Couple's Retreat

So, it has been a slightly stressful start to our new year... and a getaway seemed to be in order.  We headed to Union, WA (just 60 miles from Chehalis) to spend a weekend on the Hood Canal.  It was just what we needed! 

The seals welcomed us to the Canal!

We stayed in a cozy little cottage at Robinhood Village; complete with our own private hot tub!

Lots of fine dining was in order.

Connor had the Duck Breast; Marie had Alaskan Cod.

Being hunter/gatherers, we had a blast when we went to Lilliwaup State Park to collect our limit on manilla clams.  They are a bit easier to catch than razor clams, and that made it so much fun. Plus, the weather was perfect. Not a drop of rain, and even though it was cold, it wasn't windy.

"How deep do I have to dig?"

"4-6 inches. Get busy!"

40 clams each.  We left with 83 total. It was a great workout and exhilarating!

Our cabin was right on this inlet.  Look at the difference between low tide and high tide.

When we arrived at 5pm on Friday, this was the beach...so we thought this was normal. Turns out it was low tide.

The next morning, you couldn't see the mud/beach at all!

We saw a few little live music performances. And checked out some local shops. Mostly, we just relished the time together and tried not to think about anything stressful!  We came home and had a delicious dinner...

Connor made steamed clams in a delicious wine broth for dinner. Paired with a salad and crusty bread. Fantastic.

We kept saying how much fun it would be to share this experience with family/friends. Definitely a treat to have done this while living in the Pacific Northwest.  Wish you could have joined us.

Healthy, Happy 2013!

Well... coming back to reality in Chehalis has been less than wonderful albeit exciting as usual.  The one constant that keeps me (Marie) from going overboard is Connor's cooking. It used to be that I was the main cook... with highlights from Connor occasionally featured on our weekly menu.  But, he has been the head chef ever since last week. He got a sweet new cookbook (Cooking with Beer) from Leigh Ann for Christmas, so he is feeling inspired. Here are some of our delicious and nutritious (we have a wedding to get ready for in April!) choices for the new year.

Wasabi salmon with roasted cauliflower.

Shrimp and Cod Curry

Tostados.

Tostados for bfast (just add eggs!)

Paella

Falafel and a delicious carrot-cumin spread.

Farro salad with chicken.

We have also been trying to go for walks when the weather cooperates...and we love tossing the football while we walk!  Connor also FINALLY tossed Jackie the Pumpkin down the hill (pumpkin bowling!) towards the lone pin (the Big Zucchini).  It was hilarious.

On another note... thanks to Mark-bear... we are addicted to lattes.  I bought Connor an espresso pot as a new year's gift...but still need to find a good frother. I want one like Mark's.

That's the good side of the story from our new year.  Seems like we have already had more than our fair share of bad...but we will turn that to God and keep saying our prayers for brother Max, sister Leigh Ann, and kitteh Eno.
We love all of you!

Deez Holiday Nutz!

We had the BEST time in Chesterland for the holidays. It was so wonderful to be home with ALL the Millhorns.  So many wonderful days...so many fun moments...We could post every one of our pictures, but we know we should stick to the highlights. So, here it goes!

The WA Tuckers come to Chestertucky

Beautiful table for a beautiful couple's engagement party!

Nothing like waking up to a 70 lb dog on your legs.

Newlyweds... not near enough time with our Gauches.

Lots of snow shoveling and beer drinking...

There is a new sheriff in town.

MAmbeRK making snow angels.

Mom's bday cake: Tres Leches. Yum!

The engaged couple! Congratulations!

Oh my! So sweet... we won't even need dessert.

Mom even went on a girl's outing with her D-I-Ls.

Martha showing us how to do planks. She had only had one or two glasses of wine...

Dish duty every night... everyone had a turn! It is great to have a big family!

Fire duty every morning... The boys handled all that work... The girls just enjoyed it!

The boys b.s.'n. Connor practiced his wheelchair moves...

Mom and Dad kissing under the mistletoe.

Lattes everyday. Several times a day. Homemade marshmallows made them extra devine!

Mom, Marie, and Winnie walked almost everyday!

Mark and Matt shooting their Roman Candles. Geez. Boys.

Even Martha got in on the action... "that was fun!"

Dad's office. Smokers only.

 We can't wait to have the whole family together again in April!  xoxox