Whirlwind

The last time I wrote was when I got back from Vegas. Now, more than 4 months later, Andy is in Vegas for the weekend and I'm finally sitting down to write again. The last four months have been a whirlwind, full of both fun and not-so-fun things. But when it comes down to it, we are happy, healthy, and, if Andy does well in Vegas, wealthy! I'll settle for the first two.

Our last several months have been eventful...we spent Thanksgiving Day with great friends here in Portland and then jetted off for a weekend in Phoenix with Andy's family. We spent two weeks in Colorado over Christmas where we had lots of quality time with friends and family. We were also there for the passing of my Grandma Corkey. We have some great final memories and are thankful that we were there to celebrate her life.

We spent the month of January in and around Portland - getting in a few days at the mountain and enjoying a lot of sunny winter days. February brought a bit of a change of pace to the Nardecchia household. Andy had a fluke skiing accident at the beginning of the month, which left him with a broken left ankle and right wrist. A week in the hospital and two surgeries later, he was home but pretty incapacitated. Luckily his brother Joe had already been planning a visit and extended it to help out for a few weeks. Not exactly the ski vacation he was looking forward too! He was a life-saver though!

Five weeks later, Andy is doing amazingly well. He's back to work doing limited procedures and manages to get around really well on his knee scooter. Hell, he's in Vegas right now! His attitude has been great and he's focused on getting back to normal. Hopefully this will be a distant memory before we know it.

Despite the set-back, we were able to get away for a family weekend to Victoria a few weeks ago. Andy went to Vegas this weekend with friends from Denver. And next weekend we are off to Sayulita, Mexico for a week with my family. I can't wait!

This hardship has made me even more thankful for the things we have in our life - wonderful family, amazing friends (what did we do to deserve you guys??), and the best little boy we could ask for.

Tribute to Grams

Corabelle (Corkey) Edith Sheriff
February 6, 1927 - January 1, 2010

Gram's 85th

A few weeks ago I abandoned the boys in Portland and headed south to Vegas for the weekend. The occassion? My Grandma Elaine was turning 85! I was met there by my sister, mom, three aunts, and grandma (of course) for a weekend of fun. We had a great time and Grams never ceased to impress me. I can only hope I am that spry when I am 85!

Pictures!

Life's been a little busy the last month as we try to cram as much into the final days of summer as possible. We've been on some great trips and seen lots of friends and family. Other than working 4 days a week, our lives are pretty much a vacation! No complaints here!

Here are some pictures from our latest adventures...

Portland Bridge Pedal - Nick's first official bike race.

Seanfest 2009 - a weekend of mountain biking, camping, bacon and beer to celebrate Sean's birthday in the Coast Range.

Lake Powell 2009 - with 14 of our great friends from Colorado and Portland. More fun than should be allowed in any one week. Thanks Becky & Daren!!

Westport, WA - an awesome weekend at the beach with Mary Ann (Andy's mom) and Ryan, Amber & Lily French.

*Oops - forgot our camera! Waiting for pictures from Amber & Ryan.

Becky's 30th Birthday at Becky's family ranch near Mt. Adams. A relaxing weekend with good friends, good weather, and great fun. Oh, and guns, tractors, and death-defying kayaking!

Camping and mountain biking in Oakridge, OR. Nick played with a High Life box and beer bottles all weekend. Real educational!

Luckily, even though summer is officially over, we have lots of fun adventures to look forward to this fall. The San Juans, Vegas, and at least a few camping trips. And Nick is close to mastering walking which is an adventure in and of itself.

Where did the summer go?

August already? Time flies. But what a great summer it's been. I've been terrible about keeping up to date with emails, phone calls and this thing. So here's a quick summary.

Last I wrote I was in Philly for Sara & Steve's wedding; July found me in Philly again but this time for work. I did have a little bit of time to see friends which was great. Four nights away from Nick though, and I was ready to get home!

That trip was preceded by a trip to Minnesota with my family and extended family. We rented an awesome "cabin" by Red Sand Lake outside of Brainerd and spent the week boating, playing tennis, golfing, relaxing, and over-indulging in every way possible. At one point, 20 members of the McRaith family (my mom's family) spanning four generations were there. It was great!

We had visits from all of Andy's siblings in June and July which was fun. The twins recently moved back to Seattle for the summer so now they are just 3 hours away. They came down last week for an emergency babysitting gig. It's great to have them so close!

We also had visits from Becky & Daren from Colorado and Joan from Philadelphia in July, both of which were great. Becky & Daren were here for a week and it was just like old times. We had a great day on the boat, some great BBQs and lots of fun. Lucky for us, we get to see them again in a few weeks in Lake Powell. Joan and I got away this past weekend for a girl's night and a Sugarland concert. We had a great time, but I discovered I can't party like I used to. It took a few days to recover!

In between all the fun, we've had a little time for work (but not too much) and lots of fun with our Portland crew. We've also experienced a heat wave like none other in Portland. Several days over 100, even more over 90. It's supposed to be under 90 tomorrow for the first time in weeks. I can't wait!!

Nick is doing awesome and keeping us entertained and on our toes. He loves life and is full of energy. As long is he is awake, he's on the move. He's not far from walking but not quite there yet. We're not sure if it will make our lives easier or more difficult! He is working on a few words and we're hoping to have him reading by the end of the month (ha!). It's a blast.

Here are a few pictures and a video (sorry, it's kind of long) to keep the grandparents at bay! Love and hugs to all!