We're Back!!

We're Back!!

We had a great time visiting family last week in Kansas! We left the most perfectly wonderful weather we have had all winter in Seattle and headed to Kansas where we were greeted with wind and cooler temps! I won't complain too much at least our pasty white skin had the opportunity to see some sunshine! Actually the temps weren't too bad, but I had gotten myself all pumped up for the 70's our families had been bragging of...but what do you know, my feet touch the Kansas soil and the 70's are gone! And I'm sure the second my bottom was planted firmly in the airplane seat the temps. hit the mid-60's! You're welcome! But aside from that, we had an awesome time! The boys had the chance to play with all their cousins, be spoiled by the grandparents, learn how to play dominoes, ride a horse, bake in an easy bake oven, and pretty much anything else they cared to do! I had the opportunity to fall in love with a dark chocolate mocha--made in Fredonia--, meet my newest little niece, go to a baby shower, play with all of my nieces and nephew--which I loved--, eat all of my favorite Kansas foods -- even if my tummy made me wish I hadn't later!--and best of all spend time with all of our family! Poor Shawn had to spend most of his Kansas visit at work, but he did get to enjoy some Kwan Court sushi--his favorite!! Our time flew by so fast, but we had a great time---Can't wait to see you all again!

Pure Bliss!

On Friday my little chef and I took on our latest venture...making brownies from scratch! They weren't a lot more work than the box variety....just about 100 times better! They were absolutely chocolate deliciousness...I have never had a brownie actually melt in my mouth! Although the brownie was blissful...the best part of making the brownies was spending time teaching Grady the ins and outs of baking! It is something he really has interest in, and since he is not the type to sit and learn on his own accord, cooking and baking is an excellent time for counting and other learning---and the best part---he doesn't even know it's happening! I am so happy he enjoys cooking...I hope he doesn't outgrow being Mom's little sous chef anytime soon!!

Our Future Architect!

Gabe and I love building with anything...legos, blocks, and most recently Lincoln Logs! The boys have been playing with Lincoln Logs for a long time at Nana's, so for Christmas she bought them a set for home! They had such a great time she bought them another set for V-Day! Today we built Fort Redwood! We had such a great time....if we could just keep Gradzilla from demolishing everything!

After we took a picture of our lastest creation we let Gradzilla have his way with Fort Redwood....in the end everyone was satisfied!

Alki Beach and Beth's Cafe

Alki Beach and Beth's Cafe!

On Saturday we made the most of a kinda sunny and warm day! We headed down to Alki Beach on the south side of downtown Seattle! We had a great time walking along the beach looking for shells and sea glass! Along the beach is a sidewalk trail that takes you the length of the beach...there were bike riders, rollerbladers, all sorts just soaking up the beautiful day! We walked to the end going in one direction and then decided to turn around and start heading back, but to do it on the other side of Alki Ave. to check out some of the local restaurants and shops! Of course no stop would have been complete without a coffee shop stop, so we grabbed some coffee, cocoa, and some chocolate raspberry muffins...yummy! We had a wonderful time checking out Alki beach and can't wait to go back this summer!! The next stop on our Saturday out was Beth's Cafe! We have seen this place featured on various television shows, and have been wanting to check it out for quite some time, but had never made it down there--so yesterday was the day! Their claim to fame is a 12 egg omelet and their patron artwork on the wall and the fact they have been around forever! Well, while our food was pretty good and the service was above standard...the place was a little bit scary! It could have been our seat with full view of the grill that hadn't seen a scour pad in the last 50 years, or it could have been the cracked eggs and other who knows what on the floor, or it could have been the sticky and torn seats and tables, or maybe it was the makeshift cabinetry, or surely not the tattooed, pierced, interesting wait staff, one of which was trying to cut her neck with the lid of a mustard jar...whatever it was it was an experience!! Shawn and I are not the real snooty types, but we felt snooty with our north face gear--and the fact we had taken a bath in the last week! We are both very happy we went...we can finally know what is all about...but you will have to take us kicking and screaming if any of you ever want to go back....we will drop you off at the front door and be back to get ya in an hour! We felt very lucky at about 10:00 last night when all of us were still healthy....food poisoning should have set in by then! In all honesty, I'm glad we went, but the Washington Health Department may want to go take a little peak at 'Ol Beth's Cafe----all they need to do is open the front door!!!

Mr. Responsibility!

Mr. Davis and Gabe

Today Gabe was honored during a special lunch for "Responsibility"!! Each month they focus on a positive virtue each child should strive for and then the student who demonstrates the virtue throughout the month is recognized during lunch! Last week, we received the invite in the mail to join Mr. Davis and Gabe during the special lunch! Grady and I were delighted to join Gabe for lunch---We are so proud of him! I don't think I will ever get tired of receiving little notes in the mail that ask me to come join my son for a recognition ceremony!!!! It just never gets old!

Mr. Responsibility enjoying a little Mickey D's!

Swedish Pancakes & Fred Astaire??!!

Today after church we headed south to the Swedish Cultural Center! Our friend, Nate, has been talking about this pancake breakfast that the center has once a month...and been wanting us to go for sometime, but it always seemed the breakfast was on a week we had to greet or do kids church. Well, we made it happen today and am I glad we finally made it! Not only were the Swedish pancakes and coffee fabulous, but they have Swedish dancing and folk music to entertain you with while you eat! Grady was totally intrigued with the dancing from the moment we walked in....he was dancing in line, he was groovin' in his chair...he just couldn't stop moving! Well, he eyeballed a pretty little gal---and shyly went and asked her to dance...with a little coaxing from Mom! They were so cute....after a couple of minutes one of the actual dancers came and joined the two of them and showed them a couple of moves!!! And as it is with Sir Grady when he is finished, he is finished...so after a few more minutes he politely said thank you and came off the dance floor...leaving the poor gal stranded! We will have to work on his exiting with his dance partner...but not bad for a 3 year old! While Grady was all about dancing with a pretty lady...we couldn't talk Gabe into it---it just wasn't his type of music!!!