Bella gets her sea legs

We had an amazing opportunity to spend 10 days aboard a sailboat in Washington's San Juan Islands and the Gulf Islands of Vancouver, B.C. It was an intense first week; our days filled with classes and sailing drills with captain Dave, our nights spent studying and taking tests. Charles, Charlie and I each earned our bareboat charter qualification, allowing us to charter up to a 50' boat internationally. Opening new doors...

After earning our certifications, the captain disembarked and we were joined by John, Jennifer and their son Kellen for 3 days of sailing, hiking and relaxing. Isabella held up extraordinarily well to life on the water; the higher the waves the more she laughed. It didn't take her long at all to find her sea legs.

2010-04 Gulf & San Juan Sailing

Birthdays with friends

Celebrating first birthdays with Bella's friends. There was definitely something in the water one year ago...

2010-04 First Birthdays

First Easter

At our neighbor's Easter party, Bella got to participate in her 1st Easter egg hunt. We are happy to report that the shiny, plastic egg was more of a hit than the candy inside.

2010-04 Easter Party

Sunriver in March

Charles, Bella and I recruited Charlie for babysitting duty while I attended a conference in Sunriver, OR. Though Charles and I worked the 1st few days, it was a wonderful getaway for my birthday weekend. We curled up by the fireplace for the snowfall, then went cycling the next day in sunny 65 degree weather! It couldn't have ended on a better note, hiking through the gorgeous red rock canyons of Smith Rock State Park.

2010-03 Sunriver

Springtime in Portland

2010-03 Portland Waterfront

Visiting Isabella's Great-Great Aunt Shirley

2010-02 San Diego