Friends + Hiking = Fun

Fisch, Karlie, Jordan and I headed east for some quality friend time last weekend.  Kar and Jordan picked a fabulous (and rigorous) hike north of Cle Elum (Bean Creak Basin).  The weather was perfect and the scenery was stunning!

Here is Fisch on a much needed break!

Alfred is pretty much the most perfect hiking companion!

At the top, I felt like we were part of The Sound of Music!

The scenery was really that fabulous!

Yay for snow to cool us off!

And rehydrate the thirsty ones.

After our hard work hiking, a perfect lunch awaited us: wine, cheese, crackers, jerkey, cherries, almonds, and gummy bears!  Karlie and Jordan spoiled us!

We needed some good quality rest!

Seriously, did I mention how cute Alfred was?!

Ready to head down the mountain...but can't pass up the perfect photo op!

Almost there!

Margaritas and enchiladas have never tasted so good ;)  Thanks guys!  What a perfect day.

Sun!

Seattle has experienced some beautiful weather lately! Thank God for the swimming pool and beautiful Bellevue parks! Tonight we soaked up the sun with a picnic and walk at Downtown Bellevue Park.








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beauty @ rattlesnake ledge

Early last Saturday morning, we had a window of time where a short hike would fit perfectly, so we tackled Rattlesanke Ledge.  I had a hard time imagining that anything with the word rattlesnake in the name was beautiful but I was proven wrong.  I hadn't heard much about this hike but was amazed at the beauty.  It's a short hike (4 miles) with pretty consistent elevation gain...so worth it!  I was in awe, as were the many other people that were up there.  Next time we go, we'll plan for more time to sit and enjoy the views and climb further up the mountain rather than stop at the ledge.  But here are a few photos and a video to document the beauty.  I don't know if any of these do it justice, but I tried :)

Lots of scenery and shade on the way up to the ledge!

Happy Hikers

A peak at the lake on the way up.

At the ledge. The mountains, the sparkling lake...lots of scenery!

At the end of the hike...at the base of Rattlesnake Lake.

The video captures the wide span views much better!

Can't wait to go back.  Unfortunately, our glimpse of summer ran away and it is RAINING once again in Seattle.  Oh well, makes for a great day to catch up on blogging and rest!

celebrations!

The end of the school year is always filled with good food and celebrations. The business school holds a graduation celebration for graduates and families which is always fun! I helped with the decor and handing out gifts, perfect jobs for me!

Here are some of my favorite party-goers: me (haha), our graduate assistants Derek and Mehul, undergraduate advisor Erin, and my colleague grad advisor Nadeje!  Whawhoo!

The next day, we celebrated Beth and many other graduates at Key Arena!  Here I am with the proud graduate (I robed up and sat with the faculty and staff)!

*CONGRATULATIONS, BETH!*

I seriously can't wait until she marries this man next month (Tyler's side-kick and partner in crime).

heartwarming

Mom, thanks for sharing this! Too cute not to post. Check out this video for a story about friendship : )
Orangutan and the Hound

Rockstar

Uncle Ed is in town so I headed down to auburn after work for a visit.

Rocky says hello. He is getting so grown up!





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It was a zoo!

It was a zoo...

I mean that in the nicest way, Team Eddy and Team Kaufman.  : ) 

We met up at the zoo the day after graduation and had a great time.  The zoo is so much more fun with kiddos!  Really liked the new entrance, and the penguin exhibit which Myles (Tyler's brother) helped build.

Random moments of kids, adults, and animals...

Then it was off to Old Spaghetti Factory for some tasty nourishment.  Jen and Gus captured the moment quite nicely (good to see them as well! -- hope you don't mind that I pirated this photo from your blog)!

Celebrating Dr. Amy

Jen, Beth, Amy, and I...Seattle University, 2003

Just a few short years ago, we celebrated our Seattle University graduations and livin' the good life in Mexico...

A few things have changed since then, but Amy remained focused on her dream and it was an honor to celebrate her accomplishments last weekend with her family and friends.  

Here we are proud friends of the graduate.

Tyler and I enjoyed spending time with them and the kiddos throughout the weekend.  The celebration moved from UW to Miracle Ranch at Deanna and Darin's where we also celebrated Daisy and Eric's birthdays. 

Here are a few random photos of the party:

Dad enjoyed some good baby time as well.  Here he is with Jen and Joe's youngest, Andie.

Here's Sam (always on the go), Jen and Joe's oldest.

Tyler entertaining Sam (left) and Noah (right -- Amy and Kevin's oldest).

  Jen, Mercy, Joe, Sam and Mom.

Darin and Deanna were wonderful hosts!

The cake is always my favorite part!

Dr. Amy is an inspiration. The love and support of her family is a true blessing!  *CONGRATULATIONS, DR. AMY!*