Theobromine

Last weekend Mike and I met up with an old friend from UCLA for a tour of Theo Chocolate Factory.  The tour was highly educational; did you know that theobromine, a chemical in chocolate, is a myocardial stimulant which can lower blood pressure?  Theobromine is also where Theo Chocolate gets its name.  The tour provided ample opportunities to taste the variety of chocolate bars and confections made at the factory.  What stuck with me even more than how delicious all the treats were was the company's commitment to making the world a better place.  Their products are organic as well as fair trade (making sure that the cocoa bean farmers earn a fair wage).  You know we had to bring a few treats home with us. 

Factory workings...the smell was amazing!

Our tour guide was fabulous.

Looking sexy

 

Ganache and caramel confections

On a completely different note...I passed my CCRN!  The certification earns me an extra dollar an hour (woo hoo), and a little bit of clout with some of the older nurses on the unit.  I studied for at least a month and am very proud of my accomplishment.  You can call me ... Kimberly Eileen Stahlke, RN, BSN, CCRN

I celebrated with a kale and berry smoothie!

I want a pet Moose

In an attempt to take advantage of the last days of summer in Washington, Mike and I spent the day exploring the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park.  The day started with an hour long tour ride where we saw a wide variety of animals.  We were impressed at how close we were able to get to the animals especially during the walking tour.  Mike and I were probably the only two people in the whole park who took advantage of the close to five miles of hiking trails.  Washingtonians are not fans of hiking in 90 degree weather.  Next time we will have to try the new zip-line adventure.  We had a great time spending the day together (I am getting more and more aware of how little time we have left before the deployment).  Here are a ton of animal pictures (taken with my iphone). 

Bald Eagle - such an amazing creature

Fisher - my new favorite animal

Coon coon

Moose

Stunning views

Check out those antlers!

Birthday Travels

Although Mike wasn't able to take the entire two week period of block leave, we were able to escape for a quick vacation to San Diego last week.  We crammed a ton of fun into four days and were able to see a bunch of great people.  We flew into San Diego, rented a car (woop for a free upgrade), and drove to San Clemente to meet up with my best friend Melissa and high school friend Cori.  We were highly entertained by Cori's two beautiful daughters Ryann and Jade.  Hopefully we will get a chance to visit again next year to meet the new addition to the Cannon family!  Mike and I were lucky enough to stay at Melissa and Jason's house that night. 

Our Ride

Melissa, Cori (plus one), me, and Ryann

Saturday was Mike's birthday; we celebrated with a warm day at Sea World.  Melissa, Jason, Mike, and I spent the day checking out the animals and ended the day with a delicious dinner in Old Town.  I can't say enough how great it was to be able to spend time with my best friend.

Shamu

In the hot sun waiting for the Shamu show

I miss her!

Happy Birthday to my husband

Friends for life

The next day Mike and I headed to the desert to visit with Mike's best friend and his wife.  Dap and Lindsay recently returned from their commitment as Peace Corps volunteers in Suriname.  It has been so long since we've been able to share time with them.  We picked back up right where we left off. 

Mike and I hit up the outlet stores on our way to my parents house.  We went for a much needed swim (damn desert heat), enjoyed a delicious dinner, and spent time with my parents.  Despite being so short, Mike and I really had an amazing (whirlwind) trip.

Summer Sun

Summer in Washington is oh so short but oh so sweet.  I would argue that on the right day, there is no place more beautiful.  Sadly, we get so very few summer days.  Mike and I have tried to make the most of the short summer.  I managed to experience my first baseball game at Safeco Field.

Beautiful Night for Baseball

Space Needle

 

 

 

 

It wouldn't have been right to see a game in Seattle without checking out our local team, the Tacoma Raniers.  The team plays across the street from where I grocery shop.  

 

 

 

Raniers Game

 Another milestone this summer was Buckley's 2nd Birthday.  While both Mike and I worked, Buckley went to daycare.  She brought her doggie friends homemade peanut butter oatmeal treats to celebrate.  

Treats :)

Sitting on the back porch with my pup

Buckley LOVES the dog park