The annual modeling of her wedding dress

Abby has adorned her wedding dress for all six of our anniversaries. This year was no exception. She still fits... and she looks just as good as on our wedding day, if not better. It's a fun tradition. This year we even busted out the veil and crown, and I cut some flowers for her to hold. Doesn't she look stunishing!?





This year her dress got the attention of several neighbors. One neighbor threw his car in reverse and stopped to say hi. I said, "back off; she's mine!" I might have jumped the gun a little bit because his wife and two kids were in the car. Actually, they stopped to say she looked pretty and asked what the occasion was. So did the other neighbors.

Celebrating 6 years of wedded bliss

Abby and I celebrated our six-year wedding anniversary this weekend by taking a trip to the beautiful San Juan Islands. (For those of you who don't know, they're local. We didn't travel to another exotic location.) It's hard to beat the Pacific Northwest summers and what our local area has to offer. We spent Friday and Saturday night on San Juan Island - the first night at the Friday Harbor House and the second night at Lakedale Resort.

This is Abby taking a snooze while we waited in line to catch the ferry. We got to the ferry ternminal more than two hours early to ensure that we got on the 3:10 p.m. sailing. If you miss it... let's just say you didn't want to miss it.


It was nearly 80 degrees on Friday, so taking a ride on the ferry through the San Juan Islands was sweet relief. We spent most of the hour-plus ride on the outside deck enjoying the scenery and cool breeze.


Getting ready to enjoy champagne! (Thanks for the bottle, Anne Marie. It's the one you brought back from Italy.)


The Friday Harbor House provided breakfast and an amazing view for us in the morning. We sat outside in the sunshine and enjoyed fritatta, homemade granola, yogurt, muffins, scones, english muffins, cinnamon swirl toast and much more.

During breakfast we enjoyed a view of Friday Harbor. We probably sat outside for nearly two hours just relaxing, chatting and enjoying the morning.


We spent the better part of Saturday touring the island. The Straight of Juan de Fuca is behind us in this picture.


One of Abby's favorite things that we did, aside from staying at the Friday Harbor House, was stopping by the Lavendar Festival. While I don't love the smell of lavendar, I sucked it up and had a good time touring the field of flowers.


Enjoying the views from another vantage point on the island.


We went to Roche Harbor twice on Saturday. Why? Because it's amazing. The first time we walked through and gawked at all the mega-yachts. Honestly, who can afford boats that big? The second time we watched the sunset. The sunset didn't disappoint either.


You won't see any pictures of the Lakedale Resort, where we stayed the second night, because it was a tent camp site. We were really only there for a cheaper place to stay.

Abby and I decided on our way home that this anniversary trip was a compilation of our previous anniversaries. The first night we stayed in a really nice place and the second night we camped - and we've done both for previous celebrations. Kind of funny. We enjoyed it!

Sounders game

After we were done picking raspberries, on Saturday, we then drove down to Seattle for the Sounders game. This is the third game we've been to this season. They're so much fun! The crowd chants, cheers, jeers and stands for most of the game. The only time our section sat down was at halftime or for an injury. Count it - ninety minutes of standing for active participation in the game. There are special synchronized claps and chants that are unique to the Sounders games. Not only that, the majority of fans are decked out in Sounder's gear, and most are wearing the token scarf too. It's unlike other American sports. It's very European. The fan support for the Sounders far surpases all other Major League Soccer teams too. If you ever get the chance to go, do it. You won't regret it. The sounders won 2-1.

Sweet, delicious, succulent raspberries

After we visited the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall on Saturday, we headed over to Boxx Berry Farm and picked some amazing raspberries. Saturday was opening day for raspberry picking at the farm. Abby and I got there right when it opened so we could have the pick of the litter. The berries were perfect. So perfect we picked 25lbs worth. We both really enjoying getting out into the fields and picking fresh berries. Plus, you pick one, eat one, pick two, eat one, pick one, eat one... you get the idea.






That's just one of the five bowls we filled. Scrumptulescent!

Powerful memorial

The traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall came through Bellingham last weekend, so Abby and I went and saw it. It is a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom. There are soooooo many names written on the wall. Panel after panel after panel are covered with names. We feel so blessed and fortunate to live in such a wonderful country, and are extremely proud of and thankful for those who have served and are serving. A special thanks to my grandfather and father for serving as well!

We've seen the permanent wall in Washington DC, and we've seen the traveling wall twice; it's just as moving every time.


(In case you can't read the text in the picture: This tribute is dedicated to the memory of our brothers and sisters who lost their lives in the Vietnam War and to the missing in action and prisoners of war who were left behind in southeast Asia. - 1955 The price of freedom is written on the wall.)


The wall is so long.


There are so many names.

It's a boy!

Congratulations Corey and Holly Bedient on your new baby boy - William Bedient! We're so excited for you and your new son.

Abby and I visited Corey and Holly in the hospital the day after they had William - July 5. They were in great spirits and doing very well.

Abby, Holly and William.


Abby and William


Me and William


Corey, Holly and William

Happy Birthday Matt

At the end of June, we drove to Bellevue on a Monday night to surprise Matt for his 29th birthday. He wasn't totally surprised, but we had a great time together nonetheless.

Here we are enjoying a group dinner, celebrating Matt's last year before he turns the big 30.


Left to right: Corey and Holly Bedient, Abby and Dustin Terpening, Taylor and Mindy Swedberg, Matt Metsker and Chelsea Blakely, Tim Reeves (missing Jessica), and James and Ingrid Aires. All the 601 roommates together with the exception of Matt Kellen.


Dude picture: Corey, Dustin, Matt, Taylor, Tim and James.


Chelsea and Matt. Thanks, Chelsea, for organizing the surprise party! It was awesome.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATT!!!