Camping on the Washington coast

Camping on the Washington coast

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

A highlight of our Summer is spending a long weekend camping on the Washington coast. It is rural, rugged and teaming with both sea and wildlife. Many an afternoon may be spent watching bald eagles fly overhead or exploring tide pools. Summer is such a fantastic time to live in Washington state that we try to limit all our out of state travel during those precious several months of Summer. In the Summer there is nowhere we would rather be than hiking familiar trails and camping amongst the starry clear skies. 

The art of spending time alone

The art of spending time alone

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

When I was a teenager I enjoyed constantly being surrounded by my friends. As I have gotten older I have discovered the wonderful regenerative feeling which comes from spending  quality time alone. Whether it be a hike, a run or shopping I have come to appreciate and understand the benefits of investing in quality time with myself. This time alone allows me the ability to think, reflect and most importantly learn to be comfortable in my own skin.

Sailing in Seattle

Sailing in Seattle

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

If I kept a list of all things I would like to buy a sailboat would pretty much top any list I could create. When the temperature rises around here, there is no place I would rather be than on the water. Over the past couple of years we have made it an annual tradition to go sailing with Let's Go Sailing at the start of every Summer. It is a fun, convenient, inexpensive and easy way to get out on the Puget Sound. They offer both day and sunset cruises and are unique in that they allow you to bring your own food and drink aboard for your enjoyment. 

Remembering my Grandma

Remembering my Grandma

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Last week the world lost a good woman. My grandmother, Elizabeth Jean, after living a long and vibrant life passed away in her sleep. Upon hearing of her passing so many memories flooded my mind. As the only grandchildren on my mother's side, we were given the rare opportunity to be spoiled, visited, and loved like crazy. My grandparents made the effort to be present for almost every milestone in my life and when they could not be they would phone to see how it was or went. We always knew we were top priority in their lives. As I grew older and got married I was delighted when my grandparents came to love my husband as dearly too. 

A Summer wedding reception

A Summer wedding reception

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

This year, on the Summer solstice we were in Utah celebrating the wedding of Cameron's cousin. I can think of no better way to kick start Summer then by attending an outdoor wedding reception. The evening was a quintessential Summer soiree, including warm weather, a festive atmosphere and relaxed environment. A color palette of whites and green dotted the backyard where there was enough food and entertainment to keep even the most discerning guest happy. 

Our gender reveal party

Our gender reveal party

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Almost two years to the date we held a gender reveal for when we were pregnant with our first child, Asher. My parents at the time only had granddaughters, so the announcement of the first grandson was really a reason to celebrate. As simple and last minute as the party was it has remained one of our favorite parties we have ever hosted.

Summer hiking

Summer hiking

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

With Summer in full swing I have been itching to get out and go hiking on a more regular basis. As our schedule has settled down and my baby bump continues to grow larger, we plan to spend the majority of the next several months in Seattle. For those of you who are itching to do a little Summer hiking here are a few of my all time favorite places to go hiking:

Shopping in Amsterdam

Shopping in Amsterdam

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

This Spring we had the opportunity to visit the wonderful city of Amsterdam. I instantly feel in love with its charm, like something out of a fairytale. I enjoyed taking a boat through it many waterways, walking over its many bridges, looking out as a pedestrian for its many bicycles and photographing its unique buildings. One of the things I really loved about Amsterdam was it fantastic shopping. 

A Summer wedding

A Summer wedding

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Cameron's cousin was married this past weekend in Salt Lake City. Aside from the bride being a timeless beauty, her dress was a stunning little number from BHLDN. Over the past ten years it has certainly become easier to curate and execute great ideas for your wedding with Pinterest and blogs. 

Celebrating love

Celebrating love

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Time has flown by, we have not been home very many weekends these past few months. We just returned from a whirlwind trip to Utah this past weekend. At the last minute, we decided to drive there for Cameron's cousin's wedding.  Despite our lack of planning or time we decided we would just make it work. The weather was gorgeous, the wedding was flawless and it left me wanting to get married all over again.

Anniversary dinner

Anniversary dinner

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Every year in celebration of our anniversary we have dinner at Ray's boathouse. Ray's is a special place to us because this is where we had our wedding reception. Adjacent to the restaurant is a private building which can be rented out for events. It is nice to have such a scenic and special place to return to year after year. After a cloudy day the skies momentarily parted and we were able to enjoy dinner outside on the deck.

Anniversary cake

Anniversary cake

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Food

For our anniversary I usually try to make a delicious and visually appealing cake. Several years ago, in lieu of gift giving, we decided to spend our money on things we could enjoy together (ie. eating out at a fancy restaurant, going away for the weekend, attending a musical or a concert etc.) Making this cake has turned into a small token of my love on our special day.

Nine years

Nine years

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Cameron and I are happy to be celebrating our nine year anniversary today. I am grateful for the decision we made to consciously invest in each other on a daily basis. Through good times and bad, it is nice to have a soft place to fall at the end of each day. I make no qualms about it, he is my better half. 

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

We love to go on weekend getaways, but when we have reason to celebrate it is even more fun. With Father's Day, our anniversary, and just having found out the gender of baby #2 within a few days of each other there was a lot to celebrate. There is something inherently relaxing about being at the beach, it is not a fast paced environment. Our weekend to do list consisted of tide pool exploring, beach combing, finding a good ice cream place, and getting plenty of fresh air. 

Happy weekend and Happy Father's Day!

Happy weekend and Happy Father's Day!

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Moments after loosing our son my husband and I embraced. In a rare moment of strength I  assured him everything was going to be okay, that we were going to be okay. Admittedly, deep down I was worried, we were entering the unknown. The only thing I knew for sure in that moment was of our love and that it could withstand the greatest heartache. I remember seeing the pain in his eyes and how I wanted to make it all go away.  In the coming weeks and months our roles reversed. Often I would burst into tears and repeatedly say "All I want is our son back. I miss him so much it hurts." He would loving say, "I know, so do" and he would hold me all the tighter. 

Strawberry Picking

Strawberry Picking

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Growing up we spent many a Summer day picking strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. Aside from berry picking making me nostalgic for my childhood, I love to have access to loads of fresh fruit on a daily basis. I think if I could only eat one food the rest of my life, it just might be some type of berry. 

Creating a sense of community

Creating a sense of community

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

The idea of community has been on my mind lately. The lengths some will go to create a sense of community, the inherent need others have to be part of a community and those who fight against anything recognizable to a community. Once we moved into a home I automatically assumed we would become part of a neighborhood community, but over the past couple of years I have realized just how autonomous everyone around us is. While other streets host neighborhood block parties, it would be shocking if everyone knew each others names.

Gender reveal

Gender reveal

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Parenting

A recent trend in the world of pregnancy is to host a gender reveal party. With our first child we hosted one and so it only seems fair to host another one for our second child. If we have realized anything over the past couple of years, it is that life can take some unexpected twists and turns. When life is good it should be celebrated, which is reason enough for me to have a party.

Load More