Visit to MN

A week ago, Mike and I returned to Oregon from a visit in MN. Lucy and Brian also went on vacation to Noah's arf and had the time of their life! they were so tired when we picked them up. They now miss their friends and can't wait to go back. For the record, they both lost 4 pounds from 5 days of play, play, play!

Sweet Abby

Bro Ryan and nephew Ryder. Check out his headband, just like his auntie wears!

Grandpa and baby Ty, so smiley!

Ryder hugging uncle Mike, he loved uncle Mike once he got passed his scary hair:)

Us

Shots! 6! Oysters!

Best friends

Mike playing with Zandar and Gunner. they both took on a liking to Mike, who doesn't?!? Zander followed Mike everywhere around the house for attention. Zandar felt so comfortable around Mike, he even peed on him. Too much info?

Zandar showing off for Mike, he even puffed his feathers!

Don't ask, but wherever Mike goes, drama follows.

Sweet Abby and Mike

Great day for a view, Mt hood is closest, then Mt Bachelor and Sisters mountain.

Brian, home, tired.

To sum up our weekend, we flew in, went out to dinner with the folks, I ran 15 miles on a treadmill-gross, went to my old work, had lunch with good friends, had dinner with best friends, tried to stay warm-it's cold in mn, went out for coffee, slept in with Abby in our bed, visited Mike's family in Lacrosse, took care of someone with a broken ankle, went to the gym, practiced yoga at lululemon, took a total conditioning class, drank water, ate food, saw family, went home to a beautiful 60 degree sunny day, picked up the pooches, got home.

Celebrate the life

We are saddened by the news of Shaddow's passing today. Lucy and Brian will miss their playmate tremendously. Brian and Shaddow sure had something special chasing each other around. Shaddow will be sorely missed by all of us but are relieved to know that you are now at peace.


Lap doggie! I loved how Shaddow would back up and park it on your legs when you kneeled on the floor. Even cuter was when she missed. Hey, no one's perfect.

Shaddow was so full of kisses, sometimes it was tough to get air, but so worth it. Will miss those the most.

Love you Shaddow, you're such a good girl.

Thank you for the wonderful memories and for taking care of Mindee, Ryan and Jordan!

Goodbye 2008...Hello 2009!

2008 was a year for many changes. Myself, Mike, Lucy and Brian packed up and moved across the country to Oregon, started new jobs, I trained and ran for my first (and not last) marathon, visited Mt Hood for the first time, experienced driving for the first time on unsalted icy roads, had more snow days in December than in my entire life in MN (how does that work), Mike made his first Thanksgiving turkey and it was delicious, our first Xmas outside of MN (and still a white christmas-we were snowed in). So much has happened and so much yet to come. Here's a look at our holiday season:

Lucy and Brian patiently waiting for our turkey to brine. They were waiting there for 24 hours for that thing. They are such good watch doggies!

Our tree, a noble fir, native to the Pacific Northwest. So pretty!

Our tree all dressed up and nowhere to go

Our mantle and stockings. We are so festive!

Brian with a large rawhide.

Brian working hard. Hilarious! He reminds me so much of Marley in Marley & me! Except for the chewing up everything in site part...

Lucy tuckered out after a day of playing in the snow, walks, and rawhide chewing. Life is rough for the pooches

Mike in his new shirt from mom and dad. Nice work, I think he likes it!

Happy new year!

Winter Wonderland!

We have had a week of snow, and from what I have been told, Portland doesn't get snow like this. I am starting to think that we brought the MN weather with when we moved, and was really hoping to get away from this wintery filth when we moved. Alas, this should be the last of it for a while and the snow will be long gone by the end of the week. Tis the season....



The front of our house a week ago when the snow started. Check out our lights, we are so festive!

Couch St, in the Pearl District of Portland. So pretty!

More snow, topped with freezing rain. Nice combo, especially when plows are nowhere to be found....Bueller? Don't count on salt, either, Portland doesn't use salt on the icy roads. It makes for a tricky commute.

Lucy LOVING the snow!

Brian is prancing around in the snow....with my shoe!

Happy "birthday," Brian!

It was 5 years ago today that we adopted and introduced Brian to his new and improved home and life. Brian has come such a long way since we rescued him, he didn't know what a treat was! When we gave him his first treat, he dropped it and looked at us as if he was wondering what was next. Brian has been such a light day in and day out, he even has a mischevious side to him. Thank you so much for the memories so far, Brian! We love you so much (especially Lucy)!

Happy birthday!

Happy birthday Ryan! I hope you have a wonderful day old man!

More Yoga, Om!

Natarajasana (Lord of the dance pose)

Virabhadrasana III (Warrior III)

Reverse Warrior

Utthita Hasta Padangustasana (hand to big toe pose)

Vasisthasana (Side plank pose)

Bakasana (Crow pose)

Utthita Parsvakanasana (extended side angle pose)

Virabhradrasana II (Warrior II)

Namaste

Weekend visit to Minnesota

I had a glorious weekend in Minnesota seeing family, friends, and celebrating Jordan's first birthday! Happy birthday, bud! I also got to meet my newest nephew, Tysen for the first time. It was so nice to finally meet you!! He's lucky he got to witness what a Herrmann family birthday party will be like. I hope he is fully prepared for the festivities in 9 months.


Jordan spending time with his auntie (that's me!)

Jordan and mommy Mindee. He sure loves his mommy!

Abby sure was a trooper this weekend with all the kiddies, people, noise, and chaos. What a good girl!

Jordan showing us his Elvis moves and notice the peace sign? I just noticed that!

YAY, Jordan! You are SO BIG now that you are 1!

Herrmann family clan. We are missing one person, however, Michael!

Ryan and little Tysen. He is so darn cute, and by cute, I am referring to Tysen. :) It was so nice to meet you lil buddy!

So many birthday toys for a big boy!

I am taking a picture of my bro who is taking a picture of me!

Gramma and Ryder. He is a spitting image of Ryan.

Jordan, I know you are a big boy, but you need to shave!

Sky view of Mt Hood from my seat on the plane.

I have the greatest family and the greatest friends ever. Thanks, mom and dad for hosting everything and for the wonderful weekend! Can't wait to visit again!