Snuggle Time

At nap time yesterday I told Kendall to get her blankies and go lay down in her bed.  I finished cleaning up the kitchen, then followed her into her room to read books.  When I got in there she was snuggled up with Ryan's big bull elk stuffed animal.  I thought she was just playing, but soon realized she had fallen asleep all snuggled up with the elk!  So sweet.

M's Game

We went to our first Mariner's game of the season last Monday.  They were playing the Minnesota Twins so we thought it was the perfect night to go.  Sorry Twins fans, this Minnesota girl was cheering for the Mariner's!

We met up with Mary and Olivia Baumann who were visiting Seattle for a few days.  It was great to see them!  I don't think I'd seen them since my brother's wedding a very long time ago.

The kids both did well, but Kendall got a little too wiggly towards the end.  I think we'll just take Ryan next time.  He soaked it all in.  We did get to see the Mariner Moose which is always a highlight.  We also got to see rookie sensation Michael Pineda warming up in the bullpen, and pitch the game.

Michael Pineda. (Photo by Ryan on his Dad's shoulders!)

My little Mariner fan!

 All and all it was a great night, and we can't wait to go back. 

My Sweet Boy

My sweet Ryan with his prized possessions - Honu and Squirt.  I love that even though he's now "All Boy", he still loves to snuggle with his stuffed animals. 

Mother's Day

David had to work on Mother's Day, so the kids and I hung out solo most of the day.  I woke to flowers and breakfast from David (with easy cooking instructions since he had to leave for work before we got up) which was a very special treat.  The kids had each made me framed pictures at school and daycare which were also sitting out.  So fun!  After the amazing breakfast, we enjoyed a trip to the gym (where the kids love to play while I workout) and a trip to the Ballard Farmer's Market.  It turned out to be a beautiful day in Seattle (which have been few and far between this spring) so we all enjoyed soaking up the sunshine!

We spent the evening with David playing in the yard, and enjoying this amazing tart!  If you want the recipe let me know.  It was the easiest thing to make, and so delicious!

As a delayed Mother's Day treat we got to spend Tuesday afternoon with my Mom (and Dad)!  They arrived in Seattle around 3pm and had a long lay-over before heading up to Sitka for 4 weeks.  The sun made another surprising visit so we once again enjoyed soaking it up at Seahurst Park - our favorite beach near the airport.  Although the visit was too short, it was so great to spend time with Grandma Sue and Grandpa Ken.  We'll see them again soon since they'll be staying with us when the new baby arrives in June.

And Wednesday night we got to spend the evening with Grandma Karen and Grandpa Bill to celebrate David's Mom!  We met them in Tacoma, had dinner, visited while watched the kids run around like chickens and then it was time to go home.  They took Ryan with them for a few nights, which was a really great Mother's Day gift for me.  I love my boy, but he has way too much energy for me right now.  It was nice to have a few nights off (to rest my pitching arm!). 

His Obsession

Ryan with his baseball helmet, batting gloves and mitt.

Ryan is obsessed with baseball.  OBSESSED.  Anytime we go outside he wants to play baseball.  Anytime we are inside he wants to play baseball.  He has baseball on the brain 24/7.

He is a pretty darn consistent hitter, and we're suspecting our neighbors are getting tired of throwing baseballs back into our yard.  He is so content when he can be outside playing baseball.

While inside he finds whatever he can to play baseball with.  The plastic Easter eggs have became baseballs, a pencil works a his bat, perfectly alined legos make an awesome first baseline and the four corners of the rug make a perfect baseball diamond to run around.  I love how his mind works!

He's really been into watching the Mariner's as well.  And they have come in handy while I'm trying to get Kendall down for bed.  It's the perfect distraction.  The only problem is that he can cheer too loud at times, which is a bit distracting for Kendall.

He basically knows the entire line-up, and their numbers.  He hates when they fall behind, and gets a bit too dramatic about it for my liking.  If only they could WIN every night.

And Kendall loves everything that Ryan does...

Rain, Rain and More Rain

This spring has been the coldest and rainiest that I can remember in Seattle in the 10 years I've been here.  It's getting a bit depressing, actually.  The only good thing about the cool weather is that my tulips are sticking around extra long this year.  They are a little bit of sun, when the sun isn't shining.  There is just something about tulips that make me so happy!

Now That's a Garden

The kids and I ventured up to the Tulip Festival in Skagit Valley for the second time this year.  This time we brought David along.  We were there earlier in April with Gina and Emma, and didn't get to see all the tulips since they weren't in bloom (thanks to the cold, rainy weather we've been having).  It was really beautiful when we were there at the beginning of April, but nothing compares to the vibrant colors of all those tulips in bloom!

The kids were cranky and whiny the entire time, but we still enjoyed ourselves.  They were pretty content once they could run through the gardens.  As we were getting there Ryan spotted a beautifully landscaped traffic circle and said, "now that's a garden"!  Boy, was he right!

Kendall throwing a tantrum because it was Ryan's turn for a piggy back ride.

Ryan by the Goldy Gopher tulips.

Tulips in a tree!