North Shore Trail

Last week we took a quick trip to Washington state. We went to Bellingham for a couple of days to see the family. As part of our renewed effort to get inshape, we even went on a couple runs together. On this one, we took the North Shore Trail by Lake Watcom. Rece was a trooper bundled up in his stroller.

Rece ready for the North Shore Trail

About a mile into the trail there is a this beautiful waterfall. We had to stop and take a picutre. It's amazing how much easier it is to run when you have beautiful scenery!

Happy runners!

First dentist visit

A couple days ago I took Rece to his first dentist visit. I didn't know kids as young as Rece should go but our pediatrician recommended that we do. I was nervous. As a kid I had a lot of cavities and hated going to the dentist. It was always a trip filled with anxiety and disappointment. The only bright side (if you call it that) was that the dentist in the small town we went to was pretty loose on the happy gas - so I went under for almost any procedure. But that's way off topic here. Ever since Rece has had teeth Carrie has been consistent in making sure we brush them every night. It's made for some interesting and tear-filled moments during bath time, but I stick to it hoping that it'll develop habits that will pay off big time in the long run.

And, our visit confirmed that our effort is paying off - Rece's teeth are plaque free and look great. The hygienist and dentist were great and it's a very cool office for kids; I think he'll love it as he gets older (especially if he keeps up the excellent oral health.)

Seth and Rece at his first dentist visit. He had that concerned look the whole time.

The last 14 months with Rece have really made me consider how much of success comes from daily effort - getting into good habits that keep adding up day after day. I get a bit impatient at time and wants things to change now, to get better now, but just like Rece's healthy teeth, you got do the hard work day after day. Trying to be a good dad is making me be a better person. (And, yes, I am taking much better care of my own teeth!)

A homemade Valentine's Day gift

This year Carrie suggested we make homemade gifts to exchange for Valentine's Day. I loved the idea but was nervous the moment she suggested it. What to make? Carrie is crafty and has a great eye for design. Me? I get interested in something (I'm sure I'll post about my patio cushions at some point in the future) and then I lose interest. So. I'm not really skilled in anything. Except...I write. A lot. I used to love creative and expository writing. Now most of that energy goes into writing for our business - proposals, agreements, correspondence and narrative for courses and trainings we design.

So, the idea occurred to me: what if my gift was to help write and capture the stories and memories of our adventure together as two people deeply in love with one another raising a family, working together, growing our faith, and enjoying some of the best neighbors on the planet? That meets the criteria of homemade, right? I think so (but, I'm also planning on building a headboard for our bed as a back-up, too - pics of that to come soon, I hope.) So with that, here is the first of thousands of entries. No better way to start than with a picture of our son Rece who made his own homemade Valentines this year. Happy Valentine's Day to all - may all of our friends and family know how much we love you.
- Seth

Rece painting hearts for his Valentine's Day cards