Alaska relatives visit

Mom's cousins from Alaska, Margaret (left) and Bee (right) came down to visit their relaitves in Washington and Oregon.  They stopped by our house in Olympia for a nice visit.  This was my first time meeting Bee. It was great to see them.

Eric'c 40th!

Can you believe that Eric turned 40?  We went to Portland, Oregon to celebrate.  We stayed at the Jupiter hotel in the Burnside neighborhood.  It's a funky, modern, and dog friendly hotel.  We visited the Alberta and Hawthorne neighborhoods, shopped for vintage clothes, got Voo-doo donuts, ate at yummy restaurants, and played lots of pinball. 

Pinball at Ground Kontrol into the wee hours and pleasant knocking sounds of free games.

Carmen got to be on the bed!

Then Carmen had dinner with us at the Tin Shed restaurant.  Dogs eat free on Wednesdays!  Carmen had the chicken and sweet potatoes.  Carmen had a great trip too.

Wedding in Richmond, VA

In early November we took a quick trip to Richmond, Virginia for Betsy (Eric's sister) and Colin's wedding.  I was matron of honor and Eric was a groomsman.  It was a great trip and so nice to see our east coast relatives.  I didn't take many pictures as everyone was taking pictures during the trip.  I will try to post some pictures of the ceremony and of family later.

Eric posed with president Obama at the Dulles airport.

Wedding rehearsal at the historic Byrd Theatre.

Cool cat car we walked by on the way to rehearsal dinner.

Dave (Eric's dad) and Eric at the rehearsal dinner.

Dave and girlfriend Karen.

Betsy making a stop to say hello to a cute pup.

Sign outside the Byrd Theatre.  The theatre is a lot like the Capital Theatre in Olympia where they play second-run films.

Besty getting her make-up done.  All the bridesmaids had our hair and make-up done.

Betsy and Colin outside the Richmond museum where the reception was held. 

Betsy and Colin's cat Filbert helped me pack.

Captain E. Miller

Eric's Halloween costume was a big hit this year and yes, the stash is real!

House Project

While the weather was still dry in early October, we took on a small house project - residing a few areas on the front and side of the house.  Our contractor Chris worked with us and taught us how to reside with cedar shingles.  It was a lot of work, but looks great now.  And I was putting finishing touches on the final coat of paint the night before the rains returned - now that's cutting it close...

After removing the old siding and putting down tar paper.

The natural cedar was so pretty, I thought about just staining it instead of painting it.

The completed project - finished right before the rains came back!

Oyster Fest 2012

I can't believe that another Shelton Oyster Fest already came and went.  Eric and I have been going since the late 90's and this one was by far the busiest we've ever experienced.  The weather was amazing though, which probably had something to do with it.

 The lines in the beer garden were so long that Eric had to get two at a time and double fist it!

 I'm so glad that Eric didn't get beat up by this guy.  It had us cracking up though.

A little dancing... Dad still has the moves.

 Absolutely no snow on those Olympics in the distance.  Our area had over 80 days with no rain!  The rain finally did come back last week in a major way.

 Corn dog?  It's not really meat.

A look into the distant future when Eric is an old guy and he'll drive his remote control miniature work boats around.

Betsy's September Visit

Betsy came to stay with us for a week in early September.  We spent two nights in a cabin on Sequim Bay.  The weather was gorgeous for her entire visit (of course it's been beautiful in the northwest since mid-July). It was a really great visit and of course we did lots of paddling.   

Mom stopped by to see Betsy.  She made Betsy a beautiful cedar and grass basket!

 Eric showing Betsy how it's done.

Incredible sunsets on Sequim Bay.

The "Boat House" cabin that we stayed in.

Nothing like a morning campfire to warm your toes.

Carmen's cute paws in the sand.

View looking south from our cabin.

Carmen with her Auntie Betsy and Eric.

Another amazing sunset, this one looking out at the Straight of Juan de Fuca.

Betsy on Sequim Bay.

Eric and I dipped out into the straight from Sequim Bay where the waves and current were strong.  You can see Mount Baker and Protection Island behind Eric.

Last day at the cabin...then we went to Cresent Lake before heading back to Oly.

The water of Cresent Lake is so clear and aqua blue!  Breathtaking.  Yes, I jumped in and it was so refreshing.

Carmen the gorgeous (photo credit: Betsy Miller)

Paddling Boston Harbor.

Paddling Budd Inlet.  Yep, that's Betsy paddling in a nice skirt.

Carmen and Betsy got lots of snuggle time!