First Day of School 2010

This year, our kids had a very different first day of school.  Not only was it in the traditional sense but, they also transferred to a different school so they were literally having a very first day!  Now that we are in December, we realize it was the greatest decision we could have made for our family.  It definitely wasn't easy and we prayed and prayed about it but, it has worked.  I can't believe how big they have gotten.

Jeylin's 6th Birthday Pics

I told you I would post more...just didn't realize I would finally post about his 6th birthday 2 1/2 months before his 7th. Okay well, here you all go....

Jeylin's Colts Inspired Cake

All the party-goers

Jeylin & Abby

Jeylin & His Cake

Jeylin & His buddy, Braeden

Jeylin & Giada

Seattle Day 4

Day 4: Sunday, August 16th

MAIN EVENT DAY!!!  The only thing planned for this day was our main reason for the trip.  My long awaited chance to watch the Mariners play the New York Yankees!!!  I have wanted to watch the Yankees play as long as I can remember.  Only two things could have topped this day and as of this publish date, only one of those things is still available....watching the Yankees play at Yankee Stadium (the since retired stadium) and watching the Yankees play the Red Sox at Fenway park.  Don't worry folks, that is definitely on my bucket list!  Brad and I have actually looked at tickets online and we're seriously contemplating it somewhere in the future.

In February, when Brad and I were starting to think about planning a family vacation for the summer, we weren't sure where we wanted to go.  We knew we couldn't afford an extravagant destination such as Disneyland or Hawaii but we wanted to do something fun and interactive just the same.  We had considered a couple options such as, traveling the Oregon coast (I made this trip with my parents at the age of 5 or 6 and had a blast) and other places.  I was busy at the computer trying to come up with more options when Brad, {watching ESPN as usual} yelled down the stairs that Ken Griffey, Jr. had decided to come back to the Mariners organization.  We immediately had our vacation destination...and no need to determine which date we were going...we already knew.  They had to be playing the Yankees!  We found the dates...which worked perfectly because the kids were on summer break and it would be one last fantastic trip before school started up again.  We decided that we would splurge a little bit on our tickets and guarantee great seats.  Fortunately for us, Brad's brother Sam lives in Olympia and he and his wife Amy decided to come too.  Sam purchased the tickets opening day and we had great seats...left field line, about 16 rows up from the field!  Unfortunately, a week or so before the game, Sam and Amy realized they couldn't make the game so they sold their tickets :-(  From there, the rest of the trip just sort of planned itself....and voila! here we are on game day...

We woke up early, had breakfast and started packing our goods.  Since we were headed home after the game, our van had to be packed all day with our belongings.  Not a bad deal since the entire day was going to be spent at the field.  We left bright and early...found a great FREE parking spot and even had enough time to stop at Krispy Kreme for coffee and donuts before the gates opened.  We were all dressed in our Mariners garb (yes, I love the Yankees but I also love the Mariners...it really was a win-win situation for me...and, I'm not stupid enough to wear Yankees clothes unless we're watching them in New York)!

We lined up early at the gate and anxiously waited.  Finally, the doors opened and it was a mad dash to our seats to watch the teams warm-up. 

Alex Rodriguez was warming up right in front of us.  I took TONS of pictures!  We even witnessed Derek Jeter tie the all-time record for hits by a short stop with #2,673.  {On a side note, it was fun to watch the kids' amazement when the Yankees won the World Series...they thought it was awesome that we watched the best team play that season!}  Before the game, we walked around the park and took in everything.

We had our pictures taken with Moose...

...and at center field.

The kids played in the playground and just had a blast.  They were soooo excited to be there...as was I.

The game was awesome but it went by at a fast rate of speed.  I was bummed.  I could have stayed there for at least another week.  We enjoyed our favorite foods....fresh squeezed lemonade, hot roasted peanuts, chocolate-dipped strawberries & garlic fries!!

We watched the Mariners defeat the Yankees by a large margin and just had an overall great time.

Alex Rodriguez warming up

Jorge Posada

Derek Jeter

He was looking right at me...I was very noticeable in my bright pink Seattle shirt!!!

Ichiro gettin' a hit

Griffey swinging for the ball...

...and then holding up on 3rd

Then it was time to leave.  The drive home was bitter- sweet.  It's always nice to come home but it's always sad leaving your fun times behind.  I guess that is why I take so many pictures.  I want to remember every moment.  And here is one more of Mt. Hood...not as visible as the trip over but just as beautiful and massive.

We did have a long drive home for various reasons (car-sick kids, cranky kids, hungry kids, well, you get the point), but eventually we made it.  Even though Brad insisted on driving across the Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge...aka the floating bridge..that goes across Lake Washington from Seattle to Mercer Island.  For those of you who know me, you know I don't like bridges very much.  Not sure why, I just don't...but he just loves to torture me.

We all had a great family vacation and can't wait to do it all again in another couple years...except we'll probably skip the zoo next time ;-)  So, with summer just around the corner this year....I'm wondering where we should go...hmmmmm.....

Seattle Day 3

Day 3: Saturday, August 15th

This day was not quite as busy as Friday as we only had three major items planned....Pike Place Market, the Zoo, and a tour of Safeco Field.

We had planned to spend the morning at the Market and head for Safeco after lunch and hit the Zoo up last.  A very relaxing day...uh huh sure?  Because really, what more relaxing place is there than Pike Place Market on a Saturday morning in the middle of August???  Actually though, it really wasn't that bad.  The hardest part was the kids were less than thrilled with the adventure of a busy market that smelled of fish and no one was buying fish so of course, no flying fish.  It was a let down but I think more so for us adults than for the kiddos.  They did enjoy the fresh apples we bought and I got to step inside the first-ever Starbucks!!

When the market had lost its appeal, we realized we were way ahead of our schedule.  Even though it was a less-than-busy day, we still knew what time we needed to be at certain places.  Luckily for us though, we found that we could hit Safeco for an earlier tour than we had originally planned if we could just hurry...and so hurry we did.  We were just a smidge late for the tour...just missing the meet and greet with the tour guide so really nothing of too much interest. 

Let me tell you, for those of you interested in seeing the inter-workings of a baseball field, this tour is awesome.  It was pretty inexpensive, very knowledgable and of course fun.  The only downside...actually, two downsides were our less-than-thrilled guide who wanted to breeze through everything that he was literally pushing the group ahead of us out of rooms AND the fact that we and another couple had gotten lost.  We stopped to take pictures and because the before-mentioned guide didn't like to stop for such nonsense, we turned around and the group was gone.  Yep, it took us a while but we finally found them...but not before we considered joining another group we found.  We learned some cool facts and even sat inside the Mariners' dugout.  I think Bradley even sat where Ichiro sits.  The kids were entertained but oh how I would have loved to lay in that grassy infield...but, no walking on the grass allowed...bummer :-(

Jeylin taking in the veiw from the upper deck

Each Suite at Safeco was named for legendary players...from Ty Cobb to Lou Gehrig and Sandy Koufax to Mickey Mantle.

View from the Owner's Suite I believe.

Kierra Nielson...future journalist...inside the Press Box.

A 2nd Strike foul ball that missed some journalists but left a lasting impression on the wall behind them.

This is the infamous family picture which caused us, and the couple who took it, to lose our tour group.

Walking out of the tunnel onto the field...this was an AWESOME feeling!!

The kids...being ever so careful not to step on the perfectly trimmed grass :-)

Sitting in the dugout.

Ichiro's seat.

I'm thinking about this time we went to eat lunch but honestly, I can't remember where.  Hmmm, who knows?  I guess it's possible we skipped lunch and headed for the zoo though.  That was fun {**to be read in major sarcastic tone**}!!!  The Seattle Zoo was honestly, one of the worst I think I've been too.  Now with that being said, I haven't gone to many...actually, I think I've only gone to two others...but, it really wasn't that great.  In fact, many people I have talked to, weren't even aware there was a zoo in Seattle.  Well, there is and since we had tickets from the City Pass Booklet, we went.

While driving to the Zoo, you realize that you are still in the middle of the city...the residential part of the city.  We're talking several different small parking lots all on opposite sides or walking distances away from the zoo, no street-side parking because like I said, residential area...and small city streets and busy traffic.  Holy toledo Batman...it was crazy!  After driving around for about 10 minutes looking for a parking spot, me freaking out at the closed-in streets and near misses of pedestrians and other traffic and of course, three kids complaining from heat and boredom and possibly hunger, we decided to skip the zoo, head for the hotel and take a nap, and come back later.  Since we had yet to use our night-time Space Needle pass, we figured we'd do it all together.

Once back, we found a great parking spot in the main lot, but of course not without some great Nielson family luck.  While searching through the back pack (on Brad's back) for my larger camera lens, I opened the zipper too far and out fell my huge lens on the concrete sidewalk.  Fortunately, it only cracked a little bit around the rim that holds the cap on.  The lens itself was OK (since I was able to take the picture at right) but it still ticked me off.  Once inside the zoo, we were sorely disappointed.  It was hard to find anything and very small exhibits.  I think the zoo tried to keep the look of a more "natural" habitat so the trails were interconnected and even with a map, it was hard to maneuver.  I think we visited half of the park and then headed out.  Maybe under less stressful situations, the zoo would have been relaxing but I soon realized that (at least as an adult), once you've seen one giraffe, hyenna, hippo, lion, tiger, monkey, etc...you've really seen them all.  But for future reference, I think we'll stick to the Portland Zoo...it's much better!

Since it was starting to turn dark, we headed for the Space Needle.  We were very excited to take this trip up since neither Brad or I had been to the top at night.  We parked in our usual lot, jumped out, and I pulled out the camera to take a picture from the ground, only to realize that CRAP!!!...my camera battery had died.  I had forgotten to charge it when we went back for our nap and after taking the pictures at the zoo, I had drained it.  Even more frustrating that I drained it at THAT zoo...ugh!  So, we took a few pictures with our cell phones but that was about it.  I was so bummed because it was absolutely beautiful up there at night.  But, this just means we'll have to go back and do it again sometime...with a fully charged camera battery.

Now, onto day #4...the main event and driving force behind this particular vacationing spot...

Seattle trip...revisited.

I noticed that I didn't finish the posts for our entire Seattle trip...how crazy of me huh?  I guess once you see the Crab Pot, everything else just pales in comparison.  So, here is a quick final run-down of Day #2 from our first family vacation...

After the Crab Pot, we went home to sleep off our fabulous dinner...but of course, in true Nielson family style, it didn't go quite as melancholy-ish as it sounds.  After dinner, Brad realized that our parking pass was about 10 minutes or so shy of expiring so off he took, on a dead run up the streets of Seattle, heading toward the Tram.  I had told him the kids and I would be behind him and we'd meet him back at the Space Needle since our City Pass Book allowed us a chance to go to the top at night too.  Once he left, I thought to myself..."What in the HELL was I thinking?"  Me, traveling the streets of Seattle....alone...in the early hours of the evening...with one stroller and two kids in tow...seriously????  Apparently Crab Pot feasts make a person feel like they are invincible...definitely making a mental note of that for the next time we eat there.  You know, the type that goes something like this..."Note to self: Eating large quantities of seafood do not make you less-vulnerable to muggings nor does it empower you with superhero capabilities."  Well, too late now since Brad was already out of ear-shot and besides, I was pretty sure I remembered the way back.

I was right, I did remember the way except for one small detour.  Instead of taking the elevator up from the pier which would take me directly to Pike Place, I took one a few blocks done so I had to walk up and take another elevator.  On a much more pleasant note, I was completely amazed by how kind most people were when they saw a frazzled country girl dragging three kids along from elevator to elevator.  Once we made it to the mall to get on the Tram, I was beat from the uphill push of a stroller.  We stood in line for our turn and met a very nice couple with their two daughters.  The guy was so incredibly polite he helped get us in the Tram and settled...even meaning he had to sit away from his family because it was PACKED!  I was very grateful for his help.  We made it back safe and sound and met Bradley right off the bat.  Boy was I glad to see him.  Since we were both so tired from that significant venture, we decided to see the Space Needle the following night.  So, we headed for the hotel and a good night's sleep.

Again with the Month-Long Absense...Geesh!

Goodness, I'm such a slacker!!!  I really need to kick myself in the rear and do much better at updating this more often.  I doubt there are any of you left out there.

Well, a few posts ago, I mentioned that I needed to add pictures of Jeylin's 6th birthday and do an Easter post.  I think I will combine those and then try to add a couple more posts later of the happenings since oh, probably last year!!!

Again, for those who don't know or don't remember the last ancient post I did, Jeylin's 6th birthday party was spent at 360 Gymnastics here in Clarkston.  Great place, great staff & such an easy party idea!!!  The adults just sit back and watch someone else entertain the large group (up to 16) children...or, if wanted, they may join in on the fun too :-)  Jeylin wanted a Indianapolis Colts party...it turned out way cute!  See....

His cake

{the field was provided by Costco sans color}

{the football was copied from a cake I found on the internet.  I loved the way it turned out}

A close-up

The Guests

{L to R: Riley, Lane, Makayla, Giada, Nicole, Abby, Jordyn, Chassidy, Maddie, Braeden, Jeylin, Ben, Nate & Gabe}

Jeylin & his best buddie Braeden

Jeylin & his cousin Giada

Couldn't pass this one up...it is sooo stinking cute!

Jeylin & Abby

This year, I hosted Easter dinner with Brad's parents.  My mom had just gotten back from visiting my uncle and aunt in Las Vegas late Saturday night so they did not attend.  Since both Brad and I had to work on Monday, we just decided to stay home.  This was the first time I had ever prepared an ENTIRE Easter dinner...a monumental experience...even though there were only 7 of us in attendance.  My mother-in-law did bring dessert and it was fabulous...Strawberry shortcake of course.  Our menu was as follows.

Glazed Spiral Sliced Ham

Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

Citrus Roasted Asparagus Spears

Sweet Corn

Marshmallow-Pineapple Salad

Deviled Eggs

Rolls

Strawberry Shortcake

It was a great, tasty & fun dinner!  Next step to conquer...either Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner...whichever seems less daunting.  Then eventually, both :-)  Okay well, enough for this post.  I will try to get a few more posts added today to make up for my month-long disappearance.

Thanks to all who might still be reading about us :-)

Jordyn's 8th Birthday

This year, our beautiful baby girl turned 8 years old. Since she shares a birthday with one of her classmates, we decided to do a joint-party...you know, since they invite the same kids anyway. We celebrated at Claire's house since they have a pool and had an awesome Hannah Montana Pool Party. Music played in the background, kids splashed and sang and danced, ice cream cake was served, presents were opened AND, we also enjoyed a wonderful Sudsy-foam event too.

This is Makayla, one of Claire and Jordyn's classmates....she's such a goofball ;)

And of course Jeylin had to take part in the fun

All the guests!!!

He's such a Ham!

And here is the source of all that foam. A giant garbage can filled with water and loads of bubble bath with an air compresser hose tucked in for the air factor. It was so hilarious to see the kids race for the foam and just slip and slide all over the tarp. Then, just rinse and repeat for the perfect bath time =)

Kierra loved the pool

Daddy & Kierra