More Horse Riding Pictures

Here are a few more pictures of our little equestrian. Enjoy!

1st Horseride

We spent this past weekend visiting our Eastern WA family members (thank you, everyone!!!) and had a great time there! We relaxed, relaxed, and relaxed. What could be better?


The big excitement of the weekend (other than Annika showing off her walking skills for everyone) was Annika rode a horse for the first time. (Jarl was a true sport having such an unbalanced wee one on his back!) Eric flanked her on one side, Uncle John flanked her on the other side, while Aunt Wendy took the lead on Jarl and cousin Erin headed up the photography efforts. It was an all-encompassing event! Look out 2024 Summer Olympics, here comes your first equestrian competition participant!

Pooh Cake

I baked and decorated this cake for our friend Gage's 2nd b-day at the end of last month. He's currently on a big Winnie the Pooh kick. Gage's mom just sent me the cake picture - thank you, Caroline!

Sliding is FUN

If only you could hear the squeals of glee that erupt from her as she goes down the slide!

Taking a step back and pondering life's path

I just finished "cleaning up" my work computer in preparation for my departure. I shifted my pictures of Annika, Eric, our pets, etc. to one location so I can save it to a memory stick. Many files (mostly old work stuff that I haven't touched in years) were deleted, some were moved to the network so the remaining technical writers can access them.

All of this shuffling has taken me down memory lane. A lot has happened over the past 8+ years. I moved to Seattle, started my career (compared to having jobs), met my husband, bought a house, had a child, welcomed multiple pets into our lives, explored more of the world, and so much more. I am so grateful for all of the opportunities life has presented to me. Some were hard lessons, some were joys that I couldn't have imagined. All-in-all, I wouldn't change a thing.

This next chapter is going to be a grand adventure. Yes, it is scary to move outside of my comfort zone, but it is time. I'm thrilled by the idea of doing editing full-time. I'm very sad about the fact I won't have lunch with Eric every day and won't see Annika quite so much each day - especially on days that she's tired and goes to bed early. I've been incredibly spoiled with the amount of "together time" our current schedules allow.

To my wonderful husband and priceless daughter - thank you for being so supportive in this shifting time. You are my strength and support. I'd be lost without you.

New Job!

It's official! I have accepted a job for a MS vendor in Bellevue. My official title is Information Designer ... that's a fancy way of saying "technical editor."

The idea of changing jobs after eight plus years with my current employer is a bit scary, but I'm ready for the next chapter in my career to begin. The people at the new company seem very nice and hard working. The commute isn't going to be pretty, but you do what you have to do!

For the past eight years, I've been a technical writer. While I know I am good at it, I also know it isn't my true passion. Given the opportunity, I'd much rather edit than write. (Go figured - that's why I started a freelance editing business!) This new job will grant me the opportunity to edit all day long. Woo hoo!

The best part? I'll start my new job on my 35th birthday. Happy birthday to me! (Hey, that makes remembering my start date very easy!)

All Dolled Up

This morning, autumn was definitely in the air, so Annika's warmer clothes were in order. Daddy did a fantastic job dressing her in her new outfit ... and he even incorporated the outfit's headband. Of course, it didn't last on her head more than 10 minutes, but we did get some pictures before she decided to wear it more like a necklace than a head band.

Is she adorable or WHAT??


Eating breakfast .... mmmm! scrambled eggs


Helping Daddy brush his teeth