Spring?

I agree Charlotte.

It's time for some spring wardrobe updates.

 

I'm getting a little tired of sweaters, coates and hats.

Not to mention the snow. Seriously? Snow. In March. (although it didn't stick)

Help us out here Mother Nature. We're ready for a little Spring action.

Out of commission.

Phew. This sickness that invaded my body last Wednesday has been a real doozy.

Apparently it's been going around.

These four things have been my constant companions as of lately.

 

I'm ready for some new companions.

Weekends away.

There is a balance to life that often needs a little shifting. And sometimes that needed shift comes in the form of the beloved "weekend away".

Time away from chores and mental to-do list's that should be getting accomplished.

Time just to relax.

I'm lucky that I have a husband who declares that anytime we leave the city it's vacation!..and we fully embrace our time away.

Time with friends to play games and have absurd dance competitions

(how have I never played Dance, Dance Revolution before? Ah-mazing.)

And of course...to eat a lot of good food and sip on our favorite poison's, depending on the time of day.

A weekend sans kiddos to do with whatever we pleased (while cozied in Mike's bosses amazing house in Whistler--BONUS!)

Uninterupted adult conversation is really a thing of beauty.

But then there's the other kind of weekend away.

One filled totally and completely with family. With exploring, returning home, a brother's 30th birthday celebration...these weekends as well, fill my heart.

She much prefers to push the stroller herself.

Oh, and I just have to tell you...the heart, fleece lined rain jacket? Found at consignment store in Walla Walla for $5! Score.

This weekend we are here.

Because as wonderful as weekends away are, there is something equally as wonderful about staying home. Hope this weekend finds you peaceful quiet moments mixed with some action as well!

Happy Saturday friends.

xoxo

All you need is love.

Love is all you need.

(And perhaps a very large stuffed bear photo opportunity.)

Him and her.

My valentine loves.

Twirl.

If you live in Seattle, and especially if you are a parent or just love hanging with kiddos...twirl your way up to the top of Queen Anne and enjoy the darling-ness that is Twirl Cafe.

We met friends there last night and enjoyed some childhood fun (most amazing play area/jungle gym/toys!) and adult fun (Valentine's theme wine tasting and chocolate pairing).

A little something for everyone.

I especially love that the woman who started the cafe saw a need for a place where grown-ups could gather with some delicious, easy food...enjoy a glass of wine...all while the little ones played to their hearts content. There was a void and she has filled it. Bravo sister!

It may be a Hallmark Holiday...but it's still a holiday, and I love me some holiday celebrations. They make me want to twirl.

;)

"Goin' to the zoo, zoo, zoo...

"How about you, you, you?..." What? No Raffi on your playlist? :)

We enjoyed the Seattle Zoo and the unseasonably warm(ish) temperatures with friends this weekend. Oh how we've missed that Vitamin D!

But when our friend the sun is here, we get outside as much as possible...so we continued our adventures to the park.

Seriously...it is such fun being her mama.

J'adore Paris.

As Audrey Hepburn once said, "Paris is always a good idea."
Our trip was a good idea.
The best idea.
The stars aligned and the opportunity to travel to Paris as a family presented itself to us. An opportunity we will be forever thankful for. Because together we got to see the City of Lights in all its splendor.

It was more amazing than I had even imagined it to be. A city so alive with both history and life...each day I found myself looking around in awe.

I wondered what it would be like to see and experience this city that I have dreamed of and imagined about for so long...would it live up? Is it truly as amazing as everyone describes it to be?

The answer? Yes, Yes, Yes. It was everything and more.









The sights, the sounds, the smells, the people...the way of life...slower yet, fast at the same time if that makes sense...it will all be forever imprinted on my mind and heart.










And our girl? She was a trooper. Undoubtedly there were times before the trip where I second guessed our decision to travel so far with a 19 month old...but as she continues to do, she taught me and surprised me.








She did great.


Because while there is something to be said for schedules and routine...there is also a big something to be said for forgetting all that and taking on adventures together.






And thankfully, there were only a few break downs along the way...


Because in those adventures we learn more...we discover more...absorb and appreciate more.








It is thanks to the generosity of some very special people that this trip was possible..


And it won't soon be forgotten.





Paris...I am so in love with you. So I won't say goodbye...


I'll just leave it at...I'll be seeing you.

*If you are so inclined, you can view all our pictures from our trip here.