Nikolai

The next day (being sunday, aug 14) we went to see Nikolai, Nastia and Stephan, in their new place in Minneapolis. They just moved from Portland in July, and we've missed them at Co-op so much! Turns out they live right down the street from Damian and Jamie and Alexi. Small world. Anyways, the kids were so excited to see each other. Una had been asking about Nikolai for weeks. We all had a lot of fun and shared a yummy breakfast, thanks to Nastia and Stephan. It was really nice to see them settled, or almost settled, in their new place, and we're really happy to have even more great people to visit when we are in town. (i did have THE cutest video of Una and Nikolai jumping on his bed, but accidentally erased it. i was so bummed.)

Meeting Baby Ray

On Nana and Grandpa's new deck.

Someone is just too cute.

Gift for Baby Ray

What a cutie pie!

Sarah, Manny and Baby Ray

I'm way behind on postings, again!

Our trip to Minnesota began with a party at Sarah and Manny's house a few hours after we landed in Minneapolis. We were very excited to meet Baby Ray, who is just darling, and who has made both of his equally darling parents so happy. This is the way to start out a vacation: lots and lots of great food and even better company. Sara Fish and her daughters, as well as Damian, Jamie and Alexi Zeus were also there on this perfect summer evening. Thanks to everyone for being just so damn enjoyable and lovely.

Pixie

I swear, i was only going to take one picture. Little Miss Pixie Poo sporting her cute hand-me-downs, the apron that Marcia got for her last year, and a pony tail just like Pam's. Pony tail = Pam to Una. Pam of Marc and Pam Chapin fame.

We are off to Minnesota tomorrow! So adios for the next week. Hoping for some hot weather. bring it! And super excited that my dad will be joining us at the Lake for the first time. Yee haw!

Flirty 30

Has it really been 30 years since my rockstar sister broke the scene? Here is a little something to help her celebrate this big day. And remember sis, you're not old, you're just old enough to know who you are and young enough to enjoy it. 30 is awesome!

The Asten Collection: Click Here

Adventures

Una and Kathy @ Mt. Hood

So i'm a little behind on my postings....Kathy, Una and I had a series of very fun adventures. We went to Mt. St. Helens and did a quick visit. Kathy kept calling it "Una's Mountain" and so, now she calls it that too! Man, it is so beautiful there, but it's a harsh beauty. i didn't even manage to take photos. Kathy loved it and since then, we've decided that we need to come back and hike the summit. The next day, we went to Mt. Hood where people were still snowboarding, but also warm enough for people to be swimming in the outdoor pool. Una and i spent some time playing in the snow while Kathy explored more. I had to literally drag Una out of there. She loved the snow and grabbed a handful to take home. Then started crying when it melted in her hands in the car. We also fit a trip to the Gorge in there, and a little Portland: some shopping, a tour of Bullseye with Ted, and also a dinner out. We ate at Bamboo Sushi, and man, it was good. a perfect outing sitting at a table with the wall open to the air outside, gorgeous sunny evening, incredible food, incredible company, and Una chowing down every thing. I just kept watching her in awe while she sat at the table with us all proper like in her cute sundress and shoving a sushi roll in her mouth with delight. And me thinking,"This is really my kid?" i was such a picky eater....ok, i still am sometimes.

Anyways, we had just simply an AMAZING week with Ms. "Kafy", and we were all really sad to see her go home. Una kept asking for her the next day and i had to keep telling her she went home. It took a while to sink in. Thanks for the visit, Kath! You are such a rockstar, and i'm so lucky to know you.

Seattle Supreme

Breakfast at Judy's.

City fashions.

Famous Fish Market.

Millions of peaches, peaches for free. ok just the tastings.

Seattle Public Library. Wow!

A lucky find. Art installation on the Seattle University Campus.

St. Ignatius Chapel

Gas Works Park

Olympic Sculpture Park

We really packed it in. Had a great weekend with lots of fun and gorgeous weather. Thanks so much Judy for having us!