Backsplash and Corner Shelves

We were nearing the end at this point, and I'm embarrassed to admit the kitchen sat in this state for at least a month. I was tired and it was livable. Although, one can only take cooking dinner among wood glue stray screws and power tools. 

This was my little side project. It was supposed to be a quick and easy project....just slap some legs on the upper cabinets, screw in the countertop and viola! Not the case. I will not go into complaining mode, but lets just say I still can't walk by without resisting the urge to kick it. So there. 

Finally enough was enough. I had Landon help me put the tile saw on the lawn and I began. Once you get the hang of it, it goes quickly. Going around light switches was the hardest part, mostly because I'm a bit over zealous with the tile saw and had to do many cuts twice....notice, no super up close photos of the outlets and light switches.

Jason came home when i was halfway done and since there really wasn't anything for him to help with he decided to refinish the deck. Side note- using a power washer on an old, dirty deck is the most satisfying thing I have ever done. :) 

Finished! Well not really since I decided I can't stand the dark cheap shelves, but these will stay up and do the job till I find something better. 

Orcas: Part 2

 A rocky beach is still a beach. 

The house we rented was in a small inlet that had a huge, grassy sandbank at low tide. 

 Both the kids loved kayaking....looks like we will be purchasing some kayaks. 

 Blackberries and Apples growing everywhere! 

 The Thinker :)

 View from Mt. Constitution. Highest point in the San Juan Islands. 

 So many starfish! 

 Sea grass angel

On our last day we all dug for clams. Doesn't get much fresher than hunting for your own dinner. Well, my dinner anyway since i'm the only one in my family who eats shellfish. 

 Goodbye Orcas! 

Happy, worn out kids

Orcas: Part One

The last few months have been a bit stressful for our family. Since January we have moved, bought a house, moved again, did an insane diy kitchen renovation, and survived a very unexpected job layoff. So when the opportunity came to take a little family adventure to the San Juan Islands, we took it. An hour drive in the car and a little over an hour ferry ride on a beautiful sunny day, and we were there. 

 Our lunch view

 We rented a 100 year old farmhouse (my pick, not Jason's). You had to walk through the kitchen to take a shower but it was right on the water and ocean views from almost every room. 

 One of my favorite things of Washington in the summer is the food. Fresh, local, organic and so freaggin delicious I want to cry. We ate at a pizza place our first night, they served small bites of roasted kale with squash puree and tomatoes and our (mine and laylas) pizza was squash blossom with goat cheese. Jason and Landon are more pizza purists and were not as impressed. 

Gorgeous views everywhere you look! 

 Exploring our beach....and torturing tiny crabs that live in droves under every rock

 Embracing her American Indian heritage. 

Relaxing...and slightly sunburned feet. :)