Gone...

Well, the last fish died this morning....for just over a week I had a pet (or multiple pets depending on the day). They were fun. Its just too bad that they had to go...I really do think I am going to miss them :(

Sunsets Lately

Fish!

Our first pets since getting married! I should say my first pets...nine goldfish from the HSYG auction. 5 gold, 4 grey. Brandon is waiting for them to die....

I should note three have not survived the week. I think if the rest make a month I might be able to convince him we should get a frog :) Live fishes live!

Thoughts...

So I was thinking that its been a long time since I have posted anything and was wondering why. Its not that things haven't been happening because life is always moving. I think its a bit overwhelming posting on a blog so I am going to try a new approach :) Soooo...starting today there will be more posts :) But be warned! They will probably be more candid or random or sarcastic or weird or funny and most likely just a snippet of the day or moment but hopefully it will serve the original thought behind the blog: a way to see us, know whats going on and on our (or mine- Amy) minds. Hopefully, our sweet families and friends will enjoy and get a kick out of our lives...even though we are far away. Enjoy :)

A good Saturday of Progress!

We are getting closer to finishing the second bedroom! Hooray!

We also rearranged our bedroom...
Brandon tried to hang up my Christmas gift...


Sorry Erica...his measurement was off! I think it may work in the 2nd bedroom though!

Even the Honda Fit got new accessories!


A roof rack! With the ski holder add-on!

Top 10 of 2010

2010 was a great year and even though 2011 is off and running I wanted to pay proper respect to 2010. I really started to think about this when Mary asked us when we were home:

What did you learn in 2010 and what is one of your best memories

It was super hard to think of just one....hints the top ten!

1. Fireworks in Eastlake

2. Brandon's creation- the burger!

3. snow in Seattle...its just too fun

4. Camping and soup making with the JH...pretty much all of our experiences with the JH :)

5.Brandon's creation- PASTA

6. Brandon's 15k finish

7. hiking in God's creation....Mt Si (the mountain almost won)

8. developing good friendships in Seattle
9. Brandon's creation- bone marrow and roasted chicken- both always a big hit!
10. Spending time with family!! Allysha's wedding, surprise birthdays, trips to Michigan, Illinois, and Massachuetts, and family visting in Seattle....we have been so blessed with a wonderful family! The time spent with them has been so memorable :)

Home for the Holidays

Michigan for the holidays...well sort of :) We were in Michigan for the week after Christmas and it was wonderful! Here are some highlights:

family photo time
christmas presents :)
new apron made by Erica!
New Years Day with Mom and Dad at New Holland Brewery...yummy and fun!
Duke! Erica and Kyle's new puppy...Brandon loved him ;)We even fit in a freezing hike...Garth was cold!

Downtown Holland

Between breakfasts and lunches with friends, dinner parties with family, Deur family pictures, new puppy, walking downtown, being cold at the beach, the trip was a success! It was so wonderful to see everyone and spend time catching up. It was a great way to spend the holidays! Love you all!

Snow in Seattle and Pasta Making!

For those of you who have grown up with snow in the winter might not understand the craziness that ensued the week of Thanksgiving. So the monday before Thanksgiving, snow began to fall...the beautiful huge flakes rapidly fell from the sky while everyone was at school and work. It was beautiful! I was excited to see the snow while others the sight of snow started the panic, craziness and confusion. Poor Brandon had a three hour car ride home! Here are some pictures he took on his snow day from work.

A truck flipped over!

the middle of a side street
an abandoned crash
Brandon making pasta :)
Finished product = Yummy!

Three Years...

Wow! It is hard to believe that three years and a few weeks ago Brandon and I started on our journey in the Pacific Northwest. Three years later we are in our third apartment continuing this amazing journey of life! We have been so blessed with new friends, "family", church, jobs, the list goes on. I can't wait to see what is in store for the next three years! Enjoy the pictures of the new apartments!

living room

dining/kitchen
bedroomsecond bedroom....chaos!

15k's and B-day Surprises

Brandon ran his first 15k a few weekends ago and did awesome! He ran the 9.3 miles in one hour and 25 minutes! I was so proud :) He was a bit sore afterward but nothing a bowl of soup, a couple of beers and a Michigan win couldn't fix! It was a fun weekend up in Bellingham...great weather, great food, beautiful area, me living vaciously through Brandon running...pure bliss. I think the running bus may have even bit him (a very small, tiny bug) since after the run he remarked, "I could do another run...maybe a 10k." I love it!This past weekend, I went home to surprise my mom for her 50th birthday. Allysha, Andy and I arrived around 1am to waken and surprise her. We then took her downtown for some lunch and sight seeing and just being goofy. The real surprise was when we arrived back home to a house full of family and friends! It was great! The trip home, as always, was too short but full of fun :) Oh and I got to spend time with Grandma...dinner out is always a pleasure!
One last thing...if you are in Chicago check out the eye! It's awesome! It is only there until end of OCtober...it is worth the trip! (Van Buren and State)