The Secret Life of a Ninja

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Spring Flowers

I know my blog is turning into a Nature blog but it is just so beautiful up here in Washington. Thanks to Alexis' hard work here are some pictures of the spring flowers.

Oh, the wonderful world of Moss

I know it might be crazy but I love taking pictures of moss. There are many different vibrant colors of green and types of moss. I just think the contrast with rocks or trees is beautiful. Here, in all it's glory, is the moss of Rattlesnake Ridge.

Seattle Skyline

At the end of April, Grandma Ruth flew to Seattle for Brandon's wedding. She was able to spend a day with me. We left the house at 7:30am and had breakfast at IHOP. Then we headed to the Temple and did a session. After the Temple I took to Grandma to see Snoqualmie Falls. Even though it rained a little it was still beautiful. After the falls we headed to Alki Beach and had lunch at Salty's. This was the view from our table; it was a beautiful day. After lunch we drove down Alki Beach and followed the water as long as we could; we saw the Olympics and beautiful flowers along the way. After our lovely drive we went to a movie then headed home around 8pm. We were up again early and headed to IHOP before I dropped Grandma off at the wedding. It was great spending time with her.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Rattlesnake Ridge

Since there was 20% chance of rain and the temperature were in the 60s on Saturday I went for a hike. Rattlesnake Ridge is east on the I-90 just past North Bend. It is a great hike for it views, level of sweat, and free parking. There trail was fairly busy but not bad; it is a family friendly trail, It is 1.9 to the top there are great shots of Mt. Si; it was really beautiful. At the top of Rattlesnake Ridge you can climb on some rocks or the trail veers off to the left. After taking pictures from the rocks I decided to keep going on the trail for a little while. The only problem is that once I am on the trail I want to see where it ends. I was having a hard time stopping I told myself I would turn around at 3pm. I got a little spooked because I was alone for quite some time and I prayed that the Lord that I would see someone soon. A minute later two guys came walking from the opposite direction and were able to tell me what the rest of the trail was like. I had a great time hiking and enjoyed the amazing beauty of the Northwest.

This shot was taken at the top of Rattlesnake Ridge.

Beautiful Cascade Mountains

Mt. Si in the Distance

I like how the branches, like fingers, are showing how big Mt. Si is

The rock that you see is the top of Rattlesnake Ridge.

This is the lake near the parking lot. Although my pictures don't reflect it very well, the lake is a beautiful blue. It is similar to lakes that are blue from the glacier runoff. I am not sure how well you can see them but there were tree stumps along the shore and couple that were sticking out of the lake.

This picture was taken at the trail head.

Tulips and Mt. Rainer

I am still pretty unfamiliar with how to use my camera but I have made some progress. I have a better understanding of Aperture and Shutter Speed and so I went out and practiced a little the other Saturday.

Turning 36

For my birthday this year, we started celebrating a day early. Derek, Alexis, the kids, and me when to PHO for dinner on Friday. I have never tried PHO and thought my birthday would be a good time to broaden my international food experience. It was pretty good. On Saturday, Derek took me to a Sounders Game. Derek and Alexis bought me a Sounders Jersey and Scarf; now I am a real fan. I have never had a soccer jersey and it is something I would not buy for myself so it was the perfect gift. The twins gave me hand soaps from Bath and Body Works which smell so nice. After the game Derek and I stopped at the "Berliner" in downtown Seattle and had a Doner Kabab (it was quite as good as the ones you can get in Germany). That evening, Derek, Alexis, and I went to the Temple since it was ward Temple night in preparation for Ward Conference. I had a very nice birthday and feel much wiser now that I am 36.

Derek, Holly, Greta and Evan. Alexis made a very delicious yellow cakes with chocolate chips and chocolate frosting.

Glass Blowing

Alexis bought a Groupon that allowed up to make our own Easter Egg or Bunny. We got to choose the colors and then when instructed blow the glass. Although it was less hands on then we anticipated it still was neat to see the eggs and bunny being made. Evan, Greta and I blew eggs and Alexis made a bunny.