TWINKLE, TWINKLE, LITTLE STAR

September 23, 2016



My aunts put together a lunch to welcome the newest Baby Henry last week. It was quite the ordeal because the original venue decided to close its doors without informing them. Luckily, they called to confirm a week before and noticed the line was disconnected, so they were still able to find another place to have it. They are pretty much amazing for not cancelling at that point! The theme was “Twinkle, twinkle, little star, do you know how loved you are?” and looked like it could have been pulled off of Pinterest. 

The lunch was held at Anthony’s along the river and when they sent me the food list to choose from, I knew it would be an impossible task! Especially, being pregnant! Everything sounded so good. We had coconut prawns, tenderloin slices on bruschetta, shrimp stuff mushrooms, an array of fruits and cheeses, and crab & artichoke dip served on bruschetta. And of course, a Desserts by Kelly cake (I don’t think we can have a family gathering without something from there!). 

I felt so loved, and it was so nice to visit and welcome this new baby into the family. Even Harper walked away with presents and a new “baby” for her to take care of too. We are so spoiled. My only regret is with everything going on, I somehow managed to not get a picture with just my two aunties! But I was able to get a 4 generations picture with my mom, grandma, and Harper which is pretty special too.


My aunts put together a lunch to welcome the newest Baby Henry last week. It was quite the ordeal because the original venue decided to close its doors without informing them. Luckily, they called to confirm a week before and noticed the line was disconnected, so they were still able to find another place to have it. They are pretty much amazing for not cancelling at that point! The theme was “Twinkle, twinkle, little star, do you know how loved you are?” and looked like it could have been pulled off of Pinterest. 

The lunch was held at Anthony’s along the river and when they sent me the food list to choose from, I knew it would be an impossible task! Especially, being pregnant! Everything sounded so good. We had coconut prawns, tenderloin slices on bruschetta, shrimp stuff mushrooms, an array of fruits and cheeses, and crab & artichoke dip served on bruschetta. And of course, a Desserts by Kelly cake (I don’t think we can have a family gathering without something from there!). 

I felt so loved, and it was so nice to visit and welcome this new baby into the family. Even Harper walked away with presents and a new “baby” for her to take care of too. We are so spoiled. My only regret is with everything going on, I somehow managed to not get a picture with just my two aunties! But I was able to get a 4 generations picture with my mom, grandma, and Harper which is pretty special too.

FIXER UPPER

September 15, 2016

Marcus was supposed to leave on a campout for three days, but the night before he came down with the flu. So for three days we stayed cooped up in the house. When along came the show, “Fixer Upper.” After the first episode, I turned to Marcus and said, “We really need to turn this off, this is just making me want to do home projects.” Five episodes and a few days later, we were headed to the Home Depot. We grabbed what we needed for new trim, shiplap, and lots of paint. Ashley said, “It’ll be easy!”  and Marcus said, “It’ll probably be expensive.” One thing about Ashley though is she does do her research and it always turns out great. One of these days, she’s sure she’s going to have a total fail and wonder what she was thinking. Fortunately, it was not this time. 

One thing we have learned is it always takes double what we budget, and twice as long as we think. We were right on both this time. But we now have our ideal craft/laundry room and we were so proud of ourselves for finishing the trim in this room. Which makes us so thankful that the trim is already done everywhere else in the house-thank you previous homeowners! It’s so fun to see the before and after pictures side by side.


Marcus was supposed to leave on a campout for three days, but the night before he came down with the flu. So for three days we stayed cooped up in the house. When along came the show, “Fixer Upper.” After the first episode, I turned to Marcus and said, “We really need to turn this off, this is just making me want to do home projects.” Five episodes and a few days later, we were headed to the Home Depot. We grabbed what we needed for new trim, shiplap, and lots of paint. Ashley said, “It’ll be easy!”  and Marcus said, “It’ll probably be expensive.” One thing about Ashley though is she does do her research and it always turns out great. One of these days, she’s sure she’s going to have a total fail and wonder what she was thinking. Fortunately, it was not this time. 

One thing we have learned is it always takes double what we budget, and twice as long as we think. We were right on both this time. But we now have our ideal craft/laundry room and we were so proud of ourselves for finishing the trim in this room. Which makes us so thankful that the trim is already done everywhere else in the house-thank you previous homeowners! It’s so fun to see the before and after pictures side by side.


PORTLANDIA 2016

September 14, 2016



 

Labor day weekend we drove down to Portland to attend the Hero Up Run.  Marcus’ work helps to sponsor the race and all the money goes towards the fight against childhood cancer. The Smart family runs the entire race to honor, Keith, who passed away at the age of 3. It's so inspiring seeing their family come together for such a great cause and to honor his memory. Marcus even got first in the 5k for his age category- apparently, it does pay to get older! Even if we missed him crossing the finish line because Harper was too busy "swinging."
 


Over the weekend we decided to bring out our inner kids.  We had grilled cheese for dinner, read children’s books at Powell’s, and ate PB and Jelly doughnuts for lunch. Harper, and Ashley, were in heaven! Especially, Harper. We gave her a doughnut and she just went to town on it! Blue Star Doughnuts are definitely our new favorites with some of the craziest flavors like passion fruit with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper-We’re already dreaming of going back!  Ashley was also excited to hit up some baby stores while we were in town too. She had heard of a store on 23rd called “Oh, Baby!” and when we walked up, she immediately turned around.  Marcus started to take the stroller downstairs when he noticed Ashley wasn’t following. Turns out “Oh, Baby!” was a lingerie store! Oops. We shared a good laugh about it and made a U-Turn down the street.  


Seeing all the green trees really made us miss our time we spent living in Oregon during law school, but we’re still happy Portland is so close because it makes for a great place to visit.


 

Labor day weekend we drove down to Portland to attend the Hero Up Run.  Marcus’ work helps to sponsor the race and all the money goes towards the fight against childhood cancer. The Smart family runs the entire race to honor, Keith, who passed away at the age of 3. It's so inspiring seeing their family come together for such a great cause and to honor his memory. Marcus even got first in the 5k for his age category- apparently, it does pay to get older! Even if we missed him crossing the finish line because Harper was too busy "swinging."
 


Over the weekend we decided to bring out our inner kids.  We had grilled cheese for dinner, read children’s books at Powell’s, and ate PB and Jelly doughnuts for lunch. Harper, and Ashley, were in heaven! Especially, Harper. We gave her a doughnut and she just went to town on it! Blue Star Doughnuts are definitely our new favorites with some of the craziest flavors like passion fruit with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper-We’re already dreaming of going back!  Ashley was also excited to hit up some baby stores while we were in town too. She had heard of a store on 23rd called “Oh, Baby!” and when we walked up, she immediately turned around.  Marcus started to take the stroller downstairs when he noticed Ashley wasn’t following. Turns out “Oh, Baby!” was a lingerie store! Oops. We shared a good laugh about it and made a U-Turn down the street.  


Seeing all the green trees really made us miss our time we spent living in Oregon during law school, but we’re still happy Portland is so close because it makes for a great place to visit.

SLIDEWATERS AT LAKE CHELAN

August 27, 2016







About three months ago, Marcus cleared a date in August so we could go to the fair. But after seeing how warm it was going to be, and the fact Ashley’s 8 months pregnant, the idea quickly got changed to a waterpark after seeing some friends go earlier in the week. Harper loved the Hermiston Aquatic center so much we knew she’d have a great time.  So us crazies loaded up the car, and made the 2.5 hr trip to a waterpark. I told you, we’re kind of crazy like that. But once we got to Lake Chelan we were SO happy we did! The park has some of the most amazing views of the lake, and the park was gorgeous. They had kiddie slides, toddler slides, some for adults, and a lazy river. Ashley even went down “Purple Haze,” pregnant. I’m sure this baby was thinking what is going on?!  It literally was the perfect afternoon watching Harper say “weee!”  I kid you not, down every, single slide she could go on. It was the cutest and she is SO brave.  It really was the perfect way to end the summer just the three of us.






About three months ago, Marcus cleared a date in August so we could go to the fair. But after seeing how warm it was going to be, and the fact Ashley’s 8 months pregnant, the idea quickly got changed to a waterpark after seeing some friends go earlier in the week. Harper loved the Hermiston Aquatic center so much we knew she’d have a great time.  So us crazies loaded up the car, and made the 2.5 hr trip to a waterpark. I told you, we’re kind of crazy like that. But once we got to Lake Chelan we were SO happy we did! The park has some of the most amazing views of the lake, and the park was gorgeous. They had kiddie slides, toddler slides, some for adults, and a lazy river. Ashley even went down “Purple Haze,” pregnant. I’m sure this baby was thinking what is going on?!  It literally was the perfect afternoon watching Harper say “weee!”  I kid you not, down every, single slide she could go on. It was the cutest and she is SO brave.  It really was the perfect way to end the summer just the three of us.

AUGUST DAYS OF SUMMER

August 22, 2016






This past week has been a bit of a whirlwind, and now that it’s all over I’ve been super emotional about everyone being gone! Harper has been walking around the house asking for "Autumn?" too which hasn't helped. Marcus’ family was all in town throughout the week in celebrating his niece going through the temple.  We even had a chance to go down to the Hermiston waterpark. The kids loved the slide and Harper couldn’t get enough of the fountains. I was DYING watching her splash around in her puddle jumper! At one point, she was lying down on the ground in front of me just loving the pool and a lifeguard ran up to us asking if she was ok. I couldn’t help but laugh (and feel like a bad parent!) because I can imagine what it must have looked like from afar! We also went down to the park, took a few family photos of Jen and Autumn (aren’t they just the cutest?!) and had way to many good meals! 






This past week has been a bit of a whirlwind, and now that it’s all over I’ve been super emotional about everyone being gone! Harper has been walking around the house asking for "Autumn?" too which hasn't helped. Marcus’ family was all in town throughout the week in celebrating his niece going through the temple.  We even had a chance to go down to the Hermiston waterpark. The kids loved the slide and Harper couldn’t get enough of the fountains. I was DYING watching her splash around in her puddle jumper! At one point, she was lying down on the ground in front of me just loving the pool and a lifeguard ran up to us asking if she was ok. I couldn’t help but laugh (and feel like a bad parent!) because I can imagine what it must have looked like from afar! We also went down to the park, took a few family photos of Jen and Autumn (aren’t they just the cutest?!) and had way to many good meals! 

TACOMA, WASHINGTON

August 15, 2016








We were able to get away for the weekend and go to Tacoma for Ashley's Great Aunt's 70th birthday. It was a quick trip but we got to do some of our favorite things. Hangout by the waterfront, eat some great food, and spend time with family. Harper had a chance to meet her cousin who is just 6 weeks older than her too. Madison LOVED giving hugs, and Harper was pretty happy with being the recipient of them-most of the time. We also stopped by Pike's Place for flowers and corn on the cob (these pregnancy cravings are ridiculous!) and of course, monster ice cream cones. Harper was in love! And so were we. The salted caramel was amazing! It was so fun watching Harper dance around the place, and then come back quickly for another "bii-te."







We were able to get away for the weekend and go to Tacoma for Ashley's Great Aunt's 70th birthday. It was a quick trip but we got to do some of our favorite things. Hangout by the waterfront, eat some great food, and spend time with family. Harper had a chance to meet her cousin who is just 6 weeks older than her too. Madison LOVED giving hugs, and Harper was pretty happy with being the recipient of them-most of the time. We also stopped by Pike's Place for flowers and corn on the cob (these pregnancy cravings are ridiculous!) and of course, monster ice cream cones. Harper was in love! And so were we. The salted caramel was amazing! It was so fun watching Harper dance around the place, and then come back quickly for another "bii-te."
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