birthday week

last night was the start of birthday week for me.  my dear college girlfriend and i are lucky enough to have birthdays a few days apart, so every year we go out to celebrate together.  this year we went to ethan stowell's tavolata in belltown.  it was so fun to eat fancy food with a lovely friend.  we were given samples of wine to choose which we would like a full glass of, and the waiter was friendly (and kinda cute, too!).

excuse the mini pictures - they're from my phone :)

we started with the Buratta - crostini with a buffalo mozzarella cheese that was light and airy like a marshmellow, marinated artichoke hearts, cilantro, and a light lemon olive oil.

kari had the rigatoni with spicy italian sausage, and i had the potato gnocci with cauliflower.delicious choices!

afterwards, we went to capitol hill and met with some friends of mine for old school custard, and beer at the elysian brewery.  a great start to birthday week, if i do say so myself!

8 years into forever

on this day 8 years ago, I joined my life to a loving, kind, patient, hilarious, adventurous, delicious man.

we were but babies, look at us! I was 11 days shy of 21 years old, he was 23.

People told us we were crazy. Some thought we wouldn't last long.  (yes, our pastor has a black eye.  it was hilarious) 

but I am so proud to have grown into a woman alongside this partner, and neither of us would be half as great without the other.  We make a perfect team, beautiful children, and I couldn't be happier with my decision to say "I do."

Happy Anniversary Darling, here's to forever.

Family Vacation

Despite some major attitude problems and shoulder-chips, we had some good times on our recent family vacation to Birch Bay.  H got to build her first sand castle (and 2nd, 3rd, and 4th...), float in the warm salt water bay, hunker down for some quiet time on the lawn in a grandma made teepee, hunt for shells to toss back in the water, eat delicious black licorice ice cream, and surpass her mother in tanning ability by minute 4 of the vacation (while it was drizzling and cold, too!).  Overall, a pleasant trip.

President Obama's Birthday

today is President Barack Obama's birthday. Happy Birthday Mr. President - I voted for you, I like you, and I'm happy you're most likely having a nice day today. However.....

more importantly than you, my Dad is having a birthday today, too! And he's been around longer than you, and I'd rather celebrate him today, that is if you don't mind ;-)
So Dad,

You're the best Dad I had, and the best Dad I could have wished for. Here's to a pleasant 61st and 40 more to celebrate! Love you :) - Liz

Her new backpack for preschool

I think she likes it  (since she won't take it off!)!

she came right home and packed it up with all of her "stuff so my friends at school can play with me!"

ahh! my big girl!