A Scottish Home...

Well, it's official! We have an apartment in Edinburgh! It took quite alot of persistence on our end (thanks to our two lovely mutts) but we were able to find an apartment that allows pets and didn't require that we come to Edinburgh to view it. This is such an answer to prayer, it is defintely the Lord's provision. We probably inquired of about 50 apartments and this was the ONLY one that allowed pets and it isn't available until the day we arrive in Scotland so we don't even have to pay rent on it this summer, it really couldn't have worked out any better!

Here are some pictures of our new place. If you're planning on coming and visiting then consider this a preview of "Hotel de Sale".

Here's our new living room...

And here's the kitchen (aka. end of the living room!)

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It is apparently brand new. Although I assume that means newly remodeled because I don't think anything in Edinburgh is "new". That was my only stipulation on an apartment was that is was clean and new= clean to me so we're stoked! Also, it's in an awesome location in the heart of the city. Kyle will give you more details on what specifically is right at our back door....

-Stacie

The Countdown Continues...

22 days till we're both unemployed...

24 days till we say goodbye to Seattle & all of our wonderful friends...

90 days till we set foot (and paw) in Scotland!

Just wanted to give an update on how things are moving along. We're close to having an apartment in Edinburgh! Hopefully by the end of next week this will be finalized (I'll post pics when it's final).
We're still praying for our house to sell (thank you to all of those who have been praying for us). Kyle & I are both feeling very encouraged and I'm sure that because of everyone's prayers for us!
All in all things are looking great. The dogs are all set to go- just a few more shots and check ups before the big day. Plane tickets have been bought and we both have our Visa appointment in 2 weeks. Things seem to be moving right along...

-Stacie

Cruisin Alaska!

This past week Stacie and I boarded the Star Princess en route to Alaska. We saw some amazing scenery throughout the trip and got to explore the Yukon Territory. We also spent time in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Victoria B.C.

I'd like to say we exercised self control regarding the all you can eat 24/7 food on board...let's just say we'll be on a diet for a few weeks! I've uploaded a couple pictures to give you a taste of the experience. If you want to see them all e-mail me or Stacie and we'll send a link to the web album.

Here I am in front our the ship (Ketchikan, AK)

This is a picture of the old Red Light District in Ketchikan. Ketchikan was our first stop off the boat, it was a tiny town that gets 250 days of rain each year- so much for complaining about Seattle!!

This picture is of the Yukon Territory. We took an excursion to the Yukon during our stop in Skagway.

Here's Stacie & Me in the Yukon!

This is the Mendenhall Glacier located in Juneau. It's part of a 1500 square mile ice field. This is just one of several glaciers created by the fields.

Here's Stacie & Me on 'Baked Alaska' night!

Alaska was such an amazing experience. We had a great time relaxing on the ship and taking in all of the amazing scenery. It was also fun to get a glimpse into the 1890's as the gold rush was under way while we explored the local towns on our port stops. Not much has changed in the past 100 years!

-Kyle

Mother's Day in Texas

This post is a little delayed. We've had some technical difficulties over the past week....

For Mother's Day weekend, my mother & I met up in Texas to relive the glorious days of my Baylor education! We started the weekend off with a rendezvous in Dallas and then drove the hour and a half down to good ole' Waco to visit the Alma Mater!

Sic 'em Bears!!!

We mostly spent the weekend soaking up the Texas sun, eating lots of yummy food and drinking ourselves silly with frozen milkways (a delicious frozen coffee drink smothered in choclate sprinkles, caramel and whipped cream- what more could you ask for?). Saturday night we met up with some old Texas friends.

Here we are getting ready to enjoy some Tex Mex- my fave!!

On Sunday, my mom and made a stop in Dallas to visit her cousin Marsha. It was so fun to see her again and also meet her adorable boston terriers Quinlin and Mia.

All in all, it was a wonderful weekend to celebrate my mother. I love you mom!

-Stacie

The Big Guy has a B'day!

Deacon & Merecedes celebrated Deacon's 3rd B'day with their own little party! Aren't they cute? I really think the picture says it all....


Here they are recovering after the party...



Happy B'day to the Big Guy!

Bloomsday!

This past weekend Kyle & I ran Spokane's infamous Bloomsday road race. We suffered through 7.4 miles (in the 60 degree sun- sounds chilly but we were both sweating- 60 is quite the scorcher for the Northwest this time of year!) and what they call "doomsday hill" (as seen in the drawing) complete with a mascot dressed in a vulture costume at the top to pick off the dying runners. Due to injuries (my knee) and lack of training (we've both been slightly lazy this spring) we didn't finish in our normal speedy time- but we both made it through feeling good, so it was a successful run! It was sad to think that we won't be running Bloomsday next year. For me, this is my 4th time running, but for Kyle he has been running it since he was a kid! It was a bittersweet weekend for sure!

-Stacie

For Sale!

It's official! Our house is back on the market! We have exactly 60 days until we leave Seattle, I can't believe how fast it's approaching! We appreciate all those who are praying for our house to sell, we're excited to see what God will do!

-Stacie