A Bag & A Balloon

Who knew such simple items would provide such grand entertainment!?!?!

Trip to Seattle

Day 1 - Rest & Relaxation

Dave dropped me off at Josh and Laura's house straight from the airport so that he could go to his client's office to begin the install he had come to do. It was only 2pm so Josh and Laura were still at work. As I entered the house and began to walk around I instantly felt at home. The house is perfect; beautifully decorated, completely imaculate, and incredibly homie. As I sunk into the sofa in the family room, book in hand, I gazed out the large bay window to be greeted by robins and blue jay's in the back yard. Relaxation came immediately.

By 5:30pm Laura was home and another hour later Josh, Dan, & Dave had also arrived. We had a tasty home made Tortilla Soup dinner followed by a rousing game of Ticket to Ride. As I recall I think Josh won.

Day 2 - The Adventures of Laura & Kristin

With Josh & Dave off to work, Laura and I had the day all to ourselves. No time schedule and no 'have toos'. So we got ready at a leisurly pace and headed out to explore Seattle. The only things are the agenda were to take pictures and have fun. And we did both for sure!

First we went to Pike Place Market.

We strolled the market place talking to venders about their craft and genrally taking it all in. After walking thru nearly the entire market there was still one vender that stuck out in our minds so we decided to go back and make a purchase. We each got a handmade ring of wire and handmade glass beads. The lady made Laura's ring as we watched. There was an amazing vocalist street performer singing not far from there so we were in no hurry to leave as we watch in awe. Then we crossed the street to visit the very 1st Starbucks and Laura intoduced me to my new favorate drink; the Chai Tea Latte.By this time we were getting pretty hungry for lunch so we headed back to the car taking advantage of any photo opportunities along the way. We had lunch at Maggie's Bluff Cafe, which was quite yummy and a fun atmostphere. After lunch we toured Magnolia Hill and Queen Anne Hill. So many beautiful homes and amazing views.

We also toured Freemont and Golden Garden Beach before heading home to regroup.

We ended up going to the cute and quant downtown Edmonds for dinner. After dinner we caught the tail end of an art walk.

Then dessert (key lime pie & creme brule) on the water at . It was the perfect ending to a perfect day!!!

Day 3 - Urban Underground

Josh & Dave got to join in the fun this time. 1st we visited the troll under Aurora Bridge.

Then to down town Seattle for dinner at a Brazilian BBQ place for lunch. Then for a 6 block swift hike to Pioneer Square to catch the Seattle Undergroud Tour. It was so fun to learn about the begins of Seattle.

Then a quick drive thru the University of Washinton campus. And then back home to pack up and head to the airport.

It was such an awesome trip and so full of wonderful memories I couldn't possibly capture them all in a blog post, but above are just a few of the highlights.

Thank you Josh & Laura. We love you both so dearly and so treasure the time we got to spend with you.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I can't have my blog page getting pinched because there isn't enough green!

AZ Road Trip

Friday morning my dad and I headed out on the road to Scottsdale, AZ. We made a 30 minute stop at Uncle Scott and Aunt Coletta's house and then on to Payson to stay with my Grandma and Henry. We had a nice dinner and then spend Saturday morning looking thru old pics.

Grandma & Grandpa in their early years of marriage

The ship Grandpa served on, USS Gillespie
It was so great to see Grandma. I am so glad I could make the trip!

Grandma & Henry in their front yard

Me, Grandma, Dad, & Henry
Then we drove back down the hill to Scottsdale and spent the rest of the weekend with Uncle Scott and Aunt Coletta. We played lots of games including Settlers of Catan and Hand & Foot and had several 'debates' :)

All in all it was a very fun trip!

We even got to enjoy so beautiful scenery

View from Grandma's back yard