"Mommy & Daddy time"

Brian and I wanted to get a way for a couple of nights before the baby's arrival in January. Thanks to Kathy (Brian's mom) we had an amazing opportunity to fly to Seattle, Washington for free! Thanks to Marilyn (Angie's mom) being willing to stay at our house with the three kids we were able to limit the packing down to just our suitcases and the kids were able to maintain their chores and daily routines. What a HUGE blessing this was!

A special thanks to Aunt Kate and Uncle Cody for taking the kids to church on Sunday and spending the day with them!

DAY 1:

We landed at the airport around 11:00 a.m., grabbed a quick lunch and then took a city bus to the Boeing Space Museum.

Brian impersonating the President on the Air Force One aircraft.

Brian was definitely in his element and loving every moment of it.

Brian is standing next to the very first 747. Look at the size of this plane!

Just one of the four engines on the 747.

The red building was used in the original production of the Boeing planes. The inside has been refurbished over the years, but many of the original artifacts are still in place. It was very cool!

Taking a flight into space.

I was very fascinated by the number of planes on display or hanging from the ceiling.

The museum closed at 5:00 p.m. and yes, we stayed until they kicked us out. There was so much to see! We grabbed another city bus to get us to our Hotel in downtown Seattle. After checking into our Hotel we walked to a nearby Sushi Restaurant for a very late dinner.

DAY 2:

The next morning we took a 25 minute walk (about 12 blocks) to the largest REI store. The store was located in the middle of the city, but with the extensive landscaping you felt like you were in the woods. It was breathtaking!

A water fall in the midst of a "woodsy" pathway.

Over looking the 2nd story deck before grabbing a coffee at a nearby coffee shop.

After leaving the coffee shop we walked 30 min.(about 18 blocks) to Pikes Market. We had so much fun exploring the open market, "people" watching, sampling the vendors, and enjoying a few treats.

These Texas Cinnamon Twists were huge! Sitting next to them is a regular size glazed doughnut. Our kids would have loved to get their fingers on one of these.

The fish market that is famous for their fish throwing. It was very entertaining.

Then, we walked a few more blocks to Pier 47.

Brian enjoying his "Crab Feast" at the Crab Pot Restaurant on Pier 47.

By 6:00 p.m. we were both ready to head back to the Hotel which was another 20 minute walk. Upon entering our room, I crashed on the bed for a little R & R after an 8 hr. day of walking. Brian headed to the Hotel gym for a workout.

DAY 3:

Our Hotel was a high rise building with a North and South Tower. Brian requested a lower level room. He can run into burning buildings but you won't find him above the 15th floor of a high rise building.

Brian and I took every form of transportation while in Seattle except for the trolley and a taxi. It was definitely an adventure!

Coming through the monorail tunnel at the Space Needle park.

The Seattle Space Needle

After a relaxing morning of walking and talking through the park we headed to the airport via light rail. We grabbed some lunch at the airport before boarding the plane. We arrived in windy Sacramento around 4:00 p.m. The trip was quick with "no frills" but the memories made and the time invested into our marriage was worth it all!

Thanks again everyone for giving us this time. We are so grateful to each one of you!

Recent Field Trips & Special Events

There are 12 months in a year. October has proven to be our busiest month all year. I know this to be true by the size of my photo order. This month has been no exception! Each of the kids have had class field trips. Brian has been blessed to be at each one. Make sure to look for a hilarious video of Brian and his crew as they talk "fire safety" at Good Sheperd Nursery School.


The Firetruck visits Bethany's Preschool-

Brian and his crew switched out with St. 7 for a hour so that they could give the in-house field trip to Bethany and Landon's preschool. What a special treat!

Brian playing "dress-up" with his fire clothes to show the kids that he is still Brian under all the gear.

Dave asks, "How do you let the firefighters know where you are if you are stuck in your house and it is on fire?" The kids are yelling and waving their arms, "We are over here."

Brian crawling through the crowd as he breathes through the SBCA.

Brian "cooling off" next to Landon as Captain Dave & Firefighter Chris show the kids the lime green O.E.S. engine. Engine 4 is currently at the shop for repairs.

Bethany & Landon weren't shy at all! However, Bethany was concerned all morning and even warned Landon on the way to school that Dave could try to embarress them in front of their friends.

Poor Claire was forgotten about. When the kids lined up to go back to the classroom she said, "I'n a go in fire engine, too."

Keagan's class goes to the Sacramento Zoo-

Brian and I both went to the zoo with Keagan's 3rd grade class. Thank you so very much Grandma Kathy for taking Bethany for the day! She had a wonderful time.

Keagan, Juliana and Jimmy

Brian helping the boys with their assignment.

Our group on a scavenger hunt through the zoo. The kids were asked to record specific facts about the animals they saw and to take a group picture with specific animals.

Our group was unable to name or photograph a mammal who spent most of it's life in the water since our zoo does not have one. So, we got creative in the gift shop. Mrs. Broersma appreciated our creativity.

Lunch Time!

Keagan's class at Fairy Tale Town-

The 4 kings of 3rd Grade

The 5th grade girls at Ruthy's-

The girls were invited to a fellow classmates birthday party at Ruthy's Restaurant. They were asked to come in their fanciest dress.

Ashlie may be in a dress, but she didn't leave her converse tennis shoes behind.

These girls have become young ladies right before our eyes.

Hailey's class at the Shasta Caverns-

Hailey was lucky to have Brian drive on a field trip to the Shasta Caverns in Redding. The long drive and a full day of walking and climbing was too much for me at this stage of the pregnancy. I was so happy to see all the pictures Brian took.

Taking a ferry across Lake Shasta.

Hailey is definitely in her element and loving every minute of it!