a night with the cirque

joel's surprise evening evoked an anticipation i could hardly contain...
tickets to corteo - cirque de soleil [this video gives you but a taste].

i sat in awe, feet away from the phenomenal performers, with sweaty palms from the anxious excitement of human beauty and capability, so thankful for the opportunity and for this man i get to call my husband.

recycled tub water

i have my first morning in who knows how long that i linger in bed
and then take a long hot bath while joel makes blueberry pancakes;
that afternoon he gets back sweaty from a ride and the by now cold water
actually sounds good to him; and later there's kianna

...though of course, she doesn't enjoy it as much as we do!

my creative husband

avid cyclists of the world may not be impressed...

but i am!

[lara bar wrapper fix on the flat that got him home]

kids and ice cream

...two of our very favorite things!!

merin

nathan

these two beautiful kids belong to friends matt and rachel!

she has the keys!

despite the packed car, mom didn't want to have the first
family supper in her new digs without kianna...
who was lucky enough to get a first class seat on the way over to the new place!

joel made one of his homemade pizzas... mmm.

i confess, i was incredibly impressed that the ladies moved with but
four suitcases of clothes, pillows, and spices!

kianna especially likes the eco-friendly and durable cork flooring!

a move to portland

mom being between jobs offered a perfect segway to the proposal
that joel and i made over the holidays...
that mom and mamaw make a move to portland!

mom was going to "get an idea of the market"
and instead bought a fantastic house!!!

smiles at the portland international airport!

kianna with her welcoming licks and hugs!