Sunday, March 7, 2010

A Special Event

An added bonus to my Seattle trip was attending the baptism of my nephew, Michael's, oldest son. It had been a long time since I had seen my sister and her family, so this was a great way to end a wonderful weekend. On Saturday, February 27th, Phil, Jon and Jacob met Jackie and I where Highway 18 intersects I-90. I transfered vehicles for the trip to the Federal Way Meetinghouse.
Linda and I with her latest Granddaughter... Mary and Jason's daughter, Sabrina.

Jon with his Aunt Linda.
Father and son before the baptism. There is such a sweet understanding between these two.
A family picture: Michael, Christina and sons. The baptismal service itself was so spiritual and uplifting. Christina and Mary gave inspiring talks prior to the baptism. Michael, Christina and a family friend sang. There were many family members there and it was such a joy to be in attendance.

There were too many in attendance to be accommodated at Michael's, so permission was given to gather in the Primary room for pizza and cake after the service. It was such a happy gathering. I enjoyed my family members so much and made new friends of others in attendance.

Awesome Seattle Weekend, February 25th-27th

It has been a long time since I had such a fun trip. My friend, Jackie, invited me to go to the Sew Expo in Pullayup. We stayed in her "time-share" a half block from the Paramount Theater in Seattle. It is a hotel that was built in about 1906, updated, but retaining the same decor. I LOVED it. My bed actually stored tilted up into the wall. It was perfect. The lobby had a huge, black, concert piano which was always softly playing as you passed through.

This is MY SPACE!! It was such fun to stay here. Jackie is a great roommate.

We went to the Cheesecake factory for dinner Thursday night...I had grilled Salmon which was so fresh and delicious. For breakfast Friday we grabbed muffins at a nearby shop.
The Expo was SO much fun. You could stand in one place and not get tired of looking at all the fabric, quilts, threads, laces, sewing tools, machines, etc.
One of the REALLY fun experiences was finding my former sister-in-law, Cherie. I knew she went to these Expo's all over the US and I had been listening for her voice, which is very distinctive, in case I didn't recognize her. It was so exciting to find her and have such a warm reception.

Jackie and I had lunch at the Expo...delicious clam chowder in a bread bowl. There were two huge pavilions to tour then we drove back to Seattle to REST!
That night we ate Thai food, which I had never ventured to try. We ordered three different dishes and shared.
It was good. After dinner we stopped at a Barnes and Noble bookstore. My cellphone rang and it was Phil. He asked if we were home safe and ready for bed. I said "No, we are at the Candy Store". He knew what that meant...he has lived with my love of books for many years!!!


Saturday morning we went to Pike's Market which was only a few blocks from our hotel. The flowers were so beautiful...notice those gorgeous daffodils in the background. We went to a vendor that had the most delicious, fresh fruit and vegetable. The plums were the best I have ever eaten, the grapefruit needed no sweetening, the mango was just right and the romaine was huge, dark green and fresh. I think they harvest in the Garden of Eden.
On the way to meet Phil at Highway 18, we stopped at Boehms Chocolate factory. The chocolate scent alone could add five pounds!!!
The best part, of course, was sharing all those things with a good friend and making cherished memories.