Posted on

Hello, 2011!!

Is it really 2011?? Geesh, where did 2010 go? We have had the most wonderful time these past few days. We started off the 31st of December going swimming at the Anacortes pool with Maggie, my mom, brother and sister-in-law. Maggie still loves the water, as we haven’t been back to the pool since Hawaii.

We rang in the new year at Joe and Claire’s wedding (Congrats, Joe & Claire!!!) and it was so great. Barry looked dashingly handsome in his tux and we got to see so many of our very, very best friends. We stayed out super late – by our standards. I think we finally made it back home by 1 o’clock – and discovered that Maggie was fast asleep in my mom’s arms. (Thanks, Mama!!) My camera died so I don’t have a ton of photos….I do have some gems that I’ll post later this week. It truly was wonderful to see our friends.

We hopped on a ferry and came out to Lopez Island for a couple nights and now we’re all relaxing and contemplating this coming year. We went on some super long walks today and soaked up the sun….well, if you can soak up the sun through wool hats and down vests.

Happy New Year from HB to YOU from beautiful Lopez Island.

Posted on

A Family Tree of Sorts

December is a busy month. There are no two ways about it. Our calendar fills up and before we know it almost all of our weekends are gone. Granted, most often we find ourselves surrounded by our very best friends and incredible family.

Christmas Eve often comes at a perfect time and it is a day that I truly enjoy. Yes, it is filled with presents and a delicious crab dinner. Yes, it is the start of a crazy few days for the HB crew. Yes, to all that. But one of my very favorite traditions that my family has tried to do for a number of years is get outside together and at least go for a walk.

This year we loaded up into two cars and headed to West Beach and took a long beach walk. Phil had Maggie in the Ergo, so Barry and I were able to zig-zag around touching base with each other and everyone else. Sydney, a huge proponent of beach walks, zipped along with Taggert and Sparky.

West Beach is a place that I loved going as a child because it seemed to have everything: salt water, fresh water, a cement bike loop, the Trap Door Tree, a beach, sand dunes, etc. I haven’t been there in years and as an adult it was fun to return, especially with my brothers. They too adore the park.

Barry and I have been having lots of conversations about traditions we want to start here at HBHQ – I’m lobbying for getting outside together as a family because it seems to put a smile on everyone’s face and remove the stress that this busy month can bring.

Posted on

Shirt Hair and Other Joys

When I was a child I liked to traipse around the house in the evening with my shirt hanging on my head as if it were long, long hair. I loved how it felt and daydreamed of having flowing locks. Of course the reality of having long hair wasn’t as cool as flipping my shirt this way and that way, much to my parent’s chagrin.

Tonight when I was getting Maggie ready for bed her shirt stuck on her head and she clearly enjoyed it being there. I loved seeing her flip her head one way or the other feeling the sleeves on her shoulders. It seems like I’ve had a few reminders lately like this that have made me stop and reflect on things that are simple, yet joyous.

We were walking around our neighborhood this morning and came across two little Pug puppies with their owner. It was such a delight, but moments before seeing their little smooshed faces I had been stomping along trying to hurry Sydney on the walk. After enjoying the little pups for a few minutes, we continued on our way and I felt myself smiling so huge remembering Syd as a pup.

It isn’t that I want to go back to my childhood or that I feel the need to add another puppy to our menagerie, but more that instead of stomping along through my day, I want to try to stride with a bit of spring in my step.

I’m going to go practice right now with my shirt firmly attached to my head and my tongue in cheek.