clean air and green everywhere

Because we live in a desert, we really miss the beautiful pacific northwest. And we always miss our families. So, we took a little (or long) trip home two weeks ago. It was relaxing and fun and so nice to not think about planning a wedding or getting married. (Though those things were good in their own time).

And it was so wonderful to see familiar things like this:

and gorgeous sights like this.

Needless to say, it was a trip of many ferries. These large boats are so special to us for many reasons, and the many ferries ridden throughout the San Juan Islands during this trip created so many fun memories that it's difficult to pick and choose which ones to share. So, we are posting way too many pictures to show how much fun we had.

taking advantage of spontaneous photo ops

being in love

breathing clear skies and blue water

spending time with family

playing on the beach

clamming--a first for Jon

camping on the water where we could hear ferries passing by being kids; riding bikes and towing things in a radio flyer

climbing trees

eating way too much Lopez Island ice cream

creating flip flop heros

jumping in just to say we did

freezing from the 40 degree water

discovering more photo ops on the ferry

hanging on for dear life at Mt. Constitution

thinking about how we want to live in a place with this view

taking in the colors of Puget Sound sunsetsventuring to Whidbey Island's garage sales, farmer's market, magic thrift store, and Mad Crab restaurant to eat the most delicious blackened salmon Caesar salad known to the world

exploring the abandoned cavities of Ft. Casey

rescuing Spot, the baby bunny, and holding a garbage can funeral for him the next morning

spending quality time with Olivia

getting our own chocolixirs to soften the blow of the long drive back to Utah
entertaining ourselves in the car

looking back

and forever missing this.

We were able to spend a few days camping with Meghan's family and then a few days relaxing with Jon's family. While with the Beutlers on Camano Island, we drove to Seattle for one of Jessalin's art shows and chose a painting to hang in our home, went to La Conner for lunch and shopping for pretty Italian kitchen goodies, watched the Olympics, cooked, ate, and talked together, and enjoyed the company of those we love. Thankfully, we got to experience some overcast skies and rain as well. It was such a refreshing trip, and we came back a little sad, but ready to start the school year and accept the responsibilities ahead of us.