Seattle.

Jason's grandpa is a huge Mariner's fan. For the past few years his family meets in Seattle to take him to a ball game. This year Jason and I got to join in on the fun. It was a quick two days but we packed them full. We went to the game, did a lot of shopping, walked pike's market, saw the gum alley that made me want to throw-up, ate fish and chips at Ivar's, visited with relatives, and took a ride to the top of the space needle. I am blessed to have such great in-laws and it was fun to spend a couple of days with them sans kids.
 

Momsie.

Momsie had her eightieth birthday the end of June. I can't even begin to tell you how much I love and adore her. If you know her, then you are lucky. I am especially lucky because she is my grandma.

She sent out a text the day of her birthday telling everyone to meet at Simplott Hill at 6:00 p.m. with a helium balloon and a hard boiled egg. She also told us to bring an index card with a "wish of our heart" on it. Mine said I wish to travel the world, most of my kids wished for a puppy, except for Jace who wished for all the legos in the world, my sister's said "may the force be with you", my mom wished for two tacos from Jack in the box, and Jason wished Mitt Romney were president. We tied our wishes on the end of our balloons, hiked up to the top of Simplott's, sang "Happy Birthday", and then let our balloons go. As for the hard boiled eggs, we had an egg roll down the hill, just like we used to do every Easter when Momsie and Popsie lived in their old house. It was a great celebration. Happy Birthday Momsie! We love you.

the fourth.

This is one holiday done right. We cram as much as we can into one day, starting with a BBQ and swim at our house. We play our traditional water games, put on our festive tattoos, eat a lot of good food, take lots of pictures and then we make our way to my aunts house for our newest fourth of July tradition...our family parade! We started it last year. It was such a hit that we had to do it again this year. We march around the neighborhood on our decorated bikes, strollers, wagons, with Coming to America blasting in the background. My aunt throws out candy to the spectators (aka people in their driveways doing their fireworks). This year we even had a grand marshal. I wouldn't be surprised if next year we added floats. The whole thing is quite hilarious to me, I absolutely love it! After the huge parade we settle down on my aunt's lawn to watch our amazing firework show. Our party pretty much rocks...just like our country!