May 1st, 2017 is the day we lost our littlest, Lincoln Grey. I was 9 weeks pregnant. Like with Reagan, I had Lincoln at home. I was able to bury Lincoln along with Reagan. As sad as I am to have lost both babies I find solace in knowing that they are together in heaven.
It is extraordinary how quickly a baby's body gets formed. So precious. We love you baby Lincoln.
Took a drive out to the Oregon Coast on the first weekend in May.
After stopping in Astoria for lunch we then drove towards Cannon Beach. So much beach to walk on. Riley had fun running around without a care in the world especially not caring about getting wet. One thing you must remember is that the weather along the PNW beaches is usually chilly. It's uncommon for the weather to be warm and without wind. Even during the summer months it calls for a light sweater or windbreaker. But, for people like us who enjoy overcast skies, weather like this doesn't irk us. Just gotta remember to dress in layers.
And while Jacob and Riley were having fun running around and digging holes I did a bit of reading. Thrillers are cool reads and sure makes time go by fast. I liked this one.
We renewed our membership at Woodland Park Zoo (along with the Seattle Aquarium). Being around animals and observing them is cathartic. Definitely gets your mind off yourself and puts all your attention on them. Animals are so interesting.
There's so many bushes with pretty blossoms and this Japanese Wisteria is gorgeous. I'm an observant person by nature so I take great pleasure in taking in all the beauty when I'm out and about especially during walks.
Sydna came along with us this time. Ever since she's been out of high school and busy with college and work we don't get to spend much time together outside our home. Riley enjoyed a piggy back ride. I'm pretty sure he just wanted her attention and asked for one because during our previous visits he never asks us for a piggy back ride. He was just in need of some love from his big sister. Cute.
Then his daddy took over ... after Sydna got tired. lol.
My favorite area in Seattle is the waterfront, hands down! I still have not gotten on the ferris wheel and honestly I don't think I want to ride it, like ever. I'm good with admiring it from a distance.
This sweet girl. I love it when she's curled up then when she stretches she extends her toesies then curls them back up. So cute!
We've had Sophie now for three years. She's got a sweet personality and the routines she's got with each one of us is adorable ... even the way she gets mad at Nathan when he tries to pick her up once she's ready for bed at night, she'll hiss at him, LOL! Nathan just scratches behind her ear and she reverts back to being loving. She is mostly a sweet girl.
The library I visit the most has pretty trees. I love how they were planted on mounds. It is sure appealing to the eye and these deciduous trees are gorgeous in Autumn. Ah, so pretty to look at. I sure love trees just as much as I love beaches with rock formations and clouds.
My son, the most affectionate out of the three. My sister got him this shirt and he likes wearing it. I'm personally a big fan of the group but I didn't get a shirt, lol.
We are grateful we live between Seattle and Tacoma so when we don't feel like driving to busy Seattle we opt for North Tacoma. It's so nice here and way less busy than Seattle, and the views are just as gorgeous. I'm glad it doesn't attract the young crowd. It usually attracts families (during the warmer months) and the thirty and older crowd the rest of the year.
Given that Ruston Way is a long stretch of road and it runs along the Puget Sound, it is constantly busy with pedestrians and cyclists. However, the ambiance is still very laid back.
My peony bushes were just gorgeous but I quickly learned that I need to add some support to them given that the peony is such a heavy flower. So I did a little bit of research and some people suggested that I place a round steel wire tomato cage on top of the stems for support before they start growing. This way each stem will grow inside the tomato cage and keep them upright. Live and learn.
It was so gratifying being able to cut a few and make a small bouquet all from my backyard. The peony is such a pretty flower.
This is our nighttime routine. As soon as I lay down she makes herself comfortable on the left side of me. The look on her face though. It's like she's saying, "Yes, did you want something?" I probably moved a little and she got annoyed. Ha ha!
Nathan took his written test for the driver's license and he passed it. Now he has some more driving practice to do before he's fully ready to go for his driving test ... even though he
thought he was ready at the time of the written test. Yeah, I don't think so.
We have those times when we don't feel like being amongst the crowds so we opt for a somewhat long car ride. For this outing we decided to drive to Bainbridge Island by taking the long route through Tacoma into Gig Harbor, then Bremerton and driving into Poulsbo then to Bainbridge Island. We do make some stops along the way. We usually stop in Poulsbo. I like to browse around at the cute shops, sometimes picking up a few things here and there then we head on to Sluys Poulsbo Bakery to pick up some delectable pastries. So many good ones to choose from, seriously.
After the bakery we drive onto Bainbridge Island and stop for pizza where they have a few arcade games that sucks Jacob and Riley right in. Perfect for me because I get time to myself and more than likely you'll find me reading a book.
Then we head towards the ferry landing that will take us into Seattle.
And while on the ferry I prefer to hang next to my car looking out at the Puget (that is, if we get to park along the outer isle).
So mesmerizing. Perfect views!!!
We headed back to Safeco Field. This time we brought the two older kids along. The food is a major reason to go to a sporting event. It is for our family.
Riley, this kid. I hope he never stops making silly faces. Sure makes us all laugh.
These were some of the things that occupied our time last May. So thankful and grateful for the blessings that God so graciously gives us. And also thankful to God for those challenging moments that have helped me grow and humbled me by not allowing my ego to get out of control.
Everything good and positive that broadens
my appreciation and appetite for life is my lifetime goal.
