Baby Maya Olivia

We expected Miss Maya to come in September, but she held out and arrived just two days before her due date. Maya was born on October 3, 2009 at 8:55 pm. She was 7 lbs, 5 oz and 20 1/4 inches long. Big sister Mollie was very excited to meet her new little sister. Lil' Mazen was curious as well. Since he is only 16 months older than Maya, we don't think he has any jealousy issues and is very intrigued by the new addition. Congratulations Laura and Fadi!

More Shasta fun

Shasta 2009

In early September we returned to Lake Shasta for a long weekend of fun and sun with some of our best friends. We had a wonderful time lounging in the sun, jumping off the top of the boat, sliding down the water slide and hanging out in the water.

Hood to Coast 2009

August marked our 4th anniversary and of course-the Hood to Coast relay. We have participated in this event together for three years in a row now. This year, we were on separate teams which was different for us, but we still had fun. We even got to see each other at many of the exchange sites. Afterwards, we stayed the night in Seaside with my parents and enjoyed watching all the teams finishing on the beach.

Don't forget to floss!

The night before graduation, our school had an awards ceremony to recognize our class. I was sure that I was not going to win anything, so I told my parents not to come. Much to my surprise, I ended up taking home one of the awards that night. Our classmates and teachers voted to select the winners. I was honored to receive the Preventive Oral Health Care award. The award was given based on compassion for patients and promoting preventive oral health.

After the ceremony we enjoyed some drinks and appetizers with friends at the McMenamin's Grand Lodge. It was a good night!

Finally-graduation!

Wow-I can't believe that it has happened! It has been years in the making. First, taking night classes at PCC after working 8 hours at Regence. Then condensed summer classes to get A's in chemistry. Finally, two grueling years of hygiene school. It is official-I am a dental hygienist!

Graduation was in mid August. It was a beautiful ceremony on the lawn of the main campus of Pacific University in Forest Grove. In one hour, my 28 fellow students and I were transformed from hygiene students to official graduates with a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene. I thought that this might be a sad time for me but shockingly-I was so happy to be done that I couldn't even shed a tear!

After some quick photos with friends, we headed to Milos' for a celebration brunch with the whole family including Mike and Linda who had come up from Eugene. It was a long journey and I am glad that it is finally over!

Hanging out with friends

July 31st marked the last day of classes for my dental hygiene program. It has been an incredible two years and I have made so many wonderful friends along the way. Since we cannot not work until we have our license, and we can't get our license until we graduate, we had a mandatory two week break for the first week of August. My friends Teri, Cari and I made good use of this time. We scheduled a relaxing spa day at Dosha after a yummy breakfast at Mother's. We definitely deserved it!

The next day, Teri's brother took us out on the Willamette in his boat. We cruised up to the Columbia and enjoyed some time on the river. What a wonderful way to relax!

and more pics

More BBQ photos

Eric's 30th bday BBQ

We invited some friends and family over to celebrate the big occasion! We might be getting old but we still have fun!

4th of July fun and hiking with Aryn

This year, we actually made a point to drive into Bend and stake out a spot to watch the fireworks. We had a great view at a near by park. The show was short and sweet-great for the Minus ADD.

While we were in Sunriver, we met up with my good friend Aryn from college. We met for a delicious breakfast in downtown Bend and then conquered a 4.5 mile hike near Mt. Bachelor. It was long trail but the view was totally worth it.

Golf, fishing and water fights