Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Happy Birthday to Me!

This year was a big birthday year for me. 30! I think that I am mostly happy to be headed into my 30s and leave the 20s behind.

I started out my birthday by taking a big step - I went and took some pictures for a friend's family reunion. I was a nervous wreck, but I decided that it was a great way to start off a new decade in my life.

Dealing with anxiety issues the last few years has really held me back as far as trying new things in my life and stretching and challenging myself. The anxiety even makes it hard for me to do dumb little things like drive to a new part of town by myself. SO, I have been trying to take steps to do fun new things despite the fear that holds me back. Taking pictures of 40+ people gathered together for a family reunion an hour and a half drive outside of Spokane was definately one of those big steps for me. I thought it was a great way to start year 30!

After that I came home and needed a nap! Then we headed to the south part of town to one of my favorite little places for dinner. Later, my dear sweet friend, Stacey, brought over a wonderful birthday cake. Yum!



Just for laughs, I thought I would include this picture. The photo organizer on our computer has automatic red eye reduction and this was the first picture I saw when I uploaded the pictures of my birthday. I guess it got a little confused!

Thursday, August 07, 2008

A Day at the Park

Saturday was a 30 year celebration at Riverfront park. The park is located just north of downtown Spokane and runs right along the river. There are beautiful walking and biking paths, some amusement rides and an IMAX theater. To celebrate, the park was offering day passes at the 1978 prices - $6.00 for all of the rides and a ticket to an IMAX movie. The kids amazingly enough made it through the entire "Lewis and Clark" movie and we enjoyed some amusement rides and a bike ride along the river. It ended up being a wonderful Saturday together as a family.




Both of the kids had fun on the roller coaster. We couldn't believe Kellan didn't freak out!






Mirielle loved the bumper cars. It almost made me cry watching her drive into the other kids on the cars. It was one of those moments that made me realize how big and independent she is getting.










I still can't figure out a way to get a 2 year old to look at the camera with a nice big smile.


Or a 5 year old for that matter.



Only if I am really lucky does she grace me with a smile.