Always up for some good, clean fun...

Two of my bestest friends (and old teammates) from OSU came to visit me last weekend, and it was just what I needed. Good company to remind me that life is full of wonderful things and should not revolve around WORK. Even though it was fun, it was still a chill enough weekend that I didn't feel scrambled heading into my last big week at SHS. Saturday was perfect: nice weather, the standard "tour of the world" at Pike Place (complete with hombow, piroshky, and fresh doughnuts), meeting up with Jill who we haven't seen in YEARS, exploring new neighborhoods in Seattle (Capitol Hill is pretty sweet), and last but not least, a girls night in... I'm talking homemade mac and cheese with wine for dinner, comfy sweats, two chick flicks, and a few episodes of Sex and the City to finish the night off. It doesn't get any more relaxing than that. Sunday was back to reality with a full 8 hours of planning/grading, but who cares?!?! I am done in TWO days!! Here are some pics from the weekend...

This is a MUST if you ever come to Pike Place Market in Seattle... Fresh made donuts, right in front of your face! The best are the cinnamon and sugar or powdered donuts... and they are bite size, so you don't feel as bad eating three (or more!)

Filled with anticipation for the heaven we are about to encounter...

I finally bought a bomber hat for Joe. It is awesome. Here I am, modeling my new purchase. (Pics of Joe in his hat to come soon...)

Love her.

This is what we do... take pictures of weird shit. (BTW, this Mona Lisa poster was really freaking me out and we saw it EVERYWHERE)

Another beautiful day in the NW...

Hanging out at some cool fountain we stumbled upon at a nearby park...

Killer boots!

I was inspired...

We dance to our own tune (or the steps engraved on the sidewalk)

Jillian and her doggy Cash (loved meeting him!)

I'm sorry, I had to put this up... and in no way do I intend to offend anyone, but am I the only one who sees the irony here? Our country has come along way :)

Question.

If in the last 3 days I have gotten less than 6 hours of sleep each night, have worked 12+ hours each day, have hung out with Joe for a total of 6 hours, and recently had a dream I cussed at one of my classes.... should I be worried?!? EIGHT DAYS TIL FREEDOM!!! Not that I am counting or anything...

Asians who can't use chopsticks and random craziness with Jack

Don't act like you're not impressed...

A few more bachelorette tidbits...

(continued from below...)

Crabs anyone?

Getting our bride a veil

Jessie showing us "the spot" where Matt proposed

Another group shot (minus 1 this time)

A pre-dinner shot

"Um, I think you left this at my house the other night..." (we kept giving things to random guys to go up and "return" to Jessie)


Jessie getting serenaded at 88 Keys, a dueling piano bar (so fun!)

A round of who knows what...

Toasting our bride!

All of the "Asian girls" (we stick together like that)

Nothing like sushi, pizza, and chocolate cake in the wee hours of the morning!

A break from reality- Jessie's Bachelorette Weekend!

Call me crazy or call me brave, but I volunteered to host one of my best friend's bachelorette party this weekend. What did it entail? Oh, only 14 girls sleeping under one roof (MY roof!), a lingerie shower on Friday, a day in downtown Seattle on Saturday, and (of course) a fun night out on Saturday. We all had a great time, and I am happy it was a big success for Jessie. Here are some pics from the weekend...

I'm not one to brag, but we made the living room look pretty awesome

The bride toasting all of her ladies:)

Jessie trying on a new "hat"

Heading down to Pike Place

A group shot (minus 2)

Getting directions from the pros...

Nice catch Jess!

Bits of Break #2...

**Jessie and Lukie we missed you guys***

Cookie cutters, or earrings?
Jack likes to pretend he is human and open presents on Christmas too
Sinah (and Jack) loved the lion blanky!!
Who on earth would give a little baby all of that chocolate? Perhaps an aunt who is willing to buy her way into "favorite aunt" status... (ignore the man hands- bad angle!)
Nothing makes Grammy Kathy happier than her grandbabies

We are a bunch of party animals. Obviously. This was how we spent our New Year's Eve, baking candy after the Pedersons konked out early. Round 2 of homemade candy went much better than our first attempt (the "toffee was actually hard this time). It's amazing what a candy thermometer can do for ya...

Bits of Break #1...

My winter break was awesome. Snow. Sleep. Food. Joe time. Jack time. Sleep. ACTUAL days off. Christmas. Family. Friends. A wedding. A bridal shower. I could go on forever, but I won't. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I'll let the photos do most of the work here...

Big bro and lil sis... how cute!

A 6'7'' kid...

So happy

Even Jack loved the playground!



Ha! Look at Tre's expression

Tre REALLY likes to take pictures with my digital SLR... I am a trusting aunt

She's gonna be a baller... no big deal



Wedding dress shopping with the newest B-2-B, Merissa

She looks so happy :)

I loved this dress! (Although it's not "the one")