bow ties and balls...

It is the start of Memorial Day weekend and what better way to celebrate than going to Ethan's friend Lucy's 2nd birthday party at Anderson Park. It was a beautiful and sunny day to just relax and hang out with friends. Throw in a homemade bow tie and a bunch of bouncing balls and you have yourself a party.

ophelia elvis kalles

Jeff picked you up at Meow on Mercer Island thirteen years ago and the whole way home you meowed until Jeff put his fingers in the crate. You gave the best cuddles and purrs out of any cat we have had and you were full of energy when you played with your nemesis Elvis Ophelia.You were a huge part of our family and will be greatly missed.

Ophelia Elvis Kalles - February 10th, 1999 to May 24th, 2012.

happy mother's day!

I had an absolutely wonderful mother's day spent with my son, my husband, and my mom. It started out with getting a wonderful handmade picture frame from Ethan along with a mom and son statue, and a diamond bracelet from my hubby. Then we headed in the car to go out to breakfast at one of my favorites, The Original Pancake House, and we beat the morning rush just in time.

After breakfast my mom came over and we headed to Pike Place Market to enjoy the sunny Seattle day. It was hopping down there and the market was full of people. (Just an FYI to any tourists reading, flower prices double on mother's day and valentine's day.) My mom even got to see the famous gum wall and left her mark on it. 

We had lunch at the Pike Brewing Co. and then it was down to the waterfront to ride the old carousel and play some air hockey. 

I hope that everyone had a nice and relaxing mother's day like I did. :)

take me out to the ball game...

We made it to another Mariner's home opener. I believe this is the 14th year we have been going to the Mariner's home opener and Ethan has been going since he was born. He was actually watching the game this year and of course eating all of the candy, fries, and grandpa's popcorn that he could get his hands on. 

And yes, Ethan is indeed wearing noise cancelling headphones. Anyone who has a young child I highly suggest buying a pair of these. They have been awesome!!!

 

sipping the day away in sonoma...

About a month ago I traveled down to Sonoma, California. It was for both business and pleasure and lucky for me, the weather was absolutely perfect. (It was terrible in Seattle by the way.) On my days off I was able to go out and explore the vineyards and also eat at a few great restaurants as well. My motto, when in wine country, eat and drink merrily. 

 (I could get used to this view.)

(Enjoying the wine at twomey cellars)

(Visiting the barrels at arista winery)

(Fantastic dinner at Corks Restaurant)

 

 (Another great dinner at El Coqui in Santa Rosa.)

(Kicked back and relaxed at the Russian River Brewery.)

 

beautiful beachy day...

Seattle had some amazing weather this past weekend so we hopped in the car and took a ride to Edmonds to enjoy it. 

I had done some work in the yard before we had left and saw this super cute bird bath at a local shop there and had to get it. I thought it made the perfect accessory to our cherry tree.

After a little shopping at our favorite cheese shop and the toy store we headed down to the ferry dock to hang out at the beach. It was a packed house down there but we found a spot in the sand and Ethan started looking for buried treasure. (I think he has been watching too much Jake and the Neverland pirates. ;-)).

 X marks the spot!

Start digging.

The pirate's treasure. Thanks dollar store!

 

Checking out the ferry boat.

Another great day at the beach. 

 

snap, crackle, and popin' easter eggs...

Since Easter is right around the corner and this morning was raining buckets (plus, we were out of treats) I thought it would be a great idea to decorate some Easter eggs. Not just any Easter eggs but Rice Crispy Easter eggs.

When Jeff had his tonsils out a few weeks ago and was still not able to eat real food we had gone to see The Lorax at the IMAX and I had purchased a rice crispy treat. Jeff's mouth watered yet he was not able to partake in the treat so I told him I would make some when he was back to eating real food again.

Here are the directions to Easter Egg Rice Crispy Treats below... (P.S. Ethan was my assistant decorator on this project.)

What you will need...

-rice crispy's
-mini marshmallows
-butter
-tube of decorating frosting
-sprinkles or candy

Step 1:

• Melt 3tbs of butter in a pot until completely melted. Melt on mid to low heat so that the butter does not burn in the pot.

Step 2:

• Mix 4 cups of mini marshmallows into the butter until they are completely melted on the same heat setting as above. Be sure to constantly stir until all marshmallows are melted.

Step 3:

• Pour 6 cups of rice crispy's into a large bowl and pour the butter/marshmallow mixture into it. Stir until rice crispy's are completely coated. Let the mixture sit for about ten minutes or so in the bowl.

Step 4:

• Spray cooking spray onto your hands. Once they are fully coated, you can grab a handful of the treat and shape it into an egg. Place them on wax paper on a cookie sheet.

Step 5:

• Decorate with whatever items you want. We used a tube of frosting, and lots and lots of sprinkles.

Enjoy!