Happy Birthday Strawberry!

Strawberry girl is 18 years old today!  Wow, how time flies.  Here are a few pictures of the early years when we had her.  She is a proud momma of three babies, and our very first horse as a family.

Love her!

Jagermeister

For those of you who didn't already know, Jagermeister means "Master Hunter" in German.  And, as you probably do know, my nephew Jager is a German Shorthaired Pointer.  He did a lot of hunting this weekend, enjoying the freedom to run around the front pasture.  Most of the time, we only saw his tail and rear-end sticking up out of the grass but occassionally he would raise his head up and "point".

Too bad I didn't take any pictures of the post-pasture Jagermeister, caked in mud.  He almost looked like these cute girls!

 

I love her!

Barlee Sweets has a new job: construction supervisor.  The sun is shining, the chicken coop remodel has begun, and Barlee is honing her skills as supervisor.  She guards the gate...

Watches over the dump pile...

Makes herself at home on the old couch which was on its way to the dump...

And makes sure she gets some good belly rubs!

Isn't she the cutest?!

a day of fun

It's been way too long since Tyler and I got out of town for some hiking.  Yesterday was the perfect day to head out and that we did.  First stop: Wallace Falls State Park.  We did a longer and steeper version of this hike, as described in my fav. hiking guide.  Check out the beauty that we encountered.  Man, I love the Pacific Northwest!

Do you see the falls at the top of the picture?  That was our destination.

These photos were filtered using the Instagram app on my iPhone.

Saying hello to the chipmunks!

Getting closer...

We made it!

On the way back, we strolled along old railbed, a nice peaceful alternative to the woody trail.  Lots of moss and trees to look at on the way.

While we were out and about, we decided to head further East to Leavenworth!  Remember our last trip to Leavenworth?  I sure do!   Thankfully it was much warmer this time! :)

I love this town!

We stopped at Kestrel Vinters Tasting Room.  I couldn't help but take a picture of the pretty flowers there. 

Next stop, the main reason for going to Leavenworth: Pavz!  YUM!!!!  We both had the halibut.  Amazing!

What a day!  Thank you Tyler for driving and helping make our day of fun extra special.  :)

Animals!

It's been awhile since I posted animal pics so I took advantage of the sunshine yesterday to snap some photos!

Love Rascal Flatts and Love My Momma!

This song brings tears to my eyes...thinking of how strong and supportive my momma is! 

I love you, mom!

5 years ago...

Happy Birthday Noah!  I can't believe you are 5 years old!  I remember meeting you for the very first time.  Here are Megs and I enjoying your company:

Miss you!
xoxo,
Auntie Lau

thankful

I have reminded myself countless times in the past three and a half weeks to enjoy each and every moment in this precious life.  I hate to be so cliche but never has the need to do this been more apparent than now.  No matter how difficult times may seem, faith and hope lift me up. 

I continue to soak up the love and hugs of friends and family nearby, the words of encouragement and love from those across the country, and the simple presence of loved ones.  We as a family are so very grateful for all of the prayers and outpouring of support.  It means the world to us and will continue to lift our spirits.  THANK YOU!

I wish I could share details with you on dad's condition, but I can't in this forum.  I hope you will understand, and feel free to reach out to me in other ways if I haven't already been in touch with you.