The Roses Mini Vacation

Richard took this week off of work, so we decided to go on vacation to Seattle.....
no hotels, no eating out, but lots of time together. Anna is going to be little for only a short time, and I guess Richard just got a little jealous of all the time I get to spend with her during the day. Usually he gets just a little teaser of her in the morning (at her most adorable) and then has to run to catch the bus to work. This week Richard was so excited to spend the whole day, every day, with his daughter. In fact, every day Richard tells Anna (as she giggles at us from her crib) "guess what-- Daddy doesn't have to leave you today!"

Our first stop was to explore some of the Cascade mountains. We hiked "Little Si" a 5 miles and 1400 vertical feet. It was awesome. For those of you who are "Twilight" fans, the mountain forest we hiked through looked exactly like the forest that Edwards whisks Bella through. I half expected vampires, wolves, or elf sprites to jump out at us. In fact, at one point, Richard walked up beside me and said "you know what I am.....say it!" To which I responded "you're a nerd is what you are!" I love my husband!

This is a view from the top!
Didn't I tell you this forest looked enchanted!
Edward has nothin' on Richard. I choose my living, funny, brilliant Richard any day!
Anna has the greatest expressions. I can't wait for her to talk. I don't know what her face is saying in the photo below...but I am sure it is profound! She can say anything with her eyes!

Ol' blue eyes!
This is my favorite picture of Anna. She's my friend!
Whenever I have a hard day with Anna, I am just going to watch this video. I think I would go through any kind of hardship, walk across hot coals, drink spoiled milk, watch endless Charlie Chaplin movies (which Richard has been renting as a part of his quest to watch the top 100 movies of all time) to hear this little girl laugh!