August Twenty-Twenty-Five

 

song of the month below: 

https://youtu.be/0cKV8_MKsMw?si=q0DdHOufMbhofqr3

Sunlight fell and reminded me that life can be

So gracious sometimes

And I felt like everything around me

Was connected somehow

At night I hear the rhythm of the ocean

As it breaks on the shore

And I think about all the things that

I am grateful for

And they say, 

"Hold on to the ones you love

Keep 'em close to you"

And they say, 

"Hold on to this time we have

And let the light shine through"

Sometimes I get a little bit еmotional when

I see love unfold

Two hearts bound by rеflections of the memories

They'll forever hold

And they say, "Hold on to the ones you love

Keep 'em close to you"

And they say, "Hold on to this time we have

And let the light shine through"

There are blessings all around you

Open up your eyes

Feel the sunlight fall upon you

Let it free your mind

There are blessings all around you

Take a step outside

Let your heart shine in a new light

See it come alive

And they say, "Hold on to the ones you love

Keep 'em close to you"

And they say, "Hold on to this time we have

And let the light shine through" 

-Hollow Coves, "Blessings" 

This Way to a Great Day

I came across this rock on walk over in West Seattle this morning- so much fun! 

with Jodi and Jodi 

Friday night spontaneous volleyball game across the street 

catch up time with Delaney Friday evening 

Willow and her red balloon 

Saturday evening dinner 

We were so happy to be able to pull together a dinner with Craig McGoran and with the Atkins in honor of Jenn and Torque as they are moving to Minneapolis this fall-- 

Fall is Just Around the Corner

 

This tree on UW campus is a bittersweet reminder that summer is almost over and that fall is just around the corner.... Below are a few ways we've tried to soak up the last bits of summer. 

such a treat to have Tierney and Anna make dinner for us Wednesday night 

walk with Erin Stephen who is visiting from Scotland (she worked as an intern for Union a few summers ago and it was so fun to catch up with her at Green Lake) 

Peter and Jeff are the best hosts we know--- what a wonderful dinner last night at their place with some wonderful people gathered together! 

Woohoo!

 

Our friend Jessica whom we've gotten to know through the wonderful OPOP program graduated from a 10-week training program at South Seattle Community College today, and Laura and I got to go cheer her on. I was so glad I remembered to bring the beloved "Woohoo" sign as it made the rounds in a lot of the photos for the celebration. 📣

Bouldering Fun

 

Anna, Taylor, and Jason have all enjoyed going to the climbing gym this summer together at different Seattle Bouldering Project locations, and I had a ball joining them yesterday afternoon.... Taylor and Anna are such great coaches! 

yes- every good climbing gym should have a disco ball... see below! 

“The best climber in the world is the one who’s having the most fun.” – Alex Lowe

Thornton Lakes & Trappers Peak

This hike to Thornton Lakes and to Trappers Peak has been on our list for a long time, and it was such a gift that we had a chance to do it yesterday together. (And with all the hikes we've done this summer, this is the first one that we've been able to do with all four of us, so I was so very grateful). 

trail candy along the way to the peak 

"As you reach the top, just under 6,000 feet, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of a number of North Cascades gems. In front of you, the Picket Range, with spiny, dagger-like peaks and dramatic glaciers. To the west, Mount Triumph looms above and the upper Thornton Lakes are visible down below. Turning around, you’ll find incredible views of the Skagit River and farmlands stretching as far as you can see, and the town of Newhalem can be spotted nestled alongside Highway 20." -from the WTA description

summer at its best with a swim in this lake after a hot day of hiking