The Beach at Expedia Group

I'm back!  Sorry for the radio silence the last few days - it's been a busy week while also trying to take time to relax and come to terms with the loss of Nina.  There's lots to share, but I'll start with a quiet stroll we took the day after we said goodbye to our sweet girl.  Trying to distract ourselves we headed off on some errands and then down to the new Beach at Expedia Group along Elliott Bay Trail, the new manmade "beach" next to the giant Expedia buildings overlooking the Bay.  The park was practically empty as we meandered along the coastline, taking in the sunshine and reflecting on the past few days.  There is free parking, easy trails, and lots of space to spread out, making this a new favorite place right in our own backyard!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Happy Birthday Dad!

Happy Birthday to the greatest dad ever {and Teacher of the Year!}!  Dad - I'm so lucky to call you mine and cherish the time we've been able to spend together especially over this last crazy year.  Thanks for always being there for me {and my yard} and I can't wait to celebrate you later today!  Love ya!!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

ps - i'm taking a few days off from posting.  these past few days have been rough to say the least and i need a little time to process.  see you soon!

Goodbye Nina

Friday evening we said our final goodbyes to Nina as she took her last warm breath laying on her favorite couch and surrounded by some of her favorite people.  It was a day we knew was coming for a long time now {she just celebrated her 15th birthday in April} but that didn't make the days and hours leading up to it any easier as we grappled with the decision that we knew in our hearts was the right one for her.  Nina was the sweetest dog I've ever known - I think I heard her bark a total of 3 times in the 4 years I've known her - and she never met a person she didn't immediately love {especially if that person happened to have some treats in their pocket for her}.  There are so many things to say and so many memories that keep coming to me - I'm so grateful that I got to spend the last almost 4 years with her, especially the times she would come to stay at my house while Christian was away and we would snuggle up on the couch all evening before snuggling in bed all night long {these first two times in particular were when I really fell in love with her}.  I miss her puppy smell, her cuddles, her stare when it was time for dinner or a treat, the way she'd cross her legs when she slept, her little wiggle butt walking down the stairs, her stinky breath, watching her dream of chasing kitties and bunnies, walks to her favorite park, the way she always looked down the stairs after she ate to see if anyone had arrived while she was having dinner, the way she rubbed her face all over the couch to get the food out of her nose.  She was the absolute best.  While we are so heartbroken and the house feels so incredibly empty, it's a relief to know she isn't hurting anymore and I hope she is up in doggie heaven chasing bunnies and kitties and eating all the cookies, popcorn, and french fries her heart desires.  Rest in peace sweet girl - we were the luckiest to have had you in our lives.

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Friday Flowers

Happy Friday!  It's been a week, but here are some pretty peonies that I picked up at Trader Joe's on my last trip that have been making me smile.  I'm still waiting for the ones in my yard to bloom {almost there!} but until then I'll savor these ones, brightening up this space and making the house smell heavenly.  Have a happy, peaceful weekend everyone.

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Memorial Day Weekend {Part II}

Sunday morning we woke up to a beautiful and warm morning in the valley {a contrast to the cold that would come later in the day}.  We had a leisurely brunch of my favorite quiche, then headed out exploring.  Our first stop was the newly opened The Vinery at Christianson's Nursery where we toured the super cool building and wandered around the grounds to check out the first day of The Skagit Valley Farmer's Market.  After perusing the nursery we headed out to La Conner to walk around the waterfront, checking out some shops and of course stopping to take a pretty awesome ice cream picture {see below}.  On our way back home we stopped at the South Nut, Chuckanut Brewery's Burlington location where we sipped on cold beers while trying to stay warm in the overcast and occasionally sprinkly weather.  It was a great weekend at home and one I'm so happy we made happen!

can you spot the hummingbird?

how about now?  he was very determined

dad convinced us to take this picture, and it was totally worth it :)

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Memorial Day Weekend {Part I}

For Memorial Day Weekend we decided to head up north for a few days to take advantage of the nice weather, see family, and let Nina spend time in her favorite yard.  We first headed out to the island where we spent time with grandma, grandpa, Gretchen & Ed before heading back to the farm for a delicious short rib dinner made by mom.  Afterwards, Nina caused quite the stir with the cow population and it was hilarious watching them watch her wander around {while she was totally oblivious}.  Dad then made a fire that we all sat around drinking wine and eating some delicious dessert before calling it a night.  It was a wonderful day at one of my most favorite places.

super low tides at the island

happy hour

mom made some delicious crockpot short ribs - yum!

nina wandering the yard attracted quite the crowd

cow selfie

oh hey guys!

one of the easiest and yummiest desserts

i love a good fire pit

xoxo,

stephanie marie

The Weekend {In Pictures}

{facetime friday}

{blooms by the front door}

{greek takeout}

{avocado toast}

{coffee on the roof}

{sunny seattle day at smith cove}

{so. much. yardwork.}

{summer-like weather means making my favorite salad for dinner}

xoxo,

stephanie marie