We are an Aunt + Uncle Again!

*This is one of a few posts that are being 'back-posted' in an effort to catch up on life and some pretty great events that happened in spring and into summer time.*

 April 23, 2012

When we were in Medford for my birthday in April it also happened to roll around my sister-in-law's due date with little Connor. We were so excited for Kevin (Travis's brother) and Bonnie that it would have been just a little bit more awesome if Connor happened to make his appearance in the 2 full days we were down there. Connor was born just a few hours short of sharing a birthday with his Aunt Shelby. 

Look at this sweet little man! He's so precious and was so sleepy when we went to visit him for the first time.

Connor DeHaven Waltz  (He shares his middle name with Travis)

Holding him for the first time.

<3

I have to take a moment to share a toddler picture of Trav.. just too stinkin cute!

Super proud Momma, Dad and even a curious Latte loves the new family member!

How sweet is this of Kevin and his son. Precious.

I absolutely love being an Aunt. It is so fun going to Medford to see all our nieces and nephews! Can't wait to see what Connor will be like as he starts growing up. What is even better is he will get to play with his fun and sweet cousins.

I so look forward to the day we are blessed to have a family of our own..

baptisms + birthday + baby + blossom run

I love a good alliteration. And Ooooh April has been great so far!
Let me share some great highlights going on with the Waltzes..

+ baptisms.

At our church there are baptisms monthly and we always watch, support and cheer for those who take the plunge in the water (totally and completely under water) to get baptized and being a faithful journey with Jesus. We had both been baptized previously (Travis got a sprinkle on his head and I was baptized as a baby). But, we both had gone on different paths away from God (as teens and in early 20's). However, in the last few years we have really grown in our faiths individually and wanted to do this together. On Palm Sunday (April 1st) T and I were baptized at church and felt SO much support from our friends and family in doing this and we are so happy we did this. I am proud of us and also excited to see what adventures God has in store for our futures and am so blessed to be able to do this alongside a man who is after God's heart as well. (photos to come soon!!)

Easter Sunday at church. :)

+ birthday.

I will be 27 on April 15th. I have a feeling that 27 will have a few twists and challenges for myself. The year of being 26 I got promoted at work, moved to a new place with Trav, become part of an amazing community at church and started my trek to communicate more about my anxiety (more of which I need to just hit "publish" and will be able to let you in on how I am doing on this challenge in my life). I love birthdays and this one will be definitely different. I'm spending it with my in-laws! :)  We will be heading down to Medford, Oregon tomorrow morning and return on Monday. I'm looking forward to spending time with all the Waltzes and the sunny weather that is expected there too! I am trying to compile a list of 28 things I want to do before I turn 28.. if you have any suggestions I'm all ears.. or eyes since it'd be through comments ;)

+ baby.

with Carmen + Emmanuel

Well I'm going to be an Aunt again! Teehee - did you think I was having a baby?? Sorry to disappoint.. but not yet. But who knows when we will be blessed to have a family of our own.. ;)  Travis' brother and his wife are expecting little Connor to arrive any day! How exciting! Obviously we are hoping he will make his debut when we are in Medford. :)  I love being an aunt. It is so fun to spend time with Emmanuel, Carmen, Leandra and soon to be Connor. I have great memories with my Aunt Kea and I look forward to creating some fun and lasting ones with my nieces and nephews.

getting our nails all pretty with my niece Leandra. :)

+ (Pear) Blossom Run

I'm running in my first 5K on Saturday the 14th. Part of my birthday resolutions involves my health. Some may not know but I was tempted in college to switch my major to Health Education (but I decided to just minor in it..). I love learning about health, how the body works, healing, nutrition, etc. Back to the run.. I'm a little bit nervous because I'm more of a jog and walk kind of girl and there will be runners doing all types of different races. I really wanted to do a run this year to kick my exercise routines in high gear and try something new. I won't be running alone though - I'm running with my sis-in-law Stephanie. She's a great support and partner in this (she runs daily) and has been cheering me on as the run gets closer. So wish us luck and hope that I don't pass out. And yes I'm totally aware that 5K is 3.2 miles. As someone who only runs in sports (tennis, soccer, etc.) I didn't really think about the running around I did/do, but when it's the only thing you're doing.. it's different. So while you're sleeping in Saturday morning I will be breaking a sweat and rocking my first health birthday resolution!

Well this post got very wordy very fast.. eek. If you've made it through this post - you're fabulous and should reward yourself with some ice cream.. I know I will on Saturday around 10am. :)

California Girl at Heart

simply put. :)

Around the Halloween weekend and for a few days after, Travis, my mom and I were down in Southern California. And I loved every second of it! We started out in Redondo Beach (SW Los Angeles and next to Palos Verdes). My dad grew up in Redondo Beach and basically lived in the same house his whole childhood and until recently, my Grandpa was still in that house! That's over 50 years people in the SAME house (remember my house commitment phobia? I think this helps my case.). Do to some unexpected health setbacks and such, my Grandpa now lives in quite the community among a few other older folk (he has a girlfriend?!) in a cute home not far from his 'before' house. While it has been hard to adjust for us up here 800+ miles away to the changes that feel like they have happened so fast, it seems that life really is not that bad for my Grandpa. The staff is super sweet and make good food and watch college football. I'm a-okay with that.

The above photo was taken outside his new place after a lovely fall walk in the neighborhood with my Grandpa. I hope that when I am a few years into my 90's that I still have the humor and stories that Harold Self has. What a cool guy. :)

Moving onward and further south - it was off to San Diego. Travis and I rattled off many Anchorman quotes on the 1.5 hour drive down. We stayed with my mom's sister - Kea. Love my aunt! She is so cute, spunky and intelligent. I hope that Emmanuel, Carmen and Leandra think of me that way one day.. (between you and I - I think they think I'm the 'fun' one)! 

seeesters. So cute.

The big event while in San Diego was to get to Sea World (for the obvious being that dad - and mom and Kea and my O'pa worked there). But this is where my parents met, worked while dating and worked as they were newlyweds. Sea World was such a huge accomplishment for my dad. I am so proud of everything he did there. And it was even more incredible to share it with Travis and allow him to experience many of the activities that my dad did and helped get started in the animal training down there.

we have a photo nearly identical to this, but my dad is in a red jacket.

I love sea lions. :)

they still ride the dolphins like dad did!

gorgeous.

We look so fresh and cute in the first photo, then just 3 minutes into the whale show and sitting in the 2nd row of the Soak Zone.. take a look at the next photo.. 

 

mom and me. (pre-soak zone)

I loved that day. It was beautifully sunny, 80 degrees, we enjoyed a place super near and dear to my family's heart, the food was delicious, the roller coaster a blast and at the end of the day - I wanted to do it all over again!! But - we didn't. We celebrated Halloween by going to the beach. We walked around the Carlsbad area and enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast at the Daily News Cafe (which I kept calling the Daily Planet). They have a red telephone booth a la Superman too.

;)

As we searched for a cozy spot on the beach we saw a pod of dolphins!! Look close below, see the little dark spot? That is one of their fins. It was super hard to capture it on our digital camera (they swim waaay faster than "little Shelby" ever did at 7 years old). 

At the end of the trip, I realized just how much family means to me and what I want to be able to teach our future family what it's all about. Of course, we will see 'where' our home is - whether that's in a house that we live in until we're gray and wrinkly or one of many homes we'll have. Wherever he is that's where I want to be. <3

lattes, flops and the ocean = perfect.

Until next time - love you California!

Labor Day Weekend!

Ohhh summer evenings. I am going to miss nights like this in a few weeks. Right now I can look out the window and see the gorgeous sunset and pale pink sky. Oregon you're so pretty.

ever road tripped with a kitty? we have! (I think this was in 2009.)

Over Labor Day weekend we were with the Waltz family down in southern Oregon. I love visiting my husband's family. They are only a 5 hour drive away (instead of having to hop on a plane to visit mine - but always makes for a fun trip to California or Florida). We have a routine set nearly every trip we go down south. Load up the car, drive 2 minutes, drive back to our place for something we have forgotten to say g'bye again to our furry kids, stop in Eugene for coffee + snacks, pass the Rogue River and be welcomed by Medford. 

So this trip was full of a few firsts for me. Well - first we did watch the Ducks lose not play as well as they could have.. but still had a good bbq with all the Waltzes that night. After a late night DQ run it was time for bed since we were heading to Crater Lake on Sunday! I had never been and it was sooooo beautiful out there! 

We took the trip with Travis's brother Kevin and his wife Bonnie. Here are a few photos of our afternoon at the Lake.

Sunday night it was bbq #2 with Travis's sisters and brother with their spouses and kiddos. Love summer nights, bbqs and kids running around shoeless. =]  After more food and ice cream, we had a long game of Clue to round out the night. I so love these nights with Travis's family. Food, ice cream, board games and lots and lots of laughs. 

A couple fun photos of the evening.

so cute right? She is a giggly girl. And just one of the reasons I love being an Aunt.

Monday morning we were packing up and getting ready to head out to Travis's Grandma and Grandpa's farm. I got to feed a horse for the first time! Although I was scared he would eat my hand, I made a new friend in a brown horse named Shorty. I LOVE going out to his Grandparents house. It is way out in the country, beautiful scenery, family photos everywhere and his Grandma is the best cook! Before getting out to their house we picked up our other niece and nephew to take them to Starbucks (they already have a puppy, what's a little espresso going to hurt?) .. kidding of course. We got them hot cocoa and a smoothie. *With extra sugar. ;)  One of the traditions Trav and I have with them is to go to a book store and get one book each under $10. Below are their finds..

 

I also picked a berry off a berry bush and ate it for the first time. I know I know.. I haven't 'lived', but really I promise I had a great childhood - just 'city style' I guess? One of my favorite things though about our trips to southern Oregon is seeing Travis with his family. I love seeing where he is from, who he grew up with and how everyone meshes together. I am so blessed to be part of this family and always look forward to seeing everyone. Family is super important to us and I look forward to one day starting our own little Waltz crew. =]

Sweet + Sweaty Times in Bend!

Vacation days are so fun, yet never seem long enough. Agreed? Well, we got back from our stay-cation in Bend, Oregon a couple days ago and wanted to share some photos (of course!). You've been fore-warned: many photos ahead...! On our first night in Bend we explored part of the downtown area near our lodge. Deschutes Brewery - delish! We went back and watched some Inception and had a craving for a sweet or 2 .. or 3. *On vacation, there are no calories. You didn't know? Oh yeah, total and pure fact. :) We saw a fun spot called Powell's Sweet Shoppe and decided to check it out. When you walk in - it is a candy heaven. Any kind of candy you can imagine is in there with Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory playing in the background. Below, is an old card catalog from a library (there were a couple of these lined up) and you could find a candy (or 5) and keep on shopping.

We settled on a few scoops of gelato.

On to Day 2.. it was time to burn some calories and meet a spot we had been looking forward to: Smith Rock. You may have seen the video in the previous post, but some photos are too fun not to share.

Ok so this photo isn't exactly fun to share, but you can see a portion of the Smith Rock area.

We take our hiking very serious.. ;)

Look Ma! It's a big rock! :)  To answer your question: Yes, my calves are real.

Before a long hot day of hiking, you must get at least a couple cute fresh and happy photos!

We decided to take the River trail first (along Crooked River) that goes about 2 miles around Smith Rock. So the beginning of our trek looked a lot like this....

 

Then when you get to the other side (passing many rock climbers and other sweet hikers) you can start to see the image of Monkey Face rock. Can you find the Monkey face below??

 We started using Monkey to be our guide as to how close we were getting not only to the Summit but it also helped us see if we wanted to keep going around (meaning: UP and at a steeper incline in the 90 degree heat).

We decided: ONWARD!!

Close to the summit!

This is the view from the TOP! We made it and look at how beautiful!

The other side of Monkey.. and the VIEW! That is part of the Sisters Mountains to the left.

We did it!! YEA!!

Beginning the trek down and back to base. Our car is down the Rock we are standing, on over that foot bridge, up the small hill, then up another big hill.

This hike was quite challenging. I have some friends who have hiked it and even if you're in super duper shape, you will find some tough spots! It was a little bit of rock surfing on our way down. That trail is ironically called: Misery Trail and rated most difficult on their guide information. Bend has some fun spots to eat and drink.. but when it comes to their outdoors - they do not mess around! There is a reason everyone there is sun kissed, in great shape and all smiles.

Bend thanks for the fun! We will be back again! 
Next time though.. rafting, kayaking and more Sangria.

Smith Rock: Domination!

We're baaaack! I'm still editing up some photos and will be finishing up a more detailed post in a day or 2 about our latest stay/vacation in Bend, Oregon. Everyone there was tan, happy and super fit. Our kind of city! On our second day there we drove about a half hour out to see Smith Rock and get our hike on. Oh and please excuse the photo icon of the video.. if someone knows how to select a different 'preview' photo, lemme know.. cause as you can see I'm a hot mess glistening image of a wife.

A few lessons and tips we learned on this particular hike/trip..

+ Take LOTS of water with you when hiking in a desert environment. (we did!)

+ Wear sunscreen (oops sorry Trav!)

+ Get a small frozen block to keep those sandwiches (that we ended up keeping in our massive cooler in the car..) cold in the back pack you take on your hike.

+ Take lots of photos (A+ for us.)
+ Encouragement, hugs and laughter make any hike together a bit more fun, not to mention having fresh and cold Sangrias at the end of the day is a wonderful treat to look forward to! ;)

Home - Sweet - Away - From - Home..

So, typically I (Shelby) can be found at one of three places..

Job Coaching and using my supreme Type A skills..

Lodges at Lake Salish - Our home is somewhere in there! ;)

Crunch Gym - gotta keep fit and cute for the husband right? ;)

But for our summer vacation we are heading down to Bend, Oregon and staying at the gorgeous, cozy, "green", and 4 smooches awarded (a la Best Places to Kiss in the NW book) spot: The Lara House Lodges.

One more day of work for us both and then it's off to Central Oregon. Of course, we too would love to spend a week in Maui or go to another beautiful hot spot. But sometimes you don't have to even leave your own state to find somewhere beautiful. We are super excited for our trip and have a few spots planned to visit. I haven't really appreciated Oregon much (due to the whole 9-10 months of rain), but in the last 2 years I have been changing my tune a bit. Oregon is green, lush, full of super friendly people, great brew pubs and Starbucks around the corner. *Go ahead look around the corner - see! :)   Though much of my family lives in other states, I always look forward to coming back home to Oregon. I think many Oregonians will agree you can't beat the fresh air and smell of lumber and chai.. or maybe that's just me. ;)

Have you ever done a 'stay-cation'? What do you love about where you live??