90 degrees!

It's a gorgeous summer day here. It's pushing 90 degrees and the sun is shining! We decided this morning not to waste the day so we went to the Olympia Farmers Market. It was the first time we had gone in the almost 3 years we've lived here. It was really a nice market. It felt almost more like a state fair! There were all types of vendors from produce and flowers to hand made crafts, balloon animals and palm readers! Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures but it was a nice way to spend the afternoon! As we were leaving we came across a gelato stand and decided Ansley needed some ice cream...little mistake in judgment on Mommy and Daddy's part! As we walked back to the car it melted and ended up all over her! oh well, the adventures of having a 2 year old. :)

Family time weekend!

For the first time in months we finally spent some time together as a family! Russ had Friday off and it was a gorgeous day here so we took Ansley swimming. At first all she wanted to do was lounge on the chairs like she was sunbathing. But then we finally got her to come to the water. She didn't really want to get in the water (weird because every other time she would have practically jumped in by herself!) but she did enjoy dipping her feet in and acting like she was going to jump in from the edge...which FREAKED her Mommy out! :) In the end we had a fun time and enjoyed the sunshine!



Then Saturday we woke up to another beautiful, warm day and decided to take a trip to Lattin's country cider mill and farm. They have a lot of farm animals that you can feed along with a farmers market with fresh produce and homemade foods. Ansley LOVED feeding the goats and Sheep. There was also a huge pig that isn't friendly (according to the signs) so she couldn't touch it but she really loved him. After we looked at and fed the animals we went to the market where we picked up a bunch of produce (about 10 apples, carrots, dried apples, garlic, a huge head of lettuce and some cherries) Along with a few donuts (they make the most amazing homemade donuts, especially their apple fritters!) All for $15! We decided we would definitely go again soon since we get great produce at a fraction of the cost and Ansley has a great time!




There was this gorgeous Peacock with a tail larger than any I had ever seen and what made it even more interesting was that you could tell he was trying to mate a female that was in the pen with him, something neither Russ or I had ever seen. It was fascinating to watch him try to get her attention! I don't remember Russ ever putting on that much of a show to get me! hahaha :)


So, all in all it's been a fun filled weekend and tomorrow is the summer kick off BBQ at church. It really is so nice to have Russ home with us. This weekend wouldn't have been the same without him.

The Adventures of Swimming...

Well, it is a beautiful day here in Olympia. The nicest we've seen lately! The sun is shining and there are just a few puffy white clouds in the sky. So, I told Ansley after church this morning that when she woke up from her nap we would go swimming! (she LOVES to swim!) So she woke up we both got dressed, got towels, put sun screen on every inch of our bodies and went to the pool. We slowly got in as it was a bit chilly (it's only 70 out) but I figured we would get used to it and it would be fun! Well, not even 5 minutes into swimming Ansley is shivering (bad mommy award for the day goes to me.) so, we get out, pack up our stuff, walk back home get dried off and dressed and now here I am! We spent twice as much time getting ready before/after the pool than we spent in it. Oh, and now Ansley is attached to her arm floaties...hahaha she wants to wear them all the time. Just thought you'd enjoy our adventures for the afternoon!

New to this and updates...

Hello Everyone! I figured this would be an easy way to keep our loved ones up to date on what's happening in our lives. So, here it is, My first real blog.
Russ returned from Georgia on May 31st after 4.5 long months of training for his new job. He's really enjoying what he's doing now and it will be a great stepping stone for a career after the army.
As a surprise to Russ I lost 32 lbs while he was gone and as of now I've lost 36! I also cut 12 inches off my hair while he was gone so he came home to a brand new woman! All the changes feel great and it's been an awesome way to start my 30's!
Ansley is growing like a weed and is getting more and more personality every day. I can't believe my little baby will be 2 and a half in august. Where does the time go?? She's is also very attached to her Daddy and was pretty clingy to him for the first few days of him being home. Russ is so happy to be back with what he calls "his girls".
I joined a gym back in January and have made some wonderful friends there. So, after almost 3 years here I finally have a fun group of girlfriends that I know I can call if I need them. Having them along with a wonderful church family is really making Olympia feel more and more like home.
Speaking of church. I officially became a member of Lacey Presbyterian Church in May. It's really a good feeling to have a "family" here. Especially with Russ gone so much.
Russ is currently training for his upcoming deployment to Iraq in the fall. We are trying to just enjoy the summer we have together and not dwell on him leaving again. In August my parents will be flying down for 2 weeks to visit and take care of Ansley for us while Russ and I take a much needed vacation to Las Vegas. We will be there for 5 days/4 nights and have some fun things planned. We are going to see Wayne Brady (from "Who's line") and on another day we are renewing our vows! We feel like with all the separation and the upcoming deployment what better time to refresh and remember what we vowed.
I think that is all our news for now and everyone should be caught up! :) I'll try to remember to keep this page going and I'll work on making it a fun place for our friends and family to catch up with us!
Love you all!