We hope everyone had a great week!! For this house it was softball, Tango night at Endolyne Joe's (only watched, but wish we could do the dance), lots of rain (until the gorgeous weekend), and a cavity-free visit to the dentist (that's 31 years folks). On Friday night we cheered on the Mariners at Safeco while they came back for a big win - it was such a great game!! Ichiro had two homeruns - he is good.

We headed down to Tacoma for a visit with Slade and Kristen last night, where we walked the water and had appetizers outside at Duke's, then headed back to their place for a wonderful dinner. It was fun to hang with them and their little baby boy on the way!

All mustache inquiries are to go directly to Andrew...

Wish we also could have joined the Winona crew for the Baby H shower - congrats Kate and Jeff for your little one on the way!

Safe and Back in the Sound

Tonight we are thankful that The Turpins made it home safely from their 6 week trip to Italy! Benvenuto A Casa! We missed them and we are excited to hear all about their travels!

The 30s Rule

I celebrated the BIG 3-1 over the weekend and it was a blast!! It turned out to be perfect BBQ weather for our party and we had a great time!! Thanks to everyone for the flowers, wine, music, chocolate, kind words, and all the other special birthday wishes!! (and to Andrew for my very first and much needed Seattle raincoat!) Also thanks to my family for sending so much love - I missed you a lot this weekend!

We are still standing as this is before we ate those giant burgers!

2 Cool Taurus-born folks giving the Bull sign. Yay for birthdays!
(Happy Birthday tomorrow Joe!!)

Yoda and Drew - the dogs got baths for one of my b-day presents

After the celebrations, coffee time, family walks, dinner at Pegasus, and more...

A nice way to end the weekend....a wish and some strawberry shortcake!

It was also great to share the day with Mother's Day -- we love our mothers so much! Thanks for all that you do for us!! And Happy Mother's Day to all my friends out there too - it has been such a treat seeing you all with your adorable children and it is such a great feeling to know that I get to watch them grow with you!! Thanks Moms!!

You Go Grad!

A huge congrats to sis-in-law Erin for getting her Masters Degree in Counseling today! What a huge accomplishment and the family is so proud of you! Reach for the stars!

Cool to Be Kind

It's definitely safe to say that any of our blog readers are avid animal lovers and most likely pet owners, so I am just giving a shout out to all the animals in our lives in honor of Be Kind to Animals Week.

My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am. -- Unknown

We love our pets unconditionally, and we know you do too.
Even when they jump on the bed, or bark at passers-by, or leave vomit on the floor for the morning walk to the kitchen. None of that matters because they are really just trying to snuggle with us, protect us, or just make room for the next great treat. Some of our best memories are with these animals, and every quirky characteristic makes them the sweetest, most loving furry creatures ever. I will never forget the days that I met each of my pets and took them home from the Humane Society and kissed them goodnight (and got sloppy kisses) ever since! And the day that Andrew decided to say yes to this 'package deal' and love us all so much!! I love the furry Turpin members (including the bearded husband!)

Life is good. Have you hugged your pet today?

Happy Cinco De Mayo

Salud! for Cinco de Mayo!

This was taken on our honeymoon, and I thought I would post this Mexico memory since Andrew is in California for a couple of days this week and didn't get to celebrate. Hope you all enjoyed some Coronas or margaritas!

Good Times

Has anyone else tried the Kiva site? We were able to donate a small amount via a gift card to this great organization today. It is a great concept - I am sure you have heard of it but it was nice to finally contribute. So easy and what a difference it could make! Here is more on who we donated to. See if you like it too!

http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=99341&_te=ty

Just showing off my new Richard Shorty art that I received for an early birthday present from my hubby. The salmon represents eternal life - I love my new NW art!

More happy spring -- I love getting flowers from the Pike Place Market. Yesterday we were able to get several fresh items like flowers, fish, a piroshky, and donuts from the market during our rainy visit. This same rain did not help when we attempted to use the smoker last night, but at least we had a great time! When the weekend started off with burgers and beer at our local favorite, Circa, I knew it was going to be a perfect weekend and I was right! Ahh, life's simple pleasures. Happy Sunday night!

Bragging Rights

How can I not brag over this adorable face?

Enjoy some recent pics of our niece Maddie!

Pretty darn cute!

Little Maddie is getting so big, and we miss her every day! Cor, just know that we are always thinking of you guys and sending lots of love! Can't wait for Maddie to have her first trip to Seattle!