Seattle Nutcracker...and more snow!

Wednesday brought on even more holiday fun. We had a little pre-christmas celebration with Rob & Nicole and Jacqueline before they braved the freeway and headed up north to BC for the Holidays.

We had a lovely dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in Seattle...The Pink Door.

Jen and Nicole prepare for a yummy meal


We then headed off to the Seattle Center to see a performance of the Nutcracker Ballet. It's a really unique version of the ballet, with sets designed by renowned children's book author, Maurice Sendak.

Brian and Rob pose with a statue


An illegal picture taken of the set at intermission


Jen and Brian's turn to pose


We awoke Thursday morning to more new snow. The weathermen finally got it right...it was (actually still is) really coming down! We naturally took the opportunity to take a walk around Kirkland. Very few people were crazy enough to take to their cars, leaving most streets undisturbed and gorgeous! There were tons of people on "snow days" walking around and enjoying the peace and quiet. The snow is so tranquil!

Our street early in the morning


Brian poses with the hounds


An undisturbed bush


Jen walking down to the park


Taking a break with Ponch and Polly


The snow is supposed to continue, along with extremely cold temperatures, right though Christmas. We love it know while we're sitting by a fire in our warm house, but are hoping for a break in the snow so our holiday travels are not SO challenging.

Brr!!

First Snow and Weekend Update!

Last weekend really brought on the Christmas Festivities and Holiday spirit! Saturday was our annual "girls" tea at the Sorrento Hotel. Another benefit of living in Seattle is that I get to attend! We had a new addition to the annual tradition...the youngest member of our little club...Rian!

Rian testing out the toddler beds before tea


The beautiful tea room at The Sorrento Hotel


The Ladies


Saturday night brought the first snow of the year. It wasn't much, but it was still fun. The hounds loved it too!

Enjoying the snow!


It was freezing, but beautiful!


Sunday night we braved the snow and icy roads to hit the town. Brian's company hosted a really wonderful night at Teatro Zinzani. The show was a little goofy, but it was a really fun night!

Cocktail Hour...or "Mocktail" hour for Jen


The "Tent"


Enjoying the show


Just the beginning of a festive and fun couple of weeks!

Belly Update

Just a quick updated picture of my growing belly. I guess there's no mistaking the fact that I'm pregnant now!

Ignore the horrible backdrop


I started pre-natal yoga last week. 8 Limbs Yoga in Seattle has an amazing program. I'm really excited to continue throughout my pregnancy.



It will go hand-in-hand with the birthing classes we'll be taking early next year at the Seattle Holistic Center!

Have a great weekend!

Jen

Late Turkey Day Update

I can't belive that Thanksgiving has come and gone!! We're well on our way to Christmas already!! We have so much to be thankful for this year, family, friends, jobs, puppies, and a new baby on the way....just to name a few!

Our Thanksgiving week was action packed, but wonderful. We drove up to Bellingham on Thansksgiving even, and enjoyed spending some time with family! Julia was back from Baltimore for a visit, so we were all reuinited on thanksgiving for lots of festivities.

Mom and Dad after a hard day of Turkey prep


The ladies


Getting ready to eat!


It was a great couple of days! We missed the Patenaude clan, but we're looking forward to seeing them soon!

We headed back to Seattle on Saturday morning, so Brian could begin his marathon prep. (Mostly consisting of eating pasta, and going to be early). We were up before sunrise to head to seattle. I dropped Brian at the start, and headed out to mingle with an odd combination of race supporters and seattle's homeless as I waited for Brian to run by.

The throng of runners headed down 5th Avenue. I had to jump off the sidewalk to avoid getting trampled!


Brian finishing the race...I swear that's him in the white shirt on the right side! (We need a better camera)


The happy runner on the monorail back to the car


How he really felt..



Brian said he had a tough race (his comments here), but he looked great to me. Two marathons in about 6 weeks is nothing to scoff at as far as I'm concerned.

We're looking forward to all that we have going in the next couple of weeks.

Jen