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).

3 time champs.

Sounders are again the US Open Cup Champs - 3 years in a row!  Huge accomplishment & a great match!  I'd like to think it was meeting me in person last April that really gave them the encouragement to go all the way... (Side note:  Have you been to a match?  Does it crack you up watching Drew Carey after each game walking around, shaking hands with folks & leaving them chuckling.   He must be such a hoot to have around!)  Congrats Sounders & of course, welcome home Amanda (we're hoping your getting settled back into society nicely - and have ditched the hair scrunchie).  Cheers.

Dedicated to my man.

As some of you know, I spent the last 5 days in Austin, TX.  (It was a life changing trip that I can't wait to share about - I'll fill y'all in later.)  Anyway, flying home we had a quick lay-over in San Jose.  Before boarding our plane my brother-in-law "lovingly" informed me that my "husband's hero's" were right behind me.  To my amazement the entire Sounds Football Club was getting ready to board OUR plane!  They graciously allowed me to get a photo with them (as they totally mocked my GIANT backpack... note how far behind Brad Evans had to stand to make room for the big pack...)  After the photo I called Jason & Kasey Keller graciously agreed to chat it up for a bit.  K-A-S-E-Y K-E-L-L-E-R!  They talked for awhile & then we all boarded the plane.  This was a great way to end a special time away!

Just us.

I'm not sure how this began, but for some reason Hard Rock Cafe is "our thing"... We're not necessarily drawn to the food, the atmosphere or the T-shirts but, when there's one in a city we're visiting - it's a "must do".  We hold the fondest memories of the one in Rome.  Because of this tradition, we've been talking about hitting-up the new one in Seattle.  The Seattle Hard Rock is actually the most unique out of all of them because it ONLY has memorabilia of artist from Seattle, focusing specifically on 80's & 90's Seattle grunge.  We had a nice little dinner, just the 2 of us.

We then jumped on a bus and went to the Sounders game.  They won!  The curse is broken!  They actually won a game that we attended.  And, not just any game... it was the US Open Cup!  They won the whole tournament!  Husband was happy, so I was happy.

 everyone cheering holding their scarves up with 2 hands!

the back of the ceremony

What a game...!  We then jumped on a train and went home.  Thank you Birt's & Lorelle for watching our little lovies while we were out!

Sounders lose to Monterey 2-0.

Last night was our first date night in a looooong time.  We went to dinner & then zipped down to the game.   This was our 4th soccer match.  3 of the matches the Sounders were playing international teams (England, Spain, & last night was Mexico).  They lost them all.  The other game we attended the Sounder's weren't even playing - it was the MLS Cup...  I wanted so badly for them to win last night.  (Not because I really care about the team, but my husband does!!!)  I wanted him to see a win, live...  I promised myself I wouldn't ask him any soccer questions during the match, so that he could just enjoy it - even though I was dying to ask him what "off-sides" means (for the 100th time - no joke, I cannot wrap my brain around it!)... Anyway, I withheld and just sat there with my man while he was watching his favorite sport.

this cute little guy in ear protection made me miss my cute little guy

the boys pre game

Thanks lover-face for a fun evening out!  Next time we'll have to attend a normal match against a national team that they have a chance at beating!  (And, thank you g-ma & g-pa for taking care of our little ones while we were away!!!)

Sweet Laila Ingrid's two!

blond curls.

big blue eyes.

favorite food: blueberries.

adores her brother, "Axthy" or "Axth-mue".

loves throwing, kicking, rolling balls.

pees on the potty.

talks on the phone.

zips-up her own jams.

loves boots.

talks about gorillas everyday.

loves her back scratched.

delicious nakie buns.

loves Dan,our mailman.

closes her eyes and holds hands when we pray.

loves to dance and sing.

has such a sweet spirit.

could swing for hours.

favorite outfits: swimsuits or hand-me-down jammies from Derek & Brendan

total daddies girl. 

our favorite girl, Lai Lai.

one year ago

the birt clan

first family bike ride

she's been a part of many research studies at UW

she went through a phase where she loved holding things under her (double) chin

first corn maze, (Ax's starting to show...!)

beach in Maui

always finding things to stack

one of many visits to see daddy, "yee" (Lee), "annie" (Andy) & the "weew woow" (engine) at 13's

flying our kite in Seaside, OR

loves watching soccer with daddy (really!)

Easter morning

always kissing my tummy and talking to Axel (note: lovie in hand...)

this is one of my favorite pictures - she couldn't contain her excitement to meet her new brother

food and lovie - what more does a girl need... 

driving the tractor at the zoo 

We are so blessed to have such a wonderful daughter!  Happy birthday, big girl!