Moving On

Last week we closed on our house deal. While I mostly just felt relieved that everything worked out so nicely, a small part of me certainly felt sad. Not sad about moving-- that was definitely the right choice for our family, but sad that our well-intentioned and perhaps naïvely optimistic plan for a small farm didn't go as intended. 

As I've mentioned before we thought the house would be much easier to fix up then it was, and as the situation spiraled out of control we realized that we were not in a space financially or time-wise to transform the property and house into what we'd envisioned. 

I do hope that we will try again someday. Who knows when that will be... perhaps a long way in our future, but I am quite certain I'll eventually make a fine crazy goat lady and Matt a fine orchardist/part-time bike mechanic. We've all got to have goals, eh? 

Anyways, as we close this brief, somewhat traumatic, but very educational chapter in our life I want to be sure to thank everyone who supported us in ways big and small while we floundered through the last year and a half-- especially my parents who never say, "I told you so." That's real love, no?  

Blueberry Picking (In Pictures)

Changes Afoot

This last weekend we moved all our worldly possessions from one house to another. Our house deal is almost wrapped up, and we are happily making a return to renting. Quite unfortunately though, our search for a new home pretty much came down to being homeless or keeping Duncan, and we had to opt to not be homeless. 

Fortunately, my parents (being both dog lovers and a constant source of support) have taken him in, and hope to find him a loving home. While I know that he is in a familiar place and probably very much enjoying being part of a dog pack, I feel pretty terrible. Taking in an animal is certainly a commitment, and one I feel like we've reneged. 

Though he is certainly a quirky fellow, I've grown to love and appreciate Duncan. He came to us needing a home, and I'd like to think we were able to give him a very nice one as long as we could. I'll miss his companionship and love for Henry, and I'll always be grateful for the part he played in my physical recovery from Henry's arrival. 

Anyways, I apologize for the melodramatic post-- I hope to be back sometime soon with some happier thoughts and happenings. 

Summer Vacation

Sunday night we returned home from our big summer vacation-- a roughly 1300 mile road trip to Montana and back. Henry, Matt, and Duncan were all first time pilgrims to the treasure state, and it was wonderful to get to share such a lovely place with my favorite guys.

Henry enjoyed visiting with his aunt and uncle, grandparents, and great grandmas. Honestly, it was just great to have some backup for the week... and incidentally, the little guy has discovered cake, cookies, ice cream, and french fries-- there's no going back now.

I'd like to think we'll squeeze in another decent trip or two this summer, but right now the next several weeks seem likely to be hectic-- Matt started a new job (!!!) on Monday, and we've accepted an offer on our house that has us moving by the middle of August. I'm a little too superstitious to do much besides mention that at this point, but all in good time.

For now, some Montana pictures... plus more on Matt's blog!

An Update

Our family currently has some big changes in the works. It feels a little uncomfortable, as things that are not quite certain and wrought with anticipation tend to-- but the direction things are headed is very positive and hopefully things will firm up soon and we can be on our merry way.

Other than the shifting tides (and being vague), things have been pretty good in these parts. I signed myself up for a half marathon even though I've only been running about two miles at a time, we are planning to avoid being shellshocked over the fourth by fleeing into Canada, and the little guy is keeping us on our toes with his speed crawling. It has also been hotter than heck, which I'm trying not to complain too much about because I realize I wished for warmth all winter... and you know the heat is still bearable if you are willing to heat the oven to 450 for sweet potato fries.

Anyways, here are a few pictures of Henry & friends to accompany the random musings...

Family Camp

This weekend we enjoyed our first camping trip as a threesome! We had a wedding to attend on Saturday at one of Camano Island's lovely state park, so we seized the opportunity to get away and spend a couple nights camping with friends. 

To be honest I've been struggling with a bit of anxiety lately-- though our schedule allows for a good amount of flexibility, I find deviating from it to be stressful. It's all me though... Henry seems to go with the flow, so I am working on calming myself down and adapting as well as he does. It's easier said than done. Anxiety is certainly a fickle beast. Like I said though, I'm working on it, and each successful new experience seems to help, and the weekend was most certainly a success. The proof is in the pictures (though I wish they were pudding at this moment). 

Couldn't have done it without borrowing a huge tent!

Just hanging out.

One amazing madrona. 

Sun! The beach!

Duncan loved it.

Henry is still the cutest... even when covered in a film of snot and dirt.