Our last hoorah in WA

Before we moved the last of our meet-baby-Mak visitors came out. My dad, brother, sister, her husband, my niece and nephew and my brother's friend. It was really nice to have one last hoorah in Washington before we moved. Literally RIGHT before we moved. Some family left Monday, some left Tuesday and we left Wednesday! The family trip was planned looooong before the move was.


We spent a lot of time ooh-ing and aaah-ing over little Makaela...

 

Nick asked to be Christie's baby, LOL.

And we can see where little one gets that crazy early morning hair....err all day hair...

We also spent some time just relaxing, and as usual everyone wanted to be around Z; he's a likable kid.

and we also squeezed in some fun downtown Seattle. We went on the Ferris Wheel for the first time, of course did Pike's Place Market,  the Gum Wall, rode the monorail and some of the group went up the Space Needle...

At Pike's Place Market

On the Ferris Wheel

Gum Wall! Bad idea to have the shorter kid stand on the down slope, LOL.

Our adventure to Mt. Rainier was interrupted by rain and yucky weather, so we didn't actually see the full mountain or get to hike, but we did get to have a snowball fight, which was especially cool for my brother and his friend who live in Florida. Snow in June? Sure, why not. 

On Monday, after my Dad, Z and his friend left the movers arrived. Christie, Mike, the kids and I decided it'd be a good idea to get out of the house and explore Northwest Trek. We saw lots of wildlife, made some slug zipper pulls and Big M got to push Little M all around the park. Obviously, she loved it. 

We left Tim home to supervise the move, which he didn't mind until he found out we snuck in a trip to the Original Pancake House without him!

I think my favorite adventure during the visit was a 3 day trip down to Cannon Beach, Oregon. Who doesn't love a vacation within a vacation?! We rented a beautiful house on the beach right across from Haystack Rock (you know, from the Goonies).

It was super relaxing to just hang out, go to the beach town shops, explore the beach, oh and have breakfast made for us. Meat omelette anyone?!

The curve right before the cliff we almost drove off while looking at the gorgeous views. Oops. 

Watching TV, don't bug us. 

I'm so thankful the family was able to come out. My dad got to see all of his children and grandchildren together, which is pretty cool considering we all live in different states. It was a bummer my mom didn't get to come on this trip, but she got to come right after Mak was born thankfully!

Love you all!!

Grandpa's Memorial

Fall 2010 <3

My grandfather passed away on October 1st, so this past week we took a trip to Michigan to celebrate his life. He was the kindest, most generous man and I will forever find comfort and joy in all of the memories I have of him. He took great pride in his family (he practically wore out his "Michigan State Grandpa" t-shirt) and I just remember his face lighting up when he would introduce us all to his amazing friends at his favorite restaurant.

There was a wonderful turnout at his memorial luncheon, and it was so touching to see and hear everyone sharing memories and fun stories about him. It truly was a celebration of his life, and he wouldn't have wanted it any other way. I got to spend time with family the entire week and really enjoyed our time together.

Thomas Earl Stage Jr. 1936-2012

 He was very excited about the pregnancy especially because the little bean's due date is the day before his birthday. We'd be so blessed if the bambino ends up sharing Grandpa's birthday.

Regardless, I know we have one more angel watching over us. Love you Grandpa - give Grandma a hug and kiss from me!