Our post St. Patty's Day Party

 The weekend after St. Patty's day we had a small family style get together.  There ofcourse was lots of food but even better lots of friends!  The party started around 6:30pm and went on throughout the night.  We totally lucked out with the weather.  It was so warm/dry outside that we were able to host the get together on the back patio (with my new pretty lights).  It was great, lots of space for the kids to play- and no mess!  (lol... i know i'm not the only one who stresses over that). 

My Sweet Husband

Until now, i have always had a view of the mountains from my home.   In our last home this was the view from my kitchen.  I loved it! I always felt inspired to cook, clean and just felt alive!>>>

Since we moved to Bothell, this is what the view from my kitchen looks like>>>

Granted it is not a view of the side of some ugly building or some cranky neighbors, but still it's a small cement patio.  And i love the trees, i actually really love the trees.. However most of the time it is not sunny, but gloomy and depressing.  This was a rare moment today with the sun shining through the trees.   At night, instead of seeing the beautiful sky- i get nothing.  It's so dark,  it's like looking at a view of outer darkness.  On that note, my dear sweet husband took it upon himself (probably tired of hearing me fuss) to make my back yard just a little magical. 

he filled two of my trees (more to come) with white lights.  no, it really doesn't look like christmas.. but a magical wonderland (when i get some good pics i'll post them).  i am  so lucky to have such a wonderful hubby and now a beautiful backyard.

Our Last Pack Meeting

Seth (B and I)  has been working so hard on his scouting to finish all of the activities in his webelos book... and he finally did it!  Last Tuesday Seth was awarded his "super achiever" award in the pack meeting!  It really is quite cool, from what i've been told most kids don't finish all of the activites.  Although Seth looked a little embarrassed getting his award, I could see the excitement in his eyes.  I am just so proud of him!  Kickin butt in the pine wood derby is next and then on to 11 year old scouts!  woohooo!

Spring Concert

Seth has been working so hard and having a blast learning the trumpet.  We are so lucky to be in a school district with a band instructor that loves teaching.   Last week we were able to go to Seth's spring concert and see this first hand.  Seth is in first year band, but the concert also had 2nd and 3rd yrs as well.  We are so proud of Seth and can't wait to see how far he will progress.

all dressed up, what a cutie

waiting for the concert to begin (someone is sitting behind him and making it look as though he had huge side burns...lol  nice optical illusion)

the music was really great

after the concert with some of his bandmates/friends

who says two year olds are no fun?

I don't usually highlight my friends in my blog, but today is different... Before we lived in Bothell, we lived in Sultan, before that we lived in Maple Valley.  And that is where I met Alexis.  Alexis is an amazing mom (and a dear friend), to one of my favorite sets of twins, Greta and Evan.    Often I hear parents complain about how difficult their two year olds are (I know that every parent deals with frustrations, but I'm talking about the ones that make it a habit).  And occasionally we find parents who find joy in the daily challenges,  meet Alexis (aka super mom) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

She is the focus of my post because she is the type of parent that makes kiddy enthusiasts like me smile.  (by the way, you can threaten me later Alexis, but no, i'm not deleting this post..lol).  I don't get to spend nearly as much time with Alexis and the twins as I used to, and it's definitely not enough, but when I do I am always thrilled to see how well they are thriving. Greta and Evan are smart, polite, and silly!- and it is easy to see how secure they are with their world because they know they are loved.  And really who wouldn't love them?- they are practically perfect in every way!  Yesterday we had the chance to spend some time together feeding the ducks and going to the park.  There were so many great pics I got while we were together- here are some of the best ones

thanks for letting me share such a wonderful day with you all

cousins

Throughout our lives we are blessed to find a few people that become some of our closest friends.  And occasionally we find some of these people right in our own family, for Seth, that is his cousin Chloe.  I love, and I really do mean love their relationship.   They are so funny together, acting actually alot like twins (in the best way).  Most of the time they are best friends, some times they bicker, occasionally we find them innocently wrestling around like puppies and on the rarest occasion we can catch some of these moments in pictures.  The other day, Seth and I were up at Chloe and LaRee's (yes, Pat's too) enjoying some time together.  The kids were out on the back deck playing with their new puppies, deep in conversation.  Honestly, who knows what they were talking about (with these two it really could be anything!) and this is what I saw..  They were completely engaged with eachother, not caring what else was going on in the world.. someday, hopefully never, they will start noticing the rest of the world.. but for the moment, it was just them. Two best friends, the way family was meant to be. 

when the frogs sing

I love this time of year, the elements of spring are everywhere.  I know that this weather likely will not last, and that it is unusually warm- but it is wonderful.  The crocus, tulips, hyacinths,  and cherry trees are in full bloom.  The birds are singing and my favorite- the frogs are chirping.  I'm not sure if you've ever noticed, but every frog has a different song.  Currently we have two that sing to eachother in the green belt behind our house.  One creeks and the other croaks.  Listening to them sing reminds me of catching frogs in soos creek and the simple pleasures of my childhood.  I feel so lucky to live in this beautiful country of ours.