A VERY BIG THANK YOU to my mother-in-law & Mike's grandma for watching the kids so Mike and I could have our first weekend trip since the kids were born. We went to Seattle for my 10 year High School Reunion and had a GREAT time. It was so weird being alone, being able to sleep in and make our own schedule without having to think of things like naps, eating, ect. Thanks to our wonderful hosts Jon, Cher and kids for taking us in and giving us their master bedroom of all things!!! You really get the royal treatment at Hotel Anderton.
We took the 7am flight (don't ask what we were thinking!) to Seattle and got in at 8 am. After our bags and rental car we were on our way. We went to Jon and Cher's and got showered and ready for the day and Mike had a tour of their new home. We then met up with my dear friend from high school Jocelyn and went out to lunch at PF Changs. Oh my gosh...it has been 9 years since I've seen this girl and it felt like not a minute had passed. There was not a moment of silence as we were both trying to squeeze in as much talking as fast as we could. I think we could have talked for HOURS. It was so wonderful to see her and hopefully it will NOT be that long before our next visit.

After lunch Mike and I spent the rest of the day shopping. I don't remember the last time I've shopped that long. I had some makeup I wanted to buy and when I told the girl why I was in town she suggested she just do my makeup. Mike requested "smoky eyes" (his favorite) and the girl ran with it..I mean literally ran. I felt like I had been punched in the face and had 2 black eyes. I've never had that much makeup on in my life and somehow Cher and Mike convinced me to leave it on. I was worried no one would recognize me since I usually appeared in sweats and a wet ponytail everyday in high school and NO makeup. I still think it was a bit much, but Mike keeps saying he liked it...so you be the judge. Cute Ella wanted a picture with me.



The reunion was great! So fun to see old friends and lots of familiar faces. I got home at 12:45 and crashed into bed. I don't remember the last time I have been out that late! The next morning we got up and hit Ella and Wills soccer games and then stopped by Dicks for lunch. I am so happy Mike loves it as much as I do. We always make sure to hit up the burger joint when we are in town.




That afternoon Mike and I were back for more shopping and some alone time. It was so fun to have all that time with just Mike. Sunday morning we got up and went to church with Jon and Cher. They are in the Shoreline ward and there were LOTS of familiar faces which made it so fun for me. Afterwards we headed down to Richmond Beach and drove down to Queen Anne, Fremont, & Gasworks Park. I just forget how beautiful Seattle is even when it is raining all the time.





That night we went over to the Koons for some pie and fun and I can't believe I didn't take one single picture. It was GREAT to get caught up with these old friends.
The next morning we were off with Cher, Will & Noah to find the Fremont Troll. I lived in Seattle my entire life and had never been to this thing. Mike and I searched under the Fremont bridge the day before only to find the "Fremont Troll" was really under the Aurora bridge. Go figure. So we found it, snapped a few pics and were out of there before the smell of urine and men sleeping very near the statue ran us out.


We had a quick lunch down at Westlake Center and caught our flight home. We both slept on the flight there and flight home. That hasn't happened in a LONG time. (2.5 years to be exact). We had a wonderful trip, but when it all came down to it, we were oh so happy to see those little munchkins again.


I told Livi to give Ethan a kiss....wow, look at that serious hand placement. A simple kiss on the cheek would have done lady!

**I just noticed Jon is not in one single picture of mine. Sorry brother!

Lest you think we have all perfect days around here, I had to write down a story that made me laugh the other day. Ethan and Olivia were in his room playing. She was riding her bike and he was bugging her I'm sure trying to spin the pedals on it or grab something out of the basket (his favorites). All of a sudden I heard screaming and I went in there to find Ethan flat on his back crying his little eyes out. I said Olivia what happened. In a smug little tone she said..."I ran over him". As Mike said...at least she's honest.

Many mornings are spent in Olivia's "clubhouse" (AKA: The corner where the two couches come together and all our blankets are stored). She asks A LOT if Ethan can join her. He lasts a couple of minutes until she is begging me to take him out.

Here was a picture I couldn't resist. I came into the room to see Olivia teaching Ethan how to do patty cake. About melted my heart.

Leah...the both loved it. I think Livi ate half and Ethan a whole wedge. I couldn't cut it fast enough. Thanks for all the yummy produce. So long garden...until next year!

Ethan was having some rough nights there for awhile (he broke 4 teeth within a week and a half). So he was taking some really long morning naps. Olivia and I had to keep ourselves busy with what else but some projects of course!

The other day we were at the park and there were some great pine cones. I got the idea to take them home and make bird feeders since Olivia is always yelling to the birds off our balcony to come back. We got all the necessary supplies and whipped those babies right up. She thought they were really cool until no birds came!! I think it is getting to cold and they are all on route to somewhere warmer or they were not pleased with the Wal-Mart birdseed. Matt..can you please pass that on. Now that I look at the pictures it looks like we were putting sprinkles on top of the peanut butter. Yum! No wonder Olivia was asking me if she could lick her fingers.




Then we made some Halloween cupcakes. They were fun until to much sugar got into Livi's system and she became crazy with the beaters.




****Now the funny part about this post is what happened last weekend when I was in Seattle. We stayed at Jon & Cher's house and as we were taking the tour (they've been remodeling) I noticed a bird feeder hanging up on their deck. I said, "Is that a pine cone bird feeder?" Cher said it was and she had been meaning to blog about it using the title "An Amy Dover day". I kind of looked at her wondering if someone told her we'd made them. She said..it just seemed like something you would do with your kids. As I proceeded to tell her we had made them days ago we both busted up laughing. I guess I'm a bird feeder making kind of girl. A side note is that hers were cute. Hung up with some twine on a stick. Mine were straight out ghetto with fishing line on a metal hanger.

Last week when we went to the library Olivia picked out Annie to rent. Don't ask me why..she's has never even heard of it. But..she is officially obsessed. I can sing any song and she says mom, Annie!!!! For awhile, every time we saw a dog she asked if it was Sandy. Her favorite song to sing is Tomorrow and she is often heard singing it at the top of her lungs. (Sound familiar mom??) The questions she asked me during the movie were so cute.
**Why that girl crying mom? She needs a mommy & daddy?
**Where Annie mom?? (like 50 times) during It's a Hard Knock Life
**Why those boys mean to Sandy?

Good thing she didn't ask the following questions.
**Why is Miss Hannigan always stumbling everywhere and so MEAN?
**Why is Miss Hannigan a hoochie and always trying to throw herself on all the delivery men?
**What is the meaning behind the song Easy Street?
Sheesh...good thing lots of stuff went right over my head when I was little and all I cared about was cute little Annie finding her mommy and daddy.

Ethan thought it was cool for 2 minutes. Then he was over it. Such a boy.

Katie came down for General Conference weekend and we had a great time with her. Matt and Megan came over on Sunday morning and Olivia thought it was the coolest to watch "TV Church". I just love lounging in my pj's, eating good food, and being around those I love most. We decorated sugar cookies and although Livi lost interest after about 15 min (surprise), Katie and Megan were faithful frosters.

We are going to have 2 carves this year since Olivia loves it and they don't last long. As I type this Olivia is saying...hey, that is my pumpkin. You throwed it away." Mike and Olivia had some daddy-daughter bonding over this pumpkin and were quite cute. I think she liked it.....
**This was a couple of weeks ago. We are yet to do our second carve. I think we're headed out to the pumpkin patch on Saturday.

We're back and we had a great weekend. There is NOTHING quite like going home, especially when it is with your hubby and no kiddos. We had so much fun and now I'm back to the grind. An ENORMOUS thank you to Grandma Terry and Grandma Mulliner for watching the kids. They had a great time!! Cher, pics turned out cute and I will get to you soon. And will send your key and umbrella soon. Joc, I'm not ignoring you and need to call you back when I have longer than 2 min of no interruptions to talk to you. Mairead...I suck that I STILL haven't called you for your birthday which was Sunday. I've been thinking of you! Off to more dishes and laundry. Will blog soon.

Oh Summer...how we miss you already. I think Livi has asked to go swimming everyday this week. We'll have to find some indoor activities she loves just as much. Any ideas??

I got Olivia a set of watercolors the other day while I was out hoping for something to keep her attention for more than 2 seconds. Well...it did for about 5 minutes. We had a very art filled weekend around here. Mike and I even colored several pictures. Ethan just hung out snacking on Cheerios..his favorite. Livi's smile is back once again.

Her finished masterpiece hanging on the fridge.