Oliver!

I don’t know where I came up with the name Oliver but the first time I asked for a dog – I said his name would be Oliver. As a result, every cute dog I see has been matched with pointing and yelling ‘Oliver’ in my husband’s ear. After four long years, he finally said yes when we moved into our new home that came with none other than a dog run (a sign!). I put a deposit down in May and Oliver was born on September 12, 2010. But I started to wonder, should I really name the dog Oliver? Is that like my friend who called her baby bump Winston actually naming the child Winston? Nah, it’s a dog and our puppy was born into the name that has been yelled, cried and laughed about to my husband for years. Take a look at our new baby who is just past the two week mark. I am already CRAZY IN LOVE!

Housewarming Party

Despite moving into our new home on June 6th (our first wedding anniversary), we had yet to celebrate and decided to plan our housewarming around the Tech game. People from all parts of our lives stopped byf or a beer and some barbeque. But the special moment game at the end of the game as we all huddled around the television, packed in the game room and rooting for the Horns (and would be the one goood game of the season!). It was super special to celebrate with my best friends, Autumn and Amanda who help me hold it together on a weekly, if not daily basis. Thank you.

My first real deal backpacking trip

Eek! I am so behind on posts. I am hoping to catch up this week as I have a lighter work load than normal. In August, Alexander and I took our first real vacation of the year - you know, one where neither person has to work, check their Blackberry or call into conference calls. We decided to head back to Garibaldi Provincial Park where we did a short trip in 2008. This time we stayed four days and three nights, which meant I actually had to carry something up the 9.5 km hike uphill to the Lake Garibaldi camp sites if I wanted somewhere to sleep and something to eat. I was a bit nervous about how I would do physically. However, despite the extra lbs I've been carrying around, I found myself to be in darn good shape. Alexander was a great coach, getting me set up with my gear and helping me pack it in the best way to carry.

We spent the first day getting there (3 hours and 45 minutes- impressive!) and setting up camp. The second day we hiked the Black Tusk and the third day we hiked to Panorama Ridge - both amazing and wonderfully unique experiences. Check out the links for a better sense of the hike and elevation.

However, I have to say the best part was the complete relaxation you feel when you escape all technology, including running water, background noise and all modern conveniences and simply melt into the stillness and subtle excitement of the earth. I returned a new person, relaxed from the realization of the smallness of my stress. The earth will still spin even after I say something dumb in an important meeting or if I can't pay a bill and so on... Everything feels so small from the top of a mountain when all you care about is how to get to the top and then how to get back down (In the case of day three, that was sliding down a several thousand feet side of a mountain on my backpack cover. Whee!) and I plan to carry this with me as I ease back into my normal life. Wish me luck!

L'viv, Ukraine!

I just booked a flight for a week long trip to the lovely city of L'viv, Ukraine! I am so excited to join Alexander in meeting the software development team he has worked with for several years. L'viv's one of the few cities in the area that was not devastated in World War II. Like Prague, Czech Republic it retains its original architecture and cobblestone streets. It's dense in history and culture, and I am so excited to go. The language and alphabet are my only concerns, which means I will likely be writing and pointing frequently. Photo courtesy: http://www.bayareacommunity.org/

Blanco State Park

Needing to get away from a crazy week preparing our house to sell, Alexander and I decided to load up the '89 Trooper we call Snoopy with our camping gear and kayak and head out. Yee Haw! This time of year it's super tough to find a camping reservation but it forced us to go outside our comfort zone and try a new park. We headed to Blanco State Park for two nights with Chef Alexander on call. He cooked up, as usual, the perfect charcoal-grilled burger (those grilled onions are to die for, baby!), egg & bacon sandwiches for breakfast and for dinner grilled half a chicken that just fell off the bone (the rub was amazing) with roasted brussels sprouts - simple but always amazing!

The kayaking trip may not have been as successful. Turns out the Blanco River is broken up by dams about every 500 feet, in which you must lift your kayak over. When we got to the fourth one, it was just too tall. We ended up paddling in circles and getting a good tan. Overall, the park was clean, had lots of wildlife to view (a very personable llama and a dancin' goose, for example)and was perfect for swimming. It was great for kids and we may go back when we have some but next time are looking for a more adventurous place. Below are a few photos of the fun.

Casa de Bibighaus II

We are moving June 6! Alexander and I purchased our first home together and are really excited to have more space and a fresh start. With all the extra space, we are planning for an addition to the Bibighaus clan...Don't freak! We are bringing home a Goldendoodle puppy this fall - all very exciting. Here's a few pics of the new digs:

San Fran continued

Here are a few more pics from our trip...