Pit stop.

J's working close by today so, we stopped in at 24's for a quick squeeze on our way to grab some groceries.  Convenient & much needed.

Saint Patrick's Day.

I LOVE this picture.  Especially the orange beard and top hat.  

We spent St. Patty's day in our green, going to church, visiting daddy at work & doing some snuggly reading.

These 2 spent a long time reading books under L's bed tent.  I caught L with her leg draped over him.  So sweet.  

TV.

This cracks me up.  J has really loved working the Sounders FC matches.  However, he was not happy about being front & center to see our rivals (Portland) score & tie up the match.  BOOO!  He was visibly ticked off & refused to acknowledge this big goal (all caught on national TV - top left).

Boat show.

Popped down to visit dad at the boat show this year... as a bonus, we explored the SLU park.  Lai hadn't been to this park since she was in utero & her mom would trek thru here everyday biking,  walking (and barfing) on her way to work - even at 8 months pregnant...  have I mentioned how much I hate being pregnant?  I digress...

Ax is obsessed with aid cars right now so, this was a real treat.

CWBs

Eve.

I hosted Christmas Eve this year.  I was bummed my siblings weren't able to join us but, a pack of Swedish cousins made the trek.

I loved catching up with my dad's side:

Brett, Malkolm, Jake, Andy, Carl, Bjorn 

Then:

Visiting daddy.

Then:

Annual trip through Candy Cane Lane.  

Gettin Busy.

It's no secret how much L loves Lee.  She now wants it to be known that she also "loves Andy lots-of too" & had fun telling me what to write & where, professing her love to daddy's crew.

Washington State Fallen Firefighter Memorial.

7 firefighters from across Washington were being honored today, 2 from Seattle.  It was the final memorial after a long year of various services.  Jeff would have loved this service.  

Here is the news clip from the day.

Governor's conference room 

"This table is set for the many members of our profession who are missing from our midst today..." 

Seattle Chaplin, Seattle Chief, Axel & gramps. 

Pipes & Drums entrance

Motorcycle entrance

Governor Gregoire

Governor's final ff memorial speech after 8 years in office.  

Very symbolic having Jeff's brothers standing above us watching over Melis & the kids during the service...

With every bell, the honor guard would kneel representing a fallen ff.  

Adding Jeff's name to the flag at the Capitol.  

Birt 5

I found L outside the Capitol dancing here solo a few times.  

Even with such a long, emotional day - these little ones did great.
It's a complete understatement to say that Melissa has done a wonderful job this last year!  

Well hello, Mr. January!

Look who I found as Mr. January in J's 2012 work calendar....  Way to go, babe!

He's the handsome one, on the left... :)    

Halloween x 3.

Celebration #1 at a local church with the twins.

Celebration #2 Family dinner at 13's the day before Halloween.  Dave, Lee, Jason, Andy.  These guys worked together for over 8 years.  It was rough seeing both Dave & Lee leave.  However, both guys were able to make it back for a special evening together.   I feel like it's such a cliche saying how special it was having everyone together again.  But, it was.  We don't take anything for granted these days.  They are our Station 13 family.   We enjoyed every minute of it.

Our version of "Raggedy Ann & Andy".  

Laila was so happy to see her buddy back.
She often asks to speak with him when calling daddy at work.  We miss Lee terribly.   

Celebration #3 Various neighborhood quick visits.

It's become a tradition to trick or treat at Gina's.   

When it was all said & done, I had a very tired lion & dolly.