Sunday Brunch with the Allens

Today, Ben, Heidi and their adorable daughter Luci came over for brunch. I whipped up Martha Stewart's crumb cake and Corey make us his special eggs and potatoes. Throw in some juice, strawberries and coffee, and you have one big, yummy breakfast.

Luci was an absolute doll the entire time - she's such a happy little girl. She LOVED Roxy - they are just about the same size and she giggled every time Roxy tried to lick her face. Roxy did really well with Luci, though we ended up putting her in her crate so we didn't have to worry about her jumping on Luci and knocking her down. (We all know that Roxy sure loves to jump on everyone.)

We had a great time catching up with Ben and Heidi and hearing about their new house that they'll be closing on in a few weeks! We were even able to walk up and see it after breakfast - it's just a 10-15 minute walk from our condo. They'll be moving in May and we look forward to spending some time over there again soon.

Thanks for the flowers, Heidi & Ben - they're the perfect centerpiece!

Heidi, Luci, Ben and Corey getting ready for a delish breakfast.

Luci wanted to get in Roxy's crate with her...

Friday Night Doggie Date

Last night, we met up with Corey's cousin Rich and his wife Jen, to walk our dogs and grab a bite to eat at Norm's. Rich and Jen live in Magnolia (right next door to Ballard) but we hadn't yet had a chance to all get together.

They brought along Grizz, their Poodle / Irish Wolfhound mix and we brought along Roxy and we all had a blast. First we walked along the water in Fremont to give the dogs a chance to get to know each other and get some exercise. After the walk, we headed over to Norm's a bar in Fremont that both Corey and I had been to before, but hadn't realize that you could bring dogs inside the restaurant with you! It was so fun to be able to have the dogs at the table with us. I think this was Roxy's first Friday night out on the town ever.

We had a great time catching up with Rich and Jen and look forward to more double dates in the future!

Corey and Rox, just before our walk.

Grizz, Jen and Rich outside Norm's.

Roxy, Corey and me before dinner.

Ouch!

I love running when it's nice, cool and crisp out on spring and summer mornings (one of the only times I actually don't mind going for a run) and I recently started running on several weekday mornings again now that it's getting light out so early.

I went out for a run yesterday and was feeling great - that is until I had a big spill about 10 blocks from home. I tripped over a slightly uneven piece of sidewalk (not the first time that has happened to me) and skidded on my hands and knees to a stop in someone's yard, where I was completely laying on the ground on my side. I jumped back up and kept running, party because I was super embarrassed and partly because I was in pain and didn't want to think about it.

Once back home, I assessed myself. Luckily I had been wearing pants so while my knees are a bit scraped up, they aren't nearly as bad as they've been before (which I have lovely scars from). My hands, however, must have taken the brunt of my fall. The bottom of my palms on both hands were all scraped up and there were pieces of skin actually hanging off them. Ick! In looking at the wounds, I realized that there was dirt in them and thinking about that and having to clean it caused me to feel sick --- so much so that my wonderful husband had to step in and help out. He cut the skin flaps off and then picked out the dirt with tweezers, after which he doused the wounds with alcohol so they don't get infected. All the while, I was laying on the bathroom floor in my robe, thinking I was going to throw up. What a fabulous husband I have, huh?

I'm feeling great now - just have a few oozing, stinging wounds on my hands.

For those who don't get sick like I do at site of open wounds, here's a lovely pic of my hands.

Green Lake Girl Talk

With Seattle temps in the 60's today, my girls (minus poor Gina who was stuck in a study group) and I put on our walking clothes and shoes, grabbed Roxy and went for a walk around Greenlake.

It was great to catch up with Kels and Sara since I hadn't seem them for a few weeks while I was on vacation. Roxy had fun, too (she had more than enough slobber to prove it) and did great given that it was her first time around the lake and first time walking more than a mile (Greenlake is about 3 miles around!).

Thanks for the girlie time today, ladies! And Gina, sorry you had to study...but you'll be on summer break soon and hopefully the weather will be nice by then so we are able to go on sunny and warm walks!

A Birthday Celebration and Mariners My Oh My

I headed up to my friend Heather's house today to visit her during her son Aidan's birthday party. He just turned 6 so you can imagine the fun that was had at the party - pin the horn on the dragon, a pinata, cake, presents, candy, etc. I don't think I have ever been in the same room with 10+ 6-year olds but let's just say I have a whole new appreciation for kindergarten and first grade teachers.

Here are some photos from the party.


10+ 6-year olds fighting for candy from the pinata. It got brutal!


Heather did a great job with the dragon cake!


Sheer delight over blowing out the dragon cake candles. Ah, to be a kid again...


Heather and I taking a break from cleaning up pop spills to pose together.


Heather and Gavin (her other son). Gavin just turned 1 last week!


Aidan liked the ukulele that we bought him in Maui.

Later in the evening, we met up with the Reeders for a quick dinner at Cheesecake Factory before heading to Safeco Field for a Mariners game.

After dinner, we were all feeling a bit silly and I challenged Jason to put all the pieces of the Double Bubble gum he got during a trip to Nike Town in his mouth at once and of course, he took me up on the challenge.


Unwrapping all the pieces...


Got 'em all in his mouth...


Wow! That's a lot of gum!

Then off to the game we went. It was the first game we'd been to this season and we had a great time, even if the Mariners lost (to the Tigers). Here are some photos from Safeco Field.

Jason & Lisa at the game.

Corey and I goofing around during the game.

What fun is a baseball game without cotton candy and shaved ice?

We were so close to being in the section that received 8 lbs of licorice from the Moose!

Much Aloha in Maui

Corey and I returned late Thursday night from 7 fun-and-sun-filled days in Maui, HI. The main purpose of our trip to the Valley Isle was to celebrate the wedding of our friends, Brian and Katrina. Since we were already planning to be in Maui for their wedding, we thought it would be perfect to extend our trip to include some time to relax in the sun after the long winter we've had in Seattle.

I've included highlights from our trip below, along with some photos. (Sorry for the long post - just trying to recap all the highlights!)

McNeill / Heston Wedding (4/9-4/12) @ the Maui Prince in Wailea

When we arrived in Maui, it was both coolish and rainy, which made us briefly re-think both our car rental (a convertible) and plans for the week (laying out to work on our tans); however after a few un-Hawaii-like days, the weather finally turned around enough for us to enjoy both the car and the sun, while also allowing Brian and Katrina to have the outdoor wedding they'd planned on.

The first night we were in Maui, we headed out for a delicious dinner at Mama's Fish House with Spence and Renata (our friends from D.C. who are getting married later this year in Connecticut). Corey and I hadn't heard of this restaurant during past visits to Maui but upon this trip, multiple people recommended that we try it out and it was amazing!

The next day, Corey and I headed to breakfast at Longhi's (our first of three breakfasts here!) with Brian and Katrina, before heading to Corey's tux fitting (the first of two trips to the tux place since the first time, the pants were at least 6 inches too short) since he was one of Brian's groomsmen. That evening was a meet & greet at Lulu's in Kihei for all the wedding guests. We all had a great time getting to know each other and kicking off two days of wedding festivities.


Renata & I at the meet & greet.

Saturday, April 11, was the big day! After another breakfast at Longhi's, Corey and I were finally able to soak up some sun and grab lunch at The Seawatch (which was the location of our wedding, and was just a short drive down the road from the Maui Prince!).

Corey outside The Seawatch at the Wailea Golf Club. It's almost been a year since our wedding there - can't believe how fast the time flies.

The weather took a turn for the better just in time for the wedding - it was a beautiful evening and the Maui Price provided to be a perfect setting for festivities. We were so excited to be able to celebrate Brian and Katrina's wedding with them - they both looked so happy and in love. We wish them love and happiness always - we love you guys!

A few of shots from the ceremony.

The wedding party, after the ceremony.

My handsome hubby in his tux on our balcony before the ceremony. Surprisingly, I'd never seen him in one!

Renata & Spence at the ceremony. Looking forward to their October wedding in Connecticut!

Corey and I at the ceremony.

The reception was a blast and highlights included a beautiful first dance for the bride and groom just before sunset, yummy food / cake / dessert, shots for the wedding party, Corey and I being able to dance to our wedding song (Somewhere Over the Rainbow by IZ), and lots of laughs with all of guests. It was a perfect day for everyone.

Mr. and Mrs. Brian McNeill!

Spence was having all kinds of fun with the bouquets.

Lahaina (4/12-4/16)

On Sunday, after a final lunch with Spence and Renata before they left for Oahu, Corey and I did some shopping at The Shops at Wailea (one of our many shopping trips there) and packed up to head to the Outrigger Aina Nalu in Lahaina for the rest of our time on the island. We have stayed at here several times and love it. It's peaceful, relaxing and quiet, yet just several blocks from vibrant Front Street, which is full of shops, restaurants and things to do. The Aina Nalu has the best pools and lounge chairs - perfect for relaxing in the sun!

View of Front Street at night. Tons of shops, restaurant and people can be found here.

While in Lahaina, we were able to enjoy some pool time, stimulate the economy by shopping on Front Street, eat at various yummy restaurants (Lahaina Cooler's, Cascades Grill & Sushi Bar, Hula Grill, and Gerard's). While all were delicious, we highly recommend Gerard's for anyone heading to Maui in the near future - it had the best fish I think I'd ever had and it's located within a quaint inn that looks like could be found in the south.

Corey at our table at Lahaina Coolers - one of his favorite casual restaurants in Maui.

Corey and I after our sushi dinner at Cascades.

Myself and Corey at Gerard's for dinner on our last night. It's such a cute restaurant and the food is delicious!

In addition to relaxing at the pool and eating at all these restaurants, we were also able to drive up to Napili and Kapalua. Neither of us had been up that way so it was fun to see another section of the island. While there, we thought we'd scope out Flemming Beach for the afternoon; however, little did we know that it would be a tad too windy to enjoy it. I am STILL finding sand in my hair and ears.

On our drive to Kapalua, we made a quick stop to check out the view from Honolua.

While in Maui, also were able to check out Paia - a cute, little shopping area near Kahului and then we headed to the Surfing Goat Dairy, which Spence and Renata had recommended to us. After yummy cheese tastings, we were able to go on a short tour of the farm and even feed baby goats! We had a blast. They were so adorable and now we both want one of our own. All we need is a backyard...

Paia is super cute area. We'd never been so it was fun to check it out on our way to the Surfing Goat Dairy.

Goats only cost $180 - such a bargain! Corey and I wanted to bring one home with us. If only we had a backyard.

One of our new goat friends. Love this picture!

Apparently I was the Goat Whisperer. Or maybe they just liked the food I had?

Corey's turn making goat friends.

A few more of our 4-week old goat friends.

We had such a blast that we were totally not ready to come home but knowing that we'd get to see Roxy after 9 days away from her made it a little easier to get on the plane and return to reality, cold weather and rain. Now we're just trying to figure out where we're headed next!

Corey and I in a canopy at our hotel on our last night. We were so sad to leave!

All of our photos are located on my Flickr site if you're interested.

Fun-filled Sunny Saturday

With weathermen predicting sun and 60+ degree temps, it was time to head outside yesterday! Roxy was a happy camper as she was able to go on a nice, long walk and I was a happy camper because I was able to enjoy a run in the sun.

After a little shopping for me and March Madness for Corey, we joined his mom in the U Village for a delish dinner at Sonrisa Modern Mex (highly recommended!). After some shopping, to top off our first nice, sunny day of the year, Joan treated us to ice cream at Molly Moon's in Wallingford. Even though it opened less than a year ago, every time we drive by, there is a line of people out the door waiting to place their order. Last night was no different - I think everyone had the same idea that ice cream is the perfect way to end a beautiful sunny day in Seattle. After waiting about 40 minutes, we were able to make our picks and enjoy some seriously amazing ice cream (highly recommend the salted caramel ice cream with hot fudge on top - YUM!). Thanks for dessert, Joan!

Now, Corey, Roxy and I are looking forward to another sunny day. Finally!


Joan and Corey, waiting in the long line. Oh so worth it, though!