Saturday, June 28, 2014

26:52 Halfway Through Our Portrait a week



Enjoying some PNW summer weather during our last week here.  Our next portrait will be from Juneau.  Yikes!




Thursday, June 26, 2014

Washington's Acadian Farm & Brewery

In the town of Carson there is a wonderful, family owned farm & brewery.  It sits perfectly nestled on a hillside overlooking the Gorge and open weekends during the summer months.  The atmosphere is nostalgic of a simpler time; when you knew your neighbor and there was a strong sense of community.  A place where families can go to picnic, enjoy the view, or as we did, make a few new friends. 

Cecilia with the Owner's Daughter
The Owner's son

The owners are so kind, and love children.  They invited Cecilia along to pick some organic strawberries.  She loved them!


Cecilia walked right into the brewery and asked the bartender for some water.  After 4 mason jars full we cut her off….. drunkie.





We even got to feed some of the animals there on the property.



 As I said before Acadian is a great family establishment that enriches the community by bringing them together.  There are those who wish to see them shut down and we simply cannot have that.  I encourage you all to visit and see for yourselves.  If you love it as much as we do please write to the county commissioners of Skamania County in Carson Washington.  Let's make sure this farm is here for generations to come.  

Sunday, June 22, 2014

25:52 A Portrait A Week


I took this picture today in Carson Washington at a Darling organic farm and brewery.  Cecilia seems to be most at home when she's on a farm.  Stay tuned for a blog post on this family establishment later this week.


Sunday, June 15, 2014

24:52


You had such a big time rolling down hills with your friend Ava Luna



Friday, June 13, 2014

So Long San Francisco - Farewell Ashland


It was bitter sweet saying our final goodbye to the bay area.  Driving over the Golden Gate bridge on that final night was momentous. So many times we'd traveled here with the end of our GeoBatch separation in the distant future; but this time the end was here.  There had been a light rain just before our crossing.  The air was cool and salty in the lamplight.  I'm glad we got to say goodbye in a very fitting, quite, poetic way…. like a kiss goodnight.  


Ashland Sweet Ashland



We've had a wonderful long distance affair with Ashland, in particular Lithia Park, for a while now.  Every time we would visit or pass through, I would think of my husband and how I wish he could enjoy this enchanting town with us.  Well my wish finally came true.



Looking for fish with Daddy





After so much driving and hard play it was time to eat.  We took Brandon to dine at our favorite restaurant in town.


My favorite dish.  Cashew chicken w/rice and a lemongrass margarita.

Loves of my life

After dinner we buckled up and continued our trek home.  While I will miss many of the towns we've become so familiar with during our trips, I am looking forward to this new chapter in Alaska with my family.  But for now, I am just happy to be back home in Vancouver before we say goodbye to here too.

Wilderness Explorer


We recently went on a nature walk at WSU.  The foliage is in full bloom, and we saw some lovely lupines (my favorite flower in spite of the fact that they smell like scrambled eggs with pepper).



Here is Cecilia's collection.  She loves to explore, especially after getting her Wilderness explorer badge at Disneyland.  She is constantly talking about her "Bravery Badge" and I love it.



While I am certain Alaska will provide some breath taking nature walks…. I will miss my PNW

Disneyland Trip In Photos


It was a long drive
She woke up just in time to watch the approach of Disneyland
Our hotel was gorgeous.  These are the front doors

Day 1


Waiting in line to see Elsa and Anna

The moment she noticed Olaf was talking to her
They can't guarantee Elsa AND Anna but we got lucky!


Off to Pixie Hallow!!




Rosetta said she doesn't usually care for bugs but she liked this little cuddle bug.


Cecilia can be such a creeper in photos sometimes

Cecilia loved Tink's shoes!






DAY 2








Cecilia was so awkward she thought Doc McStuffins was going to give her a kiss



DAY 3




What a Magical Trip!!!!