Spring!

After a few sunny 70 degree days here, maybe it's premature to think that we're already nearing the end of spring and moving into summer. Still, it does make me think that it's time to catch up a little on the many fun times we had this spring. Here are a few pictures, in no particular order:


Our clematis in the front yard -- my mom and I hacked this back to a stump when we first moved in, it was so overgrown and ugly. We both find it hard to believe that four years later, it's actually photoworthy! Sammy throwing rocks at the beach on Lopez Island, where we spent a wonderful couple days with some of Karen's friends from college.

Sammy and Ellie Free, at the Seattle Childrens Museum.

Sammy and Ellie Free, watching the swing dancing at the Washington Hall House Party. Soon after this photo, the two girls took a whirl on the dance floor themselves!

Susan, Pete, and Anna Jane Leonardson, on a beautiful evening at Pete's cabin on Vashon Island.

Justin, Jill, and Nate Sousley, with Sam, at Pete's cabin on Vashon Island.

Paul and Nina, Pete's cabin on Vashon Island.

Sammy with Molly, Nate, Jill and Justin Sousley, beachcombing in the rain at Pete's cabin on Vashon. Crazy, but this picture was taken about 30 minutes before the ones above. Fortunately for us, there was a dramatic improvement in the weather! Still, I love this picture because it pretty much epitomizes growing up in the northwest -- we're going to get outside, darn it, even if it's pouring down rain!

Sammy at one of our favorite spots, Cal Anderson Park on Capitol Hill.

Easter Egg hunt with Grandma!

Easter Sunday at Grandma's house.

March Madness and Husky basketball! Sam with her fellow Husky fan, Alexa Moore.

Karen and Sam, enjoying the grand opening of the new Elliott Bay Bookstore on Capitol Hill. We are thrilled to have such a great spot within walking distance now!

Gardening! This spring our big project was removing the gigantic bushes that were taking over our backyard, and replacing them with two raised beds for vegetable gardens. Here's Sammy helping us move the dirt.

And here she is testing out one of the new raised beds! So far we have had great crops of radishes and arugula. Carrots, potatoes and snap peas still to come!