Seattle

Kyle, Izzi and I are in Seattle this week. Kyle is in his good friend, Ira's wedding, this Friday night. I love coming to Seattle-the shopping, the beauty of the constant green, the sky scrapers. I feel a thrill inside of myself. However, the last time I was here was 2 years ago for Casey and Amy's wedding. We spend a whole week in a condo downtown with Bill and Roberta. Alot of the places we visited last time with them, we have this time. I find myself remembering. Remembering my wonderful mother-in-law and just how wonderful she was. I miss her so much. I see places we posed for pictures, places we ate, the coffee we drank-and I wish so much we could do that one more time. It feels like yesterday she was here. I close my eyes and remember from my memory-her laugh, our conversations, her genuine interest in us, her generosity. It's not fair. Why couldn't we have more time?
I went running yesterday and it was good to have some time to myself. Time to be emotional without be self conscious. Time to remember and take myself back in the past. Time to be thankful for that wonderful week, two years ago.
We have had a great time being with Casey and Amy. We ate at Palamino's last night in celebration of their Anniversary. We dressed up and wore painful high heels (Amy and I that is). Took pictures like it was prom-and had a great time together visiting and eating good food.

Casey got the smoker out and cooked us up some pork ribs and pulled pork sandwiches. They were simply amazing. Casey is quite the chef. We have taken several walks with Izzi in the stroller, enjoying the amazing 80 degree weather in Seattle. Today (along with the Flarehty's) we walked 3/4 of a mile to a toddler park. Izzi is quite the walker now and so she can start enjoying parks. She was enamoured with sticks and rocks and trees. We put her in the swing and took a million pictures. She is such a doll. I love her!

Casey and Kyle and out at Ira's bachelor party tonight. Amy is working, Izzi is sleeping and I am getting caught up on my thoughts. I am looking forward to my sister getting her tomorrow, Kristine and Addison too. Lunch with my mom's highschool friend on Friday and of course the wedding of our dear friend. I am thankful for the people in my life. Thankful for my husband and daughter, family and friends. I am thankful for the time I have with them. Thankful to Jesus Christ, my Saviour who loves me so much and has blessed me.

Kyle

Happy Birthday Kyle! I love you!

Mexico Baby!

To Mexico we go...to Grandma's house she goes.

We are leaving for Mexico Saturday and leaving Izzi with my mom. I am sick about leaving her. I am sure I am going to sob all the way home tomorrow. How will I survive without my sweet baby. However, it will be so nice to truly have a week vacation. I put Izzi in her Hawaiian swimsuit to get me in the sunny mindset. So cute!

A little about H to the Izzo

Sweet little Izzi is 9.5 months now. She is a super fast crawler. I chase around all day long. She has three teeth (two bottom, one top), she pulls herself up to everything, can stand on her own for a few seconds. Her newest thing she does is stick her finger up her nose...it's pretty funny. She holds her hands up or crawls to my legs and pulls herself up when she wants to be held. Opening drawer and cupboards are a new fun thing, I need to get them baby-proofed. She loves the cat and follows him around...he doesn't feel the same way about her I'm sure.

Growing baby girl

Isabelle is now officially crawling. Life is so much harder now. I often stick her in her walker so she is stuck and can't go too far. I will set her down with toys all around her and turn around and she is gone! The house is hers to explore and man is she fast! Now that she has mastered the ability to crawl, time for the next big thing. She is pulling herself up on things and is now starting to stand. Gosh...so much change so fast. Ahhh!

Kyle and I had a day all to ourselves yesterday. Great Grandma watched Izzi and we took off for CDA. We shopped till we dropped. There were alot of good sales and I got a new coat for a great deal! We went to Cabela's and I walked out with something but Kyle didn't...funny...isn't that backwards?

We are counting down until our Mexico vacation mid-March. So I have been pretty motivated to loose a few pounds in order to be in my swimsuit. Although, my calorie count was a bit high after eating out last night? Oh well, I will run longer on my elliptical tonight.

Sledding...

Lesli came over today and we hit the slopes for a few sledding runs. More then anything we sat on our sleds and talked. I am thankful for such a wonderful friend. She is someone who I can tell anything to and trust. She keeps me real and accountable. God has blessed me with her. I love ya Les!