Zane turns 7

Mr. Zaney turned 7 this Sunday.  We celebrated all weekend long and I think he was adequately spoiled.  We started the weekend off with donuts, so yeah.  They happened to have a free "fun festival" going on at the gym, so we took advantage of that while we were there.  Zane and Brenner even won a kite after they dominated a jumping-jack contest.  They came home with a bunch of free crap, that I gathered from the floor of my car and promptly tossed out when they weren't looking.  After all that fun, we went to Coronado and watched Home in the base theater.  Then headed to Cheesecake Factory for dinner.  Sunday was his actual birthday, but we kept that day a little more chill.  We grilled burgers & dogs after church and then had cake and a few presents.  That lucky duck even got a homemade cake from Miss Erin.  It was the bomb, per usual :)

Sidenote – Have you tried the Firecracker Salmon rolls and Cheesecake Factory? YUMMM-OOOH. 

Seven things about Zane at 7 

1.  He figured out how to play Mario Cart and wants to challenge his bros to play all the time. 

2.  He climbs trees and well just about anything and everything that can be climbed.

3.  He has a deep love for Ketchup.

4.  He's always practicing odd athletic things – like walking on his hands.

5.  He likes girls.  A lot.  He's always noticing pretty girls and points them out.  He also has no problem telling women they're beautiful.  This kid...

6.  He very much enjoys antagonizing his brothers.

7.  He's incredibly intuitive and notices when something is needed or someone needs love. 

Happy lucky number 7 Zaners!  We love you!

Brenner turns 10

Brenner hit the double digits this week!  We celebrated with a pool party & BBQ at the Rodriguez's pool and then Brenner and I went on a date, just the two of us.  I took him to Pieology and then for dessert at 85°C Bakery.  He spent our entire date reading the inspirational quotes on the wallpaper at Pieology.  Then he talked about his favorite quotes during dessert and on the way home.  I love this kid!  His fave by the way, was a quote by Ronald Reagan – "You can tell alot about a fellow's character by his way of eating jellybeans."

Ten things about Brenner at 10

1.  He's hilarious.  This kid always has jokes (remember this?)

2.  He loves to invent stuff or think of ideas for inventions, and naturally wants to be an inventor when he grows up.

3.  He's kind of a bird eater and mostly eats fruit. 

4.  He's incredibly kind, helpful, and loving. 

5.  He loves scary books. 

6.  His favorite thing to do is swim and/or go to the beach and boogie board.  He's a real fish, that one.

7.  He loves Cub Scouts. 

8.  He is the Fire Marshall at his elementary school and serves on the student council. 

9.  He gets comments on his "good hair" almost daily.  That's good hair!

10.  If he ever cannot be found, he is 100% of the time, out on the trampoline. 

We love you, Brenner! Welcome to the double digits club! 

LelaLove in Seattle

I just got home from a lovely week visiting my friend, Lizzy Lou, in Seattle.  Since she moved up there last fall, we've been dying to see each other – and while she's been busy with a newborn and moving, I've been busy recovering from knee surgeries.  Luckily, Sean took some time off this month and let me sneak away for a little trip to go see her.  Turns out we both have great husbands, because every night I was there, her hubby held down the homestead so we could hit the town for dinner. 

We hung out with the kids during the day.  Taking them to Pike Place Market, Snoqualmie Falls, and Pine Lake to meet up with the kid's cousins at a dreamy lakeside park {big trees, huge fields of green grass, and a clean lake with ducks and a boat dock}.  I also spent plenty of time laying in the sunshine in her living room.  You know, like a cat?  I haven't been to Seattle since we lived there almost 12 years ago, so it was nice to see all the familiar places.  We hit several good restaurants, including Din Tai Fung and DERU Market.  We hit some great food spots in Pike Place Market as well.  We're certified food lovers – so, it's always a good time when we're together. 

I just have this thing with flowers.  Gimme all the flowers!!!

You down?

Classic.  William is calmly observing and Fritz is jumping. 

I wanted everything and I especially wanted to figure out a way to get everything home with me.  From Beecher's cheese, to fresh produce and seafood, to Le Panier baked goods.  That place really is the best.  Oh, how I miss it!

The falls were beautiful and the drive up was equally beautiful.  All over the PNW the trees are green and blooming for Spring.  Meanwhile, my grass is all dead back home.  Dang drought.

Until next time, Lizzy Lou – Love your face!

Suzanne's Woodland Shower

Last weekend Lynette and I hosted a little woodland themed shower for our sweet friend, Suzanne.  She is expecting baby number 4 and is having a GIRL {gosh, is EVERYONE having girls?}.  Suzanne is so incredibly kind, wise, loving, beautiful and well spoken.  So many attributes I hope to achieve!

Party favors of stationary + twig pencils.