And just as quickly as it came...

...it has left us again.

Our friend the sunshine.

However, rather than focus on the sad fact that our spring continues to be more reminiscent of fall, let's focus on the amazing day we had.

Because if there is one thing Seattle-ites do well, it's that we don't take good weather days for granted. No way...when the sun comes out to play, we willingly oblige. We jump in head first. We throw on our sun-dresses and flip-flops and embrace our Pacific Northwest pasty-white-haven't-seen-the-sun-in-months skin and go with it.

Charlotte hasn't been in the grass since she was 3 months old so this was a whole new experience for her.

It was the perfect day to celebrate our bride-to-be Diggy. In fact, it seems lately if someone plans a shower of some sort the weather takes a cue and cooperates quite nicely. Good thing we've got lots of showers (of the non-weather type) in store this summer.

Per my usual, I spent a lot of time hovered around the food table.

Who could blame me with these delicious morsels?!

Perfecting her wave with Aunt Shelly.

And even though to us, we believe Easter is about so much more than bunnies and eggs...those bunnies and eggs sure are fun.

It was a special Easter. Another first. And like we do with the sun...
we held our arms open, and soaked it up.

Glimpses of Spring.

Spring is Seattle this year has been undeniably less than favorable. I think we are all ready for some sunshine, even if it comes with cooler temperatures. Over the past few weeks, we have gotten a few glimpses of our springtime...

Even if it requires a stocking cap, we'll take the no rain/party sunny days and run with it.

With the non-spring Spring we've been having, I find myself looking for little ways to make it feel more springy, even if the weather isn't cooperating.

My latest and greatest tip: mini carnations.

Now before you write off carnations, just wait. They certainly aren't my favorite flower either, and any of them that are dyed to match certain corresponding holidays are definitely off limits, but I really think you can't go wrong with a bouquet of white mini's. For about $6, I was able to make not one, not two, no my friends- not even three, but FOUR arrangements for our home. Talk about bang for your buck!

And what's even better? They have lasted for over two weeks! Here's hoping that the weatherman is right in predicting a bit of sunshine for us later this week.
Cheers friends and happy Monday!

1st dress up

Learning from a pro, Miss Adelaide Lovik, on how dress up is done.

Two things just kill me about this photo: 1. Holy schmoly...THAT is a flower. It is quite literally this size of her head. 2. How big my little girl looks! She's starting to play with the big girls...

Sixty.

Today he would have been 60. We will celebrate his wonderful life, remember his loving smile and think about how lucky we were. His is my dad...Charlotte's grandpa...and is missed today a little more than usual.

I treasure this picture of the two of us, in all it's faded loveliness. I love how he's looking up at me here. And how today, instead of looking up...he's looking down on me from afar.

There is comfort in that. Happy birthday dad. I love you.

Duet.

The first of {hopefully} many.

Seriously?

All this, for one night away?

True story.

Well hello old friend...

Yes you.

My little ol' blog.

I've been negleting you as of lately, and for that I am sorry. Life just gets busy doesn't it?! And finding time to blog? Well, that just sometimes goes out the window. Bravo to all you out there who post daily. I am in awe.

The problem with getting off track on my little blog world here is the vast openness that sits in front of me when I finally do find time to sit down to write...where to begin?

So much has happened, so little has happened. Changes, updates, goals, fears, highs, lows...I want to get them all down on "paper" here, but then at times days pass and I find it hard to find the words to start. How will I remember years from now the week that she finally started tolerating food with chunks? or started taking her first legitimate crawls? Will I remember the wonderful challenge it is to got out to eat with a 10 month old? Or how lovely that over-due dinner gathering with girlfriends was? I hope that I will. Many times I'm certain these memories will be prompted and enhanced with the help of photos...one of the many, many reasons why I'm so thankful for my camera. And so, life as of lately. In pictures.

One is never enough.

...particularly when it comes to toys.

What dinners out look like now:

and ultimately end up like this when she gets tired of sitting by herself.

My messy eater.

Don't let this smile fool you...

She may look dainty, but this girl can make a mess with the best of them.

A weekend with family.

Cute boys in boots. Oh, and a red door...love.

Playing with the big kids...

Queen of Hearts? Nope, Go Fish!

True love...reinspired.

Spent said weekend with family tinkling these gorgeous ivories. No, not ours. My auntie's, and it plays just as beautiful as it looks. I am determined to play more now... it was rather depressing to pick up pieces that used to be effortless to find them, well...difficult.

Total adoration.

Her adoration for him. His adoration for Nick...waiting and watching for him to come home.

First crawls.

...that remind me quite a bit of this little friend when she first began crawling

You can't tell as much from these pictures, but Charlotte has the funniest little hook-leg crawl is so similar to Addy Mae's initial crawls. Quite cute.

Sharing.

For some reason, when the toy belongs to someone else it is SO much cooler.

So good to spend time with you tonight my friend. Let's do it more often.

But next time...don't be so annoying with the formatting. AAAgh.