For the past four years we have spent Thanksgiving at my Dad and Stepmom's house.  Our friends, Kurt and Scott, who just happen to be fantastic chef's at the Chateau Ste. Michele in Woodinville, WA come down and cook up the most fantastic Thanksgiving meals you can imagine!  Our good friend Bill always brings wonderful cheeses and wines and champagne!  This year there were sixteen of us, including my awesome brother and his roommate, Kevin.

These two wines were amazing!  The Columbia Crest Reserve 2008 was so delicious, well balanced and flavorful.  I'm a huge fan of Chateauneuf-du-Pape.  This particular bottle was from 2000 and was really peppery and rich.  It's such a treat to get to share these incredible wines with people who know about wine!  Educational and delicious!


My Stepmom, Nance, is the most amazing hostess.  She always sets the table with uniquely made name tags and personalized gifts for each person who attends.  My Dad likes to put in his "teeth" whenever people are coming over.  Gwyneth was not quite sure about Pops.  Later in the evening she took me aside and asked me if she was related to him.

Ham and blue cheese.

Triple Cream Brie.


My Dad.  All dressed up for Thanksgiving dinner.

Lots of beer brought by Kyle from Double Mountain Brewery.  My special place setting made by Nance.


Kurt and Scott wearing their place settings.  Nance's bug collection.

Stuffing made by me and Kyle.  It's so good.  It has fresh herbs, pine nuts and craisins.


Butter and silky mashed potatoes.  Technically they are riced potatoes since Bill used a ricer when preparing them.


Our heritage Turkey.  Kurt gets this bird from his friends that have a farm.  It was killed on Monday, picked up on Tuesday, brined on Wednesday and enjoyed on Thursday.  Doesn't get much fresher or more organic than this!


The chefs.


Scott's amazing caramelized carrots and the expertly carved turkey.


I made this Salted Caramel Cheesecake for dessert.  These are Nance's beautiful teacups for after dinner coffee. 

Once we were finished eating we played games.  Charades was... interesting.  There was a very explicit acting out of the book/film The Firm as well as some other odd interpretations of things.  We were in stitches throughout the game playing.  Most people headed home around 10:30 but we were persuaded into gambling with Kurt, Nance, Scott, Ryan and Kevin.  I've never gambled before and let me tell ya... I had way too much fun (even when I was losing).  We finally threw in the dice and headed for home.  We didn't get to bed until 1 in the morning! 

We spent the rest of the weekend digging up the yard for raised beds (Kyle) and sewing (me) and sleeping (Gwynnie).

I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving and a wonderful weekend!

On Wednesday, late in the afternoon, my agent in Seattle called with an audition time for Thursday morning.  Normally these last minute audition calls usually stress me out a bit and I'm not usually able to make it all the way to Seattle.  But this time I was excited.  I needed a break.  Getting in the car and driving and driving sounded just great.  So I quickly packed up and in the morning we kissed Daddy goodbye and headed for Seattle.  

Thursday...

Awake and ready to go.

A quick stop for coffee and we were on the road.  Of course, the reality of driving and driving and driving with an infant is a bit different that rolling the windows down, blasting the music and relaxing.  It went a bit more like this... Gwyneth not sleeping, Gwyneth sleeping, Gwyneth crying, got pulled over for speeding (and let off with a warning), stopping to feed Gwyneth, Gwyneth not eating, Gwyneth crying and crying and crying.  But eventually we made it to the audition.

Gwyneth in the casting office.

Happy not to be in her carseat anymore!

After the audition we went over to visit Uncle Rob and Aunt Meghan!

I was starving and made a peanut butter and pickle sandwich!  I've never had one before and it's my new favorite thing!  Seriously... it was really good.

I tried putting G down for a nap on Meg and Rob's bed but she was just playing and squirming and making me nervous...

So... I moved her onto the floor.  She woke up with a big carpet mark on her face.... hmm.

After her nap we loaded up and headed to La Isla for mojitos and dinner.  I also got to see how it looks with all my photos up all their walls!

I LOVE my big sis.After dinner I headed to Kyle's folks house with G and we went straight to bed.

Friday...

On Friday morning I headed out to meet a friend, Justin, for coffee and then Erika and I went for end of summer pedicures!  It was much needed girlie time with my mother-in-law!

Gwyneth was very good during my pedicure.  She just played and made eyes at the ladies in the salon. (Thanks G).  After our pedi, Erika and I headed over to the Kate Quinn Organics shop to get a baby shower gift for Marion.  I have a couple of Kate Quinn jammies for G that she wears a lot (the pink ones with the elephants).  From the minute we walked into the shop I was in trouble... everything was so cute!

Erika got the Peter Pan Dress on the right for Gwyn.

After our shopping fun we headed over to Lumber Liquidators to look at laminate flooring for the house.  I have to admit I was not looking forward to looking at fake wood... I have a hard time visualizing laminate in the house.  It just looks so sad and fake on the panels next to the rich real wood.  But we went to check it out.  We were looking for laminate that was 10-12mm, wide panels, a rich, warm brown and varied in pattern.  Oh yeah, and we were hoping to only spend $2/foot.  The salesman basically informed me that that was not gonna happen.  But, then I found one I loved.  It's called Westminster Rosewood and it was perfect.  But, it was marked as $2.49/foot.  Hmmm.  

To be continued...

(Is the suspense killing you?) The salesman walked by again and said, "Oh, I forgot to put the sale sticker on that one.  We are discontinuing it.  You are going to be really happy in a minute!"  Turns out my dream flooring was only $1.49/foot!  We ordered it up right away and it's due to arrive this week! 

Gwyneth expressing my excitement for me! She knows Mommy's nine favorite words are "I forgot to put the sale sticker on that one".

After our awesome shopping we headed home, made a quick dinner and lounged outside.  Gwyneth figured out how to put a toy in her mouth and hold it there... like a puppy dog.

Saturday...

Saturday was a pretty relaxing day.  Dave and Erika were working hard on building a shed and I worked a bit while I tried to let G have a normal nap day.  Erika and I did go to finalize the flooring and look at appliances.

I WANT this stove but it's 36" and we can only do a 30".  It was normally $7,000 but on sale for $2,500 at the Sears in Redmond.  Someone, please go take this beautiful six burner home and love it for me.

Sun tea.

Me and my shadow.  Joined at the hip.

After a long afternoon nap we headed over to visit with Mom and Mike.

Gwynnie fell asleep on the way home so I just put her outside in the shade to sleep.

When she woke up I put her in her new Kate Quinn bikini and she discovered the wonder of sumer grass.

With Nana Shirley.

Then it was bath and bed for the babe...

...and wine and Vogue for the Mom.

Kyle's hop plant in the sun.

Fresh lettuce from the garden for dinner.

Sunday...

On Sunday morning I packed up the car and we headed over to say bye to Meghan and Rob.

Then we zipped over to Marion's baby shower!

Ahhh, dinosaurs!  Just jokin'... they're only cranes.

With Nina!

With Lisa and Nina.

With Lisa and Marion.

Marion holding three week old twin boys, Reese and Cole.

After the shower Gwyn and I hit the road.  My plan was that she's sleep the whole way home.  But she didn't.  She mostly cried and cried and cried.  We stopped a few times and I tried to feed her under this lovely American flag. 

But, in the end I just listened to Funny Face (because I never got a chance to watch it) and she fussed and we drove.  Yes, I listened to a movie instead of music.  I know it's odd.  We got home around 11pm and we were happy to see Daddy and go to bed.  Hope you guys had a wonderful weekend too.

This weekend was SO MUCH FUN!  My mom and her boyfriend, Mike, came for a visit.  They've been traveling all summer so it was the first time in a while that we had seen them.  I was sad to see them leave this morning!  Here's a look at our wonderful weekend...

Friday...

Kyle and I started the weekend off with dinner downtown.  It had been such a busy week with the launch of the new site that I had hardly left the house!  It was such a treat to go out and have nice dinner with Kyle and G! 

Gazpacho!

Calamari.

Burger and fries.

 Gwyneth and her Riffe Raffe.

Saturday...

 We spent Saturday morning reading in bed... 

 and picking up the house.  I went grocery shopping and drove by this awesome Hispanic wedding!

 I got these gorgeous flowers at the farm stand....

...and put together a nice little lunch. 

G took a little nap.  I'm not sure why she's sleeping like that! 

Mom and Mike arrived midday and we ate a bit before going on a nice, long walk into town. 

We got ice cream at Mike's.

Kyle gave our visitors a tour of the brewery.

It was a looong hot walk home.  By the time we sweated our way home we were ready to relax, eat dinner and play Apples to Apples on the patio. 

Grilled Tuna Burgers and salad (and grilled peaches in simple syrup for dessert).

Sunday...

We got all prepped for a little hike while Gwyneth took her morning nap.  When she woke up we headed out!

We spent the majority of the day on our little hike.  

Gwyneth LOVED being in the backpack!

My view during the hike.  

Outdoor baby! 

Taking a nap in the pack. 

Back at the trailhead.  G has a big red mark on her face from sleeping in the pack. 

After our hike we drove a little ways to stop for some fantastic Mexican food. 

After our little lunch we came home for a siesta before... yup, heading out to eat again! 

 
After dinner we headed home to bed.

I wish my Mom and Mike could have stayed longer.  It was nice to take a mini-break from working.  Next weekend it's crunch time as we start to prep the house for the kitchen remodel!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend too!

I posted about the first half of our long, fabulous weekend yesterday.  Here's a look at the second half...

Saturday...

After ruiniting with G, Kyle and I went to go pick up our ribs from Bill the Butcher which happens to be right next door to Victor's Celtic Coffee Company!

Man, we missed her!!!

Best coffee on the Eastside.

We spent the rest of the day on Saturday relaxing with the family, sipping beer and playing in the pool.  I had my camera on me most of the afternoon and took lots of photos...

Lounging with Grandpa!

Croquet was played.  Alligators were ridden.

It was a lovely afternoon.

After visiting with Grandpa it was off to meet up with Uncle Ryan for brunch at Pete's Eggnest on Greenwood.

G took a special liking to Uncle Ryan's shades.

We headed home to get the ribs started and to snap some family portraits of Dayne, Amber and the kids.

And, of course, more sipping of beer.

We had a wonderful dinner thanks to Kyle's rib smokin' skillz.  Then we headed over for s'mores at Ryan's house. 

It was a late night for the babe but it was so fun to hand out with Ryan and his friends and eat s'mores with Reese's pieces, sit around a little bonfire and catch up.  We had such a fun, wonderful weekend.  Hope you did too.

The End!

We took off for a long weekend and headed to Seattle late Wednesday night and we just got home a few hours ago!  It was so much fun to spend a longer-than-usual amount of time with our families.  Kyle brother, Dayne, his wife Amber and their two kids, Bailey and Chloe were visiting so we stayed extra long. (Note: I am pretty sure I didn't punctuate that sentence correctly... I never know how, many, commas, to, use).  Here is a look at our wonderful weekend... well the first half of it!

We got a blueberry tart, gruyere and caramelized onion magical croissant thing and a caramel and sea salt cake (I also got a salted caramel macaroon but ate it immediately).

Meghan, G and Rob.

Macaroooooons!

I have the best big sister in the whole world!

After pastries, it was time for...

Bill the Butcher is in Redmond, WA.  We've been wanting to check it out for ages.  All their meat is local, sustainably farmed and organic.  We placed an order for some spare ribs to grill later in the weekend.

We returned to Kyle's parent's house, cooked up Lemony Roasted Chicken and played scrabble.  Then we all went to bed...

Friday...

We got up bright and early to play with the kids.

Some of us weren't quite awake yet.  Then we packed up the whole gang and headed to the Woodland Park Zoo! 

Erika and Chloe ready to explore!

Our little monkey in the monkey house.

Gwyneth was taking notes so she could show us her foot in mouth skills...

Nice!

Bailey checking out the penguins.

Silly Dad.

Poppy and her family members.

After the zoo we headed to Red Mill Burgers for lunch.  I've always heard great things about their classic, all-american burgers.  We weren't disappointed!

Amber, Dayne, Bailey and Chloe.  Those kiddos were pretty exhausted from the long day at the zoo!

We spent the remainder of the afternoon relaxing and playing outside.

Then... Kyle's parents sent us parents out for the night!  They booked as a room at The Heathman in downtown Kirkland and bought us dinner at Trellis!  We are so lucky!  It was such a special gift.  I was, of course, quite nervous about being away from Gwynnie but everyone kept telling me, "it'll be good for you", and it was.  

Our room.

Amber and Dayne.

Me and Kyle.

Double date night!

Steak with pomme frites and bone marrow butter.

Lamb with a pomegranate glaze and kale.

Duck with watercress.

Thanks Dave and Erika for such a lovely, thoughtful gift.

I'll post Part 2 tomorrow!

We had such a fantastic weekend!  It was busy, sunny, productive and relaxing!  Kyle's parents (Dave and Erika) came down Friday afternoon and just left this morning.  They are truly the best in-laws (and I'm not just saying that because they read the blog)!  We've been looking forward to their visit for weeks.  It's the first time they've come to town during a big holiday weekend so we gave them the full tourist treatment.

Friday...

On Friday we headed into town for First Friday.  Our town does First Friday's all year round but in the summer it's a really big deal.  The city shuts down the main drag and all the shops open up, kids play in the street and everyone comes out of the woodwork to enjoy the arts, music, drinks, food and the local shops.

Out to dinner.

(I know this picture is blurry but they wouldn't stop goofing around!)

Visiting hours with my new favorite Frye boots.

We ran into our friends Greg and Sondi and their gorgeous daughter, Ella June. 

We all headed home after and put G to bed before heading back out to celebrate the weekend  free babysitters with our friends down at the brewery.

I know it looks like Kyle's groping me in this photo but it's not his fault he's so tall.

Sparklers were handed out to all the intoxicated locals.

Saturday...

Saturday morning brought big things like....

Gwynnie's first solid food!

I had to zip off to shoot a wedding so Kyle and his parents spent the rest of the day Saturday planning and starting on a patio for our backyard.  When I got home we threw together a quick BBQ but we were too tired and scrubby for many good photos.

Sunday....

On Sunday I went for a walk downtown with Danelle.  She treated me to coffee and a cupcake.  Good friend!

The afternoon was spent patio building...

Coronas...

Lounging in the backyard...

Tuna Burgers from Gwyneth Paltrow's cookbook.  They were soooo freakin' good.  So far this cookbook is very impressive!

Monday the Fourth of July...

I slept with my camera next to the bed so I could capture some photos of Gwyneth first thing in the morning.  We are planning to move her to her own room tonight but first I really wanted to get some photos of how she looks when she wakes up right next to me.  Waking up next to her has been one of the biggest joys of my life.  I love her so much I kind just wanna gobble her up and absorb her.  Is that weird?

Anyway.  I did not eat my baby.  Instead... I made a frittata. 

After breakfast we walked over to watch the parade.  Damon, Amy, Poppy and Mamoo (Amy's mom) all took part in the parade.  Damon's British but you wouldn't know it by looking at his dorky glasses.

Being silly (as usual).

Once home from the parade, Kyle got down to the serious business of smokin' some ribs.

The boy, his beer and his BBQ = happy boy.

For some reason, G decided this was the first day ever that she was just not going to sleep... at all.  Little stinker!

After dinner we walked down to Mike's Ice Cream...

...and then headed down to the waterfront to enjoy the weather and watch the fireworks display.

Gwynnie finally fell asleep just in time for the fireworks.  She did wake up right as the big ol' we love America grand finale started.  I think she was confused.  Silly baby.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!  

My Aunt Sue is really wonderful.  She and I have always been very close.  Her two kids, Leah and Luke are also wonderful.  I've been looking forward to their visit for MONTHS!  I know they weren't really here to see me (Gwyneth has officially become the bigger attraction) but I didn't care what the reason!  It was so great having them here!

Luke, Leah, Gwyneth and Aunt Sue.

We had a relaxing morning...

Then we headed into town. We wandered through the shops...

 Had lunch with Kyle at the brewery...

Got ice cream!

Coconut and French Crunch (French Roast ice cream with ground up chocolate covered espresso beans!)

We gave/got some free advice...

We checked out the kiteboarders down at the waterfront...

It was a truly great day!  

We spent the evening in, eating tacos and playing Apples to Apples.

Saturday...

Gwyneth continued to get spoiled with love and attention by Leah and Luke.

Aunt Sue and I made a run to the gardening store so I could pick up herbs for my little porch herb garden!

Then we went to IKEA!

After IKEA we had a great late lunch at ¿Por Qué No?

Gwyneth had her photo taken so many times this weekend...

And she was kissed so many times...

After lunch, Sue, Leah and Luke had to head out to go visit other family.  We were so sad to see them go but we had a truly wonderful time with them.  

Sunday...

With our visitors gone on their way, Kyle and I spent all day Sunday playing with Gwyneth and cleaning up this disaster zone...

That's what happens when you are given a UHaul full of things!  It actually was kind of fun to get it back in shape!

Kyle made this great BBQ chicken and Grilled Kale Caesar Salad for dinner while I read Vogue and took a bath!

Best.  Husband.  Ever.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend too!

We just got home from a really rainy fun weekend in Seattle!  We drove up early on Friday morning to spend time with our families and attend the Washington Brewer's Festival at St. Edward's State Park.  We go every year for this Father's Day beer festival, but this was Kyle's first year as a Dad so it was extra rainy fun! 

Saturday...

Cuddling with me...

with Daddy...

and Grandma!

Kyle and I decided to get really "Seattle-like" and head to Pike Place Market for coffee and doughnuts even though it was cold and rainy.

It was a seriously bad idea.  Poor Baby G missed her nap, was hungry and tired and cold and traffic SUCKED!

Then we headed to the beer festival so Kyle could participate in the keg toss.  Silly brewers. (He lost.)

With Kristen who works at the brewery.

We went to meet up with our friends, Jeremy and Tara, for dinner and a sleepover.

If you haven't eaten at Serious Pie you should!

Me and Tara waiting for our table.

Tara stayed home with G and we (Lindsey, Ben, Jeremy, Kyle and I) walked down the block to grab a pint.

When we got home from the bar, Gwyneth was awake (thanks to a big wet kiss from J&T's dog, Kingston.)  We got her back to sleep after I read her this verse I wrote (inspired by Go the F to Sleep)...

I'm sorry our friend's dog woke you

While you dreamed and slumbered so deep

But Mommy is home from the bar now

So please go the F back to sleep.

We definitely got an F grade as parents for Saturday!

Kyle is SUCH an amazing Dad.  When I see him with Gwyneth it makes me feel like the luckiest woman in the world.

As you can tell G feels pretty lucky too.

It seems like this...

was just moments ago!

Makin' Father's Day breakfast.

Tara and her lap dog Kingston (the baby-waker).  He was totally obsessed with Gwyneth!  

Playing with Uncle J.

After lunch we geared up to head to the beer festival.  

We got to have a quick visit with my cousin Dannie and my Aunt Mary and Uncle Terry!  Gwyneth loved Dannie!

With Ben and Lindsey.

Maybe a little too much fun... she's her father's daughter!

With Jeremy and Tara.

Helping Dad serve.

After the festival Gwynnie and I had a very short visit with Becca and Kesha!

It was so nice to meet Becca's daughter.  She has awesomely chubby wrists!

Happy Father's Day to two fabulous Dads.

As you can see we are happy to be home after such a rainy fun weekend in Seattle!

I also wanted to take a moment to wish my own Daddy a very happy Father's Day.  He's an awesome Dad (and Grandpa)!

This past weekend was absolutely crazy!  We had two birthday parties, a ballet recital and lots of little things in between.  Last week was pretty busy too and by the time Friday rolled around we were ready to get out of the house.

Poppy was looking right at me the whole time, waving and giving me thumbs up.  Such a little chumpy!

After the recital Poppy came home with me to have a snack, bath and nap.

We forgot that we told Pops she could take a bath with G.  So Gwyneth got two baths on Saturday which was actually probably great because it was pretty warm this weekend!

I think Kyle's a little confused about which bottle is his.

Hula hoops...

corn on the cob...

and watermelon!  It's officially summer around here!

Gwyneth (not sleeping).

Cuties!

Matt and Bear.

Gwyneth (still not sleeping).

The birthday girl!  It seems like such a short time ago that we were at her 1st birthday party!

Greg and Ella June.

Sweet summer sandals.

Outdoor towel time is G's new favorite thing!

It was so nice to enjoy the sun for a bit.

Cake time!

Enjoying her gifts!

All amped up on sugar!

This weekend was so much fun!  I spent the long weekend in Seattle with my family celebrating our Mom's birthday!  Poor Kyle had to stay behind to study and work again so it was just me and Gwyneth. 

Saturday:

 He helped us get on the road Saturday morning.  Bye Honey. We looooove you.

I was sitting in traffic for a long...

long...

long time.

Finally relaxing at Meghan and Rob's house!

Gwyneth decided this was a fun way to be held by her Aunt Meghan.  

We went for a nice long walk, watched a bit of Project Runway, had a yummy dinner at home, gave the babe a sink bath and went to bed!

Gwyn woke up super early on Sunday.  

We went to Edmonds to take Danelle (who is also from Seattle and was there this weekend) out for a little coffee, fresh air and snuggle time because we love her!

Then, we went to visit Great Grandpa and had a nice long visit with him talking about our ancestry.  Grandpa is a wealth of knowledge about our families.  I love spending time with him... he always has hot cocoa and cookies.  

Meghan and I went to run a couple of errands with Baby G.  I dropped of a bunch of photo prints for my friend at his restaurant (La Isla) and we ran to the store.  As we were heading into the store we suddenly realized that Gwyneth had exceeded the capacity of her diaper.  Luckily, I always have a change of clothes with me!  Meghan (the best Aunt ever) helped me change her in the back of the car.  While we were standing there we got dive bombed by three mallards.  Yes, seriously.  We had to duck!  Get it!

After the diaper and the ducks we needed a lil' drink.  Rob whipped up these yummy grapefruit/vodka cocktails!

I rallied the troops first thing on Monday morning to go for a long walk to the Honore Artisan Bakery in Ballard.  Our brother loves it and I've been wanting to go forever.  We walked all the way there and...

They were closed.

I was really, really sad.

Rob was about to give up hope but we started walking in search of better things.  All we found was...

a lawnmower collection...

nobody home at Ryan's house...

and a shaved cat... #$%&!!!!!  We admitted defeat and went home where Rob made us a yummy breakfast.  Then it was time to get ready for Mom's birthday party!!!  

Meghan braided my hair like she used to when we were little.  (Yes, I'm wearing Gwyneth's Baby Legs on my arms)

We made two rhubarb, strawberry, apple crisps...

while Gwyneth used Uncle Rob as a teething toy.

Lovely flowers from the garden.

Mom (the birthday girl) arrived early for some extra baby time.

Meghan made Mom a special drink with lime juice and Corona in salted glass that she had loved when she visited Megs in Mexico.

Then the party got started as everyone began to arrive!

Dave, Erika, Mom with G and Mike.

Gwyn with Linda and Ruth.  Everyone couldn't wait to get their hands on our babe!

Everyone enjoyed the sun and the BBQ.

Look how BIG she's getting!

Linda, Dave, Mike and Erika enjoying the party.

Then it was time to torch the cakes light the birthday candles.

Man, that was scary!

Dave, Linda and Dave.  It's a Dave Sandwich.

Ry Guy.

Meghan and Erika dished up the dessert while everyone else began to share stories about Mom.

It was such a nice party.  Happy Birthday Mom!  We love you!

After everyone left, it was just us cuddled up on the couch...

oh yeah, I forgot Rob was there too.

 Meghan and Rob sang me a bedtime story and we went to bed.

Tuesday:

We got up this morning and scurried out the door.  We made a quick coffee stop and...

we were ready to hit the road. Gwyneth slept nearly the whole way back and didn't cry at all!  Phew.  The ride up was a bit rough so this was a huge relief.  

Happy to be home with Dad!

We had such a fun weekend in Seattle.  It was busy and went by really quickly!  Gwyneth got to visit lots of family and friends and we had a great Mother's Day brunch before heading home.  Hope you all had a lovely weekend.  Here's a few photos from the weekend.

Saturday:  We spent the day on Saturday visiting with our families.  Gwynnie got some quality time in with the great grandparents!  She's one lucky baby.

Gwyneth visiting with Great Nana...

My brother, Grandpa and Dad.

Gwyneth with her Nan.

My very first frittata.  SO EASY!  It's like making a quiche without having to make the crust!

So happy to be a Mama.

Mom and Ryan.

My mom's boyfriend and Kyle's Dad visiting.

Kyle and his Mama.

Ry and Kaylee.

Me and my old womb-mate.  Get it?!?

Me, my sis, my mom and my brother.

Kyle and his Mom and Dad.

Tour of the garden.

Gorgeous tulips!

Mom and Mike.

G hanging out with her Aunt and her Nana.  She is so loved!

Lounging with Grandpa Mike.

After the nice brunch we had to pack up and head out.  The ride home was long but G did pretty good.  It is nice to be home but we had a wonderful time up visiting our families.  Thanks for such a fun weekend!  I had a wonderful first Mother's Day.  

We had a wonderful, busy and super productive weekend.  We painted, continued to Spring Clean, visited with friends, went on our first date, and watched too much Mad Men.  

On Friday I started painted the closet doors for Gwyneth's room.  We used the Cherry Wine color that matches the accent wall in the nursery.  They turned out so beautifully.  The black and white door knobs were the perfect final touch.  Now the nursery is complete!

While the doors were drying, Gwynnie and I walked downtown.  I popped into Rite Aid to buy some inexpensive wine.  In case you all weren't aware, Rite Aid has super cheap wine.  So even if you're on a budget, you can still sip vino.

Then we continued on our walk.  The daffodils are out in force.

We bumped into Amy and Poppy and Poppy's Grandma having ice cream downtown.   I got a baby baby scoop of lemon yogurt.  Yum!  Gwyn looks a bit like Uncle Fester in this picture.  She is one white baby!

We popped in to visit Kyle at work and have a small beer.

I decided Gwynnie needed to try on some new boots to cover up her silly crew socks.

We popped by our favorite used book store and Kyle found a cool gift bag.  Gwyn thinks Daddy is super funny.

We put Gwyn in her new favorite pj's and headed over to our friends house for a margarita and a visit.

We spent Saturday Spring Cleaning the pantry and the garage. 

My Dad and Stepmom came over to babysit Gwyn so we could go out to dinner.  Not only did they babysit and buy us dinner but they also cut a heart out of a check I'd written them.  That was incredibly thoughtful and generous.  Thanks guys.

We spent Sunday doing more cleaning and organizing and decorating.  Calypso didn't offer to help.

How was your weekend?

We had a really fun, relaxing weekend.  Last Thursday, my friend (and Gwyn's God-Mama), Marion came down for a weekend visit to meet her God-Daughter and keep me company because Kyle's back at work full time.  She actually drove down on Wednesday night, let herself in and went to bed so she could be there to have the full day with us on Thursday.  We didn't even hear her come in which is a bit concerning!  The only sound worth waking up for these days is the chirping of our baby bird.  We spent all day on Thursday in our sweats and Marion cuddled with Gwyneth.  At two I went to pick Poppy up while Marion stayed home with the babe and then she made dinner for me while I went to my Spanish class.  When I got home we ate and then curled up on the couch to watch Black Swan (blog on this Wednesday) which was relaxing exhilarating and intense!  

Gwyneth loves her as much as I do!

Friday we got a bit more active and walked into town with Gwyneth in her Bugaboo.  We had a great time downtown even though it was cold and rainy and I fell in love with these boots which are way out of my price range!  They're made in Spain for The Frye Company and they are beautiful!

Actually, I don't have a price range right now... unless they make boots that cost under $10?  It's not as romantic of a budget as it seems in Breakfast at Tiffany's...

PAUL: I'M GOING TO BUY YOU A PRESENT.  YOU BOUGHT ME A TYPEWRITER RIBBON, AND IT 

BROUGHT LUCK.
 
HOLLY: BUT TIFFANY'S CAN BE PRETTY EXPENSIVE.
 
PAUL: I'VE GOT MY CHECK AND $10.
 
HOLLY: I WOULDN'T LET YOU CASH YOUR CHECK, BUT A PRESENT FOR $10 OR UNDER, THAT 

I'LL ACCEPT. OF COURSE, I DON'T KNOW WHAT WE'LL FIND HERE FOR $10.
 

Saturday morning came way to soon and it was time for Marion to head home.  We woke up to a gorgeous blue sky and enough sun to make you think it was Spring!  Kyle suggested that we head to the Maryhill Winery for a wine tasting with Marion since it was on her way home.  We popped Gwyneth in to her Moby wrap and sipped some yummy wine before kissing Marion goodbye and heading back home.

View from the tasting room.

We headed home on the Washington side of the Columbia so we could enjoy the gorgeous scenery.  

Sunday was football day (of course).  Kyle got up in the morning and left me to cuddle with Gwyneth while he cleaned up the whole house which was disgusting and cluttered (thanks honey)!  Then he and a co-worker watched football while I made cupcakes for Amy's (Poppy's Mom) birthday.  Then Kyle, Gwyn and I headed over to spend a few hours with Poppy so her parents could go out to dinner.  

Gwyn loves to nap in her Moby.  Marion made her that adorable hat!  What a little elf baby!   

After such a fun-filled weekend we are all a bit sleepy but getting a good start to the week.  My goal for this week is to get back in the swing of things.  Our little butterbean is three weeks old already(!) and I'm craving a little semblance of a routine.  We have been so lucky because she loves to sleep at night (almost as much as we do) and so we've been getting enough rest which leaves me alert enough to contemplate a routine.  It also helps that I am back to work this week (I only worked six hours last week so that doesn't count) and having Poppy set days and times helps me to establish a weekly schedule.  I'll let you know what I come up with and then we'll see how it goes... 

First off, I have to tell you all that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows was great!  The acting was good and the story was accurate and well told.  It completely lived up to/exceeded my expectations and, let me tell you, they were pretty high.  I made popcorn and got M&M's and we held hands and thoroughly enjoyed the film.  Now we can begin the countdown for Part 2.  What a strange concept that, when the final installment comes out, we will have to hire a babysitter take advantage of our parents in order to go see it.  

Warner Bros. Entertainment