Tulips of Skagit Valley

April 22, 2013July 22, 2013 ~ Crystle ~ 6 Comments

There is something wonderful about having perfect timing. Last year, Isaac and I didn’t have it. We showed up two weeks too early to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in Mt. Vernon, WA to view the blooming tulip fields. To our credit, the festival lasts all month to allow for the temperamental flowers to arrive when they please.

The tulips were in full bloom for us at Roozengaarde this weekend. I’m convinced Isaac could care less either way; sometimes the only language he speaks is Fudge.

Margot was a delight the entire day, she’s still newborn-enough to sleep through pretty much anything, as long as she has her binky. Which reminds me, we finally broke down and gave her a pacifier. She loves it, and we’re enjoying a less fussy baby. It allowed us to visit with the friends we traveled with and navigate the muddy fields of Skagit Valley with ease.

In retrospect, I probably should have taken Margot out of her stroller for a photo-op, but I really wasn’t willing to juggle a camera and baby on such a windy day. Plus she looked so peaceful in her stroller, why mess with success?

It was our first major outing as a family, and it went swimmingly.

South Puget Sound

January 11, 2013July 22, 2013 ~ Crystle ~ 8 Comments

My idea of risk taking is storing my hiking boots in the garage; which I typically wouldn’t do, but mud is no friend to brand new carpet.

The sun was shining today, so I was eager to get to the nearby state park for a quick stroll along the rocky shoreline of South Puget Sound. To do so, I’d need to get past my undying fear of black widow spiders and clear my boots. I put a swiffer duster in each boot and whisked it around, and even flashed a light down there to be sure I was safe. My confidence must have been lackluster, because I got an adrenaline rush from lacing the boots up over my feet. Talk about a mild existence, you guys.

I’m also 32 weeks pregnant now, so I’m really living on the edge if I’m sticking my feet in dark boots/spider condominiums.

Well, so far so good in terms of spider-bite avoidance. But the next time I plan on walking around the shoreline of Puget Sound in January, I’ll be sure to bring gloves, and I’ll be doubly sure they aren’t stored in the garage.

Holiday Hangover

January 4, 2013 ~ Crystle ~ 6 Comments

Anyone else feeling a little drained from the Holiday season? I am.

Our anniversary was December 23rd; we spent it in nearby Gig Harbor at a bed and breakfast on the water. Then we spent Christmas Eve with friends and had a mellow Christmas Day at home. I made a pot roast for Isaac and even gave some to the dogs because I happen to be an overindulging dog owner. It all seemed much more labor intensive at the time than in retrospect.

Now that the Holidays are behind us, we’re watching the days tick by until baby joins us. Margot is due in 9 weeks and I really can’t believe it. If any of you experienced mothers have any birthing or newborn advice, please share. I sure could use it! In the meantime, I’ll be sleeping as much as possible, while I still can.