Summer Buzz!

Someone was taken to the groomer to get a nice summer hair cut! He was thrilled, as you might have guessed...

Sunny Seattle...

Gorgeous mountain view!

I can't figure out how to turn this photo....

Self portraits...

Speaking on behalf of most Seattlites, Spring and Summer are not only seasons that we crave and eagerly await, they are seasons that we need. And for all of you who are fellow Seattlites, you know that I am not exaggerating. Fall and winter, though they have their charming aspects, begin to wear on one's psyche when they overstay their welcome. Thus, sunshine in any amount and at any time of day is always welcomed with excitement. Casey and I decided to seize this particularly sunny day by exploring a new area (new to us, that is)... Discovery Park. And discover we did. This incredible park is filled with trails, meadows, look out points, stretches of beach... it was a perfect adventure.

Goodbye, Grandpa Mason

Casey and I recently traveled to Ione for a memorial service for Casey's grandfather, David Mason. It was a wonderful time spent with family remembering all of the things that were loved about this man. We will miss you, Grandpa Mason...

Love you, Steph

Chelsea with Casey's cousin Kristi

Matt and his girlfriend Courtney

Teacher of the Year!

Yes, that's right. My husband has been awarded the Teacher of the Year award at Redmond Junior High School! Way to go, honey... Oh how very proud I am of you! Casey is a teacher that pours himself into his students, desiring to shape them into young men and women of integrity, high moral character, and people who are able to think independently. He uses amazingly unique techniques to reach those students who are not easily reachable... one perfect example being "Emo-nday" (Emo and Monday put together), where he dresses a tad goth-ish, paints his fingernails black (or rather I do), and wears black eyeliner all for the purpose of having a day solely dedicated to the act of embracing diversity with a specific focus on those kids associating themselves with the "Emo" crowd. Wow... none of my teachers ever did anything close to this! He ties science in with pop culture, using music and current events to get the kids into learning the day's lesson. I am in constant awe of his level of dedication to these young people and their development. I pray that our children will have teachers someday with even half of Casey's level of enthusiasm... they will certainly be better individuals because of it.
Yesterday was also a big day, as it marked the end of Casey's soccer coaching season at Redmond High School. What a privilege it was to sit on the bleachers, listening to him encourage and build up these young men. Although Casey has an intense love of the game and of course for his players, he is a tad exhausted and ready to live solely on the playing side of things, rather than the coaching. Here are some pictures from yesterday's game:

I love you babe...