We love Shauna!

We love this little book that Aunt Shauna made us in 2004. It shares the Christmas story from the scriptures along with pictures and songs to sing. As a bonus it has a ABC poem about Christmas-y things. What a fun tradition! Thanks, Shauna! 😘 {Plus she sent us chocolate!!!!}

Seattle @ Night

For our Seattle night life, we hit Menchies Frozen Yogurt. I personally think they are CRAZY because it was pretty chilly and the thought of munching on frozen anything was way too cold for me!!! LOL But everyone else loved it!

As the sun set, Shauna took us to an overlook for an amazing view of Seattle. GORGEOUS! The picture doesn't do it justice!

There was this monument that the kids LOVED climbing.

Back at Shauna's, we hung out on the roof while we played Spoons and ate some of our fruit from Pike's Place!

And Shauna made Justice's day with a little wrestling match. Which from the looks of it-- Shauna can still whoop him! LOL

Not to mention watching the little tug boats pull the big ships into the harbor and the cool view of the Seattle Great Wheel. Cool beans!

Shauna graciously let us stay with her for the night, so with mattresses covering the entire front room floor- this was the nightlight! How cool is that??

Thanks so much for making time for us Shauna! We love being with you! XOXO

It was a sad McDees breakfast the next morning as we said goodbye to our Auntie!

Sleepless in Seattle

Shauna took us to the Athenian Seafood Restaurant for dinner. From the window we could see the Seattle Great Wheel. We'll have to do that next time. We had some awesome fish & chips! Good stuff! Shauna got Liberty & Justice the King Crab legs and I swear they will forever think she's the greatest!!! They were so happy!

We got to watch the sunset from the window. Awesome view!!

On the way out of the restaurant after dinner, the kids sat at the bench where Tom Hanks sat during a scene in Sleepless in Seattle! Loved that show!! So surreal!

Dingleberries!!!

During our Seattle Center Adventure, Shauna introduced us to Dingleberries!!! That sounds gross but they were YUM!!! We found the little Shishkaberry Stand and got to try several different kinds. They were awesome! Thanks Shauna! You're the best!

Seattle Monorail to the Space Needle

We took a walk with Shauna to the Westlake Center to catch the Monorail to the Seattle Center to see all the cool things in that part of town. The kids were excited to ride. It's pretty short but sure beats walking all the way there or finding a parking spot!!
Seattle Monorail
Seattle Center Monorail is the nation’s first full-scale commercial monorail system which provides a fun, quick and convenient link between downtown Seattle and Seattle Center. Seattle Center Monorail departs approximately every 10 minutes from two stations:
Westlake Center Station, at 5th Avenue and Pine Street
Seattle Center Station, adjacent to the Space Needle

As we pulled up at the Seattle Center, we saw this Play Center at the EMP Museum. My kids HAD to climb & play. It was super neat and they all enjoyed it! They also had some fun characters and statues around. Our favorite was fighting Darth Vader with a Clone!

Of course, it was amaaing to walk under the Space Needle. Glory so badly wanted to ride to the top. That'll be on our to-do list for another time!

Tehre were these cool sea creature statues that the kids played on. It was so funny to see them try to push each other's behinds up onto the Whale tale. Good times!

Seattle Gum Wall

We headed downstairs to the Seattle Gum Wall. So gross! But how fun to visit such an unusual place! We all had taken some gum so we could leave our mark! Brett kept trying to get us to touch the wall with our whole hand. Yuck! So there was quite a bit of screaming!! LOL

One of the most offbeat attractions in the United States, the Seattle Gum Wall is also one of the most germ infected tourist spot in the world.
Located in Post Alley, under Park Place Market, the Gum Wall has its beginning in the early 1990s, when people, irritated that they had to wait in line to get tickets to the theater, stuck chewing gum on the wall. At first, they would use the gum to stick small coins to the wall, but in time, the tradition of the coins disappeared, and the gum remained.
Theater attendants scraped the Gum Wall twice, but gave up in 1999, when it became a certified tourist attraction of Seattle. Now it is filled with thousands of pieces of chewing gum, of any color imaginable. And, as the wall grows, the chewing gum art becomes more sophisticated. You’ll find names written with pieces of gum, and symbols like hearts or the peace sign.

Seattle's Pike Place Market

We got into Seattle really early this morning (well according to Hawaii time). After getting our van back and making it to Shauna's- we crashed for a few hours. We were exhausted!!! Shauna had taken the day off to show us around Seattle. We saw sooo many things! We almost saw more things today than we did the entire week in Hawaii. LOL Thanks Shauna for showing us around!
First, Shauna took us on a little adventure down to Pike Place Market. It was awesome!!!



Welcome to Pike Place Market, Seattle's epicenter of fresh produce, specialty foods and independent businesses. Established in 1907 to connect citizens and farmers, the Market continues its “Meet the Producer” tradition with a year-round farmers market, owner-operated bakeries, fish markets, butcher shops, produce stands and specialty food stores.
Within the nine-acre historic district you'll discover dozens of farmers, a bustling crafts market, and more than 200 unique owner-operated shops. There are more than 80 restaurants to temp you, from take-out counters specializing in donuts to fine dining establishments. Bring your appetite and enjoy exploring Pike Place Market.

The little shops were so fun! We meet a local artist and bought some magnets of some of  his paintings of Pike's Place. There were hundreds of bouquets of flowers. I sooooooooooo wanted some but they'd probably be dead before we got home tomorrow. So sad! They were amazing! The amount and size of the fresh fish was overwhelming. We watched them throw fish at each other at one shop. {You can see the man catching the fish on the left} And the kids freaked out when that humongous Monkfish moved. LOL It's connected to a chain and they move it when kids take a closer look. You could spend the whole day just wandering around checking out all the cool stuff.

We decided that for lunch, we would just check out a few of the fun things at the Market. We were able to buy some delicious fruit at one of the stands. We got to try cotton candy grapes, peaches, blackberries, fruit logs, and rambutan. Yum! We picked us up some Donut holes and a big huge bagel. Justice got some fried chicken and some coconut shrimp. There was a donut as big as his head as well! We all tried some delectable Greek Yogurt. Amazing! And even picked up some pastries for later.

We took the opportunity to sit on Rachel the Piggy Bank. The girls never wanted to get off her. ;)
Rachel the Piggy Bank is the mascot of Pike Place Market and one of our best public fundraisers. She has been “bringing home the bacon” for The Pike Place Market Foundation since 1986, (raising more than $200,000 and counting!) to support our low-income neighbors who live in and around the Market. Legend has it that if you rub Rachel’s snout and make a donation, you’ll have good luck.

We also really enjoyed the Pike Place Buskers. Street performers have long entertained shoppers and added to the Market's ambiance. Make sure to offer them a tip! There were tons of musicians along the street. One was singing in front of the original Starbuck's Coffee Shop. But our favorite was a soldier from the Continental Army. The kids told Glory to go poke the "statue". When he moved suddenly, he scared the crap out of her. LOL He never opened his eyes but he sure seemed like he knew where people were. Justice even got to shake his hand. He was super cool!

Brett left us to go get the tire changed on the van before we head back to Montana tomorrow. It took him almost 3 hours between driving and waiting in the shop. Bummer! But so glad that he takes care of our family's safety. Thanks, Honey!

Davis' in Seattle

My Dad & Edette are celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary this week. To be able to celebrate with them- they used their Time Share points to get all my siblings and I (and families) a condo in Maui for a week. It's been quite the planning process and pinching pennies and looking for deals [kids even did a very simple Christmas last year in anticipation for this adventure]. But we are finally on our way to this once in a lifetime opportunity to do with our little family (and extended as well)!!!

It just turned out that Brett's sister, Shauna recently moved to Seattle. And that tickets were cheaper out of there with a direct flight to Maui. We called and made arrangements to come see her on our trip out and back. AND it so happened that this weekend that the Davis family was going to be visiting Shauna as well. Double jackpot!!! We left early this morning so that we would have time to visit them all for a bit before we had to be to the airport. We saw Shauna's place and her amazing view as well as a walk down to the Top Pot Doughnut Shop! Yum! Even though it wasn't long enough- it was super fun to see everyone!!!

Cold Wieners & Frozen Buns

We decided to treat Shauna to a Fire-pit dinner on a cold Montana night. Oh boy was it COLD!!! Freezing actually! We had to stand directly next to the fire to have even some kind of semblance of warmth. Justice actually got tiny holes all over his pants from standing so close to the fire. By the time you got your cooked hot dog into the bun, it felt like it had just came out of the fridge. LOL We even braved cold s'mores just for the experience! Some of us wimped out & went in as fast as possible. Other crazy people stayed out to enjoy the crisp mountain air filled with smoke! ;)

P.S. The cold must have frozen the smoke stench into all our clothes. I washed everything TWICE and it still smells like smoke. Gross!!!!

To the Top of Rattlesnake Hill

While Shauna was visiting, we decided to climb to the top of Rattlesnake Hill. It was a little chilly but a way fun walk/hike. It got pretty step right at the top but it was so worth the work.

Ethan & Justice celebrated being the first ones to the top! Woot! Woot! {Justice & Ethan wanted to hang out so he came with us while Liberty hung out at their house with Mikal}

There was awesome views from the top! How gorgeous!!!

To the other direction, you could see George, the sleeping Giant and our cute little home

Shay & the kiddos saw a herd of antelope down the other side so we headed that way. At the bottom of the hill, you can walk under the freeway and end up in Ethan's backyard. We made Shadow Monsters with the setting sun.

What a fun activity! Here's a view of Rattlesnake Hill from our back porch. Love the memories!

Sunshine's Special Guest

Victoria (aka Sunshine to Aunt Shauna) had a special guest come visit her for her birthday weekend. We alll had a blast with our visitor!

Shauna LOVES the cold! So they spent some time out on the back deck by the fireplace.

On Saturday, we all went to the Movie Theater together. And nobody DIED! (at least in our family!! LOL)

Late that night, we watched a movie together at home and everybody DIED! LOL Does anybody need a hug???

We snuggled, backrubbed, laughed and group hugged Shauna all weekend. And she didn't disappoint with her contagious, beautiful voice that makes the Seamons' kids sick! Bummer that that happens. They LOVE her singing to them! ;)

And what would a Shauna weekend be without playing games. We played all sorts of games. The kids were in heaven! Thanks Shauna for visiting. We love you, lady! XOXO

UT: Church Office Building with Shauna

On Monday morning before most of us headed back home (the three younger kids stayed at Cheri's for a few extra days)- we stopped by the Church Office Building to see where Shaun's been working this Summer. She has this amazing office. Check out her view. Beautiful!

She took our family up to the Observation Deck and also to the basement for lunch. We love spending time with Shauna!!! Thanks Shauna for showing us around. We had a great time! (P.S. I love the pic of the kids by the fountain outside. It just goes to show- it's not all fun & games at the Seamons party. Oh my grouchy teenager! LOL)

Oh my heavens! I love taking pictures of the Salt Lake Temple!

Fam Visit: Sleepover, Snow & So Long

For our Family Fun Finale, we decided to have Ethan and Halle over for a sleepover. The kids wanted to watch a movie and Cheri needed to get some sleep for the drive home. We had a great time! We decided to watch a late night showing of the Croods. The kids think that show is hilarious!

 Do you see any similarities? LOL [BTW- this was NOT on purpose. Too funny!]

In the morning, we woke up to SNOW!!! What an appropriate Helena Farewell! ;) 

Saying So Long, Farewell-
Grandma & Grandpa had to leave after the Staggering Ox on Saturday to get back to see Uncle Daniel get put in the Bishopric. We were so grateful that they would make the trip. And that they got home safely- even if it was 3 o'clock in the morning.
Little Glory ended up not feeling well Sunday morning so her and I stayed home to let her sleep. The Davis' and Shauna left after partaking of the Sacrament. We didn't get to say goodbye but I heard there was lots of group hugs given. LOL Thanks so much for coming, guys and gals. We had a blast! We're serious about having the kids up for a Summer sometime! We would be so happy!
Grandma Karla and Ryler came for a quick lunch and hugs after Church before hitting the road. Thanks so much for the sacrifice to come up. We really appreciate it!
XOXO to everyone for spending time with us and being with Victoria on her special day! Luv ya!

Fam Visit: Kick the Cat and Swim Humor

We have had a long, fun weekend. The tiredness must have set in because pretty much everything I have to share about tonight is just plain silly!!! LOL [And probably only to those that were actually there. ;)]






FIRST,  Kick the Cat-
The Seamons Family has a Fam joke about Lana kicking a cat. It always comes up when we get together. LOL This time was no exception.
For some reason there was a cat in the hotel that Cheri and Shauna stayed at. At one point it made it into their room. When they told the front desk, the clerk said something to the effect- "Feel free to kick it out if you don't want it in there." What??? So... that's exactly what Ethan did.
(OK, not really but the pic makes it look like it. LOL We are sooo funny!)









SECOND, Fashion at it's Finest-
We went a couple times to go swimming at the Hotel. This time we came from the baptism, to dinner to swimming. Some of us didn't calculate that into the equation so we look pretty awesome-ly dressed for swimming. LOL

Next, Silly Photo Bomber. The kids love to do silly pictures and Justice almost always photo bombs my shots. This time Cheri had a little payback. Guess it went with the theme for the night.

Then somehow, we just ended up taking pictures of everyone doing Crazy Stunts in the pool. So funny! Here's some of our favs.

What a fun and SILLY way to spend our evening!

Fam Visit: Staggering Ox

We went out to dinner after Victoria's baptism to celebrate her awesomeness. ;) Yum!! {The Payne Family joined us- Thanks guys!}
Hardly anyone was in the restaurant so it was like we had rented the whole place for a private party! Too fun!

Fam Visit: Great Northern Carousel

After lunch we drove everyone by Brett's work. 

Then we took them all over to the Great Northern Carousel. It was SO COLD outside that it was great to have some where indoors to take them.

Most of the time you get coins to ride. But there was a deal that if you bought 10- you got 2 free. For the free rides, you get tickets instead of coins. We loved the saying on the back of the tickets. Here's the boys with their BIG smiles!

They also have a fun "Grab the Ring" Game as you ride. There is a machine that dispenses tiny rings. As the kids ride around, they can reach for them. Then on the other side is a big bear that you can throw the rings at. If you get the "Brass" ring- you get a FREE ride. And guess what? Liberty got it!!! Way to go, Sis!