15 days...

Dear Reader
Sorry.  Its been 15 days.  And I have no actually real excuse aside from a lame "i've been busy" to offer you.  Anyhoo, recap on the past goings on that have kept me from you:

SOPHIE's 3rd Birthday

There's something about Soph that's so charming.  It's not only that she looks like a fairy with her whisps of blonde hair and tinyness, but its her personality (hilarious) and her scary incredible intelligence. 

MOM TO SOPHIE:  I see you are drawing lots of circles.  Can you draw me a square

SOPHIE TO MOM: No, but I can draw an octagon, would you like that....

See what I mean.  Scary - and yet charming all at once. 

We really enjoyed Soph's third birthday - it was a princess theme and Kirsten her mom did an amazing job with the part design.

THE WEATHER

Even though it is June and its supposed to be delightful easy breezy blue skied days the above has been more the norm for us.  Those of you that know me well know that usually I prefer the rain, love the grey and chilly.  Usually.  Right now I want to punch rain clouds in the snoot.  Im sick of them.  I want my fill of vitamin d.  Mooooooaaaaan.....

ELLIOTT

Have I mentioned to you that El has come to live with us permenently?  Its actually been awesome.  He is a terrific person and I love having him with us.  We've been able to be a part of some milestones - first up was the milestone of part one of his drivers test for learners permit...he was close to passing but not quite.  Better luck next time bud.  I love that we celebrated PRIOR to the testing. We are an affirmative positive family us Allens.  Soon friend, soon you will need to be weary of driving when Mr Elliott is on the roads (but I know he will be a terrific driver).

BILL AND MELINDA GATES

One of the rare sunny days in Seattle this spring happened a couple of weekends ago and it coincided with Mr Big and I attending the opening of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  There were quite a few people waiting to view the beautiful facility but it didnt take long before we were in schmoozing with other members of the community. 

This building cost millions - they were very thoughtful and responsible in how the built on the site and what the used to construct the buildings with (very enviromentally concious).  Plus, what a wicked spot for it, right under the space needle...

Im not sure if you are familiar with the humanitarian work that is done here.  Its spectacular.  They are really making a change in the world.  I actually was very emotional walking around the building knowing how much they do.  Thank you Bill and Melinda Gates.

FREMONT MARKET

This was our first time at the market...and I loved it!  I had no idea that it was so large, its really a nook and cranny kind of place with most of the usual things - stores with sterling silver creation, stores with crazy garden ornaments, a cool vintage section and then some less usual things.  Case in point Danish Ebelskiver's.  Basically these are a pancake BALL filled with delightful things.  I went for nutella (how can any sane person resist it?) and raspberry jam with cream cheese.  Mr Big went for lemon curd and butter and salmon, cream cheese:

While we were sitting eating these delights a lady came up to me and held out the lead to her pup and asked if I would take care of him while she shopped....ackward pause...of course I will look after a strangers dog.  Actually he was a darling sweet boy, part pug, part something scruffy and his name was pepper...isnt he sweet...

after we pup-sat Pepper we continued our walk around and snapped up the deal of the century - two antique Chinese window screens for only $50 (for the two)

GENEVA

Who knew?  Geneva has been going to dance classes and is, according to Dot, third best in her class.  As you know, I am not known for my graceful ways, and sadly - neither is my beloved.  So Dots news fell on grateful ears and so it was with great excitement that we headed to Gen's first dance receital in "tree of life" at the Mountlake Performing Arts Center.  Great facility incidentally and it was such a pretty pretty evening

I find it hard to believe Gen is third best - she was the best dancer by far.  It was a very enjoyable 2 hours

and as if it couldnt be topped guess what else.  I had a profetic moment.  Gen had danced, the little kids came out and danced for an awwww moment, and then they all came out for their bows and curtseys.  At that moment I said to Dot and Gary..."the only thing that would make this better is confetti cannons".  Within seconds there was a double boom and confetti blasting out everywhere! YES!  Basically I think every performance should cresendo with this. 

So thats what we've been up to....see, busy right?