Prendre la vie comme elle vient

Mr. and Mrs. Simpkins!

I didn't stand a chance at dry eyes as Sarah walked down the aisle of St. Clements church on May 27, 2007 (okay, I didn't stand a chance even before she arrived) and my poor feet didn't stand a chance at feeling well rested the next day... Derek and I had amazing amounts of fun dancing with the girls (& their guys) all night at the Quidnesset reception.

Now presenting... for the first time... Mrs. and Mr. Simpkins!!!

So happy for her!!!!

Snatching a quick photo op with the lovely bride and groom!
(Yes, Allen - today you have to oblige to be in my pictures!)

on the porch at Quidnesset

Jess & Katura, Stacey & Garrett, Alison, Derek & I, Mary & Blake

Why, no... we did not plan this
(Sarah, Ali & I rocking the black & white)

Aww...
(getting lots of practice for next summer!)

"High on Life!"
...rocking the dance floor

20 years later, look at us!
Mr. Tobin would be proud.

Me & my Sarah... she'll always be a Walker to me!

To market, to market, to view a bronzed pig...

We heart Pike Place Market. More specifically, we heart brunch at Cafe Campagne followed by browsing the stalls of produce, gifts and other oddities for hours on end.

True Seattleites!

We are not like the tourists behind us just because we brought out our camera... we promise.

Derek winning himself a t-shirt and a chance at a drawing to be a real fish thrower at the 100th anniversary celebration...

Discovering Discovery Park...

Lauren, our Partner in Adventure, accompanied us on our discovery hike of Discovery Park this weekend... hooray for beach views in Seattle!

Discovery Park: Discovered!
5/12/07, Dawn, Derek, Lauren and Kobe

Cutest picture ever... coming to a mailbox near you by 7.20.08
(three cheers for make-your-own-postal-stamp sites!)

Derek <3s posing with me in a variety of scenic venues...

family photo along the beach

What sign? Kobe, did you see a sign?

Family Hiking time at Twin Falls

Time to celebrate Derek's foot not being broken anymore / Cinco de Mayo, we headed out into the Cascade Mountains to explore what mini-hiking in Washington is all about. We were pleased to discover waterfalls, rivers, wooded paths and even a sandy beach.

Kobe can't even tell you how much he loves being hoisted up for these family portraitures...

the lengths I go to for good photo ops...

Daddy and puppy looking pretty by the side of the river...

Hey, we hadn't brought the camera out in a while...
not to mention that Derek deserves a good punch, now and again.. :)

Sunday in Seattle

Just a stroll along the Public Market, brunch at Campagne (our new favorite place!) and a game of softball on a Sunday with Lauren & Derek... a beautiful Seattle day! :)

secret to the market: get there early for some peace and beauty!

me & my two fans, post game :)

Bowlin'

A fun night at the Garage rockin' and bowlin' with my Seattle homegirls and Derek. :)

On a mission...

Lauren, Caitlin and I take a break from the rigors of bowling competition to pose for a photo....

end of night at a random place in Capitol Hill...

Dog Parkin'

Time to give the pup a swim at Magnuson dog park, a beautiful site....

Go get it, boy!

Ready???

Those ears are sky-high... but look at the pretty scenery at Magnuson!

<3 these girls

I extended my Colorado stay for a little quality time with five of my favorite ladies. Shuttling from Denver to Louisville to Boulder to see them with their exciting life changes (new houses, degrees and fiances....what? life goes on without me?), I was glad they were able to take time out to spend with me. Lots of good food, good drinks and good times... and we even managed to (accidentally) find me a wedding dress to boot! (not pictured).