Happy Birthday, Sophia!

We drove to Cape Coral on Sunday to celebrate Sophia's 1st birthday! Sophia is the daughter of Harley (Brian's college buddy) and Teresa. And Sophia is ever so cute! Just like her brother (Harley Cole) and cousins... this Brazilian family is packed with beauty! Take a look for yourself ~


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Such Dedication

Ever since we moved into the house over five months ago, Brian and Patrick (our neighbor) have dedicated much of their time tending to the lawn. They have spent every free moment watering, edging, fertilizing... Not to mention several trips to Lesco in Bradenton for fertilizer.























They have sweated and stressed over the lawn day-in and day-out. They work until they literally pass out in the garage from the terrible humidity and bright sunshine! Their hard work has paid off... well, partially... the backyard is looking great! The grass in the backyard is Bahia. While it's gone through its brown stage, the turnaround process has been much easier than the front.

The frontyard has more to go in terms of lush, green grass, mainly because St. Augustine grass is a bit of a pain to maintain. But, I have to say that it's definitely looking much greener than it previously did.

Here are a few photos of our backyard.

The Evergreen State

We traveled to Washington last weekend for Sam's college graduation (see prior post). Brian and I had a blast!

We drove from Everett to Pullman, about a 6 1/2 hour trip. Along the way, we saw many beautiful, natural places (thanks to Mike & Deb). In and around the Seattle area, there are TONS of really tall trees. As you travel East, the trees disappear and you see nothing but farmland and crops... green manure, apple trees, hay, potato, and more. Pretty much everywhere I looked, I saw mountains in the distance. It's really cool!

Early in our drive, we stopped in Snoqualmie Pass - where there was SNOW! I had so much fun walking on the snow and gathering it in my hands! I had the biggest grin on my face the entire time! I can't believe there was still snow in early May! Born and raised in Florida, I've only seen snow once before in Colorado (over Memorial weekend three years ago)... but, the snow was old and melting. Unlike Colorado, Snoqualmie Pass had fresh snow - since it snowed two weeks prior to our trip. I don't know that I could handle a snow storm, but I definitely want to see more snow!

To get to our hotel, we had to drive 45 minutes Southeast from Pullman. We were in Idaho for a few minutes (Lewiston) before circling back around on the highway to Clarkston, WA. We saw Univ of Idaho (only six miles from WSU) and drove through Moscow, Idaho. It was fun.

On the drive back to Everett, we went a different route and saw more beautiful places... many small towns - including Starbuck... Palouse Falls (gorgeous waterfall!)... Wenatchee (Rocky Reach Dam)... Leavenworth (cute Bavarian town)...

While we saw a lot in only four days, there is still so much to discover in Washington and the Northwest. I can't wait!

Thank you Mike & Deb for making our trip so special!


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Goodbye Wazoo!

Pop Rocks,

Congratulations Washington State graduate! Over the last four years, you have worked hard and played even harder. We are so proud of you and all that you have accomplished. And even though life after college may seem a little scary, we know that you will kick butt in whatever you put your heart into. We can't wait to see what designs you bring to Free Ink...

Thank you for being such a fabulous tour guide and showing us around your beautiful campus - "Super Cow", the bears, Ferdinand's. We now understand why you decided to attend WSU vs. UW... Go Cougs!

We love you ~
Brian & Jolee


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