Happy 65th!

 Both Chad & my side of the family love to celebrate everything in life. When my MIL turned 60 we did a massive party for her and invited all her friends and family. It was so much fun! For her 65th we wanted to do something a bit more intimate but just as fabulous!

 Angela surprised her Mom and took her up to Whistler to the Scandinavian Spa for the day. Then they came home and Ang told her Mom to quickly get dressed because she was taking her for dinner too. When they walked out of the building and saw the stretched limo parked on Melville Street, Bonni joked that her limo was here to pick them up. Ang just laughed and opened the door for her. Sitting inside was Chad & I, Tyler and Stacie and Billy. She was totally surprised!

 We drove around the city and sipped Champagne. Made a quick stop at Prospect Point to take some pictures.

Then we headed to Hotel Georgia and had drinks at their fabulous patio bar Reflections. Honestly, my new favorite spot! Our dinner reservations were just downstairs at Hawksworth. The food was incredible and the conversation sweet. We had so much fun honouring and celebrating Bonni!

Easter

Today is April 30th, the last day of the month and I'm just posting about Easter. Eek, its been a little crazy around here lately. That's life for everyone though. April has been a fantastic month for us! Full of new additions and exciting firsts for our family. Let's start from the beginning though and you'll see what I mean. ;)

We had a fabulous Easter brunch with the MM's and their kids on Good Friday! Kristin made these adorable cupcakes. I was so impressed! All the kids loved them and the parents too. 

 You always get a fabulous cup of coffee at the Pue's! It puts a smile on every Mama's face. 

 Our wee ones! They're getting so big. Time for another generation. ;) 

Seattle - Just good medicine

1 husband + 1 wife + lots of yummy coffee = a fabulous weekend in Seattle!

Its always great to have alone time with my man! Chad had planned a few romantic getaways this year and Seattle was our first one. We spent most of Saturday shopping, drinking coffee and just chatting about us. I had researched restaurants online and found RN74. It had rave reviews so we made a reservation right away. This restaurant is now one of my favourites! My taste buds were screaming for joy the entire meal. Then we finished off our meal with fresh beignets and a caramel dipping sauce. My mouth is watering as I type this. We wanted to cap off the night with drinks at Tavern Law (GQ rated them 1 of the top 25 bars in North America) unfortunately we couldn't get in cause the wait was insanely long. I guess we'll just have to go back another time. ;)
On Sunday morning we headed to Pike Market to just walk around and take in all the gorgeous sights and smells. We quickly grabbed some French treats and coffee at Le Panier. Delicious! Shortly after we finished our friends arrived. The boys left us and started their coffee crawl of all the incredible coffee shops in Seattle. The girls...shopped! It was such a wonderful time away. I'm so blessed to have such an amazing husband! It's in these times away that I'm reminded how grateful I am for him. Love you Chaddy!

This & That

This past weekend was absolutely gorgeous! The sun was shining and everyone was in a fabulous mood. For the most part our weekend was pretty typical. However, Chad & I had the pleasure of going on a double date on Friday night. I honestly couldn't remember the last time we went on a double date. It was a blast! Chad & I really enjoy trying new things. We're not your typical go for coffee type of couple (don't get me wrong we do enjoy a good cup of joe ;-)). I had mentioned to my girlfriend there is a yoga studio in White Rock that does candlelight yoga. She jokingly said we should do it as couples. Well of course I jumped all over that! So Friday night the four of us put on our lulu's and headed out. The yoga focused on relaxation and was a very introductory class. I've done yoga in the past and really enjoyed it. However, having my tall and not very flexible husband working the mat next to me was the ultimate self control challenge when it comes to the giggles. I honestly had to look at my toes or close my eyes for most of the class. Chad did fall asleep during the cool down and yes I did start laughing. However, the yoga instructors stink eye quickly snapped me back into my deep breathing and relaxing.

After our work out we all inhaled some fabulous sushi and then capped off the night with Starbucks (see I told you we liked coffee). It was such a wonderful night.

Saturday was also sunny and beautiful! My family joined us for dinner before the CLA Hounds hockey game. The boys went for a walk/bike ride before dinner and my Dad took a few fun pictures. I know you're all probably wondering about Chase's massive helmet. ;-) Poor Chase inherited the large head from me and this honestly was the only helmet that fit him. I laugh almost every time he wears it. We all had something we wore when we were kids that haunts us to this day. I'm just trying to make sure Chase doesn't feel left out.

I love this picture of my little bean at bath time!

We all went to watch the Hounds hockey game later that evening. Unfortunately, the end result wasn't what we were hoping for. Once again the TWU bombers defeated our Hounds. We'll get them next time.

Sunday we went to church and then after I had a lovely date with my Mom in the city. It was so nice to have some one-on-one time and catch up. We of course managed to get a little shopping in. ;-) She is one of my favourite people to shop with.

All in all it was a lovely weekend and of course it went way to fast. Here's to another week! Hope it's a great one for you.

The "new" girls night out

Last night I went grocery shopping in the states with my girlfriends. It's funny to me that 5 years ago my calendar was filled with work trips, double dates or day trips with the hubby. Now when I look at my calendar it has play dates, supper club and my new version of "girls night out" hitting up Trader Joe's. Ha! The best part is I'm just as excited to go grocery shopping. It truly is the simple things that are the best in life. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Hooray for Friday!! I'm picking up my new vehicle today (eek!!) then we're off for dinner with friends. A day in the city with the in laws tomorrow and a very full Sunday. :) I'll be sure to post the highlights. Enjoy your weekend!

More

Going into 2012 I had a huge desire for more. I want to see more growth in my life. I want to give more and I want to become more of the woman God has called me to be. I don't know what that's going to look like but I'm really enjoying the journey. A few years ago I was asked to hang out once a month with a group of Mommy's. We do lots of fun things. We eat lots of yummy food and have hilarious conversations about life as we know it. It's for sure a highlight in my month. Last year we all went to a women's recovery house to spend quality time with the girls and encourage them. Of course they ended up inspiring us.

Last night we headed out there again. For an hour we sat around their massive kitchen table enjoying coffee and conversation. 2 of my friends are amazing singers and the girls at the house asked if they'd do some worship songs. So we all headed down to their chapel to have an old fashion sing song. ;) My Papa & Nana used to do this when we were kids so it felt really good to do it last night with all these lovely ladies. Towards the end my friend started singing a song that is very dear to her. It was a song that encouraged her during a season of heartache. With every note she sang it was like God began weaving the strings of all our hearts together. The first half of the night we spent listening to the girls share their stories. Then after a time of singing and worship the leader asked if we'd share some of our stories. There were tears as a lot of heart ache was shared. However, the greatest take away from it all was the beauty God truly does give for ashes. As I wiped tears from my eyes I just kept thinking, God you want us to be raw and real like this. As we reveal our journey, incredible bonds of friendship are formed. The strength of those bonds are the things that will help us stay strong and be encouraged when the storms of life rage around us.

So ladies, be thankful for the women in your life! I know I am...

Brotherly love

To my precious boys,

I had a major "Mom moment" today. As I was watching you today my heart was so full. I love you both dearly and I'm so grateful for the sweet boys that you are. Chase always look out for Cyrus. Teach him to play and be kind to others. Show him how exciting it can be to be a boy! Laugh hard and use your imagination to bring adventures to life. Hug your brother lots and make sure he knows you're his best friend. Cyrus always look out for Chase. Cheer on your brother and believe in everything he does. He will teach you about life and encourage you to follow your dreams. Be your silly self and keep laughing. Hug your brother lots and make sure he knows you're his best friend.

Mommy (& of course Daddy) loves you both so much! You are my treasures.

xo Mom