Mt. Rainier

 Since we've returned from Lux I've wanted to take the girls to see Mt. Rainier.  Seeing it up close it a completely different experience from seeing it from a distance looming over the city.  After reading in Sunset (or was it Seattle Magazine?) about the Sourdough Ridge Trail that was perfect for kids, full of Mt. and wild flower views I was committed to getting us there this summer.  Sunday turned out to be the day we made the 2 + hour drive to Sunrise in Mt. Rainier National Park.

We passed through crummy gray drizzle in Enumclaw only to discover gorgeous sunny skies at Sunrise. We started on our walk and after 45 minutes or so realized this nature loop was too short for the amount of time it took us to drive there.  We extended our hike to Frozen Lake and then looped back to Sunrise.  In total it was about a 3.6 mile trek.  Just right for our family.

 The hike and experience did not disappoint.  The flowers were so magnificent I forgot to look at the Mt.  The sun felt warm on our backs and moved us along the trail.  There was little whining and the girls declared this only sort of a death march.  Success if you ask me!

How was your weekend?

Soaking it up

There is another weather condition that causes Seattlites to freak out and that is springtime sunshine.  This, of course, is a completely natural response after being deprived of light and warmth for so long.  We can only take so much gray.  So we joined the rest of the city outside this weekend and basked in the warmth.

When the sun comes out I'm always reminded of what an amazingly beautiful area the Pacific Northwest is.  It almost makes up for the days and days of gray drizzle.  Almost.  From the beach where we stationed ourselves on Sunday we could see the Olympics in the distance, boats out on the Puget Sound and sea lions (possibly seals?) barking at us as they swam by.  Ah, a glorious day to be in Seattle.  We know enough to get out in it while we can.  After all it is only April and the gray will return.

Snowpocalypse

You'll be happy to know we made it through the snow that hit Seattle last week. Actually it was not the snow we were worried about, it was the inevitable melt and the threat of a wet basement! We're so happy our basement stayed dry. Our sump pump hasn't stopped running since Friday.

Snow is such a funny thing in Seattle. The city freaks out and everything shuts down. The kids had exactly 2 hours of school last week. 2. hours. I remember the first snow we had in Luxembourg. I was convinced it was going to lead to a snow day. Little did I know. The city knows how to handle snow as it is a common occurrence each winter. The roads are plowed and salted and life goes on. Pretty much the exact opposite of Seattle.

The part of these snowy days that I absolutely love is that it brings everybody out of their houses and into the streets. Every hill is filled with sledders (of all ages!) I talk to more neighbors during the snow than I do at the annual block party. And the dogs. The happiest dogs in the world. The kids are excited and having so much fun sledding. It feels joyful. And it feels like we're truly part of a neighborhood.

Unfortunately and fortunately snow is a short lived phenomena in Seattle. Now we're back to rain. I would call it rainpocalypse but it is not. It is business as usual here in Seattle.

Don't forget to enter for your chance to win some local chocolate! I'll close the entries on Friday.

A Wonderful Time

I think it would have been impossible to cram one more visit, one more appointment, one more dinner, one more anything into our trip to Seattle. Amazing that we still weren't able to connect with everyone. Guess they'll just have to come visit!

Here are some of the highlights from our trip:

:: Paul and Ann's wedding reception in Richland. A great celebration and chance to catch up with many of our Seattle friends.

:: The annual Pine Cone Drive-in. Featured movies were Duma and Silverado. Kids were treated to classic Donald Duck and Goofy cartoons before the main feature.

:: Wednesday night Bastille Day dinner at my cousin's house. We dined on French onion soup and a potato Gorgonzola tart. We contributed macarons from Le Panier for dessert.

:: My youngest's first haircut. She managed to hold out until nearly 3 years old!

:: Pool Party at Great-Grandma Lucy's house. First time all of Lucy's grandchildren and great grandchildren were all together under one roof.

:: Stopping by our house to pet our little gray cat, Gus. Pretty sure she remembered us. Not!

:: My little one celebrated her 3rd birthday at the Pine Cone Drive-in. Thanks to Auntie Lena for planning such a fun party and to Grandma Chris and cousin Kaity for the butterfly cake!

:: My niece's 4th birthday!

:: A playdate in at the park with preschool friends.

:: A delicious backyard Mediterranean dinner with our good friends. Such a fun night! Such a yummy night! Click here for the complete dinner menu, prepared by our friend of extraordinary culinary genius. I've requested the exact same menu for our next Seattle visit.

:: A relaxing weekend at my mom's house. It was a perfect way to catch our breath before making the long trip home. The girls helped my mom pick beans and gooseberries in the garden. Eva cut flowers and made many small flower arrangements. Such a nice way to end our trip.

And these were just the highlights that I photographed!! I was happy to dine with Lori, Julie, Laura! I enjoyed Thai food with Christine. Had a pedicure, dinner, coffee date with Lori. Went Costco and craft store shopping with Tara. And spent lots of great time with Erik and Lena!

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Just noticing my ridiculous picture choice on my last post. Titled it "Back in Lux" and then followed it with a picture of Seattle's Space Needle. Brilliant. I'm going to blame it on jet lag. It is taking longer to adjust back here in Lux than it did in Seattle. Everyone has their own theory about what direction results in the worse jet lag. I believe it is traveling east. Bryce believes it is traveling west. Honestly, I'd be fine by now if it weren't for 2 little girls who are having a hard adjustment. Audrey has been up from 12-2am since we landed. Last night Eva tagged on to Audrey and was up from 2-5am. Help. However, it is better than the first time we traveled this way. That was a nightmare. Wish us luck for tonight.

Photo Friday

Taken at Green Lake

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Monday, October 13 - Muffin Tin Monday
Monday, October 20 - Halloween Challenge Tin Monday
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Photo Friday

Jiao-zi (boiled dumplings)

The *best* Chinese food in Seattle shared with the *best* friends a girl could ask for!
p.s. Congrats Laura!

Photo Friday

A few photos from a morning trip to the Pike Place Market. One of the many reasons I love Seattle.

Virtual Birthday

Happy Birthday Emily!

Today is my sister's birthday! Emily, if you were in Seattle, here is how we would celebrate your special day.

Our day would start with generous piece of my famous coffee cake and a walk up here for our favorite morning libations. After being properly caffeinated, we'd head down the hill to walk your favorite lake in Seattle. After a bit of exercise, we'd pamper ourselves and our tootsies in preparation for our afternoon shopping marathon. Before the shopping marathon, we'd have a lunch bite here, definitely ordering the fresh rolls. Refueled and with our feet properly rested, we'd head out to your favorite shopping destination. There you would spend as long as you liked, looking through every department, every clearance rack and trying on a whole cart of clothes. While there I would not sigh, roll my eyes or sit on the bench near the dressing rooms with my arms folded. I would be a pleasant shopping companion, encouraging you to go for the black peep toe heels that would be perfect for work. Wearily we'd make our way home, order a large AGOG and watch your favorite movie, and once again, there'd be no eye rolling, sighing, etc. The End.

Oh, your gifts. This one is from your oldest niece. This one from all of us. And this one from me.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Me & Emily (jumpsuits by mom) 1977