May 2011

I fell off the blog wagon. I'm not sure how that happened; but sadly as with many things in life something would get a higher priority or I would choose sleep over blogging. But the good news is that seeing my wonderful friend Cassie (whom we each started our blogs separately at the same time) reinstated that desire to share my life adventures with my family and friends that are far away. I saw Cassie on Wednesday, and it is now Monday...but I am still getting caught up. :) Since I haven't blogged in over a month, my plan is to recap the last month since I do not think any of my readers have time for a short novel. 


May began with Mothers Day! I love my mom! She is a wonderful woman and a great teacher to my sister and I. At our moms request, my sister and I went and got our pictures taken professionally! What fun! Yes we were standing in the photography studio with a bunch of 3 year old in pretty dresses, but we had a blast and the photographer did too. The pictures turned out wonderfully and our mom was overjoyed to have them.


The next weekend my parents came down to Seattle, picked me up, and then went to my aunt and uncles house. I thought it was just for brunch, but it turned out to be a brunch/birthday surprise for me! I didn't even think of that! haha My birthday was the next week. I love happy surprises. And a candle in a muffin along with presents definitely made me fee appreciative and joyous. It is always fun to see my aunt and uncle too, hearing stories of how their new/old house is coming. Laughter is always a part of these visits. Little did I know how true that statement would be! (you'll find out a few paragraphs down) :)

BIRTHDAY! My roommate Matt's birthday is the day before mine. We have been talking about a joint birthday party for almost the entire length of our lease (ohh 9 months or so). It finally was here!! We wanted a Rubik's Cube party and the result surpassed our wildest dreams! Every person came in a solid color of clothing and then once the party commenced we began to trade. And trade we did! Every new outfit felt like the greatest fashion success in history. Laughs were so abundant, smiles filled the rooms, and colors were everywhere. It was an extremely successful and fun party.

 

To make this month even more wonderful Cassie returned to Washington!! I always am so excited when I know we are going to be reunited.  I have a lucky work schedule and have the afternoons off Monday and Wednesdays. I met up with Cassie, her boyfriend Greg, Lisa her sister, and Lisa's boyfriend Riley Wednesday afternoon. We wondered around Pike Place and downtown Seattle. Cassie really ended up looking like a local, let me tell you! 

Cassie's dad had given her tickets to the Sounders game! WOO! I love the Sounders. I went to three games last season and was so excited to be going back. Cassie, Greg, my roommate Matt, and I walked expectantly through the rain to the stadium. These were club level tickets. Meaning we were sheltered from the rain and we got a dinner/dessert buffet! I'm pretty sure our expressions portrayed "Is this real?" the entire time. My suspicions were confirmed as Cassie and I were constantly asked if we needed any help by event staff. Nope, we've all got each other and we naturally get extremely enthusiastic when together. So I think we had it under control; well everything under control except our smiles. The Sounders lost the game; but being there with Greg (a HUGE soccer fan), Cassie, and Matt was wonderful.

I'm so happy they are visiting! Go Sounders.

We didn't win...but they still look mighty happy..

Folklife Festival was happening at the Seattle Center during Memorial Weekend. We were going to my cousins wedding Saturday/Sunday, so my sister and I went Friday night! Folklife Festival has been going on 40 years; it is a free festival of music, art, and folk culture expression. I must admit I was a bit overwhelmed at the variety of people and music going. Once I got a lay out of the festival and we got food in our stomachs I felt ready to explore. We watched a funk band with even funkier dancers, a flamenco dance group, a blue grass band, contra dance, and a band one of my sisters friends plays in. I can't believe that all happened in just a few hours! I am excited for festival season in Seattle, although wearing 2 layers and a windbreaker made it feel more like fall than spring. Rumor has it we have to warm up sometime!

This last weekend my family caravaned down to Portland, OR for a wedding!!! My cousin Anna got married!! Anna's youngest sister said that the rehearsal dinner felt like they were playing dress up but it is real life. What a prefect way to say it. I am so excited for Anna and her husband Zack; but it is crazy that we are all growing up and soon will all have our own lives and little families. The wedding was beautiful and sweet. God brought Anna and Zack together and I am exited to see where their lives lead next. Anna has 3 sisters and the four of them are my only cousins! So I grew up one of 6 female cousins and now we are slowly adding men into our family mix. haha (The next wedding is in July!!)





Seeing my dad reunited with his two brothers was so special too. (We missed Aunt Nancy and Uncle Andrew). The three of them look so much alike, well with more hair than my dad! Love ya dad! What a wonderful weekend of joy, love, and laughter! Pictures will tell more stories. I did not take any pictures at the wedding :( So these are from the next day brunch at Uncle Brian and Aunt Karen's house.

Brothers!

Looking our best. :)

COUSINS! (minus bride Anna who is on her honeymoon!!)

So May is almost over, but perhaps I'll do/learn a few more things that will make this month unbelievably good. Life is good. I am so thankful for my family and friends. All I can express is my appreciation and love for it all.