Hanging With the Boys

Folklife Festival

We like to hit the NW Folklife Festival every year and think Bennett enjoyed joining us this time. Lots of good people-watching for anyone down at the Seattle Center. We enjoyed some great food, including the best mini donuts I have ever had. Then, we spent the evening with Uncle Casey - grilling burgers and watching the Twins game. Take that rain!

My First Ferry Ride!

Since Grandma & Grandpa are back from Italy, we took a trip to the island to see them today. Welcome Home - we missed you!

It was my first trip to Whidbey and my first time on a ferry! It was a chilly, rainy ride but we had fun!

Pizza Night

It's no secret that we love a good pizza. Tonight we enjoyed it at Flying Squirrel Pizza Co.

Mmmm.

Wide Awake

This is Bennett right AFTER we met Case and Jen at Pike Place this afternoon. I kind of joke about it because every time he has seen his uncle over the past few weeks he is out like a light. Honestly, this boy could not be any sweeter!

Mom's Baby Blanket

Here I am hanging out on the same blanket that Mom used to play on when she was a baby!

Rain Rain, Go Away!

It is definitely a rainy spring in Seattle! Aghhh! Indoor activities are a must these days, so we spent the morning running errands, then had lunch with the Colyars. When Dad got home, we grilled some steaks and did some talking and baby squealing over dinner. I see sunshine in the forecast for tomorrow!

Coffee Baby

I think Bennett is on his way to being a true coffee lover if he takes after his dad and uncles. He is a true Seattleite afterall. For now, he is the perfect little man on all his visits to the coffee shop.

Olympia

We started the morning having breakfast with Matt and Meghan who are expecting a little girl in August. They only live about 4 blocks from us so Bennett will have a new little playmate soon.

Then, we headed to Olympia for a tour of the town and some lunch with Uncle Case and Aunt Jen. Unfortunately, the hippies here play by the rules as we were not allowed to eat at our original brew pub destination since we now have a minor in the family. We did, however, end up at Cascadia Grill, where the burgers and malts were fabulous. It was a fun, windy, and even educational trip as we visited the capitol grounds and Capitol Lake.

For the Wilco fans out there, Andrew spotted this great bottle of brew at the store tonight and had to have it thinking it was an homage to one of our favorite bands. But, we learned from Google that it has nothing to do with the band and instead holds a military undertone as well as a subtle acronym to describe all the weird happenings of the last decade. Whatever the case, Wilco will love you, baby.

It's been a great week back in Seattle! The weather cannot make up her mind, so the days are mixed with sunshine and rain, but Bennett and I have timed it right and gotten out at just the right moments to enjoy the air. We had a lot of beach to ourselves this time!

We had a fun New Parents group on Thursday night, and think that some nice friendships are in the making. One topic discussed was 'returning to work' and it was reassuring for me to hear other moms talk about their experiences and fears related to this. At group, we received a childrens CD, Casper Babypants, and it just so happened that they were playing in our neighborhood tonight as part of a West Seattle party. We had all intentions to hit the concert, but when we arrived there, the concert was just ending. So, still wanting to participate in the party, we decided to hit a nearby Happy Hour, then stopped for cupcakes, before heading home for bath time! Happy Friday night!

Maddie loves Bennett

Bennett sure is adored by his 20 month old cousin!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Minneapolis Fun

We spent one night in Minneapolis with dear friends who hosted a fun barbecue where a bunch of our Minnesota friends were able to come together. Thanks so much to Jill, Shawn, and Nova for opening their home to us. We love spending time with you and it was adorable watching the kids interact. I overheard Andrew asking Bennett tonight if he missed his "little girlfriend Nova" which I thought was so cute. We loved sipping Summit and eating brats with dear friends that afternoon - thanks everyone! We always miss you!

Winona!

It was fun to tour Mom's hometown of Winona, where we visited her favorite donut shop (the world's best maple long johns are made here), had lunch at the local root beer stand, spent some time by the lakes, and visited Pickwick. I love exploring the world!

More Family Fun at Grandma's House!

While in Minnesota, Bennett met his uncles Corey and Collin, cousin Maddie, auntie Erin, and great aunt Jane for the first time. It was love at first sight for all! Here is everyone celebrating some good times!

Ahhh....Summit!! (a trip highlight)