Ethan’s 1st Backpacking Trip
I took Ethan on his first backpacking trip this week. It was a 2-day 1-night trip to Barclay Lake. It was the perfect introduction as it was only 4.2 miles…
1st Time Homeowners
We’ll close on our first house next week. We’re full of excitement and stress, of course, as we enter the world of home ownership. Having lived in a rental homes for years and taking extremely good care of them we know it takes a lot to maintain a home. It’s just now we can’t call up our awesome landlords when something breaks.
Stickers
I pulled my bass drum away from the wall this evening to see what my son had done. He had added own sticker to my collection. He had stuck his Cars sticker from the dentist over a sheriff sticker I’ve had. My BKG sticker that use to fill the blank spot in the middle was no longer there. One of my kids must of pulled that off at some time. It wasn’t a big deal that this happened.
2012 in Review by Numbers and Pictures
We thought we’d present a review of 2012 through numbers and photos that tell part of the story. It was an exciting year for all of us as we had two great road trips to California and enjoyed all the new experiences of having a kindergartner. We hope you’ve had a terrific 2012 and 2013 is full of new opportunities!
The Numbers
- 16,344 miles driven last year (mostly Laura)
- 3,483 photos taken (and kept)
- 76 books read by Laura
- 63 pages scrapbooked by Laura
- 54 nights away from home for work (Brett)
- 52 nights away from home for the entire or partial family (non-work)
- 31 posts on this website
- 28 nights of hosting family and friends at our house
- 16 gymnastic lessons
- 9 years of marriage
- 8 years of owning www.brettandlaura.com
- 7 nights camping outdoors
- 7 live concerts (Van Halen, Flogging Molly, Steve Earle & Los Lobos, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Folk Life Festival, Caspar Babypants, Recess Monkey, Youth Rescue Mission)
- 5 visits to the Pacific Science Center
- 3 books read by Brett
- 3 IMAX movies
- 2 National Parks visited by family (Lassen Volcanic and Mt. Rainier)
- 2 pairs of prescription glasses purchased
- 2 visits to California
- 1 new nephew
- 1 new kindergartner
Honorable Mention in the 2012 Washington Trails Northwest Exposure Photo Contest
After entering our family photo in the 2012 Washington Trail Northwest Exposure Photo Contest last October, we were excited to hear that our photo of Laura and Ethan hiking on Boardman Trail was selected as honorable mention.
There were 13 winning selections and 10 honorable mentions and editor’s picks. You can view all the selected photos in the January 2013 Washington Trails Magazine or on the Washington Trail Association site. More of our outdoor hiking and camping adventures can be found over here on our site. We look forward to an outstanding year of new and old hikes.
Thanks to the Washington Trails Association for the excellent work they provide to our State, natural environment, and us.
