Billy and Michelle

Yurtski 2010

2010-01-12T13:22:00.001-08:00

January is yurt season. Billy and I were at Yurtski in the Swan Mountains just after the New Year, and we are just returning from a trip in the Bitteroots at Downing Mountain. Despite a questionable snowpack, the skiing was great!
Bill starts back to school on Wednesday, so we are re-adjusting to "normal" life.

2009 - - - Highlights

2010-01-06T19:04:00.000-08:00

A new nephew!

Amy and Gavin are married!!

Hiking on Flathead Pass

Road trip to Santa Fe

Camping on Hebgen lake enroute

Wrecked VW =

Bummer tow truck ride to Rawlins, WY.

A new van

Taos

Roadtrip to the Oregon Coast

JD and Kelly's Wedding in Boston

Fishing the Boulder

Thanksgiving in Missoula

Gavin and Bill make the turkey

Mom passes on the wisdom

It was perfect!

No pictures of finals because they are lame. . .

Roadtrip to Chicago

Christmas!

Milwaukee

Happy New Year!

Fixed our Camera!

2009-09-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry we have been a bit behind on our updates. Bill dropped our drop-proof camera and it broke. Lame. Lucky for us they fixed it for free! So here are some pictures from the rest of the summer.

We went skiing for Billy's birthday, June 14th. We searched for snow on the backside of Emigrant peak, and after a long haul, found it!

Lovely Ada and the daunting storm building behind her.

Success.

Billy's summer school

2009-07-19T19:38:00.000-07:00

The view out the window of the studio

This is the porch Billy slept on every night. And, I joined him quite often.

Bill and his good buddy Sten.

Not a bad place to have class.

Summer!!

2009-07-19T19:16:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from an overnight trip we did no Livingston Peak early in the summer. We brought our skiis searching for snow and ended up playing a game of gin in the woods instead.

Our new Coleman stove. Thanks Mema!

Bill loves his truck

Bill was working on a school project that evening. Building a kite.

A storm brewing

Annie's Mac and sauerkraut for dinner. Wierd, but that's just what we had in the cupboard.

Baby Eric

2009-05-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

Eric's Christening

2009-05-20T11:42:00.000-07:00

Eric was Christened on Sunday May 17th. We woke him up from his nap to put his outfit on and he didn't like that much, but he loved the part where Father poured water out of the shell onto his little head. We went on a picnic in the park to celebrate!

Billy and I flew home on Monday and I took my last exam on Tuesday. I have two papers to finish up by Friday and Julie is coming to visit tomorrow! So hopefully I can finish up today and be ready to play by tomorrow afternoon. We'll see! Work starts next week!

What's new in our lives?

2009-05-14T23:27:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a while since we've filled you in on our exciting lives. We're currently down in Tuscon spending time with Mark and Heather... and of course, or new nephew, and Godson, Eric. We flew into town last night and spent the whole day hanging out with the little guy... what a handsome lad!

I'm done with school now... so life is magical once again. Went skiing up in Beehive Basin on Saturday with a couple of friends.

We spent all day Sunday doing yard work at the house with our good friend Lynnie.
Michelle and I headed up to the top of Mt. Sentinel on Monday for a little post exam picnic with the pups.

Right as we were packing up to head down to the Big Dipper for an ice cream cone a big ole' bald eagle landed in a tree about 50 ft. away from us.

2009-03-26T09:07:00.000-07:00

Spring Break!

Billy had his Spring Break last week and was in Missoula with me for almost ten days in a row. It was wonderful. He took care of Amy and I, made dinner and breakfast for us, skied with dogs every morning and fished in the afternoon with my buddies. Now it's my turn! My break starts tomorrow!

Billy and the dogs on Lolo Pass.

They had a bunch of quality time together while mom was in school. Billy really wore Sasha out. She is getting older and is really starting to love her snuggle time at home.

Billy and Paul touring in the Bitteroots . . . my law school friends skipped class to hang out with my husband, and I was a lame dork.

Fishing with the boys on the Bitteroot, they are trying to hit the squalla(sp?) hatch.

Adam

Billy

Evan
Evan is my law school best friend, our dog sitter, and an all around badass. Some how he is always skiing and fishing. . . Montana is the best place to go to law school, ever, in case you are thinking about it.

Skiing with friends at snowbowl

Martha, Paul, Billy and me

A more typical weekend:

Dorks!

Weekend apart

2009-02-08T12:51:00.000-08:00

I miss Billy soo much today. It's very hard being apart. Here are some pictures that make me happy.

Baja. Pure marital bliss.

Camp Muir. We had the honeymoon sweet on top of the cook shack. And boys and girls tooth brushes apparently.

Bridger. I make him kiss me.

When the car broke down in Teton National Park. We had a picnic and waited for the tow truck to arrive.

He's my best friend.

Our family in Bozeman at 616 Wilson. Oh how I long for the life of living in the same city. What an easy thing to take for granted. Don't.

2009-01-21T10:28:00.000-08:00

We arrived back into town from Tucson in time for a New Year's ski trip with some friends. We picked up Matt in Spokane and drove over to Missoula to get ready for our trip. Tommy arrived New Years Eve just in time for the celebrating. We had a few really good days skiing on Lolo Pass, but the avalanche reports were scary for the Swan Mountains, were the yurt is located. We ended up canceling the yurt trip at the trailhead because the 12 mile snowmobile in was too dangerous. Not to mention we wouldn't have really been able to ski. Instead we explored small mountain ski areas and hot springs. It was a great trip!

Thanksgiving in Montana

2009-01-15T20:38:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving Bill, Jan and Julie flew out to Missoula to join me, Billy, and Amy. We spent a night in Missoula and the sped out of town to Seeley Lake. We had a little cabin at the Double Arrow. It was perfect. We loaded up on food and wine and cozied up in the woods for a few days. We played lots of cards, drank wine, and went for walks in the woods. Billy and I only did a little bit of homework. It was so nice to be together and to have the whole family in Montana.

Dinner our first night at Biga Pizza. What a lovely mustache, it's MOvember!

Our cozy cabin in the woods outside of Seeley Lake, MT.

Thanksgiving Dinner at the Double Arrow

One of many evening strolls

Sisters watching Superbad.

We played lots of cards. I think Julie was taking a picture of the deer out the window.

Family hike around the lake.

Back in Missou. Dinner at the Oldpost

We saw this Christmas tree and knew that Jan would love it, so we had to take a picture for her.

Backcountry skiing in Tucson

2009-01-13T20:55:00.001-08:00

Because I didn't have skis, I was the official photographer. It turns out it may have been easier on foot through the woods of Mt. Lemmon. We had a fun adventure, ate way too many Rolos and got one very quick sort of illegal ski run in at the ski area.

Manuevering through the trees.

Billy sported his MO-vember stache through New Year. He wanted to keep it for the yurt trips. His new thing is to shave every day now. He has such a nice face, I was missing it after two full months of mustache.

We have probably been skiing for 2hrs by the time we see the radio towers in the distance. That is where we are going. It was a pretty long, cold, interesting haul.

The most southerly ski area in the US - Mount Lemmon

2009-01-13T20:39:00.000-08:00

After scouting the situation, we decided not to buy a ticket to the ski area. Instead, we toured around behind the resort and climbed up the backside.

Christmas!

2009-01-13T20:12:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

Santa brought Mark a new bike!

Billy got a book he gave to Mark earlier this year. We don't really give gifts anymore, but it was really fun Christmas morning to look through our bags and around Mark's house for things to wrap up and give eachother. I wrapped a Obama button for the baby and poker chips from Mark's closet for Gavin. We laughed a lot!

Billy had a bit of the flu on Christmas. But, Amy, Gavin and I played some disc golf and made it home just in time for a huge feast. After dinner we played cards, drank wine and laughed a lot.

Christmas Eve Mass

2009-01-13T20:06:00.000-08:00

Teo Phil and Paunee joined us for Christmas Eve Mass and Dinner. The church was so full we stood outside on the back porch. It was actually quite nice. And we were able to walk home at sunset.

Mark and Heather made a feast!

The Desert Museum

2009-01-13T19:47:00.000-08:00

On Christmas eve we went to the Desert Museum. It was a warm and beautiful day spent outside looking at desert plants, animals, and rocks. What a change from the huge winter storm we left behind.

First Day in Tucson

2009-01-13T19:21:00.000-08:00

We were very lucky to arrive in Tucson on the 22nd despite a canceled flight. We flew out of Spokane which had record snow, something like 40 inches in one day. We were told we couldn't fly until the 27th and this was on the 22nd and all airlines were booked until xmas. We found a guardian angel at US Airways and flew standby all the way.

I spent our first day in Tucson sick and in bed, or when I was feeling better, I moved to the couch. I was really grateful to be in Mark and Heather's very very comfortable home with my family and not sick stuck in an airport. I had very high fever and spent a day throwing up. Luckily it was a 24 hour bug. Mom and Billy both caught the bug, but not quite as hard. Luckily I didn't get Heather sick.

While I was at home in bed, Dad, Mark and Billy went out to play. Amy and Gavin arrived from Santa Fe that evening.

Last day with Amy and Gavin: Family Disc Golf

2009-01-07T21:20:00.000-08:00

Amy and Gavin took the whole family to play disc golf on the last day they were in town. We had everyone including Teo Phil and Paunee. The bug Billy and I had caught up to Mom so she was home eating Jello. Luckily she was only sick for one day too.

Amy and Gavin are planning a disc golf tournament for their wedding.

Mark and Heather's

2009-01-07T20:58:00.000-08:00

I guess these are mostly backyard pictures. Mark has a lemon tree and we made campfires in his backyard at night. We roasted marshmallows on Christmas.

Christmas in Tucson

2009-01-07T13:03:00.000-08:00

After finals Billy and I spent a very fun weekend skiing with friends in Kellog, ID at Silver Mountain. We had three days of skiing and unwinding from finals. The first winter storms were just pounding the NW and so we had lots of snow. The resort we were at also had an indoor water park where it was sunny and 85 year round. So after skiing and a few beers on the "longest gondola in the world," we schralped some waves in the water park.

It was nice to have a few days of winter fun before heading to Tucson for Christmas at Mark's house.

Look how big he is!

2008-12-13T16:33:00.001-08:00

2008-11-22T17:05:00.000-08:00

Amy & Gavin (Michelle's sister with her fiance) Amy Z (Billy's youngest), Billy & Michelle, Mark and Heather (Michelle's brother and wife (plus unborn peanut)) Julie & Brian (billy's sister and boyfriend)

Mom made all the cards, table favors, etc. She loves stamps.

Professional wedding photos

2008-11-21T16:07:00.001-08:00

Billy and I received the pictures from our photographer this weekend and so I thought I would post a few. We have two broken cameras right now, and so that is on our list, and then we will have new pictures.

School is busy as ever, but nearing the end. I only have three more days of class and then three weeks of finals! We are spending Thanksgiving with the Zanonis. Everyone is gathering in Missoula and we are heading out to a little cabin in the woods for a long weekend. It will be wonderful.

And, Mark and Heather found out yesterday, It's a boy!

Baby on the way!

2008-09-19T10:37:00.000-07:00

Mark and Heather are pregnant!

How could that little kidney bean not turn out cute!

We are so happy!

Memories of summer

2008-09-16T16:12:00.000-07:00

Billy and I have been apart now for a few weeks. We are missing eachother, but looking forward to the weekends. Bill sent me this picture this week, just a little reminder about how much fun we had this summer. We both have a LOT of work to do, so its nice to dream of less busy days. We are running a marathon in Whitefish, MT on the 21st. We can't wait to be running along side of eachother for 5hrs!

More Wedding Pictures

2008-08-31T14:35:00.000-07:00

Friends keep sending us new pictures.

Billy and Mom

Michelle and Dad

Almost married.

Married!

The reception

These pictures are from late in the evening... I don't have the nice formal ones yet. So this is the rowdy crowd.

Our song: Foreigner, "I Want to Know What Love Is"

We're attempting to set the world record for human pyramids in Mount Rainier National Park.

Success!

Married!

2008-08-20T15:06:00.000-07:00

Bill and I have been disconnected for about a month and are just getting back into reality after an amazing month of wedding preparation and celebration. It was SO fun! Thank you to everyone!

Here is my new husband and the mountain we climbed together.

I am planning on slowly posting wedding memories to share. Here is the link to pictures of our Rainier Climb, August 3rd-5th. http://www.flickr.com/photos/sundownr01/sets/72157606574951180/

The Climb

We had 15 out of 15 make it to the summit at 6:20am on August 5th.

The Team: Billy and I.
Family: Mark(brother), Amy(sister) and Dave(dad) Uberuaga, Gavin Clark (sister's fiance), Mark and CS Schaffield (cousins)
Friends: Sarah Louisignau, Ben Mitchell, Brian Wendt, Ryan Schirmang, Josh Holleb, Brian Gullota, Rob Marshall.

Billy in a crevasse

Dad in a crevasse

Hottest bridesmaids ever, Amy and Sarah.

My mom gave me this tube top so that I could work on my tan lines....

Wedding Planning

2008-06-30T20:19:00.000-07:00

6/ 28: Here we are...finalizing wedding details...

5/17 Post-finals weekend at the lake

6/2 Amy's graduation and road trip in the NE

Thank You

2008-06-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to take a second to thank Michelle for putting together this great blog and to our parents for all of their hard work. I love you guys. Special thanks goes out to Barb for making all our our save the dates and invitations. Can't wait to spend some time with you guys.

xoxoxo

Billy

Questions? Here's how to get in touch

2008-03-25T11:39:00.000-07:00

If you have any questions about anything please feel free to call or email anytime!
Michelle -- 253-732-0177; michelle.uberuaga@gmail.com
Billy -- 406-223-8703; billzanoni@gmail.com

Wedding weekend agenda

2008-03-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

Sunday August 3rd - Tuesday August 5th
Family Mount Rainier Climb
We have a group of family and friends that will be climbing Mt. Rainier together the week before the wedding.

Thursday August 7th, 2008
A relaxing day of hanging out at the lake/BBQ, followed by a bachelor and bachelorette parties in Ashford. Everyone is invited.

Friday August 8th, 2008
What: Rehearsal Dinner
Where: Basecamp Grill
Address: 30027 SR 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304
www.basecampgrill.com
When: 7pm
Directions -- First you will have to look at other directions on how to get to Ashford. (there are maps in your invitation) Ashford is the last town before you enter Mount Rainier National Park on SR 706 East. There is only one road that goes through Ashford, SR 706 E. You pull into town past the entering Ashford sign and slow down to 35mph. RMI Basecamp is about another 1/4 mile on your left. There are big signs that will look just like this picture. If you make it to Ashford you can't miss it. See the wedding map for more precise directions on how to get to Ashford. (The Paradise Inn is just a bit further on the same road. You drive into Mount Rainier National Park and another 15-20 miles until you come to the parking lot at Paradise and The Inn.)

Saturday August 9th, 2008

What: Wedding ceremony
Where: Cougar Rock Campground
When: 4:30pm
Directions -- If you come into Ashford on SR 706 East and drive to into the park to The Paradise Inn you will drive right past Cougar Rock Campground. It is halfway between the entrance of the park and Paradise (the name of the town in the park where the Inn is). Coming into the park the turn off to Cougar Rock will be on your left. There will be a sign for Cougar Rock and we will have someone standing at the entrance the day of the wedding directing people to parking. We won't have any ballons or wedding signs though. As you drive into the park tell the ranger at the gate that you are with the Uberuaga/Zanoni wedding, they will give you a map and can answer any questions you have about driving in the park. Also check out our link to the the wedding map. It is very easy because there is only one road, however it is a small and winding road through the woods.

What: Reception
Where: Longmire community building
When: after the wedding!
Directions -- We'll have mini maps to hand out at the wedding. It's in Longmire.

Sunday August 10th, 2008
What: Brunch
Address: 179 Dow Ridge Rd, Eatonville, WA 98328
Where: Barb and Dave Uberuaga's house, in Eatonville. Stop by on your way back to the airport for some food and hugs goodbye!

Monday August 11th, 2008
The newlyweds head to the Baja for a week of paradise. We need to say a special thanks to Brian Gulotta for setting us up with an off the grid beach house! It is going to be perfect! We are on a secluded beach with a great surf break far from civilization.

Camping

2008-03-25T10:53:00.000-07:00

For anyone interested in camping . . .

1. We have two group campsites reserved, one is a 20 person site and one is a 25 person site at Cougar Rock Campground.
2. We paid for camping for everyone, so its free!
3. There are RV hookups, but we haven't reserved any.
4. If you want a private campsite you will have to make the reservation yourself.
5. The wedding ceremony is at the amphitheater in the campground, so you can walk to the ceremony very easily from your site.
6. There will be shuttles to the reception site from the campground.
7. We have five rooms in the National Park Inn, in Longmire, reserved for the wedding party to get ready for the ceremony. SO, if you are staying in the campground, and would like a shower, let me know and we'll see what is available, it's just down the road.
8. We have extra camping gear if you would like to camp but don't want to fly with a bunch of gear, let us know.
9. Camping is fun!!!
10. You can walk 1.7 miles on the wonderland trail from the campground to the reception. Bring a headlamp if you want to walk, it will be dark.

Our Families

2008-01-21T17:15:00.000-08:00

Barb, Bill, Jan and Dave
The best parents in the whole world. seriously.
Jan and Bill went to Washington in March to visit my mom and dad. The whole gang took a trip into the park to check everything out. This picture is taken from the parking lot in Paradise, right out front of the Paradise Inn. My dad is wearing a construction hat because they are still renovating the Inn. It's not scheduled to open until May.

The Uberuagas

My brother Mark and his fiance, Heather were married on March 29. Over Christmas we celebrated both of our engagements. We had a nice dinner at Chico Hot Springs and before hand my parents gave all of us a wedding blessing. We were all really missing Gavin!

Mom and Dad just celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary June 22nd

Mark and Heather Uberuaga = Married!!

Mom, Amy and I at Mammoth Hot Springs

The Zanonis

The whole family in Montreal for Amy's graduation

Billy and Mema after the championship bocce ball game

The Dogs: Nick and Sasha in the Beartooths

Some more pics of the young lovers

2008-01-21T16:49:00.000-08:00

Wedding hair-do. I was told I should practice it!

Billy I love you soo much! Tag.

Wedding Map

2008-01-16T17:38:00.000-08:00

Here is the link to our wedding map. It is marked with an icon for the ceremony site, reception site, lodging, rehersal dinner site and other fun details. Here is the link: http://www.weddingmapper.com/mount_rainier_national_park/wa/visit/0mjs5q.

Another way to find our map is to go to www.weddingmapper.com and enter either Billy Zanoni or Michelle Uberuaga and it will pull up our map. Let me know if you have any questions. We will also include a very detailed map with the invitations this summer.

Registry

2008-01-02T14:42:00.000-08:00

Thank you for your love and support.

Ashford Creek Pottery ; local artists in Ashford, Jana Gardiner and Rick Johnson.
Gallery: 360-569-1000
Studio: 360-569-2933

Rick and Jana are making are plates, bowls, cups, platters, etc. They are wonderful family friends and they have been making beautiful pottery in Ashford since as long as I can remember. They are going to make the pieces for us after we have everything ordered and after the wedding. If you give them a call you can either purchase a gift certificate or something off of our wish list. The studio is right downtown Ashford and we recommend stopping by to see thier art. You can't miss it! They probably won't have our items in stock, but they may have some things in the store, it just depends.

REI www.rei.com - We like to play outside!

We have a variety of other items choosen at Macys, Williams and Sonoma, & Crate and Barrel.

Thank you!

Frequently asked questions

2007-12-15T12:07:00.001-08:00

1. Where do I fly in?
A: Seatac Airport, Seattle WA. It is about a 2hr drive from the airport to Mount Rainier. You can also fly into Portland, OR. Its only about thirty minutes farther. I recommend either going to mapquest or taking a look at a map before you decide.

2. What should I wear?
A: WEDDING -- The girls in the wedding party will be wearing sundresses and the boys will be wearing khakis and a long sleeve shirt and tie. Please wear whatever you are comfortable wearing. I believe there will be a wide spectrum from more formal to more casual, but everything goes. We will be outside for most of the day and so sundresses and sandals are very appropriate. You can see from the picture that the ground of the amphitheater where the wedding ceremony will be held is gravel. So heels are fine, they won't sink into grass, but walking on gravel may be tricky. It's up to you. I will either wear sandals, barefoot, or cowboy boots, I haven't decided. Shorts or jeans are fine too!

A: REHEARSAL DINNER -- We are having a barbeque outside in Ashford, WA at Rainier Basecamp. Jeans, shorts, dresses, anything goes! It's a BBQ. I will probably wear a casual and comfortable dress with sandals. But there is a climbing wall and a bouldering rock, and a big field for frisbees, kids and dogs, so if you want to play, bring something to play in. I will probably have shorts just in case I need them.

A: THE WEATHER -- August is the nicest time of year in Washington, but it can still be cold. Especially at the highest point in the park, Paradise. There may still be snow in Paradise, if not, it will be an easy hike to play in the snow. So bring enough clothes in case it gets cold. If everything goes as planned it will be in the 80's.

3. Is Billy really a male model?
A: Yes, e has graced pages 77/78 of the winter 2006 LL Bean catalog and was very close to doing some other, alternative modeling gigs. TAG

4. Can we bring kids?
A: Yes of course!

5. Do we pay an entrance fee to get into the park?
A: If you are just coming into the park the day of the wedding, you do not need to pay an entrance fee. Tell the rangers at the entrance that you are with the Uberuaga wedding. If you are staying in the park, and will be there for more than just the wedding and reception, you will have to pay an entrance fee.

6. Is there transportation for us in the park from the Inn to wedding and reception?
A: We are still working out the details. We will have something to transport people around in the park the day of the wedding.

7. Which groomsman would win in a wrestling match?
A: TBD

8. Is there a wedding registry?
A: Yes. We registered at a bunch of different places. We hope this makes it easier for everyone.

Ashford Creek Pottery - 360-569-1000
We did something a bit different and registered for our plates, bowls, etc. with a local potter in Ashford, Rick and Jana. They are family friends and wonderful artists. We have set up a wish list with them and so you can give them a call. You can call them at the studio at 360-569-2933 or at the gallery at 360-569-1000. They are going to make all of the pottery for us after the wedding, so you probably won't be able to buy a piece, unless they happen to have it in stock in the gallery. So the simplest thing is to call and order a gift certificate.

REI www.rei.com

We also registered for knives and other houseware items at: Macys, Williams and Sonoma, & Crate and Barrel. I think if you go to any of those stores or go on-line they will have our registries available.

9. Are we going to have cake or smores?
A: Both

The Wedding Party

2007-12-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

Here are the people that have made us the who we are today and will stand by us on our wedding and for the rest of our lives together.

Dave Uberuaga, Father of the bride
Eatonville, WA
He's the best dad in the whole world. I still look forward to going home and playing with my dad, and he is always down for anything. He has supported me in everything I have done and I am eternally grateful for his love, friendship and support. He has taught me how to live a life full of love and happiness.

Barbara Uberuaga, Mother of the bride
Eatonville, WA
Mom designed and made all of the invitations by hand. She is amazing, in so many ways. She has the best calming presence so that I always want to be hanging out with her. She will probably always beat me at crossword puzzles, and I am ok with that. It's been so fun planning a wedding together, I have an excuse to call my mom everyday. (and really it is her and dad that have done all the planning)

Andy Raia, Groomsman and cousin
Chicago, IL
No, this is not MIke Ditka and his twin brother Ike Ditka. It's Billy and Andy as Ditka... who's mustache is real? Andy and I have been extremely close for our whole lives. He's is one of the most fun people I know

Amy Uberuaga, Maid of Honor
Boulder, CO
Amy and I are bestfriends, sisters and soulmates. She brings out the best in me and always teaches me new things about life. Amy is a very passionate woman and she works hard everyday to bring about positive social change in this country. I can't wait until we are living in the same place again!

DAD, Best Man
Glenview, IL
What can I say... My Dad is the man... as illustrated in this photo

Kate Nordmark, Matron of Honor
Sundom, Sweden
Katie is also a soulmate and bestfriend. She and I have grown from silly high school girls into the stong women we are today together. We've traveled through Europe and had plenty of adventures, but our best memories are just talking and sipping tea together. Katie taught me "The Presence is the best Present."

Ryan Schirmang, Co- Best man
Detroit, MI
Ryan is my soul brother. We have similar insights into life. He is a true friend. We've had lots of fun together over the years... and there's lots more to come. As you can see... Ryan loves baseball and the Cubs.

Josh Holleb
Boulder, Co.
Josh is a great friend from college and runs two sustainable companies, Totem Industries and Holleb and co. We're trying to recruit Josh to live up in Montana with us.

Jen McBride, Bridesmaid
Whitefish, Montana
Jen and I were sisters in our past life. We met in Utah and have relied upon eachother in soo many ways since. We have shared cars, pets, houses, jobs, etc. seriously. Jen wins the "best of" one-piece party every year. Jen is at home in the woods in Montana or a hip-hop queen from Oakland, Cali. We can always rely on eachother to equally freak out about the state of the world and to calm eachother down and be a voice of reason in the midst of it all. She always amazes me.

Amy Zanoni, Sister
Montreal, Canada
Amy wins the prize for most visits to Montana and Utah. Also wins the prize for hiking way too long distances in keds, best air guitar and best DJ. I am keeping my fingers crossed that we will be roomies in Missoula next year, and since she is also brilliant, she can help me with my homework. Or we can just sit and talk politics for hours. Amy is wonderful, and she is so much like Billy, but also not.

JD Goering
Chicago, IL

JD is one of my oldest buds. I'd say we're more like brothers than anything. We've spent a ton of time together and I look forward to getting having him out to WA. I wish he'd move to MT so we could float the Yellowstone every day.

Julie Zanoni, Sister
Chicago, Illinois
Julie is like my older, younger sister. If that makes sense. I can call her anytime and she is always there for support or advice. She is always the one organizing our family vacations, making dinner reservations, etc. We would love to recruit her out to Montana forever, but she loves Chicago too much. But that's not going to stop us from trying! (ps Julie has the best hand me downs!)

Joey Rodriguez, Bridesmaid
Eatonville, Washington
Joey and I have been bestfriends since we were four. Joey's family moved into Tahoma woods, National Park Service housing, one wonderful day. We were inseparable little buddies, building forts, swimming in the creek, climbing trees, and having bake sales. The Rodriguez family is my other family. Now that we are grown up we still get together and laugh like we are 6 year olds with no care in the world. Joey is the only friend whoever made me laugh so hard I peed my pants. (and I might have been in the 6th grade) She was there for my first boyfriend, all my stitches, my first kiss, she taught me how to ride a bike, and on and on. Some day we are going to go back to Tahoma woods and search for our time capsule. We either buried it at one of our forts (but we had quite a few forts) or in her backyard under the maple tree. Either way it could mean a whole lot of digging, but totally worth it.

Sarah Louisignau, bridesmaid
Seattle, Washington
Sarah is the most recent addition to my women I can't live without list. Sarah and I met in Utah. Jen, Sarah, Amy and I all worked for the same organization campaigning for progressive issues, so we have all supported eachother in many ways. Sarah taught me to telemark, crouchet (although I can't do it without her), do yoga and many other important life skills. I look up to Sarah for her strength and wisdom.

John Jacquat, Male Model
Denver, Colorado
John is a wise friend from college. We always have a great time together. He likes whiskey.

Mark Uberuaga, Brother
Tuscon, Arizona
He'll carry your pack for you. Best brother ever.

Christian Rodriguez, Ring bearer
Eatonville, Washington
Christian is my best friend Joey's little boy. As long as I mention nothing about any other girls being involved in the wedding other than his mom, he's cool with being a ring bearer. Maybe he will wear his batman cape and suit, or maybe a little tux. We haven't quite decided. This picture is from Christian's 5th birthday party, this March.

Lily McNaughtan, Flower girl
Chicago, Illinois

Saga Nordmark, honorary flower girl
Sundom, Sweden
Saga is Katie and Axel's daughter. She is not quite big enough to have an official role in the wedding, she'll be 18 months in August. But she sure is cute enough!

Lodging at Mount Rainier

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The wedding is in Mount Rainier National Park. To get to Mount Rainier guest should fly into Seatac airport and rent a car. It is about a 2-3hr drive to the park from Seatac.

The Paradise Inn

Here is a link to a great article about the Inn.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/adventure/story/355786.html

There are a variety of places to stay in and around Mount Rainier. We have blocked plenty of rooms at the Paradise Inn. The Paradise Inn is a historic site that is currently being renovated and set to reopen in May 2008. It is a short drive, about 15 minutes, from the Inn to the ceremony and reception sites. The Inn is rustic and beautiful set in the heart of the park with amazing views. The rooms are quaint and comfortable; some have bathrooms that are shared. Really the beauty of the Inn is the location and the prices are a bit higher because of that, not because of the luxurious rooms. If you would like your own bathroom, or a suite, we have blocked a variety of room types so please specify what you would like when you call. To book your room or for more information: http://rainier.guestservices.com or call the Inn 360-569-2275. The Inn should be able to accomodate almost all of our out of town guests and will be a great place for everyone to gather.

Cougar Rock Campground

We have two group campsites reserved for anyone interested in staying at the Cougar Rock Campground. Camping is free!! Cougar Rock is a wooded campground on the Nisqually River and Wonderland Trail about 5 minutes from Paradise. The wedding ceremony will be held in the amphitheater at the campground, so it would be a simple walk from the campground to the ceremony. It is also possible to walk a few miles on the Wonderland trail from the campground to the reception site in Longmire. The campground does not have showers, so if you would like a shower, although showers not required, it may be a good idea to hook up with someone staying at the Inn. The Nisqually river is not a good shower site; it is glacial, muddy and dangerous.

The National Park Inn

The National Park Inn is a lodge in Longmire. It is also very conveniently located just minutes from the ceremony and reception site. The number and website are the same as for the Paradise Inn: 360-569-2275; http://rainier.guestservices.com, click on accomodations.

Other Options: Ashford

The last little town before you enter Mount Rainier National Park is Ashford, WA, pop. ~200. Ashford is three miles from the entrance to Mount Rainer and is the town where Michelle grew up. The rehearsal dinner will be in Ashford and it is about 15 miles from Ashford to the wedding and reception sites. If you are looking for a private cabin for a family, bed and breakfast, or spa, Ashford has a variety of options. It is however a very small town and lodging books up fairly quickly so make your reservations as soon as possible.

The Nisqually Lodge

Located in Ashford, the Nisqually Lodge is one of the few other hotels in the area and a bit less expensive because it is outside of the park. 360-569-8804; www.escapetothemountains.com

Whittaker's Bunkhouse

Is another hotel right in the heart of Ashford and is right next to the rehearsal dinner site. www.whittakersbunkhouse.com; 360-569-2349

Cabins, Inns and B&B's:

Jasmer's at Mount Rainier
The Jasmer's offer a variety of rooms and cabins for couples or families. Everyone who stays at the Jasmer's absolutely love the service and accomodations. www.jasmers.com; 360-569-2682

Deep Forest Cabins at Mount Rainier

Visitors to Mount Rainier love the Deep Forest Cabins. They are also owned and operated by good family friends and offer beautiful isolated cabins. www.deepforestcabins.com; 360-569-2054; 866-553-9373

Stormking Spa

These are private cabins best suited for couples. www.stormkingspa.com; 360-569-2694

Mountain Meadows Inn and Bed and Breakfast
www.mountainmeadows.com; 360-569-2788

Alexander's Country Inn & Restaurant
www.alexanderscountryinn.com; 360-569-2300

Our Engagement

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Billy and I got engaged on March 7th, 2007 on backcountry yurt trip in Idaho. Instead of exchanging gifts last Christmas, Billy and I planned this trip together. He did most of the planning and a little bit extra! Our first night we camped at the trailhead and woke up early the next day to skin in 4 miles to the yurt. It was a perfect beautiful day and we were carrying a lot of food and wine for a long fun weekend. After arriving to the yurt and getting set up, we went out for a ski. The snow was unexpectedly perfect for March. Billy and I skinned up to the saddle above our yurt and I headed towards the peak along the ridge. Billy didn't want to continue on to the peak, which is unlike him, and when I realized he was acting sort of funny. He started telling me how much he loved me, went down on a knee and asked me to marry him. I was overwhelmed with excitement, said yes, and tackled him in the snow (he still had his skiis on). Moments after our engagement it started snowing, really it did, and it was magical. We skiied down to the yurt, stocked the fire and made dinner. We had a long weekend and an amazing ski trip. It was perfect.

We shared a romantic bottle of wine that we carried all the way, but we forgot cups. (I should say, I forgot the cups.)