Ladies and Gentlemen...Introducing Jessie Owens.

A big dog in a little dogs body. That is the best way to describe this six year old schnauzer. We headed to Spokane for Labor day weekend to catch up with friends and say our farewells to Bill and Colleen who will be heading to Ethiopia for an extended period of time and Jessie will be vacationing in Birch Bay until they get back.

Leavenworth was our destination Friday night. The six hour drive to Spokane was a little much considering I worked until 530pm. Kate's uncle Kevin got us a room at the Icicle Inn (he does the sales and marketing for them).
Leavenworth is a Bavarian village tucked into the Cascade Mountains. It's full of pines, lakes and rivers, as well as Germans.

The scenery quickly changes once you head East from Leavenworth. Past the wine grape vineyards and apple orchards are wheat fields and small cute towns where everyone knows everyone.

I would have loved to take more pictures but we were anxious to get there. Waterville is a neat little town with nothing much in it but full of character.

Soon, along the horizon, come the pine trees. It's the way Spokane welcomes us every time as if to say, "Welcome Home!" The tire cover on the Jeep was fitting!
Babies! Babies everywhere! Jarrod and Jake share the holding duties during a night of pizza and catching up on Saturday.
The north side from Dan and Tiff's house.
We stayed at the Roe's home. Here we are at a little Italian bistro for Sunday afternoon lunch in Brown's Addition.

Sunday night Jeremy and Jason put together a cookout for us in Manito park.

Monday came and it was time to head back to Birch Bay. Jessie loves car rides but was a little confused with this change.

Thanks to Leila and Emma for accepting him into their pack right away and making him feel right at home! It was almost like Leila said, "I got this Scott. Jessie you're going to do just fine here with us. We get to run for miles!" We've done two nice runs to the fields and today was beach day.








Emma the water lab.


Eying something besides kibble.

If you haven't figured it out, I love my dogs. Great friends and even better stress relievers! I took my board exam this past Wednesday and will hear on Friday the results. My study sessions always began and ended with Leila at my feet. True support!

You never know what you will find when the tide goes out. Here, a starfish. It was bright purple. The picture doesn't do it justice
Leila soaking wet after going head first after who knows what- crab, small fish or clams.
This whole week is the Northwest Washington Fair. It takes place directly across the street from where I work. Katie and I went on Tuesday night. I didn't take my good camera but you can see Mt. Baker on the right in the picture below.
Ruth, Rhoda, and Katie enjoying a moowich.
My graduation gift to myself. Some people buy cars, I bought a kayak.

I couldn't pass up this opportunity.

Summer has consisted of BBQ's, boat rides and sunshine.

Leila not sure of the boat approaching the beach.





Last weekend we went to Yakima for a Wheeler family reunion. We had a great time catching up with family.

Mount Adams




Just another beautiful sunset on the bay.