Going To The Big City

Even though we only live about 45 min north of Seattle, we very rarely go there. The last time we'd been was back in December when we saw the gingerbread houses. I thought it was high time we take another trip to the "Big City" It was kind of funny because we had our big camera with us and we looked like the typical tourists even though we live here!

Our first stop (after having lunch at Westlake. Remember...Todd has the camera so not everything was captured on our trip)) was down in the bus tunnel.
Even though I love love love the subway system in New York, the bus tunnel system is not to bad. Its free as long as you stay within the tunnel and it makes stops all up and down the city. Its way faster then taking the bus up on high land because there are fewer stops along the way

Oh and I forgot to mention.....see that girl in all the rainbow gear? Little did I know it was Gay Pride Day. Yes, by accident I took my kids to the Gay Pride Parade. The city was crawling with the most unusual people and Kyler got quite an eyeful that day! (Again...not many pictures of that)
Wide-eyed Kyler! This was our destination
Uwajimaya down in Chinatown
The kids loved all the interesting things to look at. This is one of Todds favorite places to go because he spent a month in Japan when he was a teenager. He also loves to come because of there snack isle
But before we made it to the snacks we came across some lovely ducks for sale. And the heads were even still attached...Bonus!
What you don't see are the many tanks of live fish. Fish that you can buy and they will catch it, kill it and pack it for you right there
But here are some lovely fish heads for your viewing pleasure

Down in the snack isle you can also purchase some small, dried, WHOLE crabs or fish.
After Chinatown it was back on the bus and up to Pike Place Market. We didn't spend to much time at the market because our destination was the waterfront and Kadens legs were already getting tired
Have I mentioned how I really really want to go on a cruise?? I was so tempted to jump aboard and hide in a cupboard

This is the kind of pictures I get from Todd! Even though you have to admit it was yelling to be photographed
At the Ye Old Curiosity Shop Kaden found a split personality doll
And a plastic smile
It was a great day down in the big city! Hopefully it doesn't take another 7 months to go back

High Noon...Low Tide

Just by a fluke we found out one night while watching the news that the next day was going to be a super low tide. Negative 4 if any of you are have alot of tide knowledge. It was so low that some ferrys were actually canceled. So not one to miss out on a free activity, we packed a lunch and took the boys to Kayak Point, which is about 20 minutes from our house.
Unfortunately this beach does not have lots of rocks. So we didn't get to see as much as I had hoped.

Kaden wanted nothing to do with the creatures that we found. They are ok on TV but not close to his face
He thinks we are the meanest parents right about now
And kudos to me....I wasn't even concerned about all the mud
As long as its not an insect, I pretty much will hold and touch anything

Even dead fish!

( I absolutely know for sure who is going to comment about that)

Shrimp anyone?
Kaden seemed to be ok with the shrimp
Bye bye low tide....see you again in a couple of weeks! That's right a couple of weeks. We actually looked at the tide schedule last night and discovered that low tides happen the most in the months of June and July. Who knew?? Well, now WE do!

Home Sweet Home

A month later and my dad is finally home today. He is not at 100% yet and he is walking with a cane but hey....He's made it this far!

(And don't worry...he usually doesn't look all drugged up. Its just not a good picture of him)

Sugar And Spice Makes Everything Nice!

For the longest time I have said I was going to do. I thought about it and wanted to do it for a few months now. So finally I sat down and just...did it!

I started a food/cooking blog!

I have this obsession with collecting recipes and I am always trying new things. I tire of the same old thing and its a huge need for me to find new things to cook. Also I have found that if I know I have something interesting to cook, there is a smaller chance of me taking the kids out to eat. I am always on a tight budget but I refuse to cook boxed, cheap meals. So if I can do it you then anyone can do it!

http://sugarspicemakeseverythingnice.blogspot.com/

Thanks for visiting and also...if you have something you want to share, please let me know!

Happy Fathers Day

On this Father’s Day, I want Todd to know what an amazing dad he is every single day of the year. I want him to know he truly embodies everything fatherhood should be. I want him to know how lucky I feel for having him by my side, and how blessed his children are for having him as their daddy.

Anyone can be a father
But it takes someone special
To be a DADDY
Happy Fathers Day to all the Daddy's in the world!!

For The Love Of Kids

Every year on the last day of school, I am expected to take the kids somewhere fun to celebrate their freedom. This year Kyler was wanting a big party to celebrate his graduating from elementary school but I just didn't have the energy for all that. So instead we picked up some friends and headed to the pool. We had to drive all the way to Mountlake Terrace (about 25 miles away) because it's the only decent pool around for young kids

Unfortunately I had to unearth my bathing suit and try and squeeze into it. Fortunately there were no pictures taken of me!

After swimming we piled in the car and headed over to Chuck E Cheese. This place is always a mystery to me. Greasy pizza, overpriced games, screaming children, loud annoying music. And what is up with the whole ticket and prize concept? 300 tickets for a bag of skittles? It takes like $20 to get 300 tickets! Are you aware of how much this place is ripping us off? Needless to say I don't go there often. All for the love of our children right?

Kaden was out of his mind excited about the whole thing. I do like that I can just let him run and not have to worry about him leaving the premises. I made him come to me every time he wanted a "money" ( I was not about to let him run around with a cup full of tokens of his own) The best part of the evening was every time I gave him a token I got a "Thanks Ma" and a thumbs up! How cute is he? Well his cuteness quickly wore off when we had to leave. Meltdown Mania!!!

Kyler wanted to know what other things we will be doing this summer. Little does he know its going to be all about the free stuff. Because that bag of skittles you wanted?? Pretty much took all the money I had!

Schools Out For Summer!!!!

This is the look of freedom

School is out and this kid is officially out of elementary school. I always have mixed feelings about summer vacation. I like my own time and my own schedule. With Kyler home everything gets messed up. I am expected to keep him entertained all the time and his friends invade my home. Having both boys home means more noise and constant screaming. He doesn't have a bedtime which can put a damper on "some things" for Todd and I

But the good part is we have more time to do stuff as a family. I don't have to pack lunches (I hate doing that!) There is no constant reminders about the time in the morning. And Kyler will have more time with Todd since he will be home during the week.

I asked him a few questions about his year and here is his answers literally dragged out of him...

What did you like most about Mrs Almli?

She was the nicest teacher. She let us do fun things like draw and watch lots of movies. (Isn't he so descriptive??)

What was the best thing about being a 5th grader?

Being the oldest in the school

What was the worst?

All the work

What was your best memory?

The field trips to Science Center and Aquarium

What are you looking forward to most in Middle School?

Lockers

What are you plans for the summer?

I want to go golfing, bowling and have sleepovers. I am looking forward to no school and going to California.

So there you have it folks...straight from the horses mouth. Fifth grade was a success and summer is a much welcomed sight!

How does Kaden feel about Kyler being home all summer?
I think he couldn't be any happier!

This And That

These boots are made for walking

And that's just what they'll do
One of these days...
These boots are gonna walk all over you!

Another update on my dad....

He is doing really well! He as been moved to another hospital into the rehab part. He is basically learning how to swallow and talk again. He needs physical therapy to help his muscles work and get stronger. Being in bed for 3 1/2 weeks and in a coma for 9 days really takes a toll on the body. He lost 35 pounds in 3 weeks and yes...he needed to lose the weight but certainly didn't want to do it that way. He is very tired and very emotional because he is usually as strong as an ox but now can barely dress himself. But he is on the mend and starting to look like himself again. He may be able to come home in the next 7-8 days.

And another thing....

I am starting a food blog!!! I like/sometimes love to cook. I am constantly gathering recipes and trying to feed my family for under $300 a month. And that's using fresh food....no boxed, processed crap! But I need a name for my blog and would love some suggestions. I will let you know when I have the big debut!

Note To Self....

A lesson has been learned today.......

The peanut butter needs to be locked up along with all the medications in the house. Apparently it causes little boys to be messy and destructive!

Oh Lord...Help me!