Enjoyment Under Gray Skies

Besides looking forward to enjoying our weekend outside, I also look forward to Jacob's hot breakfast with just as much enthusiasm as I do getting our day started. There's just something about still being in bed and smelling all those delicious aromas that find their way up to the second floor. Coffee and bacon, the best combo.
I took a shower and got ready before going downstairs.
We took our time eating breakfast and talking about our week. An unhurried morning is the best way to start the weekend.

It was raining when we left, not heavy but steady rain. We were headed to Kirkland, its past Bellevue which is about half an hour from where we live. It was close to noon when we reached Kirkland and Riley was getting sleepy in the car.

We drove through Kirkland's downtown area. We loved it. Not too big but cute. Lots of shops and restaurants and several coffee shops. There's just one grocery store, we saw a library, a community center and a decent size park, retail and businesses. We made a stop at the grocery store because I forgot to bring a banana and yogurt from home for Riley. If he wasn't so picky we wouldn't worry about what to feed this little guy when we we're out.

I wanted to walk along the marina. It was sprinkling but we got off anyway. This time I did use my umbrella. We saw couples walking and people jogging. There were quite a bit of ducks just floating around which made it about impossible for Riley to throw rocks in the water. I mean, he wanted to but I wouldn't let him because he would have hit a duck. It was cute to see lots of male and female ducks together. Duck couples everywhere, awe!

If I had a blanket, a chair and an umbrella I could have sat here for a while, taking in the view. I just love the water. But, Jacob sometimes alters my plans because when it comes to cold weather he just can't seem to handle it. Bummer for me. One day, I'll get to do what I want when I want.

Riley still not too happy about not letting him throw rocks in the water. He wanted to go back.

But, we continued to walk. There was a large gazebo where we stood under for a few minutes. This marina has several metal statues that Jacob took pictures with. He's been doing this since before we got married. He's weird.
After we left the marina we drove through residential streets. We like driving through residential areas. We like to admire pretty houses and Kirkland has some big pretty beach-y houses that I wish I could have taken pictures of but since it was raining I wasn't able to get good ones.
While still on the road we decided to head over to Capitol Hill in Seattle. Every time we drive through this freeway I find this bridge with the trees pretty spectacular. I think it's awesome that trees were planted on a bridge. I'm just curious about where the roots and the water go? There's a lot of trees on there and they are quite tall too. I just would like to see for myself. I'm dorky, I know.

When my sister visited in December we tried looking for the cemetery where Bruce & Brandon Lee are buried. After a little while we found it but the cemetery was closed. Great! So we didn't get a chance to see the grave site then.
But this time we did. I guess to someone that's into martial arts this would have meant a great deal. It was neat to see though. Brandon just had his death anniversary, March 31st {also, same day Selena was shot and killed}.

It wasn't raining in Seattle. By the time we left the cemetery it was past lunchtime so we were definitely hungry. We headed to the U District {University District}. It's called this because the main campus of the University of WA is located here.

Kirkland didn't have the liberal feel but this place does. Obviously because it's right in Seattle. Jacob had heard about a good Greek restaurant in this area. We found it but although the food was decent it wasn't authentic Greek food. It had a mix of flavors. Whoever thought that Indian and Greek food would taste good together were really off their rocker. No way would we come back to this place to eat supposedly "Greek" food. We've had Greek food before and it tastes nothing like this one. We were bummed. Now, we're on a mission to find an authentic Greek food restaurant.

And I just want to show you all how nice Riley can color! I was really surprised. He was being so careful not to color outside the line. Even Nathan had a hard time believing Riley colored this piece. Impressive!

Saturday was fun and spontaneous. After a long day out I do look forward to going home, getting cozy and wait for Ghost Adventures to begin.


Sunday during breakfast I planned the days outing. In need of more stimulation we spent the day in Tacoma. Sydna stayed home since she needed to do homework. So, it was me and my boys.

We first stopped by the Children's Museum.

I walked in here with the mindset of letting Riley play at the water station for as long as he wanted. I didn't stress about anything. I just watched him play and really took in his expressions and wonder. And now thinking about it I can't believe we haven't bought him a submarine yet. He played with this submarine the entire time.

He liked watching the balls and fabrics zigzag through the tubes. At one point the items got stuck in one of the curvy tubes so Jacob had to squeeze and bang on it until they all dislodged. Hooray for daddy, he saved the day.

It was still fairly early and I knew I didn't want to go home just yet. So after leaving the museum we drove along the waters edge. We stopped when I saw a trail and an area where Riley could throw rocks in the water since he didn't get a chance to do so the day before.

Came upon this rock as I was walking and noticed what it said. Who ever wrote this has a kind heart.
In case it's hard for you to see what's written on the rock, it says: You look good!

Why thank you! Lol.

Riley spotted me up on the hill. He he! {he needs a haircut btw}

This place is called Chinese Reconciliation Park. It's not a long trail but it loops and it has nice views.

Also saw this military ship ... all the way from Norfolk VA. I find military vessels extremely interesting and would love to know if there are any haunted stories about them.

After we walked the trail we headed home. I had made ceviche the night before and our mouths were watering just thinking about it. So good! I like to eat ceviche with tortilla chips. Jacob and Sydna like to put a bit of mayo on a tostada then put ceviche all over. I've never been a fan of mayo on my tostada, ew.

In case you're wondering. Ceviche is made of fish, raw fish. Some people use all kinds of seafood but in my family we've only use fish. The recipe I have was passed on to my mom from my oldest sister, then my other sister got it and she emailed me a copy. We use swai fish. It's really not too fishy. Once you cut it up in small chunks you then add enough lime juice to cover the entire fish, usually about 15-20 medium to large size limes. Then you add salt to taste. Then you chop cilantro, serrano(s) onion and tomato. Again, as much as you want. You stir it up and place it in the fridge. You have to let the lime juice cook the fish. You have to let it sit for at least a few hours but the longer it cooks in the lime juice the tastier it is {and safer to eat}. This is why I make my ceviche the night before. That's it. Easy.
This is a delicious treat among Mexicans. Jacob and the kids love that I make it now {of course, Riley doesn't eat any}. Lately we've been having ceviche once a month.

I sure have missed spending time outdoors. It has been raining quite a bit since the beginning of the year but it seems like the weather has begun to change. Ready for a bit of variety in the weather.