Hooray for long weekends!

Labor Day weekend has been spectacular thus far. Preston, Addie, and I just got back from two nights in my uncle's cabin outside of Lyons, CO. Their darling green cabin is tucked away in the mountains with a river running right outside the backyard. I was dazzled by the lovely flowers in the yard and a hummingbird feeder buzzing with the little birds. We went on two nice hikes and Addie passed much of the time playing with Cody, a little pup a little over a year old. 

I'm exhausted from good time spent with family, hiking, eating delicious food, and reading, and am so glad to have tomorrow off work so that I may get some extra sleep and recuperate!

Addie getting some pets and a rest pre-hike

Theo, my uncle's golden doodle

View from the top 

Colorado is lovely

Cody the cutie! Addie's playmate for the weekend.

A glimpse at the lovely backyard

Head shake

Hummingbird friend

Mmmm Mmmm Summer

With Preston starting school on Monday, he already feels summer slipping away. For me, in the full swing of funemployment, I thought I'd share some of my favorite things during summertime:

Sunshine

Warm evenings

Ripe watermelon

Caprese salad (pictured below)

BBQs

Iced coffee

Outdoor concerts in the park

Open windows

Sandals 

Mint juleps (pictured below)

Freckles

Sunflowers

Baseball games

Rose wine

Afternoon thunderstorms 

Patio dining

Popsicles

I could probably go on forever... what are your summer favorites?

A festival of colors

Today I headed out with a couple friends to check out the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. We made sure to leave early in the day as traffic is a nightmare starting around noon - make sure you don't make the mistake of heading up after lunch! 

Tulip Town was our destination, and what a beautiful place. The three of us walked around the fields of color, taking photos at just about every row. They had every color imaginable in bloom, and at each new row of color we couldn't help but gasp, "they are so pretty!" 

The Tulip Festival is certainly a sight to see and happens every April. Disclosure: bring cash and patience! They do not accept credit cards (at least at this location) and there was certainly a line around every corner. Well worth it, though! Check out some photos below and enjoy.

The three of us ended the day with a late lunch on a rooftop in Seattle, soaking up the sunshine. All in all, it was a fabulous spring day in Washington!

Fun, friends, and flowers

The last two weeks have been full of "F" words: fun, friends, and flowers. And also brunch.

Last weekend, I had a delicious Sunday brunch with friends at DOA. Most tasty! They have fabulous Bloody Marys and really good Eggs Benedict, among other delectable options. If you are ever in Tacoma, this is a must!

Preston surprised me with my favorite flowers: daffodils! Washington is in full bloom and I am loving every minute. The sun is out, it is getting warm, and summer feels like it is just around the corner. 

Mmmmmm beer. That is all. 

Nothing like Saturday morning Shakabrah! Another brunch favorite. 

Time is speeding by and I can't believe I only have seven weeks left in Tacoma. Before I know it, I will be Denver bound. I'm taking advantage of my time and seeing friends, keeping active, and eating at my favorite places. There is so much more to come!

Remembering fun

Yesterday after work, I played Frisbee with a group of friends after happy hour at a favorite local restaurant, and I had fun. I sometimes forget how important it is to play and be silly and move around when Netflix and my couch is readily available. It seems with technology being so prevalent, we forget to step outside of the social media veil and genuinely interact with our friends and connections. The realization that I am moving soon and will not have these friends close at hand anymore has prompted me to try a little harder, get out there, and make good memories. I am excited for this weekend to catch up with more friends, take care of taxes (eek!), and get centered in my yoga practice. Weekends truly are the best, and I'm so glad this one is here!