Victoria

Brian and I took a trip to Victoria, BC for our anniversary. We went a week early so Grammy and Grandpa were available to watch the kids. This trip came after a very intense call week for Brian, so it was a much needed vacation! We flew out Saturday morning at 5:30. It was an early flight, but we wanted to make sure we had a full 2 1/2 days there. The flights were about 20-30 minutes with a layover in Seattle. The flight from Seattle to Victoria was really pretty with the sun rising over the water. We landed around 8:30 and rented a car. It was as much to take a taxi to and from the hotel as to rent a car for 2 days. That seemed to be an obvious and much more convenient decision. Butchart Gardens was first on our list and I'm so glad we went in the morning. There was hardly anyone there, so peaceful to walk around, and the air was crisp and cool. We were very impressed with their attention to detail. Not a piece of grass was out of place, everything was pristine. When we left the gardens it was lunch time so we found this great little bar and grill off the road that was having their grand opening. We sat out on the patio and enjoyed a fabulous lunch, it was really delicious! After that we took the scenic route back to our hotel, driving through beautiful neighborhoods and along the water. We checked into our hotel, got a quick rest and had a couples massage at 4pm. We've never done this, it felt great and was a little way to spoil ourselves. The room we stayed in gave us access to a private lounge that had a complimentary cappuccino machine, soda, water and juice as well as breakfast and hor dourves from 5-7pm. So, after our massages we headed there and sat out on the patio watching all the activity in the harbor. That night we walked around the city, went down to the boardwalk and watched the street performers. I was really impressed with the Parliament Building all lit up at night. We did walk through the Empress Hotel too and that was very historic, especially the Tea Room. The next day we're at breakfast and I see the little boats we saw the day before doing a routine in the water. Turns out every Sunday in the peak season (I think we got to see their last performance of the year) they do a "water ballet" to a waltz in front of the Empress Hotel. It was really cool to watch these little boats "dance". After breakfast we decided to take a 45 min tour on one around the harbor. We learned some history, saw the sea planes take off and land, drove by the house boats and stopped over at the Fisherman's Wharf for their famous fish and chips. The weather was gorgeous both days, so we walked a lot. Our hotel had a great walking path that went around the harbor and took only 10 minutes to walk downtown. There was a great brewery on the other side so we headed over to have a drink on their patio. That night we went to Ogden Point to watch the sunset and brought a bottle of wine back to our hotel to enjoy the great view. The entire weekend was very romantic and relaxing. It was a prefect way to celebrate 7 years of a wonderful marriage.


















Lunch at our "secret find". The great bar and grill that was having their grand opening.

The view from our hotel

Enjoying the view.

Sunset our first night

This is the Parliament building at night. We met someone who told us the inside is just as impressive, but they only give tours during the week.

The Tea Room at the Empress Hotel. Right after I took this picture a large group of people came in to have tea. It was about 9pm, I think they came off the cruise ship.

Before the Harbor Boat tour. Brian's favorite part was watching the sea planes take off and land on the water.



Houseboat theme at Fisherman's Wharf. It was interesting to see what these divers had found over the years, especially those huge old cell phones. Funny how far things have come. It will be interesting to see what's up there when we get a chance go back

Sunset at Ogden Point

Reading to Isaiah

Ashley loves books, but especially loves reading books to her brother. I'm amazed at how much of the story she remembers from when we read them to her. This one was really cute because she knew the word on the page she was on was the picture of the animal on the next, so she would turn the page slightly to see what it was and then continue with the story. Smart girl, I don't think Isaiah even noticed. She's getting really good at sounding out letters and writing them down on paper too.

Mama Mia

Mama Mia came to Portland Aug 28th, so I couldn't wait to get tickets. I've heard so many good things about the play and the beast part was being able to go with my mom. The play was awesome and so fun! We both cried, laughed and danced at the end. What a great night, can't wait to do it again!

Wilsonville Splash Park/Backyard Work Weekend

The end of August my parents decided to redo their backyard and build a new fence. My Dad tore down the rock wall and gave the back yard another 4 feet or so, it looks great and more room for the kids to run around! Brian was so excited for this weekend since it meant he'd be working with the DINGO. My Dad's buddy Dave helped them and Brian loves hanging out with the two of them. He learns a ton and has such a great time. The kids even got in to help a little. After nap, while thee guys were sweating in the hot sun, I took the kids to the new splash park in Wilsonville. They LOVED it! The fountains weren't too big and they had a river and waterfalls they could get wet in. I learned my lesson to set boundaries next time before I release them, though! Both kids ran in different directions, each with a different idea of how they were going to spend their time there! Guess where Grammy was !!?? Learning how to ride a motorcycle!!!











The kids on the DINGO making sure those boys got to work!

Beach Day

Over the summer I took the kids to a beach near Salty's on the Columbia. It was a warm, sunny day perfect for hanging out near the water and having a picnic. It was a fun outing. I think the best part for the kids was the airplanes taking off and flying over head. We even saw some military jets and Ashley yells "Look Mama, it's the Blue Angels".

Dad's Birthday

Way back in Aug, close to the 23rd we celebrated my Dad's birthday at the new McMenamins in Wilsonville. It was a gorgeous night. I got their early to grab a spot outside near the live band and after an hour of waiting they told us they were not able to push two tables together so we could all sit together. Don't ask me why we weren't notified about that sooner, but they had just opened so I'll give them that excuse. By 6pm it was filling fast and our options became limited. We ended up sitting inside which worked out fine, then after dinner we sat out on the lawn for a few songs where the kids entertained us with their dancing and running around. That was really fun, we're going to have to go back just for the music. I love when we can all get together for special occasions and Grandpa's birthday was a perfect day to celebrate. I don't feel like my Dad gets celebrated enough for all that he does. We love you! Hope this year brings many good things!

Chicago

Brian and I took a trip to Chicago the middle of August for my cousin's wedding. I was really looking forward to it since we haven't seen our family in Chicago for a long time, but also anxious since it was the first time we've left the kids for 4 days, a plane ride away. It all went very well as you can read in the next post and I relaxed as soon as the plane took off. Our flight left Thursday around 10am, so the kids were up and we were able to say good bye. It was so cute, we received about 5 hugs and kisses before we even passed through the front door, waves from the downstairs window and then waves and kisses from the upstairs window. When we got into Chicago around 4:30 my cousin Liz picked us up and took us to a really nice dinner. That night we stayed at their house and got to visit with the kids. Friday morning we headed into Chicago to check into our hotel. Liz told us about the Lincoln Park Zoo, which sounded great, so we decided to check that out and walk around the city. The zoo is free and absolutely spectacular. After the zoo we ventured to Wrigley field seeking out tickets to the game. We waited about an hour after first pitch, but tickets were still going for $50 in the nosebleed section and since we only could stay for an hour or so we decided to skip it and just walk around the park, stopping at a really cool bar for a beer and appetizers. I'm from Geneva which is just west of Chicago, but never spent a lot of time in the city as an adult. Brian has never been to the city and I guess we both never realized how great it was, we were very impressed. Friday night was really fun, we were invited to happy hour for the rehersal dinner. We got to meet Stacey and visit with family. Then for dinner we met Jamie and Scott at a great Italian restaurant. They drove up from Indiana to see us. They just got engaged, so it was fun to hear their engagement story, meet Scott, and catch up. I miss her tons! After dinner we went to Kingston Mines for live blues. This is the one request Brian had for this trip and it was everything he hoped for. I had to drag him out of there at 3:30am! Saturday morning we took the architectural boat tour. It came highly recommended and met all expectations. This is the only time where the weather wasn't beautiful. We experienced a true "midwest thunderstorm" while on the boat with hail, lightening and thunder. The poor tour guide stayed up top while the rest of us took cover downstairs. You could hear the hail and wind through her microphone, I have no idea why she stayed up there. The rain didn't stop when we got off the boat, either, and the poncho's we bought didn't help much. We were drenched by the time we got back to the hotel, but the weather was warm so it wasn't that bad. We had lunch with Brian and Heather and at 3pm when the weather cleared up and the air show resumed, we joined my parents on the beach for a beer and front row seats to an amazing show. The wedding was at 5pm, so we went back to the hotel to get ready for a 4:15 departure to the church. The entire wedding event was spectacular, not a detail missing. Transportation to and from Old St. Patrick's Church, drinks and h'ordeuvres, a fabulous sit down dinner, open bar, live band and DJ that didn't stop until 1am, and a fun photo booth for guests upstairs, all at the Knicerbocker Hotel which beautiful on it's own. We had a blast! It was great to see everyone and be a part of Matt and Stacey's special day. They are an adorable couple and we wish they many years of happiness! Because of this fabulous wedding, though, we had a little recovering to do Sunday morning. Our flight didn't leave until 4pm, so after saying goodbye to the family we walked to the "Bean" and back by way of the beach. The air show was going on, the weather was beautiful and it was a great way to end the trip. Boy did we miss our kids though! My parents flew in before us so they waited and gave us a ride home. When we drove up to the house Gram had the kids in the back of the Suburu with the back open. Ashley got all excited to see us and Isaiah just followed not knowing quite what was going on. When he saw us he understood and wanted out of the car ASAP. Both kids came running to us for hugs and kisses... and I started crying.

My cousin Matt and his beautiful new bride Stacey



Aren't they adorable!?



This was taken from our front row seats for the air show. Saturday morning this bar cost $150 per person to get in, but because the show was postponed due to thunderstorms, they opened the patio to anyone who wanted to come in. Of course my parents were first in line and called us to join them.

Dad with his two brothers Dick and Phil





Us on the architechtural tour.

This was one of our favorite buildings on the tour. I love how it reflects the skyline.

A highlight of Brian's trip, Kingston Mines Blues Bar. They had two great groups playing Friday night.



Jamie, Scott, Brian and I at the Blues Bar.

Beautiful church near our hotel

Since we couldn't get into the game we got a picture instead.

I can't believe people pay to watch the game in bleachers across the street! I'm sure they're not cheap either!

Lincoln Park Zoo. We were amazed at how close we could get to the animals







This is a temporary tourist attraction. Since it won't be around forever we had to get a picture of Brian with her

The "Bean"

It's pretty heavy!!

Can you see us?

This is taken standing in the middle underneath. Made for a crazy illusion.

The beach was packed for the air show.