Cats and Dogs

I saw this post today on Pioneer Woman and just had to share it with you. I love it so so much and here is why:

1. I am a cat lover and owner.

2. We had a basset hound growing up and they will forever hold a special place in my heart (gotta love the droopy eyes and floppy ears).

3. These pictures make me smile and laugh.

4. They will make you smile and laugh too.

1. This is what baby cats look like.

 This is what baby Bassets look like.

 2. Cats use manners when they eat.

 Basset Hounds are grody.

 4. This is how cats relax in the afternoon.

 This is how Basset Hounds relax in the afternoon.

 5. This is how cats look when they’re sleepy.

 This is what Bassets look like when they’re catatonic.

  

The end.
For now.
Pioneer Woman

Credit to thepioneerwoman.com

Let the countdown begin

Today marks four months until the big day. The last few weeks have been packed full of meetings with vendors, tastings, discussions on colors and table layout, and lots and lots of planning. I have to admit, it has been fun and each meeting makes me even more excited about our wedding day.

With so much going on, it is easy to get overwhelmed and anxious. One of my favorite ladies from the gym told me a perfect quote this morning which I will try to remember the next time I start to feel the pressure. This woman is about 80 years old and goes to the gym every morning at 5:30 am for her daily swim. She has the best laugh ever, and I can't help but smile and laugh when I'm around her. This morning, we were talking about the weird weather, the rain yesterday and the hot hot weather forecasted for this weekend. She says to me “I’ll take whatever Mother Nature gives me with a smile. I’m above the ground and walking around and that sure beats the alternative!”   

Thank you Gwen, for once again making me laugh, and giving me some perspective.

The Kids

Ellie and Gracie. Two peas in a pod these two. They keep us laughing and we love them to death. And yes, this is the two of them in the car. What? You don't take your cat on road trips? Weird.

Wedding update:
Slowly but surely things are moving along! I found a dress and we've decided on a photographer and DJ. We are getting close to deciding on a caterer - this week I hope! Oh, and we booked our HONEYMOON!! I'm pretty excited about this one. In 4 months we will be MARRIED and sunning ourselves in Kauai.

There are still like, a million things to do, but I am so happy to have these few things checked off.

Next on the list:
Decide on caterer.
Finish registering.
Create honeyfund.
Organize invite list and addresses, budget, and vendor list.
And most importantly, go cupcake tasting.

Entourage

Every bride-to-be needs an entourage. Today, I introduce mine. I have known these three wonderful ladies my entire life (with the exception of my sister which I’ve known her entire life J) and I am so lucky to have them by my side.

Maid of Honor, Kristin

Kristin is my sister. This girl knows me inside and out. We are different in so many ways, but sometimes it is scary how similar we are too! We have been through a lot together, had our share of ups and downs, but no matter what, she is always there for me. It’s pretty cool having a sister who understands exactly how you feel without you even having to say anything, and that’s precisely what I have.

Beautiful Bridesmaid, Megan

Megan is my cousin. We have grown up together, both raised in Sonoma County, but it has only been in the last seven years or so that our relationship has grown into a truly special friendship. She is someone I feel so comfortable with and I love that I can always be myself around her. Whether we are sitting on her deck chatting the afternoon away, checking out a farmer’s market, or taking a Sunday drive to the beach, there is always lots of laughter, sincere conversation, and a lovely time.

Beautiful Bridesmaid, Molly                              

Molly is my cousin. She is one month older than me to the day. When I think back on my life, most of my memories include Molly. From family vacations, to first communion and confirmation, summer camps, high school volleyball, and even college roommates, our lives have been so connected resulting in a unique bond like nothing else.

Thank you ladies for everything! I'm thrilled you have agreed to be my "maids" J and help make this special time so memorable. 

Shasta

Friday morning Luke and I loaded the truck and headed north to Mt. Shasta. With dark clouds and some light rain on the drive we just hoped the weather would cooperate for the holiday weekend. My co-worker, Rob, joined us for the trip. He climbed Mt. Shasta last summer and was excited to try a different route. We were happy to have an experienced climber that could help us navigate the 14,179 foot mountain. To give some perspective, the highest peak in Tahoe is less than 11,000 feet.

We camped at Lake Siskiyou, about 10 minutes outside of town. Friday night, after checking out the little mountain town, we had a low key night at camp by the fire and got ready for the next day. Luke and I had an ice axe and crampon clinic all day Saturday so Rob decided he would get up bright and early (2 am) and climb the mountain.

Rob planning his route

Ellie helping Rob

It's not camping without s'mores

The clinic was fun and informative. We learned how to self arrest and self belay with an ice axe. We also learned different techniques to walk in crampons, and my favorite, how to glissade.

Our instructor with Mt. Shasta in the back

Back at camp relaxing

Sunday all three of us and Miss Ellie spent the day at Castle Lake. We climbed to the top of a surrounding peak, had amazing views of Mt. Shasta, and a great ski ride down to the car.

Castle Lake

Ellie enjoying the snow

Rob looking out towards Mt. Shasta

Luke and Katrina on a very windy ridge top with Shasta in the back

Probably my favorite picture from the trip. I had no idea Luke was getting pelted by the wind with ice balls. The look on his face says it all!

After learning a bit more about Mt. Shasta and how long it takes to climb to the top, Luke and I came to the realization that we would not be able to summit the mountain on this trip. So on Monday we decided to have Rob lead us up as far as we could safely go. We were able to get one picture of us with the mountain as we started our climb, and unfortunately the weather moved in so quickly you couldn't see the mountain top (or too far in front of you) for the rest of the day. We started at Bunny Flat (6950 ft) and climbed to Helen Lake (10,400 ft). By the time we got our gear ready for the ski ride down, you literally could not see more than 5 feet infront of you! We slowly made our way down until the visibility improved enough for us to scram down to the car.

Bunny Flat trailhead

Our climb - straight up the middle

We made it back to the car just as a major hail storm started coming down. It was a hard, but fun climb and a blast skiing down. Luke and I are already thinking about our next trip when we can get to the top.

It started raining Monday night and did not stop so we decided to pack up camp and head home. Great trip! We will definitely be going back soon.