Sequim!

Sequim (pronounced "skwim"), Washington is one of our favorite places on earth. This gem of a town is a small, sunny retirement community on the Olympic Peninsula. Wait... did I just say "sunny" and "Olympic Peninsula" in the same sentence? Indeed I did. Sequim is an anomaly, to be sure, and is surrounded by the most breathtaking rainforest and mountain scenery you can imagine alongside the beauty of the Pacific Ocean. Picture orca whales, mossy forests, waterfalls, beaches, crystal-clear glacial lakes, and six-foot ferns - that was our vacation in Sequim. And here are some photos of it:

Ducks and wetlands

Aly loves being outdoors, just like her mom and dad. Here are some photographs of us at the wetlands near our home and feeding the ducks at the local pond.

We can't get enough of this girl

Aly performed well for the camera during her 3 month pictures. Here are some of our favorite shots.

Shurtz Family Reunion

For the 4th of July we headed up to Lake Chelan for a memorable reunion. We had so much fun playing on the beach and the boat and watching all the cousins play together. It was weird being a parent when I feel like I should be one of the kids running around. Lots of games and sun and water made for a great vacation. Thanks Dad and Renae for making it possible!

The thing that makes it all worth it...those first smiles

Here are some of Alyson's smiles caught on camera. If you can't tell, we're pretty crazy about her.

Aly's First Hike

For Erin's birthday we decided to do a beautiful hike to Angel's Rest in the Columbia River Gorge. The view from the top was spectacular! After all that hiking, Aly was exhausted...

Aly makes 8

Erin took Aly home to Wenatchee for her grandma's funeral and brother's graduation. All the Shurtz cousins were together for the first time since Aly was born.