At the end of July and beginning of August I had the opportunity to spend 2 whole weeks in Seattle! I had been looking forward to this trip for a long time. It had been almost 2 years since our last visit! I had a great time visiting our family and friends but still felt like there was a lot that I would have liked to do that there just simply wasn’t time for. I really miss living in the great Northwest!
A few highlights & photos from the trip:
One of the first things I got to do once I got into town was spend an afternoon with my mom’s side of the family. We enjoyed lunch together and spent time catching up in the cabana of my mom’s condo. And although it wasn’t technically a shower, I did get some wonderful gifts for the baby too! One of the many highlights was getting to visit with my Uncle Sean, Aunt Gabrielle and my cousins Kevin & Blaine. The last time I got to see them was at our wedding over 5 years ago! Saying that they have been through a lot over the past few years is a severe understatement. My Uncle Sean has experienced a brain tumor, kidney failure, regular dialysis, and multiple life changing medical mistakes that have led to a disease called NSF and paralysis. Physically he may not be the same, but somehow he has been able to stay positive and is still very much the Uncle Sean I remember – kind, upbeat, and funny! I’m so glad that we were all able to get together. This is one quirky family but I sure do love them!
 |
| Opening gifts for the baby |
 |
| My Grammy Carol and the sweet little soft bear she gave me. |
 |
| My Aunt Melanie found these tie-dye t-shirts at the Portland Market. She'll look like a true NW girl in these! |
 |
| The whole family, minus my cousin Justin. |
 |
Traci stopped by after lunch.
The matching skirts was an accident. |
On Tuesday afternoon, my Aunt Janet and I went downtown to the Pike Place Market. Visiting the market was on my list of must-do’s while in town. I can’t remember the last time I had been. Probably when I was a kid. But who can forget the famous fish throwers, all the arts & crafts booths, the yummy food and of course all the gorgeous fresh cut flowers. Even the smell of the salty sea air brought back so many memories. We had a great time perusing the booths and enjoyed fish and chips for lunch with a great view of the Puget Sound.
 |
Enjoying my Aunt Janet's company
and lunch with a gorgeous view! |
 |
| Row after row of gorgeous locally grown fresh cut flowers! |
 |
| I couldn't resist buying a few $5 bouquets for our mom's and the hosts of my shower! |
Tuesday evening I was treated to a baby shower hosted by my sister-in-law Jen and my best friend Traci. Jen added sweet little decorations all around her home and did a fantastic job on the food, including homemade vanilla cupcakes with strawberry meringue frosting. Yummy! Traci put together some fun games that kept everyone entertained and had cute little potted plants as prizes. I was so happy to get to see so many of my family members and friends all together and was so blessed by all the gifts for our little baby girl.
 |
| My grandma Frankie was one of the first guests to arrive! |
 |
| Jen & her heavenly cupcakes! |
 |
| My sister-in-law Jackie and my niece Josie |
 |
| My mother-in-law Kathy & Josie |
 |
| The pretty packages |
 |
| Shower games |
 |
| I love this diaper bag! |
 |
| Shala & my little sister Emma |
 |
Longtime friends & moms/daughters:
Judy & Traci, me & my mom |
 |
| My mom's longtime friend Sandy - she gave me my very first haircut, and many thereafter! |
 |
| My Grandma Jean & Grandpa Dave |
 |
| Girl Cousins! Nikki, me, my sister Anna & Cecelia |
Wednesday afternoon I picked up my little sister Emma from her soccer camp. I got there early so I could watch her scrimmage. She’s quite the little athlete! After camp, we went to McDonald’s and got Happy Meals & dipped cones. Not the healthiest choice of course, but it was sure fun to have some sister time!
 |
| Emma defending her teams goal! |
 |
| Enjoying a yummy ice cream treat! |
That evening I got to enjoy dinner with the very first roommates I ever had. During my freshman year at WWU, I was assigned to a dorm room with two other girls. Traci and I had requested to room together but much to our surprise a third girl was added to our room. Naomi ended up becoming a great friend and we had a year none of us could forget! She and her husband Jared live on a houseboat right across from UW. (They both work in offices right on Lake Union and can actually kayak to work!) Naomi and I went for a quick kayak adventure and then had a great dinner on their deck watching the sunset. I really wish Jeremy could have been there that night!
 |
| The adorable house boat... what a fun place to live! |
 |
| Naomi & Traci |
 |
| Kayaking under the freeway! |
Thursday I had a relaxing day at Traci’s cabin on Flowing Lake. Another roommate that we shared during college, Val, was able to make the trip down from Canada for the afternoon and I finally got to meet her adorable kids Viola & Jesse. I think it’s been over 5 years since I’ve gotten to see her! Although it was a gloomy afternoon, we enjoyed playing with the kids and Val even got in a little wakeboarding.
Highlights I didn’t get pictures of:
- Staying at my mom’s the first week. She was a fantastic hostess and although I’m not an animal person in the least bit, I really enjoyed her little dog Pippen!
- Birthday Pedicures with Traci & Maygen. Can you believe it was the very first pedicure I’ve ever had?! Don’t ask me what took so long, it was glorious!
- Dinner with Michelle, an old friend from high school
- Staying up until 4:30am talking with my sister talking about all kinds of sister things!
