Sea Fever

We were more than ready for our annual birthday getaway this year. After losing Kodiak, we were down and needing to get 'recharged.' We headed to Yachats, a part of the coast neither of us had spent any time at. The town is tiny, a handful of restaurants and even fewer stores. But we weren't there to shop. 
We spent a ridiculous amount of time watching the waves. Surf was high and exciting and it was strangely relaxing watching the ocean churn. We took some very short walks and browsed two shops but other than that we read and gazed at the ocean. 

Awesome.

A big dog with a big heart

January was rough this year. After nearly 16 years of companionship, we lost Kodiak. It was much tougher than either of us anticipated. We've lost two elderly dogs in the last 7 years but when it occurred there was also another dog still in the household. When Kodiak was gone, there was nothing. The house was so quiet, so empty.  

We consoled ourselves with the good times, of which there were plenty. Such a good dog, such a good friend.

Brian and Kodiak at the beach last summer

Sea spray and a new year

Lucas and Shiori at the game table

 For New Year's we took a three-day trip to Tacoma, to visit with B's sister and brother-in-law. We picked up Shiori in Olympia and was able to have a great visit on the drive. Weather was decent so we enjoyed taking in the view from their almost-finished house, playing games and walking on "the beach.' Lucas came over on New Year's Eve and Kodiak got in some beach and fetch time, albeit slowly.

Tacoma from afar

Brian, Leah and Michael learn a new game

Kodiak has a good day

Snowmaggedon II

Old Man Weather wasn't done with us yet this winter. In January we got dumped on again, this time nearly a foot of snow overnight. Temps stayed cold after that so it did not melt for some time and we were housebound by crappy roads and sketchy mass transit. More work at home days were to come. 

Actually found some time to work on a sewing project.

The Night Before Christmas (and the day after)

Kristin and her housemates

Don't know where we're going to put grandkids stockings, wen they come

Christmas found us surprisingly prepared and non-stressed. Christmas Eve we hosted a Game Night, had friends and family over for fun and games. We played for hours, it was tons of fun.

 Jess came from school and Travis from Redmond so we had a full house, along with sig others Trusten and Steven. Of course, we continued our eggs benedict brunch tradition, much to everyone's delight.

Explaining the finer points of Taboo

And the game's afoot

if it's Christmas, it must be time for knitting

and photo albums

Stocking morning

Travis assembles micro-Legos