Mother's Day Weekend

Mother's Day landed right in the middle of Steve's vacation this year.  His vacation away from us, that is.  While he was rafting through the Grand Canyon, I was home alone with the kids for 10 days.  That was the plan anyway.  I will admit that it did feel a bit long and a bit lonely at times.  However, I was determined to make it anything but a long and lonely week, so we kept ourselves very busy.  With the help of special friends and family, our days were fun and exciting.  It felt like we were on a vacation of our own.   Our 70-80 degree weather helped boost our spirits as well.  The highlight was spending Mother's Day weekend in Seattle, with Gavin, Hazel and Ella Rose.

Peyton and Gavin making us a pancake breakfast. 

Enjoying ice cream after breakfast at Madrona Mayfair.

P: Wasn't that so funny when we had ice cream after breakfast?!

Enjoying the jokes of the clown - perfectly funny for a preschooler.

My sweet niece, Ella Rose.

Peyton gave Ella the same love and attention that Allie gets.  She's so easy going that she didn't seem to mind when he invaded her personal space, smooshed her chubby cheeks, smothered her with kisses, squeezed her like a rag doll, and otherwise couldn't keep his hands off of her. 

Cousins.

I can't get enough of Ella's giant smile and joyful nature.  She's such a happy baby girl!

Breakfast outside with my kiddos on Mother's Day.  Wonderful.

Hazel's first Mother's Day!

A picnic lunch at Volunteer Park with special friends: Papillong and Dexter.

I just love the little fingers that couldn't wait another minute more! 

Our lovely picnic in the park.

Watching the activity.

Frisbee fun.

BBQ dinner to top off a great day!

Monday morning at the neighborhood park.

Swing time.

One last breath-taking view before heading home.

Thank you Gavin, Hazel and Ella for taking such good care of us.  We love you!