2025 Begins!

Since we left right after opening our Christmas presents we didn't get much chance to do anything with them until we got back. I was excited to start this puzzle Dan got for me! It's one of those wood laser-cut puzzles that has pieces that are shaped in all kinds of fun ways! It was hard and challenging yet so engaging!

I had a gig at the Capital building in Olympia :) 

We finally did Christmas cookies! 

Still getting used to having a hot tub I can use any time I want! I didn't think I'd like the inflatable one, but it's been GREAT! We use it 3-4 times a week still.

Not sure why we didn't this sooner, but we turned our hall closet into a pantry! Now all our snacks don't get lost in the deep deep cupboard abyss.

Before we knew it was just about time for Cade to head back to Oberlin. Since Jorie had never done an escape room and we LOVE an excuse to do an escape room, we headed out to Gig Harbor Escape Hour for an awesome experience together and a great dinner. (and of course we escaped!)

See you in May! Go Oberlin!

One random Saturday we did some antiquing and at Buddy's Chicken and Waffles in Tacoma. Seriously, WA friends, if you haven't been to this restaurant, go now! Mouth watering-ly amazing.

In February the Army offered a marriage retreat. We've done a few of these over the years. The Army pays for a weekend at a hotel, childcare, food, and you go to some workshops and also have free time for family time and couple time. Since our kids are old and grown we just went by ourselves. The place we stayed was called the Skamania Lodge. I wasn't sure what to expect, but this place was gorgeous. We were on the WA side of the Columbia River Gorge, and man the scenery down there just hits different. The food they provided was great, the workshops were insightful, and during our 'date time' we went on a very wintery hike on the Oregon side. We even caught up with a college friend, Kari, for lunch on our way back home. It was a lovely little weekend away. 

Just check out those views!