Thursday, February 28, 2013

Danni, Caleb and Skiing!

Just for a weekend I flew down to Tahoe to visit Danni and Caleb.  It was a blast!  There were a lot of firsts: first time at the slots, first time at Black Jack (FUN--I didn't loose money I just paid for a lot of free drinks), first tastes of Jalapeno cornbread, first time I have ever even seen a human birdcage, first delicious tequila and tonic (I am hooked), and the most exciting...my first SKI LESSON!!!  I only came home with a small bruise on my knee and a really sore right hip, being the first time I have ever used that particular hip muscle.  Thank you so much for your patience and equipping me for a an awesome day of skiing.  I can't wait to ski again...and again, and again!

First thing I saw after getting off the plane
Happy Birthday CALEB!
New Favorite Drink: Tequila and Tonic
Thanks to Danni for the introduction!
The Birdcage!

Danni's homemade chili and jalapeno cornbread, YUM.
Better than the Antique Road Show;
I won a LOT of pennies
Caleb's AMAZING breakfast creation

Boots,

Goggles...
Caleb in the... Gondola
Was it a Gondola or a Tram?


I want to come back in the Spring so
I can ski and swim at the same time!

Danni's skis vs. Amber's skis,
Danni might be just a smidge taller





Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Malea is 16!

Happy Eggs Benedict Birthday Breakfast!

My card confused her

Abby's book made her happy
enjoying a waterfall
Dad is warm and happy-go-luck
What did Malea want to do for her birthday???
An awesome, super fun Segway Tour of Seattle!  We all Loved it!

Abby can see the world so clearly now that the rain is gone

GUM

Before the crash...



Dad thought it was pretty funny
that Malea fell off her Segway





A birthday trio, thanks Ivars.
Harry Potter Cake
The Sorting Hat
Happy Sweet 16th Malea!

Friday, February 1, 2013

Van Gogh and Merlot

Ulysses Mireles teaches a weekend painting class where he encourages you to "learn to paint while you enjoy a drink."  He provides ALL of the materials, except the wine ;).  Step by step Amanda and I painted a copy of beautiful wine glass while sipping on chardonnay.  It was a peaceful as well as social experience that satisfied my craving for creativity. 

Amanda painting away

we were sitting in front of the window waving to the many passersby

Our paintings next to each other;
our own versions of the same original painting
 Afterwards we met up with the boys for sushi...and maybe one more drink.


A wonderful evening in Spokane