It’s so good to be home. I love our space that we share with our girls and being away from it is so hard sometimes. I just came in from lighting candles for my girls, like I do every night, and spending some time by their tree. Oh how I missed their tree while we were away. Looks like Stanley did some more damage. I sure hope he and Sally are comfy in their little hole.
Tom and I had a good time in Seattle this weekend, visiting a city that was frequented a lot by our family in the past couple of years.
We spent Anna’s 6th birthday there with her first trip to the American Girl Doll store. My mom and dad met us for a really fun weekend exploring the Pike Place Fish Market and swimming in a heated outdoor swimming pool. I’m not sure what the kids were more excited for, watching fish flying through the air or swimming at the hotel pool.
This summer we made a stop at the Seattle Aquarium on our way to Orcas Island for our family camping trip. We explored the city, ate our favorite giant snickerdoodle cookies and enjoyed walking along the waterfront. Mama, of course, took lots of pictures to chronicle both trips. There were smiles, laughter and, I’m sure like any family experiences on a family vacation, a little bit of sibling fighting. We were all looking forward to our next adventure to Seattle in the spring or summer of 2014.
This trip, with just Tom and I, was very different than before. We talked ahead of time about not going down to the market or visiting any of the places we went with the kids, we wanted to preserve the memories we had during those times for just a bit longer.
On Saturday afternoon we found ourselves buying a giant snickerdoodle cookie and standing next to the big bronze pig, the same one Anna sat on holding her new American Girl Doll. Hardly keeping it together, Tom and I both recognized that there are some places where there will always be a void when we visit without our girls in toe.
I was waiting for the giant rainbow to appear in the sky but instead there was just rain. Doesn’t mean our girls weren’t with us, it just means that sometimes the conditions aren’t right for a rainbow – and when they go to sprinkle the dust it just gets wet.
love-drenched-life.com 
Wow! Anna looks so much like your mom! I bet the girls were happy that you and Tom were sharing a giant cookie at such a special place. Loved reading about your mom’s memories of the trip, too. Love you guys!
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Seattle was on my mind this weekend. Remembering Anna’s smiling face as we walked into the American Girl Store. Anna trying to decide between two special dolls. It took sometime but she went with her beloved McKenna. I loved how she had saved her allowance money to make a purchase for a special outfit for her doll, counting and recounting to the penny for her purchase.
I loved watching the excitement on face as we had her birthday lunch
with McKenna at her side and how she bashfully declined to have everyone sing Happy Birthday to her.
Susan decided that she wanted to surprise Abigail with a early birthday gift of her Kit doll. Susan and Nana were little out of control and left the American Girl Store with many red and white bags. No regrets!
I remember the excitement in Abigail’s face opening her bags, totally not expecting the surprise gift. Loved how the girls played while changing their dolls outfits and carrying them through the streets of Seattle skipping and giggling and even riding the Ferris Wheel.
I will forever cherish these memories. Love you Susan
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Love anna and nanna’s picture. Your mom is one of my dearest friends. The love is palpable and lives forever!
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I see so much of your mother’s beautiful features in Anna’s face. What a beautiful child. You are quite brave Susan. Love to you both. Holding you up in prayer, faithfully.
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Glad you both made it home safe. I’m sure the girls were with you the whole trip. Thanks for sharing your pictures, so much love.
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