Halloween 2011: Shark Bites and French Fries

Seattle Weekend

Ahhhh, Seattle.  You were a perfect host for a fun-filled trip this last weekend.  It was Liam's fourth trip to Seattle and for the fourth time, it was lovely.  

Seattle (and surrounding areas) is one of those places that feels like a second home to me.  And why shouldn't it?  Seattle is the place where, as I grew up, our family annually ventured to visit my aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents.  It is where we snuck up the front porch to surprise Nana and Papa.  It is where we attended countless weddings and danced barefoot on dance floors to "YMCA" and "Rock Lobster."  It is where we explored the Science Center and zoomed up the Space Needle (over rated).  It is where we played knockout, volleyball and tire races on my grandparents' front lawn; and zip lined and slept on trampolines on their back lawn.  It is where I first learned how to drive a stick.  It is where I got lots of kisses, pinched cheeks and chocolate chip cookies.  It was a place where I explored, laughed and learned about family and the unconditional love that came with that.  

...And as we drove up the gravel drive of my grandparent's house with Liam, all of these memories flashed through my mind.   He will have these memories--it will just be a different setting.

This trip was about visiting family--Uncle Joel, who is studying at Northwest University; Great Aunts and Uncles who trekked to see us; and Nana and Papa Soran in Gig Harbor.  Here are the highlights: 

Uncle Joel gives us a tour of the Kirkland waterfront

 Distracted by an airplane overhead

Beautiful

Swinging with Dad

 Practicing his skills at Joel's soccer game

 Cheering on Uncle Joel--they won 3-0!

Liam thought Joel's scooter was funny! 

 Pizza with the family...thanks for coming!

Great cousin Wyatt

My Godmother and God-Sister-In-Law with Liam

My favorite picture from the weekend.  Liam and Nana :)

Hey you!

You can't hide!

Exploring the barn 

 Loving the rooster!

Climbing in the treehouse

Cheese! 

Pilot Liam says: "Goodbye, Seattle!"

Pumpkin Picking!

It is Autumn.  The leaves are falling.  Halloween costumes are being decided upon (you have four to choose from!).  Carved pumpkins and scarecrows adorn our front porch.  It's 85 degrees....WHAT???  Yes, it is H.O.T. outside.  And to fully celebrate the season, this weekend we went to a pumpkin patch.

This is no ordinary pumpkin patch.  This is ordinary pumpkin patch meets state fair meets Disneyland, and it did not disappoint.  From snow cones, to caramel apples; from a giant slide to pig races; from petting zoo to jailhouse, we enjoyed it all.  This will definitely be a family tradition for years to come.  Maybe next year you'll even get to try out the corn maze!

15 months

On October 11, you turned 15 months and I took your monthly picture.  I forgot; however, to post it.
So here you are at 15 months:)