A Really Great Day!

Last Thursday Jeffrey and I went into Seattle.  He had a car part to take downtown and I couldn't pass up an opportunity to tag along on a BEAUTIFUL day.  We decided to go on a picture trek since it was so nice out.  We walked all over and went to our favorite places.  First, Jeff wanted to have me try a crepe at a place him and Kamee like to go to in the market.  We shared a ham, spinach and cheese crepe.  Next time I am going to get a dessert one.  Those look soooo good! 

We then went to take pictures of the different areas of Pike's Place Market. On of my favorite shops at the market is DeLaurenti.  I love that Italian grocery store.  Everytime I am there I get fresh pasta. 

The market was really crowded for the middle of day on a Thursday.  Poor Jeff tried to get a picture of this great sign that read, "cherries."   Since it was so crowded he could never get a clearing enough to snap the shot.  I also wanted him to capture a picture of this sign in the Sanitation Market, which is located across the street from the main part of Pike's Place.  The sign belonged to this little bakery called Three Girls Bakery.  One of my personal favorites!!!  The entire Sanitation Market was closed for a remodel.  Bummer for us and bummer for the shop owners! 

We decided we needed to go sample the best cheese at Beecher's.  Jeff got me hooked on a cheese called Flagship.  Oh my, is this a really great cheese.  It is a cross between a white cheddar and a gruyere.  YUMMY! (Tonight I made a creamy pasta sauce with that cheese to go over the fresh pasta)

We journeyed  up the street towards Westlake for more favorite spots for picture taking.  There is this store from England called All Saints.  The store has a great decorum!  The entire store is decorated with all antique dressmaking machinery.  I have never seen so many antique sewing machines in one place.  Jeff was capturing photos when he was asked NOT to.  Again bummer!  He did get a couple of shots though.

We decided to call it a day when, yes, the rains started.  I guess great weather for half a day is better than not at all. We have a hard time not ending our day in Seattle without going to Dick's in the U district, no matter if we are hungary or not. 
This was a great day in Seattle.  Mostly, I enjoyed spending some one-on-one time with Jeffrey!   

Is It Just a Boy Thing?

Today Tim, Ashley, Chuck and I drove up to Green Mountain so Tim and Ashley could shoot. Yes, its one of those thrilling boy things. Actually, Ashley did like shooting. It was her first time to ever shoot a gun. Of course, Tim had her shoot the shotgun first! She did great since the gun was almost the same size she was. She handled the kick-back well. I even took ONE shot with Jeff's 30-06 rifle and I hit my target of a #10 can full of applesauce! You can even see the whole right above the jagged edge of the can that the bullit made. I quit while I was ahead. I spent the majority of the time in the car. One, I do not like guns particularly. Two, I do not like earplugs a lot. Three, I would rather be shopping, crafting, reading or anything other than being on the side of a mountain with a small armory being dressed in camo. This is Tim's PASSION! We would've been out on the sidelines had he been interested in a team sport. This is the one way we can support him with his interest. I know Tim wished I had participated with more than just one shot. I suppose you just have to be in the right mood for shooting. Sorry Tim! When are we going to the mall?

A Heart Attack!!

I can't believe February is almost over! I wanted to have an entry on Valentine's Day because it is one of my favorite holidays. I have always been drawn to the shape of a heart. I love how creative one can be on Valentine's Day towards those that they would like to express love to. The discussion at home is that it is a holiday mainly targeted to/from women. I suppose I cannot argue with that! It does seem more of a "chick" thing. I remember LOVING to prepare my Valentine Day cards when I was in school. When the boys were little it was somewhat of a chore with them. So I suppose you can imagine who completed the task of preparing Valentine's Day cards for them to take to school?

This year we were surprised when we came home from church and saw that we had just received a "Heart Attack." Scott, Tasha, Denton and Makenzie came over when we were out and spread cut out hearts and messages of love all over the place. I wondered what was up when there was a heart hanging on the doorknob when we came up to the porch. What a fun surprise awaited us inside!

Valentine's Day is a bright spot in the middle of a dreary winter. I can't think of a better holiday than to celebrate LOVE and tell those around you, in creative ways, how you feel about them. I love ALL 16 members of my immediate family very much and know I need to express that to them individually on any 'ol day!