We spent Christmas and New Years in Seattle (a.k.a home). After almost 2 years, it was both wonderful and strange to be back. Perhaps it was wonderfully strange…or strangely wonderful? At times it felt like we had just been there yesterday – we hadn’t missed a beat. Other times, I felt lost (literally and figuratively). Obviously, it is a feeling that is quite difficult to describe.
It’s really not very easy to capture the beauty of time spent with those you love. Photographs will never do that. I think that is one reason I have been hesitant to post anything at all. We had a lot of special family moments and made a lot of new memories with old friends. Below, are a few favorites, but many of the best moments are not captured. You could say I did a bad job of taking pictures on this trip, or you could say that I did a good job of putting down the camera and being present.
Not pictured: The girls surrounded by BOTH sets of grandparent while watching Frozen at the cinema; gym and lunch date with my mom; evenings of wine and chatter with brothers and sister-in-laws; morning runs next to the Puget Sound; spur-of-the-moment coffee dates with friends; and hugs…lots of hugs.
Seattle’s typical fog and mist was unremitting:
Well, except for when the sun came out (twice, I think) and it snowed (once).
We visited Fairy Land and swung in trees, right in our own back yard.
We hung out with small cousins and small friends…
She showed them who is boss…
We took a short, kid-free escape to Salish Lodge…
We caught up with those dear and no-longer-near.
We chilled out…
We went to the mall, mailed letters to Santa and dined with American girl dolls.
We met and quickly fell in love with a new canine family member…
And we came home with more small dolls than any girl could ever wish for…
Thank you Seattle, for everything.