Monday, March 30, 2009

The Restaurant Wait.

We were suppose to meet up with my bestest friends for brunch on Sunday but it was cancelled last minute. One of my dear friends who had come all the way from Portland was sick and didn't want to stray far from the house she was staying at. She spent the morning trying to regain some sort of wellness before heading out on her long trek home. So me and the fam ended up spending the day with another couple and the six of us drove to Sequim. What an amazing day for a drive. The weather was beautiful, much better then Saturday, and we had a fabulous drive and a glorious breakfast.

It has been a year since the last time the four of us headed up to Sequim. We had a great time this year with the little copper heads along with us. They add a certain level of delight that just can't be matched. They were so excited to go to breakfast at The Oak Table. Olyvia was ready to order before we even got in the door. Ellie on the other hand was more contemplative, trying to decide the perfect item to order. She finally decided on a waffle and of course there was no waffle on the kids menu. So we ordered her one off the regular menu and she proceeded to eat about 4 bites of it just as we were all done, the table was cleared and we were trying to get out the door.

Why do kids do that. You sit there for 30 minutes, eating and visiting while they stare at their plate slouched in their chair looking at you as if you have just condemned them to the worst fate. The more you encourage them to 'eat up' their breakfast, the slower they seem to go and the further they slouch in their chair. Eventually, the wait staff take all the plates except the child's plate. They bring the bill, it is settled and then the waiting begins. The ultimate question of how long you will wait lingers in your mind. We finally told her it was time to go and she sits up, and begins to eat. Inside my mind I am SCREAMING 'YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME?' But I politely sit down, encourage her to eat quickly, that we have to get going. She shovels in a few more bites as she looks up at me with that look of 'you are always hurrying me' while syrup drips from the sides of her mouth. With one swift movement she wipes the syrup and egg from her face with her arm and hops down from the table. Luckily we are seasoned parents and go no where without a case of wipes. We swab her down, buckle them both up and are off.

After leaving the restaurant we drive the 2 or so miles to their Grandpa Bob's house and as soon as we get there what do we hear coming from the back seat? 'Mom, I'm hungry.' I can't help but turn around and exclaim, 'Really?'

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Gravel Elf.

For those of you that have been to Kopperskogen, you know and understand our need for a Gravel Elf. This last Christmas I put them on my list of things I would really like and received some quizzical looks as to what they were. Quite simply, they are like any other magical elf. They come when you are sleeping or when you are away, bring something wonderful that you really need (in this case gravel) and are off again before you either wake or come back from your journeys. Most everyone that heard my request or read my list didn't give me too bad a time but pretty much told me that Gravel Elves didn't exist and at the time I believed that partially true.

Over this winter, the need for Gravel Elves has increased by multiples and so Robb and I finally decided we needed to just order some gravel. Now this is where the magical part comes in. Not once did I make a phone call or inquire with local gravel pits on costs. Not once did I go above and beyond expressing the desire to have some gravel.

On Friday Robb told me he had made some calls and had found some great prices on gravel and we would be getting a delivery on Saturday. Saturday came and my mom called (the girls had spent the night at her house) and asked if I wanted to meet them on BI for some fun and lunch. I went off to meet up with them and my sister and niece. We visited and watched the girls explore the Kids Museum and then went to Bainbridge Bakers for some lunch. After having a snack and coffee we all headed off. Mom, the girls and I made a stop at their house to get the girls' bags from the night before and then we headed back to Kopperskogen. Upon arrival I see Robb and our neighbor filling in the potholes along our driveway and further inspection as I drove up to the house shows that Gravel Elves do exist. During the short 2 or so hours that I had been gone 12 yards of gravel had appeared and been spread and paid for and I didn't have to participate at all. It was magnificent.

I do believe that the main Gravel Elf was my wonderful husband with the help of my dad for the spreading. They might not use any sort of Elf dust or wands or special words, but they are just as magical in my book. Maybe they will come again soon as we do have a really long driveway . . .

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Disneyland Here We Come!

We have passed the 60 day mark. The time has arrived to make our reservations to have dinner with the Princesses and breakfast with Goofy and his crew. I made the call, just finishing up as the girls arrived. I passed the news on to them that our reservations were made to have dinner with the princesses and the sound that came from them was the highest pitched sound I ever experienced. I think they almost broke the sound barrier. From this I concluded they were excited and we all began jumping up and down.

I can only imagine what the look on their faces will be when they are introduced to Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, and of course (Olyvia's favorite) Sleeping Beauty. I can guarantee one thing, my camera will be there to capture it all. The split second moment that I will want to forever remember. The pure joy that will be on their faces.

The other day we were discussing the sleeping arrangements for while we are gone and Olyvia was quick to explain to me that she and Ellie would be sleeping with Grandma and Papa. I smiled and asked if she had discussed this with them yet and she assured me there would be no problem with it. We will have to see how that goes. :)

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Robb and I in Maui -

Yes, we were blessed to be able to spend a beautiful week in Maui. Although I have to admit that the weather was not as hot as we had hoped, we were still able to get out and enjoy the sun quite a bit.

On Tuesday we spent a large portion of the day walking beaches and exploring the northern coast of Maui to find the perfect beach for the ceremony. We found some amazing beaches including Fleming Beach just below the Ritz. The sand was so soft and the waves crashing against the lava rock were beautiful. Ultimately Kim ended up falling in love with Mokuleia Beach, commonly known by locals as Slaughterhouse Beach.











Tuesday evening we had a great dinner at a local restaurant called Cool Cat in Lahaina. They had great burgers and salads and we were able to meet up with Lindsey and Digger for dinner and to get to know them a little more. Lindsey and I talk quite a bit over phone and e-mail at work, but it was great to spend a couple hours visiting and hearing about how their trip had been so far.



Wednesday brought about a whole new set of adventures. The first half of the day was spent with Blue Water Rafting Adventures. We went out in a 24 person hard bottom raft to search out some whales, some snorkeling and some awesome scenery. We saw some amazing whales, up close and personal. Well, as up close as we could. There are laws as to how close you can get to the whales and our captain was sure to keep this distance to make sure that both the whales and his passangers were safe. The little bit of whale watching we did at the beginning of the boat ride is all that Ray was able to enjoy. Unfortunately he spent the rest of the 5 1/2 hour boat ride slung over the pontoon in the back of the boat, or leaning over the side. We all felt so bad and the Captain tried a few different things they had to try and remedy his sea sickness to no avail. This became a topic of jokes later in the trip once Ray was able to get off the boat. After this little trip he had no desire to get on another boat for awhile. I am not sure if even now the idea of a boat is anywhere in his mind. Robb on the other hand was enjoying himself all too much on the ride back as he would shout and let out little giddy laughs each time we hit a wave. We were able to take a few pics of this outing on an underwater camera we borrowed from my dad, but have yet to get those pictures developed. Watch for them.

Wednesday evening, unfortunately without the attendance of Ray who was still sleeping off a wicked bought of sea sickness, we headed to the Old Lahaina Luau. If you are ever in Maui, you must go.










Saturday was another day of exploring along the Hana highway. Unfortunately due to weather we weren't able to get any swimming in but that didn't stop us from exploring and getting some great pictures along the way.






















What an amazing trip for sure.

Kim McHugh & Ray Shea - Maui Wedding Pictures

I know many of you have been waiting for this moment, so here you go. First I have to say that Robb and I had a most wonderful time escaping to Hawaii for a week. It made even more special that we were able to witness Kim and Ray getting married on a secluded beach along the northwest shore. The wedding was beautiful, taking place just before sunset. We all tossed our shoes aside and dug our toes in the sand while Gregg led us through an amazing ceremony.

There were many beautiful pictures, but I have compiled a select few into a slide show I invite you all to take a look at. I do hope you enjoy.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Question for March

Every Thursday evening I lead a small group of girls that get together and talk about our faith and what it means to us and how we can go out into the world and share that faith with others. The last few weeks we have been reading through the Book of Faith Lenten Journey : 40 days with the Lord's Prayer. So far this book has proved to be an inspiration to us all in different ways and we are very much enjoying the insight we are getting from it. I encourage you all to take a look at it if you can.

The question for this month is for you to ask yourself what does Faith mean to you? How does your Faith define who you are as a person? Let me know what your thoughts are as I would love to hear.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Home Sweet Home!

Our flight landed just before 11pm last night at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. After waiting for a passanger to be offloaded from the plane due to a medical emergency, we were off to baggage claim to get our bags and make a dash for the ferry. We pulled into the dock just before 1:30am and were greeted by my dad who had come to pick us up in the Jeep. Upon arriving at my parents house we decided to just crash there for the night instead of heading straight home. As I leaned down to give the girls hugs while they were nestled in their slumber, Olyvia tucked her arm around me and with a huge smile said "Mommy!" There is nothing like that sound. Ellie didn't stir and after giving tons of hugs and kisses to Olyvia I told her we would catch up more in the morning and to go back to sleep.

Our trip was fabulous and I can't wait to share the pictures and adventures with you all. From the day spent exploring possible beaches for the wedding, to the actual wedding itself. We also couldn't possibly forget the adventureous trip along the Hana highway and around the island.

I will be posting the pictures soon so be watching for them.