Bang Bang Burrito

Trying to figure out their new phones. He he.

Too pretty to drink!

Pike's Market

The Olympics in the background.

Our last morning in Seattle was just as beautiful as the other two days. We went for a walk in search of breakfast. Using my parents new iPHONEs we were directed to one of the best little breakfast places I have ever been to. Bang Bang Cafe serves the yummiest breakfast burritoes I have ever tasted. They have vegetarian and vegan options also, which was really nice. We stuffed ourselves and then had one last quick walk through town by Pike's Market. What a fun trip! Thanks Mom and Dad, and the biggest THANK YOU to Jo for working so hard while we were having fun!

Lucky DUCKY!

This is how each day in Seattle ended, much to Grandpa's delight. He was so excited that he was able to get her to sleep. Pepper has started to show a preference for one of her stuffed animals, the yellow duck we named DUCKY (original, I know). She snuggles with it, talks to it, and loves to bury her face in its soft fur. So sweet!

Grandpa Time

My Dad loved the time with Pepper. They had so much fun snuggling, walking, watching TV (bad, I know, but only once for a short time), and just generally having a great time. Pepper also enjoyed standing at the huge windows and watching the marina and cars go by down below. The only downside was that we missed Daddy who was back in Walla Walla working hard on our house.

Seattle Sunshine

Dad jauntily crossing the street

Pictures from the roof of convention center

City and Rainier

Marina across the street from our hotel

Amazing sunsets

My parents, Pepper, and I headed to Seattle for a couple days. We were somehow lucky enough to be in Seattle on the only warm, sunny days of the winter (or so I assume). Not only that but we heard that Walla Walla was foggy that entire time! Dad and I went to great continuing education meetings put on by UW.   Pepper and Mom spent lots of time exploring Pike's market and the waterfront each day. We basked in the amazing beauty and I enjoyed getting pictures of the city looking so beautiful, it almost looks fake.

Bennington Beauty

After church we stuffed ourselves with Pat's yummy stroganoff and then headed out to expend some energy. We somehow never get tired of a walk, run, or hike out at Bennington Lake. There are 8 miles of trails to enjoy, along with beautiful views, and usually a bit of wildlife. Pepper had an excellent time scoping things out in the backpack and even managed to stay awake the whole time. There was an amazing sunset to make the walk even more spectacular!

"Sharing"

Hey girl, I got your back.

At least until you are distracted...

Wow, that looks SO much better than mine.

You make that look so tasty!

Content with their thievery.

Wow, your head is so soft!

Saturday evening we spent more time with the Finkbiner family. The girls started stealing the pacis from each other right away. At first we were trying to stop them but finally we gave up and let them be. They were perfectly happy with the "sharing" that went on. We were laughing so hard at those two! A little taste of a lot of fun times those girls will have.

An Afternoon with Friends

Getting to know each other again.

Beautiful Blue Eyed Em

Poor Ezekiel is too polite to fight back.

Emmarie and her pretty Mommy

Beautiful feather flower, thank you Sherisa and Emmarie!

 We were so excited to have Sherisa, Broc, and Emmarie in town for the weekend. We got together for lunch and had such a great time watching the kids interact. This is one of the first times that we have had a chance to see Pepper around other kids close to her age since has become more independent and mobile. It was eye opening to say the least. To start the day out, at Sabbath School Pepper tried to steal Emmarie's pacifier. I blame that one on Jo's pacifier stealing game that he taught Pepper. Then at lunch I sat Pepper next to Emmarie for pictures and she promptly pushed her over backwards into the coffee table.  A little later Pepper pushed Ezekiel over onto the floor and pinned him. Even though Pepper is not yet old enough to comprehend the effect she has on others, these experiences did get me to thinking. How do we instill in Pepper the qualities of gentleness and kindness, and yet foster her independence and confidence? How do we guide her energetic personality to treat others with respect and love? I am sure that this is the toughest job of a parent and I am hoping that Jo and I learn quickly. We are lucky to have the "village" we have to help with this monumental task. In the meantime, we are blessed to have such understanding and good natured friends.