It’s been a crazy eight years, to say the least.  From children, new houses, a new state…it’s been quite a ride!

This past weekend we were able to take advantage of a great deal through Amazon Local and spend two nights at a Bed & Breakfast on Lopez Island.  It was fantastic!

The Inn is located in Lopez Village, the main area of the island, so from it you could walk to the waterfront as well as most of the shops and restaurants.  Life on Lopez Island is definitely laid back and for some reason really reminded me of Maui – everything moves slower, people are chill, and no one is in a hurry.  This is a bike-riders paradise, because you can easily bike around the whole island!  Our B&B had bikes and helmets available for anyone who wanted to use them, but we didn’t take advantage.

The most ‘adventurous’ thing we did was walk down this beach a little ways and then walk back.  Thanks to the knee brace, we were kept to driving around the island.   It took us awhile to realize that while we were driving and exploring, everyone else was waving to us!  The first time it happened, Shawn thought I was seeing things.  Then, it happened again and again and we just started waving back.  Lopez Island is the “Friendly Isle,” after all.

Because of the size of Lopez Island, there aren’t a ton of restaurants.  We dined at the Beach Cafe (our ‘fancy’ anniversary dinner), Love Dog Cafe (laid back but delish lunch), visited Isabel’s Espresso three times for caffeine, as well as the Southend General Store & Restaurant.  Southend is located in a convenience station, which at first I dismissed, but after returning to our room and doing some research we discovered it got great reviews.  So returned to the south part of the Island to dine, and it was well worth our time!   On our way home, we picked up some locally roasted coffee and Lopez Island wine.

We also visited the Saturday morning Lopez Farmer’s Market, which was much bigger than I was expecting!  Also bigger – these HUGE and gloriously sweet and juicy organic strawberries from Crowfoot Farm.   They were picked that same morning, and even at $7/pint…so worth it!

We also stuffed ourselves in the morning at the Edenwild’s breakfast.  I was expecting pastries and coffee, but this was incredible!  All sorts of meats, cheeses, fruit, hard boiled eggs, quiche, homemade muffins, bread, smoked salmon, yogurt, and more.  I was so pleased and the owners (Kris and Robert) were incredibly friendly and helpful, especially with my condition.

Finally, a little panoramic shot from the beach very close to our B&B.  We had a great, relaxing, fun time and I highly recommend visiting if you’re thinking about a little getaway!!

Once I had my first baby, though, driving became something totally different.  Because, my friends, that baby screamed all the time in the car.  It was mentally exhausting for me and physically exhausting for him.  Once he started to grow out of it, though, I had my second baby…who also hated being in the car.  Occasionally Jeremiah would have a flashback to babyhood himself, and I’d have two screaming children in the car.  Ooooh man, I don’t miss those days!

For the past couple years, though, it’s been alright.  They kids finally became big enough to be front facing and to have 5 point booster seats with CUPHOLDERS!  Awesome.  The backseat has gone from a place of nightmares to a place of happiness.  Life in the backseat isn’t always awful for babies, though – and Subaru has some silly and funny videos chronicling all sorts of stories from the backseat.  This one is my favorite!

I watched first because of the title – Laughing Baby? My favorite kind of baby!  (Closely followed by Sleeping Baby, of course.)  When I pressed play, though I kind of freaked out – the mom sounds A LOT like me when I fake a sneeze.  Plus, I think I have a almost identical video with one of my kids.  You have to watch the video above to see, and compare it to this one of a baby Jeremiah at 4 1/2 months!

Subaru’s are all the rage here in Washington, and I think I know why – they’re super safe and reliable in all this crazy weather!  Maybe it’s raining, maybe snowing or hailing – but in a Subaru, you’ll be just fine.  And the new 2014 Subaru Forester? is no exception – it’s a whole lot to love!!

The ’14 Forester? is built from the backseat to the front, which means that Subaru focused on the most precious cargo that you carry – those sweet kiddos.

Subaru Forester?has always embodied the right-sized power, control and versatility that owners love. Now, it also represents a green-minded, fuel-efficient small SUV, as every 2014 Subaru Forester 2.5i model is a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle* and built in a zero-landfill plant. Combine that with more cargo room, available power rear gate and 32 MPG highway,** and you’ve got a vehicle that can take every day to task. Of course, the redesigned Forester comes with road-gripping Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and the balance and power of the legendary SUBARU BOXER® engine.

* PZEV emissions warranty applies only in certain states. See your dealer for complete information on emission and New Car Limited Warranties.

** EPA-estimated fuel economy. Actual mileage may vary.

Enter to win $1,000 from Subaru by joining the conversation!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Subaru. The opinions and text are all mine.

The ‘jump’ part of a burpee

Our team had just scored the first point of the game and we were going to play another 2 minutes.  I was tired but the ball started rolling my way so I turned to pursue it and my knee popped.  And not the occasional cracks and pops that come with getting older (and losing cartilage, as I’m learning) , but the kind of pop that I knew before the pain even hit me that it was bad. 

I dramatically collapsed on the floor and started yelling.  I was also breathing really rapidly and I couldn’t talk – I’ve been in worse pain before, but this was so shocking and violent I couldn’t really process what was happening.

I was able to eventually get up after icing it for a few minutes and after some prayer, and I drove myself home.  (Oh man, I was not in a good place.)   One of the gals who goes to the class also lives in my neighborhood, so she followed me home to make sure I made it.  When I got home, my sweet husband hadn’t checked his phone so didn’t know that I was coming home injured.   He was clearly shocked when I limped into the house and the kids were so concerned!

I crawled/limped upstairs to change out of my gross sweaty workout clothes (those of you who know me know that I’m a sweaty beast when I work out) and I couldn’t imagine going to the ER so nasty.  Shawn, rightfully so, was incredulous at my insistence on cleaning up, but knows me well enough to let me be when I’m acting like a crazy person.

Once changed, we hustled to the ER.  It was early (about 730am) and I was the only patient in the ER.  I got treatment quickly and my mother in law (who rocks, by the way!) swung by to pick up Jeremiah and take him to school.   While the doctor examined my leg, I had to turn my head so the kids wouldn’t see me crying – they were freaked out enough seeing me in a hospital bed, I didn’t want to make them more worried.  I had x-rays, which were expected to show a bad sprain, but instead showed that I had a lot of fluid buildup and a tiny chip that came off my kneecap.  Off to the MRI I go!

The MRI itself is quite intimidating – I wasn’t even inside all the way and I felt claustrophobic.  Thankfully it was over quickly and I could have pain meds.

I am so fortunate that Shawn is able to work from home, so he stayed home with me for the next three days (this happened last Wednesday 5/29, so he was home Wednesday, Thursday and Friday!)

I am also so blessed to be the recipient of amazing kindness and sense of community through my neighbors, friends, and family.  Just to name a few things:

1) friends bringing dinner and groceries

2) my MIL going grocery shopping for us, bringing us dinner, putting dishes away, cleaning up

3) a neighborhood friend walking Jeremiah (and Sarah) to school every morning, bringing Sarah home, and picking Jeremiah up at the bus stop every day.

4) neighbors watching the kids play outside and inviting them over to their backyard for a few hours

5) friends bringing coffee, treats, and conversation to my house

And there are so many other things that people have done for me, selflessly, fully expecting nothing in return, just because they are kind people.  I am blessed to have so many loving, caring people in my life who’ve just surrounded me in this time of need.  It’s amazing.

I’m not usually the type to accept a lot of help, even when I’m not feeling good, but this injury has me unable to do even the most basic tasks, so I’m accepting all the help I can get!

For my readers:

When was the last time you accepted help from someone?  

Whoops!! 

I’ve shared with you all before that I’m currently in the best shape of my life, and I’ll tell you why – because I work out!  I do an awesome bootcamp through Revelation Wellness  up here in my neck of the woods, which is through Fitness and Faith Northwest.  Thankfully, Shawn’s schedule works out that I’m able to go to the 6am class on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.   I also attend yoga classes on Thursdays and Saturdays.   I’ve been going consistently like this for two months and I have definitely noticed changes in my body – all good ones!

First, my legs.  I’ve always had more muscular legs but now they’re just crazy muscular – and (this might be a little awkward, sorry) my butt actually has gotten bigger because my muscles are growing.  Nobody wants a big butt – unless it’s all muscle, right?!?  Well, those changes have caused my clothes to start fitting differently.  The shorts I wore last summer don’t really ‘work’ for me anymore – and last Sunday I wanted to wear my ‘blingy’ jeans that I found at Macy’s shortly after moving here for $10!

So, I put on my jeans and notice they’re pretty tight.  No big deal, they’re sure to loosen up.  I can’t be the only one who does the ‘squat’ move to help stretch their jeans out, am I?  That’s the move I did and suddenly I hear “RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIP” – and then I started laughing!  I ripped a hole in my jeans because my legs are too big – and not from being overweight, but from being too muscular!  WHAT?!?

If you knew me even a few years ago you’d know that I am not really a fitness-person.  I liked being skinny but didn’t really want to work out, and I especially hated sweating.  Now, though, I feel like I’ve changed so much – not just my body but my mind.  I have the blessing to be able to go use the body that God has given me and push it to it’s limits several times a week.  I feel like I’m really using the body God created and taking care of it because our bodies are meant to be used not just inhabited.

Am I sad about my jeans?  A little bit –  but only because I liked them, not because I wrecked them.  Cheers to muscles!

It’s so much fun to explore our new state!  There’s so much to do that’s outside and, more importantly, FREE!  Going for walks or hikes can be so much fun with your little ones, provided you keep a few helpful hints in mind!

1) Know where you’re hiking!  

Use your local parks website to help figure out how long trails are.  Jeremiah and Sarah are pretty good for about 2 miles, but after that, they’re done!  So we try to make sure we don’t push it very far.

2) Use your backpack!  

Kids will inevitably be hungry, thirsty, get dirty, or collect treasures while hiking.   Make sure you have water bottles and plenty of snacks to appease them.   (if it’s hot out where you are, make sure you bring plenty of water and wearing sunscreen!)

3) Make it an adventure. 

One thing we love to do is search for geocaches while we’re hiking.  Sometimes you can end up taking a wrong turn and you never find the cache – which is what happened on this hike.  But it was still fun and we had quite the adventure!

4) Stop and take photos.  

This shady flower field was a great resting point for us to take some fun photos of the kids.

5) At some point, you’ll probably have to carry a kid.  

It’s pretty much a given that your kids will get tired and you’ll have to carry them.  Shoulder rides are popular here!

With the weather getting nicer, what are some of your favorite outdoor activities with your family?  

I’m linking up to the fabulous We are THAT Family for “Works for Me Wednesday”

As a blog ambassador for Dirty Girl Mud Run, I was given free registration for the run.  All opinions are my own. 

My partner in mud, Kim, and I prior to the run!

Well, it’s officially been about 2 days since the Dirty Girl Mud Run here in Washington and I am so excited to share my experience with you!  First, if you’re thinking about doing a ‘mud run’ but are unsure, you should definitely run the Dirty Girl!   It was fun, non-competitive, and girls only – and of course, incredibly dirty!

Kim and I dressed fairly tame compared to other gals participating – I saw superheroes, a shark, large teams with matching shirts, super cute roller derby socks, and well, more.  However, we both wore shirts to support finding a cure for ALS – also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.  ALS is (at this point) incurable and I happen to have a close friend who is living with it.  She loves running, but cannot run anymore due to ALS.  I knew when I signed up I wanted to run for Stephanie, and was thrilled when Kim was on board, too, even though they’d never met.   Nothing less, cure ALS!

This is the first obstacle after the starting line – a large bouncy slide (sort of) called the Barn Burner.  I’m the one closest to the bottom – Kim and I lined up as quickly as I could after the 1015am wave of runners left the starting corral, so we could be in the front of the pack.  I may not be a distance runner, but I can sprint like a T-Rex is chasing me!  Kim and I both wanted to make sure we were in the front of our 1030am wave so we didn’t get caught up behind large groups of people trying to get past the obstacles.   Once they said “GO!” we ran as fast as we could to get past the first two obstacles.  After those, Shawn and the kids (along with Kim’s husband and children) weren’t able to follow us, so I don’t have any more photos.

For the most part, the obstacles were the fun, easy part for me.  There was one where you had to crawl through a pit of muddy water under a tarp, and there were large inflatable tubes inside the water.  At one point, the tube was pushed in front of me, and I felt like I was trapped – but once I caught my breath (I’ve never really been claustrophobic), I pushed it out of my way and kept going .   H2OMG –  a large pool of water about thigh high was really cold, and Kim was freezing after that (it was the 6th obstacle.)   She kept us moving to keep her warm, which was good, because I really don’t like running for very long and would have walked if I’d been on my own!

This is when we first caught sight of our families after running most of the course – I was so happy to see them – and they were cheering us on!!

We paused for a photo after the 2nd-to-last obstacle, another EXTREMELY muddy pit of water that you had to really army crawl through (there was a net overhead that you had to be under.)  One of my pigtails was soaked and it made me feel so uneven for the rest of the run!

The final obstacle – after I climbed it, I ran over to Sarah to give her a ‘hug.’  She obviously ran away.  However, the kids were all in a field so up until the finish line, they ran with us!  It was really fun – Sarah kept up really well for having such short legs.

My favorite photo is after the finish, though – it was taken by Kim’s husband, Mike.   We finished up about 50 minutes after starting, a time I was really pleased with.

We were FILTHY!  There was a large tent where you could hose off and change, and it felt so good to get into some dry clothes – especially my shoes!  There were little stones and mud all through my shoes, and running like that was weird.  Thankfully, all my clothes and my shoes were super clean after a couple of soaks and a nice long washing cycle!  Even my white shirt is (mostly) white again.   Of course, if you didn’t want your shoes anymore (and many people didn’t) you could donate them at the end of the race.  The post-race shower at home was probably the longest shower I’ve ever taken – I used an old toothbrush to scrub the mud out of my nail bed on my hands and feet!

It was super fun, and I’d definitely do it next year.  I’d love if it was during a warmer month (July) so I could just wear shorts and a tank top!   Dirty Girl Mud Run also raises money for breast cancer charities, which is great!

The first stop?  LUNCH!  It was about 2pm and Dad had been travelling since the morning, so we went to Ivar’s Seafood, which is right on the Seattle Waterfront and within walking distance of so many fun things!  Ivar’s is neat because you can choose to walk up and get some ‘fast’ food and eat outside, or you can sit in the restaurant and have a server.   We chose to eat inside, and their lunch specials are fantastic – I had a salmon BLT along with their clam chowder.  YUM!

Another fun thing about Ivar’s is feeding the seagulls.  These gulls hang out and wait for people to feed them leftover french fries.  We were sure to save some of ours so we could feed them, and the kids were so excited!

They will absolutely take fries out of your hands!  I tried holding one for one to fly up and grab, and one flew from behind me and snatched it right out of my hand.  It scared me so much, and I couldn’t stop laughing!

The next stop…The Great Wheel!  My Dad spotted this on our drive up and just had to take a ride in it.  It’s not cheap, but it’s certainly an experience that’s once in a lifetime!  (I was really terrified, along with Sarah, Shawn, and my Dad…Jeremiah is the only one who really had fun!)

Pretend like you’re not freaking out…pretend like you’re not freaking out!

From the boardwalk – it was a cloudy day but we could see the mountains in the distance!

Next, we walked to the iconic Pike Place Market.  This is the place to visit if you have time in Seattle!

(Of course, we stopped at Starbucks, too!)

The Gum Wall, which is way more disgusting in person!

These are some of the best donuts!  They are freshly made and served HOT covered in sugar and all sort of other deliciousness.

The name is Daily Dozen Doughnuts and you MUST visit on your next trip to Pike Place!

Anything and everything you could ever want is at Pike Place Market – fresh, local produce, meat, fish, locally grown flowers, honey, hand made soaps and lotions (like Moon Valley Organics) and beautiful glass jewelry from Fusion in Glass, you’re bound to find amazing souvenirs from your trip!

Seattleites: What are your favorite spots in Seattle??  Any tips?? 

]]> http://www.smallstepsonourjourney.com/2013/05/seattles-tourist-hotspots-ivars-seafood-the-great-wheel-pike-place-market.html/feed 0 http://www.smallstepsonourjourney.com/2013/05/wordless-wednesday-dza-dzas-visit.html http://www.smallstepsonourjourney.com/2013/05/wordless-wednesday-dza-dzas-visit.html#comments Wed, 08 May 2013 15:56:51 +0000 Rachel http://www.smallstepsonourjourney.com/?p=2387 My dad was our first out-of-town visitor here in Washington!  As such, we took the opportunity to do all kinds of fun touristy things with him, and it gave us the chance to get to know the area, too!

This is probably my favorite photo of them, at the Great Wheel along Seattle’s waterfront.   It’s nearly 200 feet high and, trust me, a tad unnerving!

(And Dza Dza is Polish for “Grandpa” – It’s pronounced “Jah Jah” and is technically spelled like this:  Dziadek)

It’s scary just typing that phrase: “My first 5k.” Here’s the deal: I’m 32. I’ve never been in what I would call ‘good’ shape until this past year. I failed gym class my freshman year in high school, for goodness sakes! I don’t enjoy running, really, if I’m going to be perfectly honest.  I’ll do it, begrudgingly, during my Revelation Fitness classes but I don’t enjoy.  SO WHY A 5K?   Well, friends, when it’s a 5k that is fun, dirty, and just for girls!

A photo from the Dirty Girl Mud Run Facebook Page

It’s not your average 5k, for sure!  Yes, there’s an obstacle course.  And yes, it’s COVERED in mud!  But this girl-powered run is about having fun, laughing, and of course, getting dirty!

I’m definitely looking forward to it – there are obstacles called ‘Runaway Bride,’ ‘Get Over Yourself’ and ‘Utopian Tubes’ that are meant to be fun and giggle-inducing.  This will be the first time I’m doing anything like this – it’s not a marathon, of course, and it’s really not even a race – it’s not timed and all women, regardless of their level of fitness, are encouraged to sign up!  This is not a show-off-your-sprint type event, it’s more about teamwork (if you’re on a team…I’m not…yet??) and having a good time with your girlfriends!

Just for fun, here’s a photo of me running in fitness class.  I imagine my post-event photos will be similar…but with a little more mud!!

Have you ever run an event similar to this? 

How was your experience?  Would love some encouragement!! 

If you are local to the Seattle area and want to register, use the promo code: DGSEABLOGGUEST to save 20% off the registration fee!!