Seattle Trip

So this post is all sorts of mixed up. I found some more pictures, and didn't want to start all over after I had originally started. Just think of it as a puzzle. You get to try to figure out the time line of the trip, and read things that are not in the right order:) The first picture is quite fitting to some of the trip. We were at Pikes Market hurrying through because Graham was not really wanting to casually stroll. He doesn't do anything casually or slow. Jared wanted some fresh berries, we had to see the fish, and the huge donuts. I am holding two buns...one in my hand, the other in my belly! The fresh flowers are my favorite, and the fake smile is perfect! BUT we did find the best parking spot available, right next to the folk singers outside of the first ever starbucks! The market is very entertaining.

Jared, Michael Bushmaker, and Dustin Bremerman

This group of guys were so great to us when we lived there. A few of them are married, a few are still bachelors, but they all love basketball and each other. They all made it back for the wedding, except 2. We missed JoJay and Marques. Coach Hiro is always a good time, and we also saw Coach Parker.

We took Graham over to see the temple. It really is a beautiful temple, and the surrounding grounds are very unique and green. There is a grove like area with benches and areas where you can walk and ponder. Graham loved the water.

Rob and Erika got married on South Widbey Island. We got to take a short ferry ride over. It was a little windy, but very cool. Graham loved it, and slept on the way back.

We finally made it back to Seattle after a 3 and a half year break. One of Jareds old teammates was getting married, and we were lucky enough to be able to go. Jared loves Seattle, and would move back in a heartbeat. I loved our time there, and love to visit. We booked the trip before I was pregnant...then didn't think I'd be able to make the trip once I was pregnant and SO sick, but we did it! It wasn't the easiest thing I've ever done, and I wouldn't do it again...but I'm glad we had an adventure.

After our flight (that I won't get into), our first stop was Maggie Bluffs. Its a tradition. It is the greatest little patio grill in a private marina. Its beautiful! Its also where I ended up working a few months when we lived there. They have the best buffalo chicken sandwich, and view. We even ran into my old boss big Greg. He won Graham over, and we had a great time. It helped us all re group, and gave us a little pick me up.

Patio..check!

Getting the patio finished ended up being our really big, main yard goal this summer. It was a lot of work! Between getting the molding, gravel, cement, stamps, staining, supplies, etc., it ended up being quite the project. IT LOOKS SO GREAT! We love it! We were a little nervous about doing it ourselves(I being indoors of course, only venturing out to take pictures). Jared talked to his uncle Doug and some great neighbors that helped ease his mind. We couldn't have done it without their help. The hardest part was coordinating an actual time when everyone could get together.

Good ol' Randy is always willing to help out. Our neighbor James barrowed a lot of equipment from his friend, and really made it all come together. Thanks James!

I think Jared did so well on this project that there will be many more to come. Turns out he might be a "handy man". He has really taken on the yard, and has done such a great job in making sure it will be just right. Thanks for all of your hard work sweety. The color turned out beautiful, and we are really happy with the stamp as well. We look forward to many hours spent out on the patio!

Helpin' Dad

Swing!!

4th of July

Half Way Baby!!

Today I am half way through this pregnancy. I hear the heavens singing! Or maybe that is just the voices in my head singing praise because of how I feel. The last two weeks have been better. I'm not saying I'm all the way normal, and back to my old self..BUT I feel like I can function at some points during the day. I don't have my head in a toilet all day and all night. I can eat more than just white toast with butter. I even got dressed two times last week! I'm only at the docs once a week now, and I even got my hair done. I know!
It may seem silly to some to make such a big deal of these improvements, but they really feel like answered prayers. We got to stay home all last week, and do normal family things. Jared is still caretaker, but I was able to help out. I never got to feel better with Graham, and I think I will forever say that those nine months were the hardest of my life. I realize this feeling might not last, and probably wont. BUT I am relishing it now, and am so happy to be on the downhill slope!!

Alas, we ARE alive!

A new baby?! This was the day many months ago when we told Graham that he would be getting a new brother or sister. I was about 4 or 5 weeks prego(before my life stopped) and thought he needed a little cupcake for the surprise. This little boy is going to be a great big brother. I feel very blessed to be intrusted with the wonderful responsibility of taking care of 3 boys. This is my first post back, so I better not over due it..more to come, hopefully:)

I love this boy so much!!! I hope he remembers this "happy mama" and not "sick mama on the couch."

The best dad a kid could have:) Could not do ANY of this without this man right here. Thank you Sweet for being so good to us. I promise I'll take care of you the rest of your life:) I'm not even going to try to catch up on all of the things I've missed posting the last few months. Yes, months. If you know me, you know I've been basically dead, barely hanging on. BUT I am determined to get some posts up for our blog book so we can have some memories logged during these 9 months of h!@#, I mean bliss:)