Priest Lake, Take Two

Last year about this time Shad and I ventured over to Priest Lake, ID. Its absolutely beautiful up there. Last year we were lucky enough to score a free condo for the weekend for our anniversary. So we were able to spend lots of time exploring the area, hiking, swimming, etc. However, this year we were not so lucky... we just went up there for a day trip. Its just under two hours from our house, not too bad for a little day trip. Plus it happened to be the same weekend as last year that we went, maybe this will become an anniversary tradition?? 4 years of martial bliss already!! Wow. Anyway, we drove up in the morning, packed a lunch and snacks, and had all sorts of beach fun. Our good friends the Fischers came along with us, which made it even better! They also celebrated their anniversary that weekend too! I'm pretty sure Shad and his friend Forrest stayed in the water almost the entire time we were there. He had a blast. We tried to get Owen to go in the water, but he was too scared of it and freaked out anytime we brought him close to it. Even I went in and swam a bit. This lake is seriously so clean and beautiful. One of our favorite places around here, we sure love the northwest.

The View, so clear, you feel so secluded up there:

Owen lookin' pretty stylish in his shades, chillin' on the beach:

Shad isn't going to like that I posted this picture, but I think its cute (you can't tell, but Owen is crying in this picture, he didn't like the water):

Taking a brief snooze:

He's pretty handsome:

More views, this is from the car:

It's Official...

I am now a stay at home momma!!! Although I have yet to work one hour since Owen arrived, I am/was still technically on maternity leave until August 6th. SIX MONTHS MATERNITY LEAVE!! Awesome... I know... half of which was paid! Plus it gave Shad and I a lot of time to think and figure out what would be best for our little family. Ever since I found out I was pregnant, Shad and I went back and forth on the idea of me returning to work after Owen came. We still were going back and forth on the idea of me returning until last week. After budgeting, lots of praying, and lots of faith I officially resigned my position and decided I was needed at home with Owen. Heavenly Father has blessed us so much since I've been home these last few months, and I really do feel good about being home with my adorable little boy. Anytime I thought about going back to work I literally felt nauseous, so I know that this is the right choice. I am not exactly sure how we are going to get by this next school year, but I know the blessing of being a stay at home mom will far outweigh the tough times. Phew, what a weight off my shoulders! I love this little guy...

Now I can fill my sunny summer days with taking him to the park and playing with my little boy:

He loves to lounge around with his momma:

My Boys

So I am not one to usually buy these 'funny saying' onesies, but this one was too cute to pass up. And since Owen looks so much like his daddy, I thought it appropriate. Plus it was only 3 bucks at Walmart!

So cute...it says: "If you think I'm handsome, you should see my daddy"

You can't really tell in this picture, but Owen is swimming in this onesie, its a 3-6 month. Owen will be 6 months in about two weeks... Hmm?? Still so tiny!

Also new this week, Owen started baby food! He has been on rice cereal for a while. And I was procrastinating giving him baby food, even though he has been ready for it for a while. He LOVES it.

Week O'Fun

What a week of adventures!!! We have been having so much fun, and throughly enjoying this summer time. Shad and I decided to head over to Auburn for the 4th (my FAVORITE holiday!) and spend time with family for the weekend. Then Shad headed out on a big rafting trip with the young men for 4 days, so I decided to stay behind and hang out with my parents all week, so I wouldn't be alone. And Owen and I sure enjoyed having the company, and we took full advantage of the grandparents, and the great outdoors! Here is a look at all the fun adventures we had this past week:

We had our annual 4th of July breakfast. Shad and I started this three years ago, and love it. We usually do it with a bunch of friends, but this year it was all family...Mmm...

We then ventured over to Snoqualmie Falls, one of my favorites. Owen slept the entire time!

The week started out a little chilly over there, but soon warmed up.

We got to spend some time with Shad's sister Heidi and her family. The girls dressed up in their dance outfits, and I took some pics:

Such good cousins, taking care of Owen:

Then Shad left on his high adventure trip, rafting down the Salmon River in Idaho. He had a blast, and came back all crispy!!:

While Shad was off having his own adventures, Owen and I had ours. My mom and I took Owen to Alki Beach in Seattle:

Owen LOVES LOVES LOVES my mom. Probably more than me... she makes him laugh and giggle. Its adorable.

The scenery was gorgeous, the mountains on one side, Seattle city scape on the other.

The next day we took Owen for his first swim at a friends house!! Being in the 90's, which is mega hot for Auburn, Owen really enjoyed himself! Too Cute:

Since my parents dropped me off home, on the way to Spokane, we stopped at Palouse Falls in southeastern Washington. Its pretty much in the middle of nowhere. It was very pretty, however, it was 102 outside, so we didn't stay long.

After we made it back safely to Spokane, the next day my dad and I took out the map and routed out a scenic drive. We then made it over to Idaho and Lake Pend Oreille. It was a gorgeous drive. And Owen is a good little traveler having spent two days in the car!

Pretty view from the car:

Dad and I at Owen's Bay, at Lake Pend Oreille... Owen Slept through this too!

Shad finally made it home safe and sound, although a little sunburnt, on Saturday. We're happy to have him home, and happy to be home together as a family. But it was sure fun venturing out and enjoying this summertime and the outdoors.