Saturday, December 11, 2010

Power Shopping

Today, we were power shoppers.  We had a plan, a mapped out route and a list that would impress you.  We went to...get ready...

Mardel, Target, Macys, James Avery, Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Cobblestone Cottage, Ya Ya Club, Wal-Mart, Hobby Lobby, Mimosa Rose, HEB, a few old town Katy antique stores, and of course Chick-fil-A.  We were going to go to Old Navy and Aldo but I forgot my returns in the middle of the living room floor (don't you hate that!?).

Ben was an excellent driver.  He would drop me off so I could get started shopping and then park and come in, or just stay in the car and wait.  And he kept me from getting too stressed by periodically semi-tackling me, hugging me, or suggesting ridiculous gifts.  Overall, we were a great Christmas shopping team. 

One more week of school, then another week of rest and family fun and then Christmas!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Calling all Cookie Recipes!

This Sunday, I am going to my very first cookie exchange.  I love cookies.  They are my weakness.  And I'm going to a party for COOKIES!  But I want to bring a really yummy, fun cookie.  Any suggestions?  I'm sure I can find a good one somewhere, I just am sure that one of you out there has an amazing cookie recipe that is your all-time favorite.  So, if you have one, I'd love to have it.  Or if you don't want to type out the recipe, you could just tell me the name of it.  Thanks!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Sew Committed

Brother CS6000I Sew Advance Sew Affordable 60-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine

Today, I finally committed to a sewing machine.  My sweet family gave me money to buy a sewing machine for my birthday.  Exactly a month ago.  So I've been searching and thinking and reading reviews and talking to people and thinking some more.  I just couldn't decide!  You see, I don't know a ton about sewing yet (I've taken one Intro to Sewing class and I made a pillow!) and so it made me nervous to buy one without knowing much.  Anyways, after much debate that bordered on obsessive, I picked one.  It's a Brother and seems like one I can grow with but also it is not too fancy for my beginnerness.  My first project is going to be a t-shirt quilt of all my Aggie and Grace Bible Church shirts.  I can't wait to make it!  And thanks to Aunt Cheryl for giving me step by step directions on how to make one!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Top 10 ways it FEELS like Christmas

So, I'm a Feeler, at least according to the Meyers Brings Test Thing.  Ben would easily describe me as a "feelings" person.  I go by my feelings a lot...to my detriment at times I'm sure and also to my joy.  Anyways, sometimes things just aren't real to me unless I feel like they are.  Hence the forth coming post.

Often around this time of year, everyone beings to say, "Can you believe it's November?!" and, "It just doesn't feel like it should be November yet."  Well, I thought, and said, the exact same thing UNTIL today!  Today, it finally feels like November and even feels a little like Christmas.  Let me tell you why.

1. Today at church, the choir sang an amazing Christmas song that they're going to perform at the Celebration program.
2. I had a gingerbread latte at Starbucks recently and plan on having a Peppermint Mocha soon in a red cup.

3. The house is cold even without the air on!

4. I heard "All I want for Christmas is Yoooou, Baby" today in Old Navy.

5. I wanted to quickly flee Old Navy because it was insane and messy and insane.

6. Same goes for Gap and Bed, Bath, and Beyond.  I do not plan on returning on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon until February unless I have no choice (you really know I'm going to anyways, right?)

7. I wore my camel colored boots last night to a party for the first time this season.
8. I ate turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, dressing, ham, corn casserole, and many pumpkin flavored sweets last night at said party.

9. Every group I'm a part of has a Christmas celebration coming up.

10. And finally...Christmas and Thanksgiving plans are in the works and I can't wait to spend the time with my family and friends!

What makes it feel like Christmas to you?

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Crayola's going green!

If you have kids or if you're a teacher, or if you just like to use markers, you might have noticed that the Crayola kind are now black instead of the white they have been since forever.  I have noticed this all year and several times in between the "Mrs. Cooper!!"s and the taps on my arm, I hypothesized about why.  Perhaps its a marketing tool.  A new look.  A fresh start. 

Well this past week, I accidentally stumbled upon a blog that talked about why!  You see, Crayola is using an innovative technique that uses recycled bottle caps to create their markers.  Having a black barrel allows them to use more recycled materials, keeping more than 1 million plastic bottle caps out of the landfills.  Interesting huh?!  Way to go Crayola.  Way to go.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Red Cups and Sleeping in

Today was a good day.  Let me tell you why.

I got to sleep in (until 6am) because I had training today at another campus and didn't need to arrive crazy early.  I am learning A TON!  I can't wait to use it with my students.

I got to eat out at a restaurant for lunch!  And, just so happened that it was the birthday of the lady that I went to lunch with so I got to share in her birthday lunch.  She is another bilingual teacher so we talked the whole time in Spanish.  Very fun.  AND THEN we got Starbucks.  In a red cup.  On a cold day.  Ahh bliss. 


I got home way earlier than usual.  I usually stay late at school, but today I wasn't at my school so there was no reason to stay late.  I got home, I researched sewing machines (more on that later), and even took a little nap.

The night has been so productive.  I made a super easy dinner of waffles (leggo my eggo!), eggs, and turkey bacon.  All good except for the turkey part.  Yes, its healthier but oh so disappointing.  Then we went to Target where I got new markers, gel pens, and highlighters.  I'm a big pens/markers/color person and Ben had gotten me a pack of sharpies and gel pens that I already had so I switched them for some new ones.  Again, bliss. 

And finally, I worked out with GIAM on the Ball workout.  We were rockin it and my legs feel like jelly now.  Good feeling. 

Happy Wednesday!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Birthday treats

This past Friday was my 27th birthday - and that just sounds weird.  I started the day with a gift from Ben - a purse I had been wanting filled with goodies he knows I love such as gel pens, a cat folder, new sharpie markers, and cute socks (yes, I did say I'm 27).  Then he took me to Starbucks for birthday breakfast.  And it makes it all sweeter to know that Friday is his day off so he voluntarily got up at 6:15am with me! 
It was a hilarious and fun day at school as well.  Every year, we do Book Character Dress up Day on or as close as possible to Halloween.  The ladies on my team all dressed up as Cinderellas from different Cinderella versions!  I was Cinder-Elly, the cool, city Cinderella.  We also had Mexican Cinderella, Cowgirl Cinderella, Caribbean Cinderella and of course the traditional one.  Anyways, I felt so loved at school.  One of the parents of my kids brought me a vase full of beautiful roses, my sweet teammate Ashley baked a delicious Buttermilk cake using my mom's recipe, and we ordered Papa John's pizza for lunch. 

That night, my parents, my sister, and my nephew Jacob who shares a birthday with me (he turned 14) came in town from Allen.  They were so sweet to make the trek down to Katy.  We went out to Yard House for dinner and then came home for cake, ice cream and presents.  Boy I love me a good family party.
The next day we did various girly things such as shopping and eating a girly lunch at a place that sells coffee and flowers.  Genius combination.  And finally, after the fam returned to Allen, and to culminate the birthday specialness, Ben took me out to "the most romantic restaurant in Houston" called Peli Peli.  It was a wonderful atmosphere and I even got a picture with the Chef!  Thanks everyone for making me feel so loved and special on my birthday!

Sunday, October 10, 2010

My friend running

Tonight, I went back to my friend running.  I have never been one to run or even work out for any consistent amount of time.  Until this past January, that is, when I started running.  Nothing hard core, but at least 1-3 times a week.  Starting from literally 0, It took me forever to work up to running 2 miles a couple times of week and I was feeling pretty good.  And then school started.  All the extra energy I had to used to give myself the "umph" needed to go out and run was zapped and I hadn't run since the end of August.  Well, tonight, I mustered it back up and went running.  It felt great!  I mean it hurt, yes, but it felt so good to run and sweat and breath hard.  And my legs have that jelly, just went running feeling.  I will sleep well tonight!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Whimsical Wednesday - Decorate with silverware!

So, every Wednesday, I'm going to start giving you the fun things I find on Open Sky.  If you want a full explanation of what Open Sky is, go HERE.  In a nut shell, I am an Open Sky seller and I find suppliers.  All I do is promote their items that I think are cool and if you want to buy them, you just buy through me.  It's like I'm their advertiser.  Some are homemade and other stuff is not but it's all unique and cute.  So...here's what I've found for this week:
These items are from Cake Vintage.  A lot of their products are decorated and made out of vintage silverware which I think is creative and fun.  Here's some things I found...

Dishtowel with silverware design - $33

And...a notepad adorned with a vintage spoon on top (includes 50 sheets) - $15

Monday, October 4, 2010

Getting started...

So last week, I started on my newest project - addressing invitations for a wedding!!  I am so excited to have been referred by my sweet friend Jen and I am about halfway through.  Here is what I am using...

Brand new sharp nib (that's what the tip is called that you dip into the ink)

Sumi Ink - Black


Capitals cheat sheet to make sure I do them right

And voila!

Friday, October 1, 2010

Do you need some hope?

We can all use hope and encouragement on a daily basis.  I've been reading Proverbs 31 ministries' daily devotions (not daily...more like a few in one day) during my times with the Lord.  They are light, short, and encouraging but they touch on deep subjects.  Today's was about having hope.  The verses were from Lamentations 3:21-24 and I just couldn't help sharing.

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. - Lamentations 3:21-24

Hope you are encouraged today!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Happy Birthday Benjmain!

Today is my sweet husband's birthday. He is wonderful. He is funny. He is handsome. Tonight we are celebrating in style at Papa's Steakhouse. It shall be all kinds of delicious. I love you Ben!

He's just so cool!

Saturday, September 4, 2010

A new start!

The new school year has begun. Hence no blog posts in the last two weeks. The beginning of school seems to be all consuming. I take things home and I stay way later than is normal for me. Usually I pride myself in not taking anything home - ya know having a good balance and separation, but I have had to take things home the last couple weeks. Just while I find my balance. But I'm enjoying it and the kids are precious. I'm teaching 2nd grade this year and although a change is never easy, I think it was a good change for me and make me get out of any ruts I was in. Although, what's nice is while I am starting new, this time (unlike my first year teaching), I have 4 years of experience to rely on.

Today is the first free day Ben and I have had since school started and I'm loving it. We had a breakfast date which because of their rarity are very special. We went to 59 Diner which was good but not great. We just don't know of any fun breakfast places in the city where we live. We love Buffalo Grille but its just way too far. Anyone know of a place?

So, even though it seems to still be crazy hot outside, it does feel like fall is starting. College Football is on TV and even though Ben's not even watching it (he's swinging his golf club up in our game room...) it still feels like fall is beginning. Let the fall fun begin!

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Elaine Lynn Design is here!

So, as of today, I am a two-blog woman. I will still keep up with this one as my personal blog, writing about, ya know, the things that only people who actually know me would care about. But I've started a new craft blog. It will talk about different crafts I'm doing, crafts I find, and also I will put my open sky finds there instead of here. So, the address is below. Enjoy!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Open Sky fun finds

Have you heard of Open Sky? It's a new concept that connects people who create things (suppliers) with people who want to sell their things (sellers) to buyers who like the taste of the person promoting it (YOU!). I'm going to be posting cool things that I find on Open Sky RIGHT HERE on my blog about once a week. You can buy it simply by clicking on the link below that will take you to Open Sky. So to review...

1. I like what I've put on here (and maybe even bought it!).

2. If you like it, you can buy it too. So easy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So below is one thing that I found that I like. I'm really getting into Vintage, distressed items and I love these. Use them for keys, a dish towel, an oven mitt, or just decoration. These are $25 each but you don't get to pick shape. The picture will link you to the blue-green one. Below the picture are the links for the scarlet one (shapes may vary). Click on the picture to buy.http://shopopensky.com/lynn/buy/vintage-key-plates-scarlet/now (Scarlet)

Below is a Zinc memo board that looked cool to use with magnets or for writing on. Click on the picture to buy for $28.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Coming soon...



It's almost official! I've been working little by little to get my calligraphy business started. Last summer I took lessons and have done a little here and there for friends and family, but no one else in the outside world knows I offer these services. Well, that's about to change!

Tonight, I took pictures of some sample work and put it on Etsy. My Etsy name is elaine lynn design. I've got just 2 little items listed for now. It's so hard to sell on Etsy though because of the huge amount of other people selling on it, but at least its a link I can send people to that gives my prices and photos. The next thing I'm working on is a blog for just my calligraphy and craft projects. And lastly, I'm waiting to put my name on the Calligraphy Guild website when they update it again.

I will now just have to wait and see what shall come of it!

Rescued

Yesterday, I came out of my hair appointment and found this:


But then I called my knight in shining armor and he did this:

What a sweetheart. God took care of me, in that, this happened about 2 minutes from Ben's office. He was able to come fix it and I was able to be on my merry way to discount tire and then to school for a bit. Today, I get to eat lunch with Ben! We are eating at smash burger because I have heard its amazing.
Coming up next: Trip to see the Herringtons!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

HELK reunion 2010!!!

Ahhh the last few weeks before summer break is over. For some reason, I get this urge to just be really lazy so I'll be reallllly ready to go back. And it helps the enjoyment of these last few days to have a buddy to relax with. My mom came Tuesday and just left this morning. We thoroughly relaxed and watched movies and did a few errands and got a lot of good talking time in.

So, teachers go back to school a week before the kids come back and then school starts August 23rd. I actually do look forward to it. I miss being with kids. I find myself talking to random kids in my neighborhood about the birds in their trees and at Wal-Mart helping them find their school supplies. Kids just interact in a totally different way and I love it. Anyways...also I feel the urge to see everyone possible that a working life hinders me from doing. So last weekend was the HELK reunion, this week my mom came to visit, and tomorrow we're going to visit the Herringtons.

HELK...what a weird name you might be thinking. This phrase was coined in college using the initials of my roommates from my senior year - Holly, Erin, Lynn, and Katy. We had incredible HELK parties at our Nimitz house, and we always had a HELK of a good time :). We were darn cool. Every year we have a reunion and this year I got to host it! We watched movies, ate yummy food, went shopping, and talked and laughed a lot. So refreshing and enjoyable. Oh and we love to take pictures!







Holly, Katy, Erin, Lynn

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Orange Beach, Alabama

This summer, a new tradition was started that I am so excited about! We went to Orange Beach, Alabama (near Gulf Shores) for a week of relaxing, golf (for the guys), shopping (for the girls), eating yumminess, and lots of beach time. Ben and I went with his sweet parents Mark and Pat, and Ben's brother Luke and Luke's wife (my sister-in-law!) Cherish. We drove from Houston on Tuesday and then drove back on Sunday. It was such great relaxing time and hopefully we can make it back next year!


On the drive there. This is probably hour 5 or 6.

The second day there, we played putt putt. Guess who won??


The 3 Mrs. Coopers. Me, Cherish, and Pat. All proud to have the title! We were shopping while waiting to go and eat at the Oyster House.

These are the kinds of things that happen when you play Quelf. Such a fun random silly game. Cherish had to wrap herself up like a mummy until someone rolled a 4. I had the worst card! I had to say "I command you to be silent!" EVERY TIME someone laughed and if someone caught me not doing it (LUKE!) I had to move back 1 space. I started just whispering it after a while.

Men's golf picture! Ben, Luke (Ben's brother), Mark (Ben's dad)


And this is what we did while they played golf. It was glorious! Oh and the closed water thing...ummm most people just ignored it and got in anyways (we might have been some of those people...). The beaches and the water were not perfectly clean but good enough to thoroughly enjoy them.
Dinner at Lulu's in Gulf Shores.

And ice cream afterwards at Scoops! I got cookies and cream and peppermint in a waffle cone.

The cousins: plus a friend and minus Luke and Cherish (they had gone home)
Ben, me (the cousin-in-law), Sara, Anna, and friend Rachel

Nertz Tourney afterwards! Love. This. Game. Sara won though. Then we played rummicube. Ben won once and so did Anna.

And I leave you with this serene picture of the Beach. This was the 2nd to last morning we were there. I got up early to run on the beach. It sounded so perfect and peaceful. Umm, it was not. Running in wet and dry sand was a lot harder and I didn't make it as far as I usually do. The walk back was nice though, and then I sat out and read my Bible.
Thanks Cooper's for a wonderful trip!

Coming soon...The 2010 HELK reunion!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Houston Project days 1 and 2

Well, we are halfway through Houston Project 2010. Days 1 and 2 have been a success - of course not without the glitches but God has worked them out and we trust Him for every detail.

Last year day 1, no one got onto the buses we sent out to pick kids up. Boy was it sad when they came rolling in empty. But this year....first day 27 people came in on the buses and yesterday, even more! What a blessing. Also, we were able to go around and knock on doors at the apartments where as last year we weren't allowed.

We have soooo many kids this year and our classes are really getting full which is a good thing. Oh how we love our teachers. They are doing an amazing job with their kids. Our Adult Bible study is going so well and tonight if I don't have a sweet baby to hold, I may sit in and listen. Youth has gone wonderfully, and the teens actually got really into it last night. The food draws them in (mmm hamburgers tonight) and they are prayed for the whole time by our faithful prayer team. The evangelism team is going out into the neighborhoods and boldly sharing Jesus with an evage-ball! A soccer ball with the 4 colors used to share the gospel! We have a nursery too and I got to hold one sweet little girl half the night. She was screaming so I walked around with her outside. She kept saying "abuela, abuela". Then when I kept saying, "she's coming soon, she's coming soon", she started saying "coming, coming". I could have taken her home!

Looking forward to 2 more great nights. We need prayer for energy for our volunteers - most of them are going to work, then straight to Houston Project for 2 days now and that is rough. And for more people to have softened hearts to hear and accept the Gospel. Tonight I've promised myself that I will take pictures!

Saturday, July 10, 2010

New Recipes

I'm loving the summer extra time to leisurely go to the grocery store and cook new recipes. This past week was Ben's first week to not go to Louisiana so I made some fun new recipes.

These Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa from Cooking Light were my favorite from the week. You have to buy Old Bay seasoning which is a little expensive for seasoning but I'll use it on future fish. It was delicious and Ben loved it.

This is Orange BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches made in the Crock Pot. We ate these Tuesday night, then again for left overs a few times. It made a ton of meat, but it was delicious and super easy. We just had cantelope with it. Oh, and its from Kraftfoods.com.

Now, this is a Lemon Cornmeal Pound Cake again from Cooking Light. I did try making this, but I did something wrong. I hate it because I really don't know what...but it turned out just ok and Ben wouldn't even try it. I ate it (it's cake!) but I think I cooked it too long. So, try it at your own risk but in this picture, it looks really yummy. Let me know if it turns out better for you and I'll try it again.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Summer Insights

I think I'm settling into summer. I've discovered a few things about myself in having all this free time...

1. I hate to clean the bathroom. And even when I have oodles of time, it still doesn't happen as often as it should. Sooo that "I'm working" excuse, isn't really true I guess.

2. I am bad about starting a project and not completely finishing it. In a day, I might start and almost finish about 3 projects such as cleaning something, an artsy project, or organizing. But I just can't seem to finish that last 10%. What does that mean???

3. Carlos and Polly follow me around because they don't get enough time with me. You see, now that I'm home a lot more than normal, they are content to stay in a different room if they are napping. This has never been the case. It's a little sad I must admit.

4. Either I did something wrong, I cooked it too long, or it just wasn't good, but the Cooking Light recipe for the pound cake I made tonight was not what I was hoping for. I guess that's what you get when trying to make a "Light" pound cake.

Summer is going well and I'm enjoying the extra time to exercise (Ran 2 miles today thanks to my new running friend!) and to study the Word and pray. Also its nice to get all the little house projects done and have time to spend with other teacher friends and have a lunch longer than 25 minutes. The next month is going to be busy with vacations, some training and Houston Project so its going to fly!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

High Flyer

So my cat Carlos is quite talented. Besides being overly large and longer than any cat I've ever had, he can jump like no body's business. Also, he plays fetch. Yes, like a dog. My cat growing up, Little Kitty, also did this with hair twisties. Carlos plays fetch with anything - hair twisties, toys, twisty ties. But one of his faves is the little seal that you pull off of the box milk cartons. You know, the ones that are a circle and they have a little circle pull on them. Anyways, below is Carlos demonstrating 2 of his skills - fetch with the milk carton seal and high jumping. Enjoy the show.




Oh and there is no one at home with me - what you hear in the background is the show Felicity. I bought it at half-price books this week and have been watching it as I clean, scrapbook, email, etc. Its been enjoyable and takes me back to college when I watched all the seasons in like a month with the HELK roommates. I love summer!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Bursting!!!


That is just about how I feel right now...except for not about bacon. I am so excited right now for two spectacular reasons. So excited, I have almost forgotten to eat dinner!

1. We found out today that this is Ben's LAST WEEK in Louisiana!! That means he will be home all week from now on. Praise the Lord!

2. We booked plane tickets tonight to visit the Herringtons in early August! Oh how I miss them. They live in Missouri and it has been about a year since we have seen them. Such sweet friends.

Oh! And we can add this one to the list - Twilight Eclipse in 3 DAYS! Wow, good night ya'll.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Finished...almost

I loved doing this project! It wasn't very hard or very expensive and I love the way it turned out. I may try this again. All the painting is done, I just need the knobs. I ordered some glass vintage looking knobs from Amazon and so I'll have to wait a little bit for those to come in. But for now, its a great addition of color into my kitchen.

AFTER (See two posts below for the before)


The knobs to come...

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Funky fun furniture!

So, in my quest to add a little style to my house, as I mentioned below, I've been on Craig's List a lot. I found a really neat little company called Altar'd. From reading their website, I found out that it is a Christian family that restores and paints older furniture and they also do workshops to teach you how to do it yourself. They have an interesting name but I love the reason behind it. And it gave me a little inspiration. Check it out!

Friday, June 25, 2010

Summer Project #1

One of my favorite things about summer (among many) is having the extra time to do some creative projects. Last year, I learned how to write in Calligraphy and have enjoyed that skill throughout the year. Well, a couple days ago, I started this year's first big summer project.

To give you some background...I've been looking for some things for my house to give it a little more style and character. We got our new furniture in, and I love it, so that has been fun, but I wanted some decorative items. I've been looking around on Craig's List for anything "Shabby Chic", "Distressed", or "Vintage" because I like the way that style looks. Now, I've realized that my house is not Shabby Chic style; although I love the look, my house does not fit that. But I do like the distressed look. I found a few pieces on Craig's List, one really cool couple in particular that own a company called Altard, but they were still in the couple hundred dollar range and I was looking for cheap.
Then I stumbled on a $35 small, solid wood dresser. And I thought...Hey, this might be crazy, but I bet I can make my own distressed dresser. So now, the dresser is in my garage waiting to be worked on. I've already sanded down all the stained surfaces and have put on the primer color and I'm just waiting for it to dry. We'll see how this turns out....

BEFORE

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Seattle 2010

Last Wednesday, we returned from an 8 night/9 day vacation to Seattle, Washington, Olympic National Park, and Victoria. Loved it! I would recommend the area for vacation to anyone. First of all, it was gorgeous, second of all, it was cool, and third, it was much different from anything in Texas. A blessing from the Lord. We had a lot of sweet time together with fun, relaxation, and good conversations. I have a lot of pictures here and even more on facebook if you want more.

270 foot tall tree, 500 years old, HUGE

The Hoh Rain forest. Isn't it gorgeous! And amazingly sunny. Except for the narrow little trail we followed, there wasn't an inch of ground that didn't have a plant on it. Just amazing.

Marymere Falls - it took a little bit of a hike but such a reward at the end.

This is at the B&B we went to called Collette's. Oh. My. If you ever go to Olympic National Park, you HAVE TO go to this place. It had an overwhelmingly gorgeous garden with a view of the ocean and, get this, a bald eagle's nest you could see from our window. Very cool.

One of the many ferry rides...don't we look relaxed! Ahhh vacation :).

Lynn, you went to space??? I know you must be thinking that. Actually these were the suits we wore to go whale watching in Victoria, Canada. It was COLD on the water and wet. They looked even cooler in person, I promise.

That's an Orca (killer) whale!! It of course looked a lot closer in person but it was awesome. We saw a lot more and it was so worth the trip out.

Blake and Julie if you read this, this photo is for you! That's the space needle above my head.


The Fremont troll under the bridge. The Fremont area was recommended by Holly along with a lot of other great places. We ate at this delicious, very green, place called Homegrown. Very much the culture of Seattle.


Home of Bella. Yes we drove through it and made a few stops. Or, we could have taken the $40/person tour around Forks and La Push. Somebody is banking!

Can't wait for the 3rd movie!! Who's with me???


What would a Benjamin Cooper vacation be without golf? I rode around in the cart and took pictures, played on my iphone, and watched my Ben. It was a beautiful course nestled in the woods and rolling hills.

First Starbucks!!

Probably my favorite part of Seattle - the Pikes Place Market - amazing fruit, donuts, and other yummy goodies, even Organic Wednesdays!

Hooray for a wonderful trip!