At Home

So we're back in Missouri after our adventures with friends in Seattle. There is no way to describe what a great time we had. Every day was full of fun and lots of laughter. We hadn't seen our friends (except on Skype) for over a year, but it took no time at all to find our groove.

We did some of the normal Seattle sites. Pike Place Market.



Chandlers at the market:



Erick saw the market, too, in spite of this evidence to the contrary:



Saw the view from Kerry Park. Mount Rainier looked like a hologram from almost every angle. Gorgeous hologram, though...



One day we got to see my cousin Zach. It was the most time we have gotten to spend together since we were kids, and it was great to hang out. Of course, Sophia loved telling him all manner of stories and facts.



The largest part of our outings were spent at beaches around Puget Sound. I will most likely write a post at some time about the beaches alone.

Anyway, the week was marvelous. Trying to put it all down would just be pointless and unfulfilling for both of us, to be honest. I'm sure there will be more to share, but for now, here are a few of my favorite shots.

Madilyn:



Blake:



Sam:



Janelle and me in the first rain of the trip - on the last morning:

Still Enjoying Togetherness

 

We arrived in Seattle a week ago today. We have spent one morning apart during this whole time, yet the idea of leaving tomorrow isn't a relief. It's been fun and fulfilling. And that doesn't say the half of it.

Fresh

 

Last night, Erick went to the Portland Timbers game with Brian. He bought a jersey for Sophia, and I think it's going to be a challenge to get this off of her. This afternoon we we went to pick some fresh raspberries, and although I don't love the team, I do love this picture.

Seattle

 

We're off to a great start. A week of fun yet to come!!

Watch out for the eggs

As I said, we celebrated my mom's birthday this weekend. Sophia and I did our part by making a cake for her on Friday. I didn't realize, until we were in the midst of baking, that the recipe called for three eggs. Seems a little excessive, but whatever. Much to my relief, I opened the carton to find three eggs precisely. However, as I tried to take the last egg out, it was stuck. You know when the eggshell just won't budge, and if you try too hard, the egg will crack. Since I needed that egg badly, I decided not to think about what might be causing the egg to stick and just continued on our way.

I had to confess to Sophia that the eggs were a little "iffy." Normally, I let her eat the cake batter, but on account of the threat of salmonella, I didn't let that happen this time. It's not a surprise that I had to repeat the caution many times before the dishes were washed.

Once the cake came out, I forgot all about the egg incident. When Mom & Dad came that night, we ate supper, then had some cake. I'm happy to report the night was uneventful from stomach issues.

The next day, as we sat down to have cake again, we were all finishing up, raving about its deliciousness. Sophia calmly pointed out, "Yeah, it turned out great. You'd never know the eggs were iffy!"

I must have turned ten shades of red - caught, as I was, in my culinary gamble. Everyone had a good laugh, except for Sophia, who just kept insisting that it wasn't a joke - the eggs were actually iffy! I was just glad she didn't announce it the night before when we may have spent some more time fretting over each one of our tummy's rumblings...

Excited!!!

We had a fantastic weekend visit with my parents, celebrating my mom's birthday. The quilt store, a nice walk and a fine meal were the highlights, just as she would have them. As usual, Sophia cried when they left. It's always so hard to say goodbye.

Today we had something to look forward to, though. Wednesday, we leave before the crack of dawn to head to Seattle. We get to fly, which we haven't done together in a year and a half. We get to see our friends, who we haven't seen in a year. We get to do anything and everything and nothing for a whole eight days - in Seattle!

So we're excited. And packing.

Patches

 

Patches is the one in the middle. The very unamused yet surprisingly cooperative feline between two dolls. I don't remember the story behind this picture. I can only imagine I was on the back porch playing with my favorite things, and Mom decided to snap a picture.

Patches was a good cat. Playful and attentive. Killed mice in the yard with regularity and pride. Snuggled with an occasional enthusiasm. Such a good cat.

I obviously loved her.