Friday, May 16, 2014

Leave the Pig


I need a favor.  Can you click on this link/picture and like the picture? My parents just got a new car and 100 likes on the BV Westchester side will give them a discount. Thanks!



This here is the problem with being behind on these emails, I have absolutely no idea what happened last Monday and Tuesday.  I'm pretty sure that Monday night, D&J went to IKEA and got chairs and picked up a nightstand like table for me while I vegged with the pups and caught up on the Mindy Project and Hart of Dixie.  And on Tuesday I ordered presents for the birthdays of Frita, Mo & Kyle and Mother's day (there were a lot of co-presents happening, but I think it was a good decision.)  I also worked a lot, which is a lot less interesting. 

Dawne did find this gem when cleaning out her stuff though…



Wednesday it was a gorgeous day out, so I went to the park, naturally.  At one point Casper got a little friendly (read humped) another dog.  He then ran out of the tall grass, but the other dog was delayed a moment. 
Owner:  She's getting dressed.

During another park visit, Kelly and I were walking a long when this woman from Finland unloaded a tale to us.  I guess she was driving to the park in her Audi, when a Pruis passed her in the right lane and then cut her off.  This caused her to slam on her breaks, nearly hitting him.  He then stopped, and got out of the car to yell at her, calling her a gas guzzling monster who doesn't care about the environment.  There was a dispute about ecological foot prints as well as shear rage over driving safety.  The story continued to the very end, when the woman realized she had wandered farther than she wanted to in the park and turned around.  Glad we could be an ear! Hope to see you again soon on YouTube!




Laina asked me to go to an event, and I said, "I'm in!" without even knowing what or who it was (as is my usual.)  But when Laina asked if I was ready to see the comedian, I felt like it was my responsibility to tell her that we were actually going to see his rap/musical performance rather than his comedy routine.  15 min later, I had not only posted the tickets for sale, but I also had someone respond that they wanted the tickets.  Here's me happily excited about how easy it was to sell the tickets, and how much I heart those beautiful moments when I have the top down, SBUX on hand I'm headed to meet Percy and Friends at the park!




I think I might have mentioned a while back that both Dawne and Sean have similar tastes, and that independently of the other, have made design decisions and purchases that are nearly identical.  Like the time Stacey asked for a birdhouse and Sean bought her a metal pig bench instead.  Then, a little later, Dawne brought home a slightly longer version of the same pig.  As we were packing things up, Dawne suggested that now that she was moving into a smaller house that she should swap pigs with Sean.  Hahaha until I have to find a way to check that on the plane, right?  As the real estate people were walking around the house, they were asking if Dawne was willing to leave the furniture.  My first thought was a potential buyer saying, "You're leaving the pig, right?"





Did I mention that Lucas will be participating in a program called "Rite of Passage" this summer?  In the briefest terms, kids go out into the wilderness, without food (water is okay), and no contact with others (outside of leaving an "I'm not dead" message) for three days.  He said he was only going to pack a guitar.  Ever supportive, I told him, "You bring more for an hour plane ride."  I also mentioned that I've never been completely alone for three days, even with entertainment.  Plus, he gets real cranky when he isn't fed. But you know, I'm trying to let the little birdie fly, so...




Friday evening Nater arrived from Chicago for the weekend, so on Saturday, we gathered as a fam for brunch and games.  I think the general consensus of the house was that it felt like a super fun tree fort.  Brunch was yummy, followed by a game called "Ladies and Gentleman."  Basically, the women shop for the perfect outfit for the ball and then them men have to pay for it.  Kinda great.  We hung out some more, then grabbed "linner." Then I got to hang out with Harper for an hour or two, giving Diana and Jason some time to play Ticket to Ride: Europe.   So, Diana and Jason (who are my age) are Aunt and Uncle to Matty and Dawne.  Matty is a big fan of calling Jason "Uncle Jason" b/c, why wouldn't you.  However, we were thinking that they next time they play soccer together, Jason mention that he's bringing his "Little nephew, Matty... I hope you don't mind..."




Sunday, was both Frita's birthday and Mother's day.  On the west coast, we started the day with a breakfast of blueberry pancakes followed by a visit to the zoo.  Zach is convinced that everyone on Mother's day is going to the zoo, so on our way to and from, he kept saying things like, "wrong way to the zoo guys!" and "wow, kind of late for going the zoo guys."  We ended up parking in a spot that only a Fiat or a smart car could fit into, thanks parking fairies!

Me: I love how Flamingos are always standing on one leg.
Lucas: They are really into yoga Tiffany.

We pasted by an informational panel with an elephant skull and I overheard a tween girl say, "There are dinosaurs in here?!"

I also got Dawne some scratch off tickets – and it turned out to be her FIRST EVER scratch off tickets.  Glad I went with the Dog vs Cat ones!




In the upper right hand picture…that is the cockroach exhibit with real live cockroaches from New York, NY!

Then we jumped in the pool, an event that Percy especially was pleased with.  After wards, Lucas wanted to watch this show called Cosmos, and Zach said he was going to go home instead of watch it with him.
Lucas: You're in a box right now called "unwillingness to learn" and I didn't put you there.



Friday, May 9, 2014

St. John Baptist de la Salle, Pray For Us



On Monday, I got up early, put on my best, “I hope you like me!” outfit, and headed off to New Employee Orientation.  I said hello right away to some folks when we were in the lobby.  Then later, at station 2, while in line, I decide to test to see if we *really* needed to wait in line.  We did.  That’s when people started sitting near me “just in case” they needed my help. One of the stations was to take a picture for our badge.  After she took the picture I asked, “How do I look?” so she offered to let me see.  I was told later that this turn of events created a trend in which everyone wanted to see their photo.  Whoops.  Next I was off to get a latte and meet my orientation team for the day.  I tried to be passive, I did, but before I knew it, we were changing our team name.  Before long, despite saying that I didn’t want to, I was running up to people to ask questions on behalf of the team, creating a presentation and then taking the mic. 




My first day was exactly like all my other days, only they took my picture again.  It was also a gorgeous day and I was super happy.  I’m pretty sure that Kelly and I went to the park every single day this week which made for a really awesome week.  There was even a lot of park + dinner evenings that made it feel like we were uber cool adult creatures.  Monday night was like a “ladies night” complete with margaritas and Tuesday was the Tipsy Cow with Kelly, Dawne and Jordan.  Oh, and I got home and saw Lucas working on a new logo. My only comment was, “good thing Earth Day was last Tuesday.”





Wednesday morning was a scary day but I’m marking it down as one of the best days ever.  It started out with Frita getting into an awful accident.  He was t-boned on Lee Blvd, the impact of which caused his car to roll over.  He then was stuck upside down, until the emergency crew could arrive to break the window and cut his glorious lifesaving seatbelt off so he could crawl out through the no-longer there windshield.  After being checked out at the hospital with a full battery of tests, he only had some minor cuts and bruises.  I’m sure this very lucky occurrence (both that he was okay and that my mother wasn’t riding shotgun where the impact occurred) is entirely because of how tight my parents are with God, which I am ever so grateful.  Interesting side story, my parents have always, at least since I can remember, started any trip, even small ones, with a prayer to St. John Baptist de la Salle.  April 30th was his birthday.  Later that day, I called to see how Frita was holding up.  I guess he hadn’t wanted to say anything but his chest was hurting, like something was pulling.  Finally, he decided to check and the hospital had left all the EKG sticky tabs on him complete with wires on, what was, a very rainy day.  Here’s a picture of the side of the car that didn’t get hit.




I also had breakfast with Gabo and his wife on Wednesday morning at Brown Bag.  I told him about going to the Mexican place on Tuesday.
Gabo: That place is terrible.  That is NOT Mexican food.
Me: So… how do you feel about Taco Bell?
Gabo: !!
Me: Taco Time?
Kelly (Mrs. Gabo): I’ve never been to Taco Time. Gabo won’t let us.
Me: OOOH! We can go together!
Kelly: And bring some back for Gabo in an unmarked bag!

I told this story to some co-workers when we went out for a celebratory lunch at another Mexican place and minutes later this was being sent to Gabo:



Gabo: Tiffany want to get on my nerves.  I wonder what you had. 
Me: A Cheese-a-dilla and a bud light.

Wednesday night, instead of the park after work, Kelly and Piper came over to swim.  She was telling Piper that our house was “the other dog park.”  We didn’t quite jump in the pool right away though because Jordan had an impromptu work bbq, which was kinda nice b/c then I got to see Sharon and Mike. J  Eventually, we stopped caring about the strangers and jumped in the pool anyway – which Percy boy LOVED.  So pleased with his new swimmer-friendly haircut!




On Thursday morning at around 7ish, I got a text from Gabo “We need counter measures for today’s weather.  Let’s get ice cream for lunch.”  Ben & Jerry’s by the lake? Don’t mind if I do!  Kelly also grabbed some shots that encapsulate a day at the park with Dawne for your viewing pleasure.




We also had an office monster pop up around here last week… and he appears to be fed.




On Friday, I really wanted to go to the park, again.  But by the time we got there, it had started to rain.  Luckily, die-hard, PNW, dog park lovers are rewarded with rainbows!  Kelly brought Alicia’s ten year old lab to park because she was dog-sitting.




Kelly: Violet!
(Violet keeps walking.)
Kelly: She's not a very good listener.

After the park, we went to the Malt and Vine for some adult beverages and food, but had to sit inside because of the rain.  Afterwards, we headed back to the house where Matty and Lucas entertained us with a mini kitchen concert. 

Matty: Do you have a pick?
Lucas: Yes, in the Box of Jewish Mysticism




Kelly: Why aren’t your dog’s chewing on all these bones?
Me: Oh, yeah.  Those are old bones. 

Piper and Violet had no such reservations. In fact, Violet is a “real” dog that straight up devoured those bones. 

Me: Check out the tiny hats next to the fish tank – they are Nala’s.
Kelly: Someone is going to where this hat.
Immediately, Percy jumped in my lap.
Me: He knows someone is in a dress up mood.




On Saturday, I was trying to find a back pack online that I’ve been borrowing from Dawne.  Percy really loves this back pack, and I feel bad borrowing it all the time.  Dawne insisted that she didn’t mind, but I kept searching anyway.  After intense googling, I FINALLY found the exact bag… but I think I might take Dawne up on that borrowing option…




After breakfast, I met up with Diana and Harper at the Redmond Farmer’s Market where I purchased honey and bee pollen.  Supposedly the bee pollen is supposed to help with your immunity if consumed regularly.  I’m not sure how you measure this, but the woman was not very nice to me.  And yet, I still bought things from her which just encourages her behavior.  I’ll let you know if it works, if I manage to use it more than once. 

Saturday evening Becky had her dance mania party.  I’m not going to lie, I had a blast – and not just because my favorite gem of the 90’s played, “Shoop.”  Becky told me she didn’t care about what type of cake, as long as there was a lot of frosting.  Her wish was granted with an icing tub with her name on it. 




Sunday, we met Matty for brunch at the Pancake House, followed by a small visit with Diana, Jason and Harper at Starbucks.  I skipped the trip with D&J to Ikea.  Instead, Sean called and helped me with my 401K so that’s at least one accomplishment.  And we ended the evening with some family games when Zach came over – complete with our very first home cooked meal in the brown house:




Oh, and this, cuz it’s funny.





Friday, May 2, 2014

Way Back Ground




Before I begin, I need to note that I had a dream that Danny, a friend from when I was growing up, in which his wife had a baby.  So, if that happens today, which would be weird b/c she’s not due for another 2 weeks, my premonition skills are on high   I started the week still in NY.  My dad handed me an envelope full of my bank statements from college.  Things I learned about myself:

- I paid for 95% of things in cash.
- My paychecks were adorable. (My mom commented, “I wouldn’t know, I never saw any of that money – you spent it all on beer.” To which I said, “Nah, I’m sure I bought some clothes with it too.”)
- I actually had checks to Verizon that looked like this:



Then my mom made me a ham to take home with me and handed me homemade Irish Soda Bread.  She’s pretty much the best.  I also made time to plant the tulips from Evivova, like a regular green thumb.  All this in between running around with my nephews and pup.  Before I knew it, we were heading to the airport for a splendid trip on Alaska Airlines, during which, Percy was perfect. J

When I arrived to work on Tuesday, I was surprised by some fun Earth Day candy and trading cards – too fun.  Though, I’m not going to lie to you, this is the only way that I celebrated the day and since I missed my ONE opportunity… maybe next year, Earth!




Wednesday… I found myself in a bit of jam because I needed to find all of my W2’s from the last ten years for an employment background check.  Miraculously, and if you could see my filing “system” you would see that it was truly an act of God, I found documentation from 2004 onwards.  I called the company and after I sent the paper work and said, “Yeah, I don’t have anything from 2003 because I was a baby, and didn’t know I had to keep any records.”  They accepted this as fact, and I was cleared for work!




On Thursday, I wrote two of these, so that kinda occupied most of the day.  :P  Followed by my “last day” on Friday as a v- (v dash).  Hip hip hooray! Did I also mention that I finished three seasons of Veronica Mars?  And every time I watched the credits, I thought:

Kelly: Rob Thomas?
Me: Not that Rob Thomas.




In a stroke of GENIUS, Dawne found a place for a pantry in the brown house.  Here is it half way finished:




Saturday, we mostly moved furniture, cleaned and I watched Dawne and Jordan change light bulbs.  Not terribly exciting, but you know, I wouldn’t want you to think we had stopped moving.  J  I also worked some Oxy Clean magic on the kitchen chairs.  Seriously, magical because we thought that we were going to have to reupholster them.  I’m not sure what an outside is going to think of the house, but I sure was pleased to see the flying contraptions hanging from the ceiling again, comic book characters on the walls, and cartoon statues adorning the shelves.  Not to mention, a bright shiny Pop-N-Fresh going to battle with a mouse inside the kitchen table.  Maybe it’s just my nostalgic nature and all the joy that I associate with the yellow house, but I keep feeling both hopeful and defensive about how people will feel when they come in to look at the house. 

On Sunday, we all went over to celebrate Baby Harper (Diana and Jason’s little one) at her dedication service. It was really cool to get to participate in their church services and get a different perspective.  Plus, they looked so happy and as always, Harper was adorbs.  Here is a terrible picture (the lighting was not on my side.)





After getting some laundry done, and finally unpacking from my trip.  Zach and I took a trip to the Bargain Market, the only acceptable place to shop according to Zach (when he’s paying.)   I met Kelly and Piper at the park followed by dinner at Outback with the fam. 




Earlier in the week, Zach was coerced into walking at graduation by his grandma.  When his grandpa got on the phone he said, “I’m supposed to tell you to walk, but I don’t really give a sh*t, so I’m probably not the best person for this job.”  He also announced that “Everyone down here are idiots” and couldn’t wait to leave PR and come back to WA.  Until, or course he spends a couple of months here and then he’ll be saying, “Everyone up here are idiots…” We miss you too, Uncle Ray.








Thursday, April 24, 2014

Has Wings, Likes French Fries


On Monday, I woke up with a super hurty back.  Basically, on Sunday, I got a crazy headache, tried get out of bed to throw a toy around for the pups, and when I reached down I received a searing pain.  Now, I could blame the dog toy, or I could blame carrying bags of sheet rock up stairs.  But it’s prob the dog toy thing.  :P  I’m not going to lie to  you, I was super whiney on Sunday.  We loaded a bunch of truckloads of trash and brought it over to the dump.  At one point, I started whining, “It’s a good thing I love you Dawne…” to which she said, “You know, Jose has to carry this stuff every day.” Maybe replying, “And that’s why I got a college education!!” Wasn’t the nicest, least sarcastic thing I’ve ever said, but the bags were really heavy. 







Later, Sandy and Dawne picked me up from work (mostly b/c even walking a couple of blocks was agony.)  When we parked the car, and I took Percy out of his crate, he was ecstatic about the impromptu birthday lunch date.   Plus, Percy adores playing with Sandy’s pup Riley, and they got to go to the park for a couple of hours after that.  Who’s livin’ the life? Oh yeah, our dogs.  J  You’ll be pleased to know that Nala is feeling much better after getting on the new diet and is even back to full court playing with her boy.   

I have been loving technology lately… especially because I got to converse with my niece Morgan all week while they were in Cabo.



On Tuesday, Percy was groomed and got a haircut.  Basically his body was shaved which makes him look like he’s got bellbottoms on.  Paco keeps laughing every time he sees him, but I think he’s adorable. 



I flew home on Wednesday, and Percy was an angel on the plane.  When I got home, my mom had decorated the house for Easter – so fun!



On Thursday, I woke up to see Maureen, Kevin and Bella outside.

Kevin: So, what was going on in Seattle when you left?
Me: Well, we’re moving to the brown house.
Kevin: Oh no! You’ll be losing the theater!!

Later we went to a new Dog Park in Yorktown, picked up some bagels and JV Hot Bagels, played Canasta outside, took a ride to Verizon and got my parents and sister iPhones, and then went to the Westchester Dinner Theatre to see Rag Time. 

Maureen: I’m going to go pick up that pinwheel on stage.
Me: Maureen! It’s probably a part of the show!
Maureen: Naw… is that a part of the show?
Waiter: Yes.
I could tell he wanted to say, “Don’t touch it.”

Maureen and the boys ended up talking about divorce after seeing a divorced family at a game. 
Kyle: If that happens mom, I'm with you.



Maureen was also telling me about one of her students who consistently calls Stacey “Ms. Blonde Long Hair.” In case anyone needed a new, very long, nick name for Stacey.

On Friday, we took a trip to see Mo’s cabin on the lake (I don’t remember which one, sorry).  Then I got some work done and set up my parent’s phones before it was time head up and visit Briana and her newborn Austin.  Then I met Mo over in Brewster to watch her play some soccer. 

Briana: I hope no one makes fun of me that I didn't want to bring my three week old to a party. 
Me: I'm sure no one would do that. 
Mo: Yeah, Only crazy people like me bring their two year old to a Christmas Party. 



Saturday morning I made Mac and cheese, and my mom made her super yummy ham with a side of baked beans.  All this was for the annual egg decorating gathering at Mo’s house.  Eva’s baby Freddy was in attendance.  I haven’t seen such an adorably chubby baby like him since Jackie O.  Love it!  I am guessing Eva is getting some sweet guns just like Stacey!  Debina was looking happily and beautifully preggers while Mark chased after Matthew for the afternoon.  His specialty seems to be reorganizing beer cans. 

Later that evening, I went over to Sean & Stacey’s for more egg decorating fun.  I really can’t get enough.  Sean brought home a bunny cake tin and frosting.  As they were decorating, the girls needed something for the whiskers.  Sean immediately ran to the fridge saying, “STRING CHEESE!”  His idea was not greeted with enthusiasm.



We also played some taboo that Bails had gotten for her birthday.  Hasbro, you are a disappoint.  I can’t believe you replaced the buzzer with a squeaky toy and no longer include a card holder.  The game was still awesome though.  Especially when Morgan described a pigeon as “it has wings and likes french fries.”  Bails also started one clue with, “You know that card I had a hard time with?” And Jackie and rambled off at least 8 different choices.  J  She got a lot better once she got into the groove though.  I do love me some taboo.   Oh, and Sean picked up some things at his in-laws and in turn ended up carrying this bag around for a while, which amused me.



On Easter,  morning, Maureen came over and told us that the annual tradition of Patrick finding his basket first and torturing Kevin about how yummy his candy is followed by the tears of my Godson as he becomes more and more convinced that the Easter bunny has forgotten about him had continued.  Later, we went to church in Ossining and then went to Sean and Stacey’s.  They made lamb and filet mignon with gorgonzola sauce, creamed spinach, grilled asparagus, bacon and cheese mashed potatoes, and so much more.   It was D-LISH.  My mom was giving out Easter gifts and hula hoops for everyone!
Maureen: Oh nice. I was hoping there would be hula hoops



Bailey was very excited that Stacey’s mom had made brownies, which she absolutely loves.
Bails: Aunt Carla, can you do me a favor?
Carla: It depends.
Bails: Will you have a baby sometime between April and July?
Carla: Whoa.  I need to get a boyfriend before I tell him that I need a baby in a specific time frame.  Maybe I should just update my online profile immediately.
Me: You know, you could just ask your grandmother to make you brownies.  It might be a slightly less “labor” intensive favor.
Bails: Oh yeah.  I was just thinking of working in a yearly holiday during the non-brownie months, but that does seem easier. 
Carla: At least for me, anyway.


Okay, I hope I didn’t forget anything in my rush to get this out before the weekend.  J If I did, you know I love you and think you are amusing in my heart, even if I forgot to write it down.  I hope you all had a lovely holiday weekend!


Belated Birthday Message


Update 4/7 – 4/13



In case you missed it, Monday was my birthday. J  But I kinda celebrated all week.  I got some beautiful flowers from my aunt, boss and my brother’s fam, which made my desk at work looked very girly, which is just how I like it.





 I got to work, and there was a very urgent meeting request from my boss for a team meeting.


Co-Worker:  That looks like a scary meeting, I’m super worried.
Me: Really? Because I’m hoping it’s just an excuse for you all to wish me a happy birthday. 




And it was… plus cupcakes, which confirms that they are awesome, and I’m a jerk.  J

Then, I went for a birthday lunch, followed by a birthday dinner at MOD pizza with guest appearance from Diana & Harper!

Me: My sister called to tell me that she and the boys went camping on Saturday.  Apparently, it got down to 20 degrees, and even though they were freezing they couldn’t leave because it was a boy scout trip.  She had Kevin and Patrick huddled close, and she was hoping that Kyle wasn’t cold b/c he didn’t wake up and complain.  It turned out he just held in the complaints until 5am. She ended the story saying, “Basically, it was the worse weekend of my life.”
Zach: So far…

Cheerful. 

Dawne: We were at Disney the other day and a dad was “watching” his kid while his wife was in the restroom.  I watched this kid sit there licking rocks.  I didn’t want to say anything and question his parenting abilities.
Me: This is like that time we went to the Bronx Zoo for Mother’s day.  Mo, Pat and I watched a kid pull something out of the trash and start to eat it.  His mother turned around and yelled, “Spit it out, you filthy animal!”

Zach was talking about a girl he met.
Zach: I think she’s a hipster.
Lucas: I thought she was New Age.
Zach: Same thing.  They are both ridiculous.
Lucas: I know what do.  You go in and order a Moroccan mint tea and then compliment her bracelet as an excuse to show her your amethyst crystal.

Zach: There’s also a really cute girl that works at the French Bakery so I should make some excuses to go to Crossroads more.
Me: Didn’t you just stop working at crossroads?  That was a pretty solid excuse…


Kristy posted this picture of the three of us from a birthday party a couple of years back at McD’s. Mo responded: Was this the one that Kevin was going to and forgot where we were going on the 5 minute drive there? Kevin asked Patrick where we were going - Patrick screams to him - Your Birthday Party!



On Tuesday, we celebrated Dawne’s birthday at IHOP.  I would later find out that I left my wallet at IHOP after searching everywhere.  Sooo grateful that I found it!



This week, allergies and pollen were high in the PNW.  Like I washed my car and got the oil changed, and then the next day there was a thick layer of yellow pollen covering it.  Poor Stella.  Good thing she’s more resilient than the rest of us. 






In an effort to actually get this email out, I’m going to speed it up a bit.  The kitchen in the brown house is finally done… doesn’t it look pretty (similar to the one in the yellow house. J )



On Thursday, I got to spend 7 hours interviewing.  I was told to stay in one room and not leave.  When the second interviewer left, he asked, “Do you want me to leave you some water and stale bread outside the door?”  The third interviewer said, “I heard you aren’t allowed to leave this room.  Wanna go to Starbucks?”  I really can’t imagine going through this whole process without having all the information about the team and position.  Super intimidating, even WITH the knowledge.  Which is why I just kept repeating to myself, “Don’t. Mess. This. Up.”




We tried out a new place this week, the Tipsy Cow.  On the menu, they had fried bacon with a side of maple syrup.  I thought it sounded yucks, but it WASN’T.  Two days later, I would take Dr. Rach back to the Tipsy Cow because when I find a new place, I like to share it with EVERYONE.



I went to the Pro Club for some Spa Treatments and a quick work out for our birthday’s.  Dawne was headed to the Hot Tub with Theresa. 
Me: Did you want to go in the Hot Tub?
Kelly: Do you go naked?
Me: No…
Kelly: Oh, okay.  Then no.  I didn’t bring a swim suit.




Friday evening, Kelly came over with Piper, who was super well behaved around the pups.  Nala was not a fan, but I don’t think she likes other females in her territory, to be honest.   It was very cute to see Piper be a part of a mini pack.  Then… we watched the first two episodes of Veronica Mars.  (I thought we had season 1 & 2, but actually we just had two copies of season 2.  Naturally.)  Based on the fact that Kelly fell asleep during episode two, and I proceeded to watch many many more episodes over the course of the weekend, I think it’s safe to say that I liked it more. 

On Saturday, Dr. Rach came over bright and early and we got to go to Marymoor with the pups.  I love any excuse to see Dr. Rach, but combining it with a sunshine filled walk in the park made it absolutely perfect. 

Sunday morning, after we ALL slept down in the brown house, Jordan made us blueberry pancakes.  A pretty great way to christen the kitchen!