Beads and billiards may seem an unlikely combo, but to two pool-sharking, designing women, Jessi Krauser and Courtney Nester of Federal Way -- it's a natural.

Courtney Nester takes a shot during AMA (Amateur Pool Association) league competition and is ranked a six, with a ranking of seven being at the pro level.

The team cheer is a ritual before any team member plays. From left are Kevin Neal, Rayanne Ganuelas and Courtney Nester at Tall Timbers in Federal Way.

Jessi Krauser gets a kiss from Teva, one of three pet Schnauzers that hang out at their Federal Way shop, Beads & Billiards.

A bench, trellis, gazebo and guardrails were created by Western Washington State UniversityÕs Aristotle Georgiades and his wife, Gail Simpson.

Affordable housing has always been a selling point in Federal Way. The average home there today costs about $150,000. And some West Campus houses sell for more than twice that. Rents can be somewhat of a bargain.

Federal Way boasts a big -- and growing -- Korean population. These children were photographed during a church service.

Dietrick Jones, Federal Way Historical Society president, talks with another longtime resident about the history of this cabin. It was moved to Federal Way from Seattle, where it was believed to be the oldest surviving home of the Great Seattle Fire of 1889.

Growth has forced the Federal Way School District to build a new elementary school every year for the past five years.

The sprawl of Federal Way is evident at South 320th Street and Pacific Highway South -- the state's busiest intersection.

A stand of Douglas fir gives way to loggers to make room for a retirement development in the fast-growing city.

Federal Way Police Officer Chris Karl about to start his first day of patrol as part of Federal Way's new police department.


It's not easy for Pat Pattison to sit on the sidelines at his Pattison's West roller rink after a lifetime that's revolved around roller skating.