Sunday, September 13, 2009

Oh Canada, how I miss you so....

School has begun which started the long work days, crazy schedules and sleepless nights. I've had a good start to the year but as I lay in bed and think of my endless to do list, I let my mind escape back to the end of August. School hadn't started yet, the stress of the wedding was over and there was a very small window of time before the responsibilities of life started again. What better way to enjoy that time than escaping to Victoria with my mom and sister. My mom turned 60 and we went off to celebrate, relax and de-stress. And that is just what we did.

Everyone who found out that my mom turned 60 was shocked. She does have very nice skin, hardly any wrinkles, and her hair is adorable. She is one hip chick. I hope I got her genes!

Right off the Clipper we went to the Pier and had the yummiest fish and chips for lunch. The view was great, the weather was great, the street singer was not so great, but it was a perfect lunch. What a scene it was watching people feed the sea lions right from the pier.


We had delicious treats to keep us cool including these over-priced ice cream drinks. I got the Ruby Slipper which was pretty good but surprisingly very small. We also got "I would pay any price for this because it is so good" gelato. Too bad we didn't see the gelato before the drinks.

There were street performers everywhere. I thought this was the most unique one.

On Friday, we went to The Butchart Gardens and enjoyed the incredible gardens and High Tea. This was my first real High Tea experience and I loved every moment of it. I just wish some of the sandwiches were a little bigger because they were so good. It doesn't seem right to only have 2 bites of something delicious.


And delicious it was.


When was the last time you saw a 60 year old wear animal print? See, she's hip!


Mmmm....peppermint tea. So soothing and fresh.

Cheers!







What a wonderful trip we had and amazing memories we made. It was exactly what I needed to end my summer and before I started a new year teaching. Thank you Canada for giving me happy thoughts before I go to bed and teaching me to drink tea to relax. Cheers!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Bothell Reception











Cupcake Crazy

We had an Open House in Bothell for our friends on August 22nd. This past week, I helped my mom bake cupcakes. On Saturday, I spent the entire day frosting every single cupcake. We had strawberry, lemon, vanilla, red velvet and coconut. My mom is a great baker!
Before
During

After


Everything's BIGGER in Texas

I guess it's the opposite in Oklahoma...


Photos courtesy of the local strip joint across the street from our hotel.

Oklahoma Outings

We had a day and a half after the wedding to hang in OK. We went to the zoo, ate great BBQ, visited a cowboy history museum, visited the grounds of the OK bombing and took a water taxi around the city. It was fun to meet up with my older brother's family and have a mini vacation together.







Oklahoma Wedding

After the craziest travel day I've ever had, Vanessa and I arrived in Oklahoma at midnight for Justin and Michelle's morning wedding. It was a blessing we made it! On August 7th my younger brother Justin and Michelle got married. It was in the 100's everyday and the humidity was killer. Throughout the day, I had people wiping off my red lipstick because it kept melting onto my chin. Despite the melted makeup and sweat constantly dripping I survived the heat and welcomed a new sister into our family.