Bumbershoot

We did a lot of things in Seattle. So many things, in fact, that I think that it would overload you with awesomeness if I told about the rest of our trip to you in one giant awesome post. Instead, I'll do one blog entry solely dedicated to Bumbershoot (Seattle's annual music and arts festival).

Where the first thing we did was concentrate REALLY hard on making Shrinky dinks.

We looked around at all the cool little booths, bought a few things, ate a few things, climbed on a few things, ran around a few things...

we also participated in face-painting by the rainbow lady.




...saw a very silly performance by Nanda (A tidal wave of dance, juggling, and crazy kung-fu acrobatics) about a jacket with magical powers. It was quite entertaining.


And if you ever thought that it might be cool to dress up in a lime green leotard and do mediocre gymnastic tricks on a bar that is attached to a motorcycle which is fastened to a big wire in the air and which is driven by a dread-locked wannabe biker chick, then you're not the only one.

In the oh-so-exciting children's area, Kennedy had a little bit of relaxation time with yoga.

And then she tapped into her inner Van Gogh.

Toward the end of the evening, Justin and I saw the band Surfer Blood, and we were planning on staying for another band (English Beat), but Justin had a pretty bad cold and was feeling crappy all day. He'd hit his limit. so we left for home. But Bumbershoot was super cool. I'd definitely go again. But I might skip the biker chick and gymnast performance next time.

Up next (hopefully), the remainder of the trip.

Magic

Here's a life-changing conversation that occurred this morning via text messages:

Me: I wish I could magically take 3" off of my thighs. These pictures of myself make me want to barf.

Ashlee: Haha. Well I wish I could take about 5" off my middle.

Me: Well maybe we should try to invent something so we can.

Ashlee: I know. Now what?

Me: Hm... how do you feel about magic?

Ashlee: I like it.

Me: Ok. That's where we'll start.

Ashlee: Do you have any formal training?

Me: I've read all of the harry potter books. You?

Ashlee: Yes. Me too. I am actually half way through reading them a second time.

Me: Oh good!! That will help. It will be fresh on your mind, then.

So look out muggles, we're going to create a magic thing that takes inches off of whatever part of your body you want. And we'll be billionaires.

Sleepless in Seattle. And surrounding cities.

We finally took a family vacation to Seattle to see my super cool mom!! And was it sleepless? A bit. Because we drove 13 hours straight through the night to get there. And neither of us can sleep very well while the other is driving. Thank goodness it wasn't sleepless for Kennedy.

We stayed with said super cool mom (thanks mom!). And since my mother is a fantastic photographer, I let her take most of our pictures (again, thanks mom!). However, I did end up taking a few with my own camera. (That means that I will have a separate blog post for you with much BETTER pictures from her marvelous camera. Yay!)

But since the pictures from days 1-4 (which were quite awesome) are on my mom's camera, let's skip ahead to day 5.

Super Cool Mom played babysitter for a day so that Justin and I could have a day date in downtown Seattle. We started off with a Savor Seattle Food Tour at Pike's Place Market (which I'd HIGHLY recommend- see also the Chocolate Indulgence Tour). With bellies full of yumminess, we then walked around and explored the beautiful city.


Justin was very excited to be riding Rachel, the famous Pike's pig.


Downtown Seattle buildings. Cool.

And who says Seattle is always rainy? Hm??? Show yourselves! Do you see that sunshine? I'll bet you feel stupid now, don't you?


We stopped for a small snack at The Pike Brewing Company. They have yummy pizza.

Justin intently studied the beverage menu.


CHEESE!


After a few hours, Super Cool Mom and Kennedy came and met us downtown for a yummy dinner at Machiavelli's...... droooool.......
But first, a stop to see Rachel, again.


A few days later we drove up to Bellingham to visit my wonderful aunt and uncle and their fantastic family. The scenery on the drive up was uh-maz-ing.

(See what I mean? And that doesn't even do it justice.)

We met up with Kristin and J'Neil

(hi Kristin!)

and looked around a cute little shopping area.

And stopped for a picture with Dirty Dan.

For some reason, Justin didn't seem to get jealous.

Next we went for a little stroll through the woods.



Gorgeous, right? I know.

There was also a fish hatchery up there- where they breed trout. It was really cool to see.


After staying at Kristin's house that night (thank you again, and tell your kitties hi for me!), we drove back and stopped by Deception Pass on the way.




The next day we were on our way home. *sniff* *sniff*
For one final taste of green and water, we stopped at Snoqualmie falls. Holy freaking crap. I have never seen a more beautiful or humongous waterfall in all of my 27 years. (And did I mention that it's only about 40 minutes from Seattle...?)


It was such a beautiful sight to see. I want to stay in that Lodge up there at the top. How incredible would that be? (Oh, and please ignore the stupid construction going on above the waterfall.)

So that was our trip. At least part of it. I will post about the rest of it when I have time.

But just in case that isn't enough for you, I'm leaving you with an adorable picture.

Happy 2nd birthday ivy & kaia!