking when we made that selection. The over under will probably be about 90.

Waiting for Catalina...

It's approximately 10pm and I'm spending another evening in front of my computer. What the heck? Some work, some play - - mostly catching up with friends and browsing various sites, trying not to look at the financial news, etc.

Tori got her first pair of Stride-Rites at Nordstrom today. It was a fun production as they took her picture, gave her a balloon & Nordy stuffed animal, and we picked out some pink and brown size 5 shoes. I will always remember my "back to school" shopping days with my mom & sister so it made me a bit nostalgic buying Tori her first real pair. Now that she's walking, it's time to protect her curly little toes and sweet feet.

A few minutes ago, I checked the weather in Catalina and found out it'll be mid-70s while we're there this weekend, which is basically the same as it is here right now. Not exactly a "sunny" vacation we've planned, but it's a vacation and I am grateful. As of today, I've made some time to begin getting psyched for it. My good friends Maria, Julie, and I are headed there for some fun, food, wine, walking, and whatever else. It's not so much the beautiful views I'm looking forward to as it is the adventure, adult conversation, the uniterrupted shower, a good night's sleep, midday nap and everything else that comes with being kid-free for a couple days. That doesn't mean I won't miss my little (and big) cherubs, but it does mean I'm looking forward to it. Everyone needs a little break from time to time.

Tori in West Seattle Park

We've visited parks and done the Puyallup this past week. Ah...there's nothing like a Fair Scone and a view of Puget Sound from the top of a swingset.

Chelan 2008

We celebrated Labor Day weekend in beautiful Lake Chelan. It was excellent spending quality time with the Muccilli and Gerlitz crew. In the photo above, Tori strutted her stuff inside Campbell's Lodge. She's "almost" walking now and it was fun taking turns asking her to "come" or "walk" to each other.

The weather in Chelan was perfect albeit breezy and a bit rainy Sunday afternoon. We enjoyed making sandcastles, taking walks & naps, playing in the park, driving Go-Karts, and eating pizza on the Campbell's lawn.

We got to spend some time with our Seattle friends Maria and Kim, too. Kim's family is from Lake Chelan so she's a local celebrity. Visits with Maria and Kim were planned, but we didn't plan on having a room next to Patty Brown and her two beautiful children. That was a strange yet cool coincidence.

Now, we are home and school / work has begun. Today was a mildly challenging day as sweet, little Tori took a "deuce" in the bathtub...whoa...now, how's that for TMI?

Steve is at Cooper's doing a football draft and I'm listening to Palin. Republican or Democrat, she's pretty impressive. Hilary was equally impressive when I listened to her during the Democratic National Convention and I'm not exactly a Clinton fan. This election is remarkable.
Stay tuned...