California

I had the opportunity to attend a feeding conference in Anaheim. I didn't want to go by myself, so I convinced Cole to come for a few days. Then he decided hanging out alone for 2 days didn't sound like much fun. My parents jumped at the chance to join us at Disneyland. So we turned it into a little vacation. We were able to spend one day at Disneyland, a day at California Adventure, two days at Huntington Beach, and go to a Dodger's game. My favorite parts of the trip were getting a pineapple whip and riding the Tower of Terror.

Day 1: Disneyland
Finding Nemo
Dodger's Stadium
Inside the Tower of Terror
It was our favorite ride by far, 4 times in 1 day



I got soaked!

We decided Disneyland really is the happiest place on earth.

Our First Anniversary

We celebrated our first anniversary on July 25th. On the actual day Cole had to work so the night before we went to dinner at Canyon Crest. Here a few pictures of the amazing view from the restaurant.

On our real anniversary Cole made me eggplant sandwiches. He also made these for our first Valentine's day and won me over with them. We also watched Alice in Wonderland, our gift to ourselves. It was pretty low key, but just what we wanted.

Below is a picture of the top layer of our wedding cake. The year old cake didn't turn out too well. I think it had fermented or something. Anyway I think we each tolerated a few bits of it for tradition's sake.

Summa Time

Last weekend we planned a quick getaway to Sun Valley to hang out with family and friends. Cole and Andy competed in a trail run Saturday morning. Cole's parents and I decided to watch the start. I tried to catch up with them on my bike, but was only able to catch up to the last 3 people. Cole ended up finishing with a decent time, despite not much training.

At the start line

Finishing up

Looking good after the race

The rest of the trip we hung out by the pool, enjoyed some tennis, walked around town, and ate lots of good food. It was a great relaxing weekend. Its so nice to be this close to Sun Valley.

Kathryn, Matt, & Cole enjoying some ice cream

For me the highlight of the trip was getting ice cream, twice! We found this place with the best ice cream! The first day I had lemon bar. It was delicious with chunks of gooey lemon bar in a lemon flavored ice cream. The second time around I went for circus animal, which was filled with the cookie. The ice cream is made locally. Here's the info: http://sunvalleyicecream.com/flavors.htm

Ethan Meets Twin Falls

Ever since Cole and I moved to Twin Falls, Ethan has been asking to come for "a long weekend", as he likes to refer to it. We finally found a weekend that worked out for everyone. It was an awesome weekend, filled with lots of fun things for a four year old. Ethan behaved well for the most part. We had a trip to Imagination Station hanging over his head, if he was a good listener. The trip to the toy store was the highlight of the trip for him. I needed another day off to recover and clean up after the little peanut. Here are the photos documenting our adventures.

Playing at the neighborhood park

Hop To It

We took Ethan to Hop to it Saturday morning, hoping to wear him out. I think it backfired on us, because Cole and I were exhausted, but Ethan still had plenty of energy. We practically had the place to ourselves, making it even more fun.

Just had to throw one of Cole in

Before we left Ethan insisted on having pink cotton candy. After Hop to it, we headed down the canyon for a picnic. Friday night, Ethan casually asked us, "what kinds of restaurants do you have around here?" Ultimately, he was politely asking if we could go to McDonald's. So we got some Donalds and ate lunch in the park. We also walked to the waterfall, but Ethan didn't want to walk behind. Not sure he quite understood the concept.
We spent the afternoons in the backyard with the slip 'n slide and waterguns.

Pretty sure Cole & I had more fun with this than Ethan

Loved playing with the bubbles in the big tub
Cole & Ethan at Shoshone Falls

Playing at Dierkes Lake

This kid is always cracking us up with the funny stuff he says. Some of my favorites from the weekend included:

"But my mom never makes me go to bed this late." Except he meant to say early

"My mom never makes me brush my teeth before bed."

"My mom never makes me brush my teeth in the morning."

"I don't know what I want, I think the yellow helicopter. I'm not sure but do you guys have the money for that?" Dreaming about what toy he would get to pick out

"I dreamed about the Easter bunny. He brought me lots of eggs and candy."

"These are smelly, I'm not eating that." In reference to the eggs he requested for breakfast

He also sang a song about how Cole and I are in love. Wish we would have caught it on video, it was pretty cute.

Unfortunately, the adventure had to end. I told Ethan I would miss him, but he reassured by saying, "you can call me anytime Katie." Hopefully, he will get to come again soon.

Wedding Season

Almost two months ago my brother Matt got married in Pendleton, Oregon. The wedding was beautiful and it was fun seeing lots of family members.

Bride & Groom at the rehearsal dinner

The guys waiting for the bride

Husband & Wife

Reception

Cole & Ty

Sweet Groom's Cake

Celebrating After the Reception

Bruce & Terri

At the end of April one of my best friends got married in the Baltimore. Cole, my parents, and I spent the week before the wedding in DC doing all the tourist stuff. It was lots of fun, but not much of a relaxing vacation. Especially the flight home...

Michael & Cole

Washington Monument

Katey & Katie

Beautiful Dress

Gorgeous Bride

Cara, Katie, Samantha, Ali

Mr. & Mrs. Marsh

The Arnold Palmer

No, I'm not talking about the golfer. For those of you that don't know an Arnold Palmer is a drink. Its half iced tea and half lemonade. I'm completely obsessed and addicted to it!

It all began when one afternoon Annie & Andy snuck in some Arnies (my nickname for it) to a movie. I wasn't immediately blown away, but slowly began to like to more. Then one night in Twin Falls after a mean game of bowling I got this crazy craving for an Arnie. I hadn't thought about it since the movie theater. We began the hunt to find one. After stopping at a gas station and getting goofy looks for asking, "Do you have any Arnold Palmers?", we decided to head to good old Winco. You see Annie & Andy have bought them there before.

On the way to Winco I was explaining them to Cole, who was thinking I was crazy by this point. I was so excited and passionate about this drink. Low and behold we found them at Winco for $0.77! Of course we grabbed one for each hand and then some. We, well mostly me, felt giddy like a school kid. I was so thrilled over a stupid drink! I don't think Cole was too impressed with his first sip. Probably because I hyped it up too much or maybe because it wasn't cold.

Anyway...a month later and I'm admittedly addicted. There are few days that I go without having one. I've been scoping out all grocery stores and gas stations looking for them. Just my luck the gas station by work and Walgreens by my house are carriers. So when I have an Arnie craving, like today at work, I can get one quick.

One thing I forgot to mention is the awesome can. Its covered in the famous golfer's picture. Its also extra funny because it comes in a big can, so it looks like a tall boy. Yes, both Cole and I have been asked by our co-workers if we are drinking alcohol at work.

You should go try one.