Pacific Northwest Road Trip

Sorry for the radio silence here on the blog, I've been on the west coast for 11 days! As I mentioned in my 30th birthday post, my mom and I planned a last minute road trip through Oregon and Washington. I had a USDA conference in Portland, Oregon last week so we went out a week early, rented a car and hit the open road. We were very lucky to have great weather the entire week. In total, we drove over 1600 miles on mostly scenic one lane roads. Highlights included: Portland, OR; the Columbia River Gorge; Mount Hood; Bend, OR; Crater Lake National Park, the Oregon Coast, Lake Quinault, WA, coastal WA, Olympic National Park and Mount Olympia; and Mount Saint Helen's. Check out the interactive map (I couldn't help myself) outlining our six day adventure. 

View Larger Map

Ready for pictures? I though so! There was no shortage of photo-ops. I'm so thankful we had clear, sunny days. I'm also thankful for all the rain this region gets because everything was so lush and GREEN!

Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge, OR

Mount Hood, OR

Sunset over wildlife preserve, central OR

Sunset, central OR

Water and wood, central OR

Looming giants, central OR

Grazing elk, central OR

Crater Lake National Park, central OR

Three trees, Crater Lake National Park, Central OR

Going coastal, Coastal OR

Setting sun, coastal OR

Bluffs, coastal OR

North to Washington, Astoria, OR

Water and moss, Olympic Peninsula, WA

Lake Quinault, WA

Rainforest, Olympic National Park, WA

Baby ferns, Olympic National Park, WA

Olympic National Park, WA

Olympic sized valley, WA

The trip was all fun with just a little work on the side. I conducted a GIS training at the USDA National Water Conference in Portland, OR. Here's the proof. 

Room Reveal: Dining Room

It has taken us two months to hang pictures on the wall in our dining room. Thus, the delay in posting these pictures. We celebrated mother's day with our favorite mom's on Sunday which provided just enough motivation to finally move the frames from the floor to their happy place on the walls. The photos themselves are pictures I took of my grandfather's old work truck. It's nice to have a little piece of him around when we're enjoying family dinners.

As I mentioned in a previous blog post, James made our dining room table. We got the idea to make the table after checking out various Farmhouse tables online and finding pretty quickly that there was no way we could ever afford one. It took him just a few days, start to finish.

The sideboard is really just a dresser we found really cheap at our local Habitat for Humanity ReStore. We also found a small retro hutch and I refinished them both over the course of a few weekends.

We were going for some color with the chairs and a bit of industrial style. I found replications of french cafe chairs on Overstock. The rug is actually an outdoor rug (much cheaper than indoor rugs!), also found on Overstock. Curtains are Target. I found the chandelier on sale at West Elm. It's easy to spend a lot of money on a dining room but we definitely went the cheap route and I like how it all came together. James' favorite part of the dining room are the Edison style light bulbs in the chandelier. Such a boy.

Bring it On, 30.

Today is my birthday. My 20s are officially over. I'll admit, I'm not sure how I feel about this. For all the ups and downs, my 20s were a pretty sweet decade. I became a college graduate in my 20s. Twice. I landed my first (and only) job that has blossomed into a real career. I learned I could fully support myself financially. I met the love of my life. We traveled to amazing places. We found Summit. I saw so many of my beautiful friends get married and start families of their own. I bought my first car, my first computer, my first brand new TV, and my first professional camera all in my 20s. We built a house. Like from scratch. Who knew that could happen to a 20-something? I finally started to accept my body and realized that I need to exercise, not because it makes me skinnier, but because it makes me healthier and happier. I learned how to be a good friend, a good partner, a good daughter, aunt, and sister. I learned that it was okay to give in to my creative side and that being just a little bit different is the best way to be. When I was in my 20s, I learned I actually liked myself and damn it...I really like myself.

From time to time I wonder, "what if it's all downhill from here? Life has been good to me. What if this is as good as it gets?" But, somehow, I know that is not true. the last ten years have provided a solid foundation for what's to come. Just like an introductory chapter int he story of my life. The plot can't help but thicken after a decade like that. More milestones lie ahead of me and life is only going to get better in my 30s. In fact, it already has.

As things turn out, I'll be spending the next two weeks exploring the wonders of the Pacific Northwest with my mom. I've never been to that part of our country. We have no real plans or any itinerary. It will be a true adventure. I can't think of a more appropriate way to start the next chapter of my life. Bring it on, 30s. I'm ready for you.

Married in Vegas

Trust me when I say not all Vegas weddings involve a drive through window and a 72 hour annulment. Last month I made the trip to Las Vegas (see post here and here) to see my first cousin Amanda marry her long time sweetheart Ryan. They tied the knot in a classy little chapel and then celebrated with family and friends in a cozy handmade reception at the condo complex where we were all staying. Amanda asked me if I would take photos for them. I was happy to help and just a bit nervous that I might really screw up. Did I mention she is a wedding photographer!? Below are a few umm, LOTS of my favorites from the day. There were too many to choose from!

Congratulations Amanda & Ryan!