Seattle's Waterfront

The Seattle waterfront is a beautiful place for a walk, taking in the sights of Puget Sound and the Olympic mountains. We had seen the Ferris Wheel (lit up) last year from the viewing balcony at Safeco Field and so this year we thought it would be fun to get a closer look.

This time of year many of the walkways and buildings are lined with hanging baskets or planters.

Beside the Great Wheel is the aquarium, not far from where the cruise ships dock.

We stood in line . . .

cousins holding hands just because it felt like the thing to do.

We had to divide into two groups of eight . . . it was an easy split.

Teddy did not mind being the only girl in her group.

The city in the background.

The view toward the ocean.

Sometimes it amazes me how cousins can look more alike than sisters.

South toward Safeco Field in the distance,

and north toward the Space Needle

Can you tell I loved this ride?

Alongside the brick lined Pike Place Street, we browsed some shops including the famous Piroshky Bakery.

Fresh berries, corn on the cob and the original Starbucks happened to be the picks of the day

for the adults.

While the kids were most intrigued by the balloon artists.

Whatever you asked, they made!

 I'm sure that each one came away with their own memory 

ingrained for years to come . . .

and I believe the peek into what that would be, could be kind of fun.

Highlights of Papa's Birthday

Early Saturday morning, on July 12th, our caravan of four vehicles headed across the line and met at Alderwood Mall. The girls thought it would be fun to take Papa into the American Girl Store for a Happy Birthday sticker, while the boys headed to the Lego store.

He happily complied.

I guess the Lego Store did not have Birthday stickers.

The boys lined up outside Safeco Field (in the evening) ready to head in.

I smiled at the fact that they had all thought to bring their caps from last year.

 It was a beautiful night and place for this family,

spoiled by their Dad and Papa on his special day.

Honey, I just marvel at where time has gone and where it has taken us!

I really could not have imagined being here. . . in this stage of life . . .

and still find myself surprised at this reality.

It's been a road of taking one day at a time,

one commitment after another,

and it is such a privilege to celebrate another year.

Looking forward to what's still to come.

No Vacancy

Blinds open in the basement bedroom.

Sunshine filtering through that window.

This is the bedroom we call the guest room.
Tonight it's for two.



Two baths ready . . . one in the basement



and one upstairs.

 The sofa bed in the basement, made up for two.

  An upstairs double bed referred to as uncle Ben's old room . . . ready for two.

Another upstairs bedroom  . . . the girls' bedrooms converted into one . . .
now made up for three who have discussed the
whereabouts of where their moma's bed used to be.

Anticipation has been building all week
and tonight the house is full
with five more tucking themselves into their own beds not far away.

I can't help but think if only these walls could talk,
they'd talk about feeling old . . . and happy.

More on Waiting

Besides waiting for peaches to ripen . . .

we are preparing rooms as we wait for family to come 

and the unexpected joy of having everyone in one place again.

This is because the visa wait is still not over.

Then we wait to leave on a holiday . . . just the two of us . . .

and after that, grand baby number nine is due.

Hopefully the waits will all end in the right order.

In the meantime we rest  in the unknown and the extra days filled with anticipation.

Watching and Waiting

What's growing under your bedroom window?

This peach tree, planted on the south side of the house 

has inched it's way around the corner, hugging the backside facing west -

almost right up to the kitchen sink window and under one of the bedrooms.

I'm watching it . . . hoping we can pick them ripe before they smash on the patio. 

Running in Company

Two are better than one
because they have a good return for their labor:
if either of them falls down,
one can help the other up. 
Ecclesiastes 4: 9,10

Wishing all of my dear friends someone to run your race with . . . someone to cheer you on and someone to to pick you up when you fall. Today I want to wish a special day to a friend who has walked the trails with me, shared stories, cried and laughed with me for many years!

 Happy 60th Birthday, Doris!