happy anniversary

years ago! July 16, 2005 was such a happy day. Thus, we celebrate.

*****

This year we decided to keep it low-key for the anniversary weekend, as we've had a lot going on lately! On Friday, Jeff surprised me with dinner at Wildwood, one of our favorite restaurants (he had picked out an awesome Pinot Gris ahead of time even - nice touch!). Yum yum, we always love eating there.

Saturday morning we packed up the car and headed out to a new little discovery for us - Paradise Creek campground. Who says camping isn't romantic? It's just about 30 minutes away from Hood River, just a bit over the Bridge of the Gods.


We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived to Paradise Creek - it's our new favorite place! Right on a creek, in a lush forest, and large, private campsites. The day involved a lot of lounging, reading, napping, eating, wading in the creek, obsessing over the new camp stove and lantern (JEFF), and exploring. It was really a fabulous anniversary just chillin' and bein' together. Here are some pics of our time there:

Side note: My friend Karrie tosses her head back in laughter over the fact that I claim to be a "foodie" yet have no problem stopping for Taco Bell at the nearest truck stop. My answer to this is: Foodies cheat!

Camping is the perfect example. Nobody wants to eat crab legs while camping (hmm actually that sounds pretty good now that you mention it...). I immediately plan for the mac 'n cheese, hotdogs, top ramen, s'mores. On the more gourmet side you have spaghetti, breakfast burritos, canned oysters, or brie and crackers. But let me tell you - everything tastes better when in the woods.

and we're off again!

Jeff and I will be traveling around Europe again in October - our tentative plans are to see Amsterdam, Germany, Switzerland (possibly Austria and Prague too). If you have traveled to any/all of these places and might have suggestions of things we simply cannot miss...please send me an email! Kellyameakins@yahoo.com. We are trying to take care of the planning in the next month or so and will be doing a bit of research, so all of your shared experiences are helpful! Thanks!

perfect little pots

My mom has a major talent with designing yards - most of you know that. I have always admired her pots - even in Seattle where their primary yard is a patio - there is an array of pots which cluster together, making it feel as though you are in a lush garden.

This past weekend I asked her to design my pots, so that they popped out and didn't just look like the randomness that I would create. Here is what she did - keep in mind I they still have a lot of growing to do (note to self: remember to water, and snap off dead flower buds).

I loved the way she approached designing the pots - finding colors that worked well together, as well as finding plants that brought out hints of other colors in nearby plants. This method (and her talent) really make a boring old terracotta pot look amazing! Thanks, MOM! (Oh, and thanks for the rest of my yard too...:)

It was a memorable family weekend of events over the 4th of July. These pictures explain it all.

Alison and Jeff in a cornhole match in our backyard

Jeff and I on 4th of July BBQ

What a handsome dad!

Chloe baby at Cannon Beach on Saturday

All of us taking a nap at the beach

Eating lunch beachside at the Wayfarer

Such a pleasant afternoon.

Wow - what a silly bunch we are.

The 4-hour campfire.