Honeymoon in Fiji

Mike and I booked a four year delayed honeymoon trip while he was still in Afghanistan.  After spending a year apart and a week catching up with family, we couldn't be happier to spend ten days alone in paradise.

Although we traveled for what felt like forever, Mike and I were very happy with our secluded resort in Pearl Bay Fiji.  We made friends with some of the other tourists during the daily happy hour events.  The highlight of our trip, however, was participating in all the activities: waterfall tour, cultural tour, jet-skiing, zip-lining, kayaking, and white water rafting.  

Here is a small selection from the abundance of pictures we took:

4th of July Week

What a drastic change this redeployment was compared to the last.  Mike arrived home just in time to celebrate the 4th of July.  More importantly, Mike's family was able to stay for a few days of family time.  I can only imagine that coming home to his own house, car, and family was much more satisfying than arriving in Washington without a welcoming committee (sorry we weren't there last time...damn nursing school finals).

The week was filled with catching up and storytelling.  We explored Point Defiance, Seattle, hit some balls at the batting cages, ate some good BBQ, and watched fireworks.  Couldn't have asked for a better first week back.

Visiting in Seattle

4th of July Swag

Handsome Men

I love that Mountain

Family Reunited

The Whole Gang (including dogs)

  

Redeployment Ceremony

While I had the intention that this blog would only be something to keep me busy during my husband's deployment, both my mom and husband (the only ones who read this blog) had other thoughts.  Months of being questioned about why I hadn't updated my blog have led me to lots of catching up.

My husband's family flew in a couple of days before he arrived home from Afghanistan.  After a nightmarish day of flight delays and schedule changes, Mike finally made it back!  On what was possibly the hottest day of the year, we greeted him with posters, hugs, and kisses.

Only hours until he walks into the gym!

The whole crew

Welcome Home

Finally in my arms

Buckley was a little excited

She loves America

Home Sweet Home

One Week!!!

I have a week to break it to Buckley that she has to give her Dad back his pillow.  Wish me luck.

Tacoma Rainiers in the Rain

The seats made it worth the sprinkles 

Today I was lucky enough to spend the day at the ballpark with my Uncle Jack.  A former player and longtime employee of the Giants, Uncle Jack was in Tacoma on a scouting job.  We had amazing seats right behind home plate.  Uncle Jack and I chatted while he took notes on the game.  He tried to teach me his score keeping technique, but it was a little over my head :)  I did, however, learn a ton.  Uncle Jack has always been a great storyteller, and his collection of baseball stories is gigantic.  Nine innings was just too short of a visit.  Looking forward to Uncle Jack's next visit to Tacoma (hopefully I'll be able to bring Mike to the game too).

Great day with Uncle Jack

Mom in Mid-May

Sorry for the late post readers Mom.  I've been busy trying to keep busy (if that makes any sense).

Mom and I (still weird to see you without your glasses)

Last month, my mom came out to visit from California.  We spent lots of time chatting and cooking as we always do.  It was so nice just to have some quality time with Mom and Buckster.  I am sure mom was glad that it wasn't as cold as during her last visit.  No frozen toes at the dog park this time :)

In addition to wanting to spend quality time with her daughter, Mom really wanted to visit some of the settings from her favorite books.  She has been reading books by Debbie Macomber which are set in various places in the Pacific Northwest.  Mom and I took a day trip to Port Orchard, an adorable coastal town not too far from home.

We walked the downtown area (twice), checked out awesome antique shops, and found a few Macomber books for Mom to add to her collection.  We enjoyed an awesome lunch at a cute tea shop.  Across the street was a yarn store owned by Macomber herself.

Yarn Shop

Tea House

I am so lucky that my mom is willing to make the few hour trip up to Seattle on a regular basis.  The timing of this trip in particular was perfect.  Got me over that hump in the countdown toward Mike coming home.  I love you Mom!  

The Sun Came Out!

The sun finally decided to make an appearance in WA this week.  We even had our first 70 degree day as a result.  With spring in the air, I decided to get working on my garden and yard.

The neighbor's tree in the front yard.

Easter present from my MIL starting to blossom

I made an intense Home Depot run and brought home quite a few items for less than a hundred bucks.  Most of my time was spent pulling weeds and getting things tidied up.  I swear I have spent hours and hours pulling weeds since we bought this house.  The job never really ends.

The Loot

Last year my tiny garden produced mostly lettuce, but this year I am hoping for a bit more success.  My garden box is full of herbs (rosemary, cilantro, chives, parsley, sage, basil).  I planted quite a few greens as they were the most successful last year (romaine, spinach, chard, kale).  Broccoli, zucchini, yellow squash, peppers, tomato, and onions are all planted as well.

My baby garden

My hanging flower boxes are full of seasonal flowers, and I even planted some California golden poppy seeds in my flower beds.  I decided to pull some ugly bushes from next to our garage this winter, but I replaced them with a few varieties of perennials (to make next year a little easier).

A pop of color

Replaced the ugly old bushes (and a barking pup)

I am sad (secretly glad) to announce that I have my first sunburn of the year (just my neck...missed it with the sunscreen).  If anyone wants to donate a sun hat to my gardening effort it would be much appreciated :)  Buckley enjoyed basking in the sun and chewing on sticks in the freshly cut grass.  Here is to a fruitful spring and summer!   

Can't wait for Mike to come home and help us out in the yard :)