Week two - more sweet time with people we love, a PERFECT baseball game, and taking in a beautiful city.
Wednesday was our Seattle day. We dropped Dave off at the Columbia tower so he could study at the Starbucks on the 40th floor, and we headed up to Kerry Park. I wanted to give our boys a prime view of the Space Needle because what they really wanted to see most was the "Wheedle" - the famed character of the "Weedle on the Needle" book. Luckily they had painted the top of the needle orange for the 50th anniversary celebration, so the boys were convinced they got to see it.
Will and mommy.
Next we drove around Queen Anne (my old college stomping grounds), and stumbled upon a newer coffee shop. I enjoyed one of the best mochas I've had in a long time (my mom and I tried a honey mocha, and an orange mocha). The boys had chocolate milks done up with whipped cream and sprinkles.
Bustle Caffe was the name - the inside was super charming. I'm already dreaming of going back next year.
Next stop - Pike Place Market. My dad dropped us off right next to a guy making balloon animals - so our boys were properly outfitted for the occasion.
Love the flowers cascading over the roof.
We made our way to the main entrance, and were greeted by this amazing street band.
Just inside is the pike place fish market, famous for throwing fish. This guy was nice enough to call out "for the little man!", and suddenly a large salmon was flying through the air (which I've only seen happen after a purchase has been made). So nice.
I love this place- beautiful Northwest flowers, the aroma of salty fresh air, seafood, incense, fresh produce, and friendly bohemian workers. There was even a fun view of the new ferris wheel on the Seattle waterfront.
We decided to walk down and get an up-close view.
Will was more interested in looking at the Olympic Mountains - can you blame him?
Next it was over to Safeco field to take in a Mariners game. Little did we know what we had in store.
Dave was on the 40th floor of the tall black building.
Will was super excited - he danced, he clapped. And then came the rapidly melting ice cream - yum.
It wasn't until the 7th inning that we realized something special was happening. There had been no hits, no walks. There was potential for a perfect game. The intensity grew as Felix Hernandez cruised through the eighth inning. And then he DID IT.
Will taking in the celebration. He had grown restless, but in this moment he paused and watched.
It was SO exciting! Seattle doesn't get many sports moments like this, so the fact that we happened to be at this game was absolutely amazing.
Safeco field has nice views of the city.
We were super giddy.
We hopped on the Felix train - found these King Felix hats, and this throne at the top of his cheering section. Such a perfect day!
Later that night we snuck over to visit these fun friends (former Wash U college students), and torture their sleeping baby (we HAD to hold him!!). Lots of laughter with these two - love them.
The next morning I enjoyed more baby cuddles, and a perfectly lazy morning with T and her 3 boys. We sat and drank coffee, and soaked up every moment of conversation...
while our boys were amazingly content to do this.
That night we had a picnic dinner (Taco Time!) on the boat.
It was a HOT day for Seattle - 90 plus degrees. We found a quiet area on the lake, and a few of us jumped in.
Will and daddy loving the water.
and drying off afterwards.
Taking in Lake Sammamish, and the surrounding foothills - just 5 minutes from my parents house.
Such a refreshing way to end a hot day.
The next morning I was given the gift of a kid/boy free day, while I headed South to catch up with some girlfriends.
First stop was my old roomie Sarah, and her 3 precious girls.
Love this girl. Her oldest took this pic for us.
Then it was on to Gig Harbor to catch up with my dear college friend Erika, and her 2 daughters.
Back up North, my boys enjoyed a blissful day at Remlinger farm with my parents (more/better pics of this may come).
That night - pizza movie night with the cousins. Here, Dave is leading them in some sort of cheer. He's just fun.
And afterwards a sleepover. P stayed with Caden at the grandparents, and Andrew went home with T. I don't think anyone was asleep before 10, but there was lots of fun and laughter.
The next morning some of our crew enjoyed a small town parade/festival close to my brother's house.
Lovin it.
Big boy cousins.
Small town Northwest charm.
TRAINS. Does it get any better for a 2 year old?
Waiving.
That afternoon we had a small family gathering with the Madson's. BBQ ribs, sharing memories/laughter, trying to teach my aunt to use her brand new iphone - so fun.
Loved eating with Bill and Sandy (they're "family" too)- and cherished every moment with sweet aunt JA.
Love me my Auntie Donna.
Sunday afternoon I caught this moment - my dad sleeping while Caden played. It was a sweet blessing to be back at my childhood church that morning.
Look what he can do! That afternoon we headed up to Chris and JA's, where Andrew showed off his new training wheel free bike riding skills. The morning after his sleepover, he was feeling brave and wanted to try - so my brother slapped on his running shoes, and helped him give it a go. He rode for 45 minutes straight and didn't fall once. It was so nice to have a quiet flat street to practice on.
They also had this battery operated Lightning McQueen (a $20 garage sale find). I think this might have been Caden's favorite part of the trip.
Grandma was nice to occupy this fussy guy for awhile.
A couch full of crazy. And preciousness.
A little post-dinner star wars action.
On Monday, we made a quick day trip over the mountains to Desert Aire to visit my cousins vacation home. I love this trip - the beautiful drive over the mountains, entering into the desert climate, the canyon walls and vineyards (75% of grapes used in Washington wine are grown in this region) that line the Columbia River.
Lazy time in the pool.
Happy boys, love the chairs. Everything about this house is beautiful.
Caden gave Grandma Kathy some beautiful tatoo's.
Cousin Barb had a bit of an emergency. She "dropped" an entire box of skittles, and needed some help cleaning it up.
She has always been one of my favorite people. So amazingly fun with kids.
My cousin Marilyn was celebrating her 50th, so we were excited to get to celebrate with some of the fam.
Will making the leap.
My cousin Joey (below with my dad), and his wife Lynn, and their youngest daughter came for the day.
I have so many fun memories with this family - such a treat to see them!
One last day with the cousins. They had SOOO much fun together. Lots of laughter, lots of craziness - so many wonderful memories.
Grandpa Jack with the wee ones.
And then later he took the big boys blackberry picking.
They came back with 4 big containers full of berries (yes, I had to pour boiling water through those shirts). Grandpa Jack even cooked up some YUMMY blackberry syrup for us to bring home!
Just a little bit of silliness.
Our last night we went to Uncle Josh's place for super yummy pizza. Our boys loved seeing his shell collection - and Josh let them bring a few of their favorites home. Such a fun night.
And truly a gift beyond measure to spend 2 weeks with some of our favorite people, in one of our favorite places. We are so so thankful to have family that takes such good care of us, and place so overflowing with God's beauty. If only it wasn't so far away.
