Pioneer Woman

Today we finally got to meet Ree Drummond aka Pioneer Woman! It was so awesome to see her in person. Last night we went over to Third Place Books, in Lake Forest Park, to get a line ticket for the book signing today. Then today around 5 we headed over to wait our turn. Turns out Ree was stuck in traffic and was going to be late, so Brandon and I headed downstairs to get out of the crowd. There were women everywhere! But I really appreciated that they broke the line into groups so we could sit down and hang out until it was our turn. Once our letter was called we waited in line about 20 minutes, and finally got to see her. She was super sweet, and loved the fact that Brandon was holding my purse, so she took a picture of him! How cute, I hope it makes it to her post later on. We chatted for about 30 seconds, and then we had to move on. Right after we were done, we ran in to Laurel, my long lost sister, and her sweet friend Bethany. They were both toting their babies-with the cutest onsies that Bethany had made. I hope you make it to the post too girls! :) We hung out and talked with Laurel and Bethany until their letter was called, and headed back here to Ben and Meg's. How convenient that the book store is only ten minutes from here! I've had a little bit of a natural high since we left, so I decided to get all my blogging done tonight. (Thanks Ben for letting me steal your laptop) Well, I don't know what else to say really- it's been a long good day. We are so glad we got to see you Laurel, and can't wait till next time! 

Vancouver, British Columbia

On Friday morning, Brandon and I got up super early and drove the 5 hours to Langley, BC to see the new temple! We went on the open house tour and wandered the grounds. It was soo beautiful!! Everything was so nicely done, sparkly and shiny and new :) It was very warm and sunny, and the perfect weather! We stopped at the store to get some german chocolate and canadian twizzlers before we came back to Bothell to hang with Ben and Meg :D

PW's Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Mmm, made these tonight for dinner at the in-laws. They were divine. Super easy to make-and not very time consuming. Make them if you get the chance! Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Did I Mention?

I am allergic to Citrus (among many other things). But recently, my citrus allergy has become much worse. Over the years I would drink my OJ,  lemonade, and my favorite- a Lime Rickey. I would eat the lemon bars, the grapefruit candies, etc etc etc. The worst thing that would happen, most of the time, would just be a phlegmy throat (which would also happen with milk/dairy and corn) Nowadays, starting back in October or so, I completely would break out in hives, got a giant rash on my neck that wouldn't go away, stuffy nose, sneezing, congestion, coughing, itchy watery eyes, and so on. (all symptoms of mild to moderate Anaphylaxis) After awhile I realized that it was indeed my citrus allergy. It no longer only includes fresh citrus. I now also have to steer clear of Citric Acid, which by the way is found in nearly every product created by man. Shampoos, conditioners,(no more Biolage for me :( ) face wash, fruit juice, jelly, candy, and these days it seems like every other food product. Luckily it has caused me to continue, without temptation, my non-soda drinking habits (no more lemonade and Lime Rickeys) my processed food consumption, nearly everything processed has citric acid-from canned tomatoes(luckily I don't really like tomatoes) to ice cream. Now the hardest thing for me is to not eat berries. Most berries naturally contain citric acid, and I am definitely having trouble with not eating fresh strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. I also have caved and had some salsa, that was just screaming citrus acid. Anyway, just thought I would throw this out there. Just needed to vent a little! (oh, and in case you were wondering...I am also allergic to: everything corn, corn syrup, cornstarch(it's getting worse too!!) Cats, Dogs, Horses, Sheep (heck, we'll just say every hairy animal known to man) Tobacco, Dust, Grass, Pollen and I'm sure a few other things I haven't figured out yet.) What are you allergic to?

Worth A Read!

I think every woman of childbearing age should read this book! Whether you already have babies, are currently pregnant, or have never been pregnant. The author basically lays out most options of birthing, in an un-biased (kind of) way! (I only say kind of because she prefers epidurals, but doesn't discriminate against those who dont. :) ) Which is exactly what I love about the book. She encourages readers to not be so judgemental about women who make different choices than we might. Everything from homebirths with no medical interventions, to scheduled C-sections around vacations or busy schedules. She's funny, and gives tons of references to studies and other books-in an effort to provide an explation of misconceptions free of judgement...anyway- I could go on and on! Next time you are in the library see if this is on the shelf! It's a good read! (and NO for those of you wondering, this is not an announcement of any kind.)

Million-Dollar Question

Are there really only 4-5 people who read my blog?? I mean-come on! Anyone out there that never lets me know it?

Un Petit Voyage

On Tuesday morning, Brandon and I sneaked away to Seattle for a couple of days. (and yes, sneaked is the correct tense...for all you grammar nerds like me.) We passed up the opportunity to go to Idaho with my family (waiting for a phone call-anytime this week) but decided we needed to do something, since we were both on spring break. We slept in a little and then just got up and left. Once we got to Seattle, we stopped in the U-District at Whole Foods for some lunch. Brandon and I had our favorites, Beef and Vegetable Burrito (Brandon) and Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup (Calley). From there we headed over to the zoo *see separate post* :) After spending 3+ hours at the zoo, we drove down to lower Queen Anne to our hotel *see other separate post* :) Once we got checked in and parked (down the street!) we walked over to Dick's Drive-In for some dinner. After ordering, and offering our credit card, we were informed they took cash only...so I handed Brandon the hotel key, and sent him packing the 10 blocks uphill to our hotel, for the cash...just kidding, Dick's was right next door..heehee We brought our dinner back to the hotel (where we had a table, kitchen, dishes and everything..) Later we walked across the street to Blockbuster and bought The Blind Side, so we could watch it that night. This morning we woke up, had our "continental" breakfast (oatmeal bar and an apple) at the hotel, then went over to the Metropolitan Market down the block for some real breakfast. From there we headed over to Bellevue Square to wander for awhile. After finding nothing...lol we came home!

Inn at Queen Anne

The hotel Brandon and I stayed in was super cheap, given the fact that it was right across from Seattle Center. The Space Needle was RIGHT outside our kitchen window-it was a pretty fun view! Anyway, the hotel is in a historic building, three floors up-with no elevator. It was super cute outside, brick and cast iron trellises. It also had a cute courtyard with lots of plants and pretty flowers. My two favorite things were the winged arm chair in our room, and the door knobs to the bathroom and closet. I loved how they kept most of the structural things original- the radiator, windows, door frames, bath tub, door knobs, etc. We were right on the corner of the building and could hear the traffic perfectly through the single paned windows, but I think I would definitely stay here again!

Woodland Park Zoo

Our first major stop of the trip was the zoo. When we left that morning, we checked the weather and it was supposed to be pouring rain ALL day. We were happily surprised to arrive at the zoo to sunny weather. There was a little bit of a breeze, but overall it was a beautiful afternoon! Bear (pun intended) with me, as I have a million pictures from the zoo!

If it were up to me...

I would be having a baby this week, it's crazy to think that it would be time already. I've handled these last 5 months pretty well, I would say. At first I had a bleak outlook on things, and have had my rough patches along the way- but overall, I'm at peace with the way things had to happen. I'm ready to look forward and start a new adventure! Love you guys! :)