washington part IIII

The end of our stay in Washington included a three day family reunion with all my brothers and my Aunt, Uncle and Popi too. 

Henry adored his Uncle Nate, Vanessa and Ringo. In fact, at one point I went to play with Henry and Vanessa and he told me to go away. Seriously. He was obsessed. "Where are Uncle Nate and Vanessa?" was a common question. Luckily all my brothers really showered him with attention and he loved them all and still talks about them, asking to see them today.

About a year ago my parents were able to purchase the land right next to their property. It became available and they snatched it up before developers could and over doubled their land. Most of it is forest and a lot of it is overgrown but they have plans to clean it up and preserve the natural beauty. One project was to clear away 12 feet high berry bushes and plant small tree starts.

As part of this family reunion, each family got to plant one. There are also memorial trees planted for my grandparents.

Here is Steve planting our tree. He is a Douglas Fir so we naturally named him Doug E Fresh.

Henry watering the tree.

After the rigorous tree planting we headed to Seattle to eat brunch at Beth's Cafe. Beth's is famous for huge portions of hash browns and 12 egg omeletts. It is diner food done right.

After stuffing ourselves, we walked around Greenlake which as it turns out is 3.2 miles. And it was hot. Henry got VIP treatment by riding various shoulders. In the end it was a beautiful day but we were all ready to get in the car or jump in the lake. Too bad we didn't bring swimsuits as that would have been perfect.

We ended the night playing games Gallegos Style which means we ate lots while laughing.

washington part III

When we were planning our trip my parents suggested Steve and I disappear for a night away from Henry. Done and done. I picked Steve up from the airport and we headed into the city. We stayed at the Hyatt at Olive 8. It was super nice and had some pretty amazing amenities. Nice big shower and luxurious linens plus the nicest gym, pool, spa area. Very swank.

After settling in we headed over to the Seattle Art Museum to see an exhibit about Japanese fashion. Steve was a trooper so I buzzed through it but could have spent more time drooling over the creative craftsmanship. First Thursdays are free museum days in Seattle so we got in for free too. We also checked out the modern art wings where they were exhibiting the massive works of collectors Herb and Dorothy Vogel. We had watched their documentary so it was interesting to peruse their pieces.

After the museum we headed down to the pier and ate dinner at Red Robin. We saw lots of colorful people and street happenings. I miss being near a city sometimes. But then other times, I don't. Marijuana delivery, anyone?

The pier now boasts a new ferris wheel. We didn't go on it as it is pricey and the lines are longer than the ride.

After our wedding we spent a couple of days in downtown Seattle so it was fun to hit some of the same spots.

This huge gum wall is in Post Alley that leads into Pike's Place. It smelled fruity and minty.

I just thought this was hilarious. Oh, people...

We checked out the library too. I know, we're nerds. But the building is so cool and interesting. I mean look at these glowing citron escalators!

To end the night we got take out dessert from the Cheesecake Factory (carrot cake for me and chocolate cake for Steve), Diet Coke and milk from a convenient store and relaxed in the pool a bit. We turned in early thanks to jet lag and just being comfortable enough with ourselves to go to bed at a reasonable hour. Sleep is the ultimate luxury.

The next morning we got to Pike's Place early for mini donuts and fresh peaches. These donuts are amazing. Get the cinnamon! We talked up the guy and he ended up tossing in more than a dozen. It pays to be friendly and throw around the phrase "We came here on our honeymoon..."

I had to buy some flowers for my mom, so gorgeous and for like $10. After the market we were followed by rain the rest of the day. Not pictured were a trip to the temple, shopping and lots and lots of traffic.

washington: part II

One of my favorite parts of the trip was seeing friends.

This girl ^^^Andrea recently moved from Georgia to the east side and was conveniently in Seattle while her husband took the bar exam. I actually rearranged travel dates to meet up with her. We both moved to Athens the same week three years ago and she really has come to be family. 

We met up for brunch at the High Spot Cafe for yummy pancakes and a delicious cinnamon roll. It was great to chat and spend the morning together. 

I miss you so much! Please move back to Georgia or move to the west side of WA so we can get together on holidays. 

Later that evening I had a dinner date with my friend Megan from high school. Since I was already down in Seattle, my parents suggested I just stay out the whole day. So I went to the mall, shopped leisurely without chasing a toddler around the clothing racks and went to see a movie by myself. Is there any greater luxury than alone time? The whole popcorn bag to yourself? I went and saw World War Z and LOVED it. The perfect blend of scary, thrilling and not too gory. But I love me some zombies. 

After hanging at the mall, I met up with Megan for dinner at the Mediterranean Kitchen in Bellevue where we enjoyed deliciously large servings of lamb shawarma and soft pita bread. We then strolled around a nearby park and fountains both not wanting to go home to our sons. I came home later than I have in a long time, 11:00 pm and was happy to see my dad waiting up for me like I was 16 and not 30.

And I got a surprise phone call the last week I was in town from my best friend from high school Michelle, who said she was in Snohomish. Hooray! I was so happy to see her and her three kids. 

Recently I have come to realize that there really isn't anything much better than a good friend. And good friends are a rarity. Someone who you can not see for years and then just pick right back up, comfortable and chatty. Okay with not staying in touch constantly but happy to get together when you can. I have been so blessed to have so many wonderful friends over the years and it was a true highlight of the trip spending an hour or two with each of these ladies.

washington: part I

Any good trip begins weeks before when I start brainstorming how to keep an energetic three year old content on a 5 1/2 hour plane ride. Preparation is key to success and nothing could be more true about traveling alone with a child. Since Henry and I would be going to Washington one week before Steve, I needed a game plan.

We wisely used our extra time before boarding the plane moving around. We walked the length of the terminal looking for planes taking off. We spent time in the bathroom and played follow the leader. Once on board I knew movement would be minimal. We even stopped to charge my cell phone and play a precious few games of Angry Birds. Technology is a treat for Henry not an assumed thing. I wanted to make sure that I had enough planned to use playing games on my phone as a reward at the end of the flight.

The flight was a success with zero incidents. He even went to the bathroom in the tiny potty. I had him in a pull up just in case but he didn't go in it. 

We played games of memory, snacked a lot, read stories, drew on white boards and did mazes. I had new sticker books, crayons and lots of fun games involving dice. We even played I Spy in the inflight magazine. It was a lot of work and boy was I excited to see my mom waiting for us in the baggage claim. Extra hands are always welcome in parenting and I began a two week parenting hiatus which was heaven.

Our first few days in Washington we spent doing essential things. Trips to Value Village-our favorite thrift store, eating Niko's Teriyaki and going to the Puget Sound. We couldn't have asked for more perfect weather.

Henry warmed right up to Grandpa and Gramma. It helped that they were more than willing to follow him around and participate in his activities.

Throwing rocks in the water.

Henry and Gramma made this "Henry Shrine" out of found objects.

Henry had a blast helping my parents around the yard. He watered the garden with Gramma, helped pull weeds and pick berries and helped Grandpa mow the lawn. Having a yard to roam around in was heaven for this kid.

Nightly Scrabble tournaments are also a must in my family. I take no prisoners.

I also had the chance to work out almost every morning. Having in-house babysitters sure is handy. After one workout I came in to find them deep in Dr. Mario lessons.

Speaking of working out, I made a plan before going home for workouts involving no equipment but was surprised to find adequate supplies in the garage. Camping mat = yoga mat. 10 & 15 lb hitches = weights. Large metal pole for dead lifts and chest presses. And I got to exercise outside which is a real treat. Fresh morning air is sublime. I hate starting the day warm.

bexcaliber: custom colors LOVE PRINT

 

I am super excited to announce new CUSTOM COLORS for my Love Print Pillow Cover.

Sometimes you don't want to redecorate your whole house and just want one new thing to mix it up. But trying to match existing bedding and curtains can be a pain. So why not create your own custom design? You choose the color of the love and the front background and I do the rest. Don't see the colors you need? Simple, just message me and we can whip up any color in the rainbow.  

I have been looking for something new to add to my shop and I think custom colors will be a wonderful addition. What do you think?

Custom Color Love Prints can be found here in my shop!

We're Back!

We're back from a fun two week adventure to the Pacific Northwest. 

More pictures and recaps to come!