Stuffing in Seattle

In lieu of the season, we were so thankful to get the Cerney crew together for some quality time and quality grub in Seattle hosted so generously by Mark and Melinda. They overcame foot operations and sinus infections to rally for a house full of glorious chaos.

 "flying" to the gate in Chicago

 Hour+ delays are nothing for Brock thanks to the endless antics of dear old dad

 twas worth the wait, because on the other side we were met with grand smiles and balloons!

 We were able to make it in in time for a stellar performance from Madeline on the keys, BRAVO! Brock almost made it through.

 

We were all rewarded for Madeline's grand show with a visit to the local fro-yo joint.

 Next morning we got to walk Madeline to school... so close and such a charming place! We had to proceed home in Wizard of Oz style as commanded by Brock.

 The next day the ladies ran amok among the pre-Christmas sales and feasted on the most addictive of garlic spreads. Meanwhile, the boys threw plastic things at metal posts. All were happy. Here I am in the cold test chamber at Eddie Bauer. It worked! Luckily I had my credit card to keep me warm.

 We had a special guest for dinner! A wee slug that came aboard a leaf of kale. Kindly named, "Kalie" the forgiving mollusk was set free after all the children lovingly mangled.

 Madeline was a superb host, and allowed Brock to have a go at her beads. 

 And Max was quite the role model demonstrating how to manipulate squishy sand into cookies.

 Brock has his way with the Playdo fun factory to make his own version of something squishy. 

 Grandma shows him the finer points.

The next day we take a day trip to the Pacific Science Center.

 

 Collectible pennies are now a destination with Cerney GP's.

Ah, the grandparent exhibit! Truly a highlight of the trip.

Brock seriously bonded with the prehistoric foot print. 

 

  

It was close to nap time, you can imagine.

Somewhere in there I must make note that Jim and Julie kindly finagled the fine folks at the Embassy Suites to allow all seven of us to join them for buffet breakfast every morning, free happy hour cocktails and snacks, and unlimited pool time. Still waiting for the bill! The pool was an enormous hit with the kids and  I have been properly schooled in the awesomeness that is the Embassy Suites.

Next day we head to Everett Science Center with the whole crew. Madeline was in school for previous adventures so we were happy for her play hooky for a day with us.

 

 Dino diggin'

At last! The big day of feast has come upon us!

 

 All hands on deck!

 Looks good!

 asleep on the job

This living room took a lot of heat over the week. Thank you Max and Madeline for being such wonderful toy share-ers! Thank you Melinda and Mark for smiling through clutter, coffee cups, and spilled red wine! 

 Thanks to you two!

 Enough mush, let's cut each other now.

 The lovely day at home for turkey and good times together brought out many activities. Here is Brock and Julie on the window stickers.

 Madeline and I make pipe-cleaner frenemies

 And snuggling ensues at story-time. A perfect ending to a FULL (in the tummy and in the heart) day.

Black Friday takes us to a trampoline park. 

 Our family gets full access to the pulverizing chamber. Here, like a puma, grandpa waits with anticipation for the next kill.

 Grandma only seems sweet and innocent...until she gets a feel for the bouncy rubbery power in her palm.

 Don't let them see the fear in your eyes my young cub!

 "This is a ball. It is bouncy. It is death"... 

 To the foam!

 Oh goodness what fun was had. To hell with you gravity!

 Not to let the bouncing decease, we move from the physically assisted child-bounce-maker to the chemically assisted child-bounce-maker. Cookie time!

  

 

Apparently quantity trumps quality.

 

 Although, it looks like "quality" was achieved after all. 

 apparently a tasty success.

  cookie haaaaaam

Madeline has flourished as a new reader, and shares a moment with Max. A lovely final picture of a wonderful stay with the Knights and visits with GP's Jim and Julie. As ever, the fabulous photos you are enjoying are courtesy of Melinda, who is ever giving up the spotlight to make the rest of us shine. Thank you!!

The next morning Matt, Brock and I take off for Bellingham to visit with Megan and Jeremy and their fine young gentlemen, Axel and Errol.

 

 Megan takes us for a nature hike to remind us how much we miss trees (as Errol demonstrates)! 

 A rainy day, but then again, do we forget it is Seattle?

 Oh my dear friend! So many years and adventures we've had! We went from making dandelion soup together when we were our children's age to watching our own children swim in the soup of life. So lucky to still have you by my side!

 Brock took quite a shine to Mr. Jeremy. Not difficult to do. I was happy Axel and Errol were willing to share him. Although, what Brock gained from Jeremy, Errol got with Matt through epic Magic the gathering sessions.

Brock is reading to us.

 

Must have been good... now he's asleep. Speaking of "must have been good"... this trip surly was!