Steve and Jessica Hiatt have been living in our Stroll Lakeside community for six beautiful years! You might recall a news item a few months ago about a bald eagle flying through the window of one of the homes by American Lake. That was them! “We absolutely adore our neighborhood, particularly because of breathtaking American Lake that graces our surroundings,” they told us. 

In their home on West Thorne Lane, they partake in “fireside reads, morning meditations, and starlit gazes. We really enjoy drifting on the lake aboard our boat, or immersing ourselves in nature's beauty by taking a leisurely stroll.” They share their home with a puppy named Grizzly,  a Cairnoodle (Cain Terrier and Poodle), who by the way was very well behaved when last year “a bald eagle tried to move in by breaking through the living room window." It was unconventional for sure! 

 

Steve was born in Puyallup, and grew up in Roy, while Jessica, or “Jess,” was born in Seattle, and grew up in Federal Way. They consider themselves “deeply committed to our community.” Steve lends his efforts to the Woodbrook/Tillicum Steering Committee, while Jess proudly serves on the board at Communities in Schools of Lakewood. “If you're not familiar with CISL, you should be!” she said. “They're dedicated to supporting the youth, the heart and soul of our Lakewood community, and their work is truly remarkable.” The couple don’t have any kids together, yet it’s “not off the table.” Steve has four adult children between the ages of 28 and 18.  

 

You will also often find them “extending a helping hand through the Emergency Food Network Home Delivery Program, ensuring our neighbors have access to essential nourishment.” When it comes time to embark on an adventure, the Hiatts are “avid travelers” who seek out “cultural experiences. Over the past year, we've been fortunate to explore Bali for our honeymoon, celebrate the New Year in Sayulita, and had the opportunity to be enchanted by Ireland for Steve's birthday. Our love for adventure is matched by our passion for immersing ourselves in the rich culture and history of each place we visit,” they shared. Their next destination is Australia, where they hope to road trip from Sydney to Brisbane. They are also willing to travel “far and wide” for live music, which “holds a special place in our hearts.” 

 

What kind of music, you might ask? “We have eclectic tastes,” they admitted. “Steve's top picks include Rush, U2, and Genesis” while “Jess gravitates towards My Morning Jacket, Radiohead, and Kendrick Lamar.” Warming to the theme, they added, “Music is a huge part of our lives; we thrive on it. Catching live shows is one of our greatest joys.” No doubt this love of music was developed in both of them from an early age, and carried with them through college -- Steve at Northwood University in West Palm Beach, Florida; Jess at Skagit Valley Community College in Mt. Vernon – until today. What about movies? “Choosing a favorite film or TV series is tough,” said Jess, “given my deep love for the world of cinema and television. However, Star Trek holds a special place in my heart, primarily because of its profound philosophical teachings,” while “Steve is inspired by The Big Lebowski: ‘Calmer than you are, dude!’” 

 

Summertime, you will find them wake surfing with friends on the boat. “It’s never a bad day on a boat… Steve is an avid surfer and Jess finds solace on the water, floating with a captivating book in hand.” A fun day “kicks off with walking Grizzly at Harry Todd Park! In the afternoon, you'll find us on American Lake.” Time to eat? Along with family dinner at home – especially “succulent steak grilled by Steve, accompanied by a yummy array of veggie sides crafted from homegrown ingredients” -- they frequent Lake City Pub. “We love the menu and aesthetic there, plus the owner rocks. Recently, as social members, we've really enjoyed TC&GC.” 

 
They like to cheer on the Orting wrestling team, who were State Champs three times back to back (or any wrestling team), and are still discovering new traditions to follow as a couple. For example, Jess shared with a laugh that Steve has recently begun decorating for Christmas as early as November 1. We are thankful for the Hiatts' contributions to our community and glad to be a part of the memories they are making in our neighborhood.