We set up our tent right on the Ho River. The water was cold and slate blue. A ranger later told us that the color was caused by the silt and runoff from the nearby glacier.

After leaving the Sol Duc Hot Springs, we entered the Ho Rain Forest. UNBELIEVABLE! We drove into the forest for about 40 minutes before we came upon the camp area.

Our first stop was at the Sol Duc Hot Springs in the Olympic National Forest. Our camp site was on the edge of this terrific ravine.

While the girls were in Michigan, Tia and I decided to take a mini-vacation of our own. Our first visit to the rain forest as well as the Pacific coast began with a quick ferry ride to the Olympic Peninsula.

As everyone is aware, the girls started the summer with a fantastic visit with Grandma and Papa back in Michigan. For two weeks, they caught up with old friends, hung out with Aunt Jenny and Uncle Jay, got to see Auntie Lyssa and the boys, Corbin and Nicholas, visited with Uncle Mike and Aunt Yvette, and of course, had many adventures with Grandma and Papa. What a great way to start the summer.

Yes, I know my blog is waaaayyyy over due for an update...but look what I can do.
See, I've been so busy learning important things like this...(and excuse, excuse, excuse).
Really, updates are on the way.

Last weekend, Alex and I volunteered for "Rampathon", a program that donates and builds handicap ramps for people in need. Although Alex asked that I stop referring to it as community service, it was actually quite rewarding to be a part of something that helps out so many people.

Alex providing motivation and support for the crew.

"When will you understand, being cute is being helpful!"

Alex installing the finishing touch.

Perhaps we should get Alex a brass plaque for when she cleans her room.

Jason and the girls after the game.

Cousin Jason on the pitch.

Last week we had a member of the family drop by for a visit. Unfortunatly, he was only here on business. Jason plays professional soccer with the Rochester Rhinos, who were in town to play a match against the Seattle Sounders.

My friend Carolyn once told me of one of our customers, "...no he's not gay, he's like you - fancy!" Well fancy boy here freely admits that not only is Project Runway on Bravo my favorite television show, but Tim Gunn is a friggin' rock star! And now, the super stylish Mr. Gunn is an author. Line up ladies, this one should be required reading. What does it say about me that in a house full of women, I'm the first one reading it? Oh yea, "I'm fancy!"

Oh yea... Did I happen to mention that we met Tim Gunn and heard him speak about Project Runway, Heidi Klum, past contestants, the Parson School of Design, his new show on Bravo and more. Aiden was especially engaging, asking all sorts of questions. He was all too eager to share. Quite an unexpected family adventure for Fancy boy and the Rose girls.

FINALLY!!! As everyone knows, I have an enormous heterosexual man-crush on my man - Michael Buble'. Well it looks like the little fella finally released his latest CD...and it's about damn time. I could ramble on and on about his last CD ("It's Time" [2005], which was perfect), but instead, just buy this one and then find yourself filling your CD library with his entire collection.