Summer's Top 10 (in no particular order)

1. Our new house!!!
We are officially homeowners once again as of Thursday at 3:00pm. We couldn't be more excited! After 3 1/2 years of looking, and three major road trips around Washington, some very decent exchanges with realtors and many promising prospects, we finally settled on the very last place we looked at: a home built in 2007 on 2.25 acres on the Washougal River in Southwest Washington! Words cannot describe how anxious we are to begin making it ours and to enjoy countless summers here fishing on our fishing hole, swimming in the crisp, clear river and tubing down the rapids!

2. Our nephew!
Ezekial (aka Zeke or Z), is the first born grandbaby and nephew on Cory's side and we are SO excited to be an auntie and uncle. Isn't he precious??? Josh and Val are VERY proud parents (as they should be!).





3. Our soon-to-be-sister-in-law!
My brother (finally) proposed to Amanda over the Fourth of July weekend in San Francisco. They are hoping for a summer 2011 wedding in Seattle and we are thrilled for them.



4. The hike that never ended...
Cory and I thought my Uncle Mark and Aunt Kerry were absolutely mad to want to attempt an 18-mile hike on Mt. Rainier this summer. We had to eat our words as Mark, Kerry, Riley and Rowan (who are still in elementary school, I might add), my mom, myself and Cory ALL made it up to the glacier, albeit with scrapes, blisters, cramps and granny legs afterwards.












5. Our 7th anniversary!
Cory planned this year's three-day trip to Depoe Bay, where we stayed in an oceanfront B&B with stunning views. We toured the tiny town, stuffed ourselves at Tidal Raves with the most delectable meal ever and made two bundled-up trips out in a Zodiac with an expert in search of gray whales. Cory and I have the absolute worst luck with whale-spotting. We were the ONLY two people not to have seen any. BUT, we did get to see some endangered birds and Stellar Sea Lions and hundreds of seals. While we were disappointed about not seeing any whales (which has been one of my dreams for forever), we left feeling refreshed and happy from our time together.







6. Family time!
We had a family reunion at Cama Beach this summer. What made it all the better was that my brother, Mandoid, Devin and Cory's brother Jer, were all able to join us. A great time was had by all. How could you not have fun making up robot names while drinking beer, playing card games, learning how to play poker, looking at the ocean in your front yard, having barbecues, playing bocce ball games, swinging ladder balls and laughing so hard you snort beer through your nose? Other family time included hanging out at Rogue with the brothers, spending some serious quality time with Cory's folks, taking long walks with mom, going to see Inception with mom and frequenting Anthony's for Happy Hour with Dev Dizzle.






7. KOOZA
Cory surprised me with a Cirque de Soleil show in Seattle. We went to see Kooza, a fanciful story of a boy's circus dreamworld. It was simply awesome.


8. Cory time and Jona time
Cory spent a week backpacking in the Olympics with his brother Jeremy. They had a great time (as they do) taking in the beautiful PNW scenery and catching up. Meanwhile, I thoroughly enjoyed a visit from one of my very best friends, Tiff, and her four-month-old Owen. I also spent time with two other very dear friends Sara and Flo, as well as my grammie. Not to mention, I did tons of shopping.






9. Road trips galore
We took several road trips this summer to places of interest in hopes of finding property or a cabin. While we finally settled on our Washougal home (and are so glad we waited and decided to look there even if we were becoming discouraged and annoyed at not finding "the one"), we had a blast touring around Western Washington with mom, staying in little motels, slurping clam chowder from Moe's, laughing about nothing in particular, drinking some beer, singing songs and generally being silly. Those times are what create wonderful memories.

10. Knowing what was waiting for us back in Manila
Our crazies!!! And our new townhouse!!! (Photos of that to come soon)







We are beyond thankful for such a satisfying summer. It was definitely one of the best we've had. I came back feeling so at peace with everything. And I love that.