My Favorite Time of Year

I have to say that I love fall in the Northwest especially coming from California where fall was nonexistent. The leaves are giant and turn beautiful shades of yellow, orange and red. The weather is crisp. The rain is back in full force but I don't mind it as much as I thought I would. Zac has been a good sport as I have dragged him with me to participate in fun fall activities. Here is a quick recap of what we have been up to. 

Mom and Michelle came for a quick visit. It was so fun to see these two even if it was really only for one full day. It will have to tide me over until Christmas. I took them downtown to see Pike Market Place and the Gum Wall. Michelle thought the gum was pretty gross and refused to chew a piece to add. They will have to come back so I can show them the rest of Seattle. :)

Growing up with my dad's garden I was quite spoiled. We had our own private pumpkin patch in our backyard. This year, Zac and I and several friends headed out to a locate pumpkin patch and corn maze. I had never been through a real corn maze so that was fun! It was nice weather when we went but it had been raining earlier so it was super muddy. Bu that didn't stop us from getting some pumpkins.

In other good news....I finally found a job! It is for a Health Fitness Specialist so right up my alley. The best part is that it is only about 10-15 hours a week with the possibility of increasing in hours later. I will get the opportunity to teach group exercise and personal train a little more. Definitely more hands on wellness than what I was doing previously. 

Race the Reserve

Each year, I set a goal to accomplish at least one hard physical feat which is usually a half marathon or other road race. I met that goal! Two weeks ago I ran the Race the Reserve Half Marathon on Whidbey Island. It was absolutely beautiful and perfect racing weather. My goal was under two hours, I missed it by one second according to my watch. SO CLOSE! I am still really happy with my time considering that I took two weeks off of running right in the middle of my peak training.

To make a good weekend even better, Kristin, Alan and Spencer came up from Portland so Alan could race as well. He was way too speedy for me to beat him. :) It was a lot of fun to have them up here. I am loving having a sister close by. 

Running has been a source of strength for me. It helps me relief stress and to deal with tough situations. It reminds me that I can accomplish my goals, that I can do hard things.   

Mormon Night

Every year, the Seattle Mariners have a Mormon night. Zac and I got a group of our friends together and went. It was a lot of fun! We even got free t-shirts. :) We ended up seeing people from BYU and from our last ward in Bellevue from two years ago. When you are Mormon the world can be quite small. The weather was beautiful and you couldn't beat the view of downtown from our seats. 

Tiptoeing through the Tulips

One of the things I love about the Northwest is how breathtakingly beautiful it can be. This past weekend Zac and I headed up north to join in the Annual Tulip Festival. There are several fields that you can walk around and see the rows and rows of tulips and daffodils as well as a display garden that had over hundred different kind of flowers. It was cloudy and cold at first, but by the afternoon the sun started to come out. Zac was a good sport and didn't complain about spending his whole Saturday looking at flowers.

 I love spring! I love all seasons, but I think I love season changes more than I actually like one season. I am definitely putting the Tulip Festival on my calendar again for next year.  

Whirly Ball

Whirly Ball.....the best way to describe it is a cross between Lacrosse and Bumper Cars...and it is super fun! This week Zac and I met up with some of his co-workers for a friendly game of whirly ball. Needless to say normal bumper cars will never be the same again.

Final Days of Summer

This is the last week in Seattle for Zac and I. This summer has definitely been one of the best summers of my life. Zac and I had so much fun exploring a new city. I also had the best summer job in the world. I am excited though to start another adventure with Zac. San Diego will be amazing. We still don't have a place to live, but everything will work out. It always does. As a final goodbye, Zac and I visited Alki beach which gives you the best view of downtown Seattle. We also had to get one last look at Pike's Place. I am really going to miss this place.....

Blackberries

One of my favorite things about the Northwest is the berries. This time of year there is so many different kinds of delicious fruit in season. This week, Zac and I discovered a ton of wild blackberry bushes along our favorite running/bike trail. I dragged Zac along and made him pick berries with me. I am going crazy with excitement thinking of all the different things I can make with them.  Any suggestions are welcome :)

Around Town

This past weekend Zac and I discovered the Bellevue Strawberry Festival. It was fun, even if it poured most of the time and most of the vendors were closed. We still enjoyed some chocolate covered strawberries and some strawberry shortcake. Yummm...

Last week while Zac and I were on a run we discovered this little gem. Newcastle Beach. There is a swimming area and a beach on Lake Washington.