It's the Weekend!!

O Captain, My Captain!

Happy first day of the Washington Capital’s season!!!

It’s the second best day of the year. Of course, Henry’s birthday is the first best day of the year!

And here's the exact reason why I love our captain. 

"This year." Perfect answer, Ovi. 

Now let's rock the red! 

Team Millie

Even though I didn’t want to say good-bye to summer, today was a perfect fall day. The temperatures have started to cool off so I got to break out my boots, which are my most favorite thing to wear on chillier days!

Henry approved!

Then we headed downtown to watch Kate’s dog, Millie, compete in the Wiener dog races for the Oktoberfest festivities!  

 Number 5 on the track but number 1 in our hearts.

She may or may not have come in dead last, but we definitely give her an A for effort! We all had so much fun watching the races, even my man, Henry! 

Most of the dogs couldn’t figure out the goal of actually crossing the finish line but they were so darn cute running their little hearts out.

I know I say this a lot, but dogs really are the greatest!! 

So Long, Summer

How perfect is it that Brad Paisley's 'Beat this Summer' came out this year, the year of the best summer ever!?! I would say pretty perfect, since I don't think I could ever beat this these last few months.

I'm not sure words could even do it justice, so maybe some pictures will. 

Look at that girl's sweatshirt! Maybe we're related!

Oh Summertime, Don't You Leave Me

A Love Letter to Oregon

Today marks the 6-month anniversary of my move to Oregon and I could not be happier with my decision to head west!

It's no secret that I have fallen madly in love with Bend.

  

I love that the mountains appear more and more fascinating each and every time I see them.

I love the sunsets and couldn't imagine a better way to conclude each day.

I love the Deschutes River and the Oregon coast and everything in between.

I especially love the trees. Oregon has the best trees. 

I love the laid back personalities, the eclectic mix of festivals, and the abundance of outdoor recreation. I love seeing the cyclists on the way up to the Cascade Lakes and admiring their dedication.  I love that dogs are valued members of the town and are welcomed more often than not.  I love that rodeos, trucks, farms, and country music are far from rare, feels so American to me.

I love that my weekends are spent exploring. It’s nice to disconnect from technology and establish a deep connection with nature. Its unbelievably exciting to know that I’ll see something brand new to my eyes each time I embark on an adventure and that it will, without a doubt, take my breath away.  

I love that the pace of life doesn’t require you to move so quickly between moments, that you miss the one you’re in.

I love the beer culture and the breweries, and the way they’re viewed as the ideal place for hanging with friends, conducting business with a colleague, or getting to know someone new.

But most of all, I love the sense of community. I’ve yet to meet a person who doesn’t love Bend and all that is has to offer.  I love that the question “Why did you move to Bend?” prompts the response “Why not?” I love that a common bumper sticker reads "Your vacation is our life". And I especially love the overwhelming sense of pride in this town and the fact that I’m not the only one who calls it Paradise.

I love you Bend, Oregon. Thank you for being so darn beautiful, invigorating, and magical. I could not ask for a better place to call home. 

XOXO