Maui & the Start of Summer

Let me tell you this- working, doing a master's degree, and playing take up so much time that I rarely blog anymore. My instagram is a better blog of my life than a real blog currently.

We survived a very wet and rainy winter, and rewarded ourselves with a trip to Maui! We had never been, and tickets from Seattle are well-priced, and we couldn't resist the sun, snorkeling, and sunsets in paradise. Ian and I played on Kaanapali Beach for a few days before we met Ian's mom, dad, and brother. With them, we did some hikes on the Road to Hana, went on a snorkel trip to Lanai, and hiked on the north side of the island as well. It was a wonderfully peaceful and relaxing spring break!

Kaanapali Beach

black sand beach!!!

I'ao Needle Valley

The countdown to summer started and the daily routine of work, mastering, church, and trying to make time for family set in. Our lease in Seattle ended and we made the big move to the suburbs of Seattle on the edge of Issaquah and Bellevue. It's been a huge change, but we love how close we are to hiking trails, and I love the 15 minute commute!

New apartment

new mantle and fireplace (below...not pictured)

Scott & Amy invited us to Portland, couldn't make it, but we still decided to go. It was so relaxing and fun! We had a blast eating delicious food, at the Portland Night Market, and we really enjoyed hiking the Trail of 10 Falls at Silver Falls State Park. All was without Dani, which was convenient because the hike didn't allow dogs (how irritating). Thankfully, Dani loves Kelsey, so she played with her while we were gone.

Portland Rose Garden

Trail of Ten Falls

The weekend following we camped at Tower Rock Campground, which is right between Mt. St. Helen's and Mt. Rainier. It was gorgeous, and we only got rained on the first night we were setting up. Not bad! We went on some beautiful hikes and enjoyed some afternoon naps.

Dani log jumping (and sitting)

Packwood Lake

The real countdown to summer began, and I started packing up my classroom in Portblandia. Yes, I got "promoted" to a classroom inside the building next year! We're on a portable rotation plan, and I am thrilled to finally have running water and not have to endure the elements on a daily basis. I said goodbye to my 5th graders that I loved and those that I learned to love. I always dislike those that say they learn from the kids, but this year that was very true! They were so kind and welcoming and inclusive that it truly warmed my heart and I am sad to see them move on to bigger and better things.More change happened with the 5th grade team splitting up. I have no shame in saying it was the dream team-with lots of laughter, innovation, and collaboration. With Colin moving to Oregon and Liza interning and going on to her dream science job, that leaves only Katie and I. That also means I'm going to be team lead, which I feel not ready for at all...especially with only three years of teaching at Newcastle. Thank goodness the intern and boss are so supportive and know my own concerns. I will also have a student teacher for the first part of next year! Exciting, and I hope I can be the mentor teacher that makes as positive of an impact as my mentor teacher did!

5th Grade Dream Team

Beach Day

I'm SO excited that it's summer. Even though I have two master's classes to finish before I graduate on August 31, we found time for some fun. My mom is coming next week, I'm heading to an ITP retreat (technology training), Girl's Camp, San Diego & LA, and a fun road trip to Big Sur/Phoenix/Utah are all happening in the next eight weeks!