happy list

Because it's been awhile and I love happy lists, I decided it was time for a little Spring edition. In no particular order, here are a few things that make me happy:

1. Impromptu bands at Green Lake - within minutes, there were dozens of children surrounding these guys and it melted my heart. 
2. Staying true to my new goal: getting some fresh air at least once a week during work hours. It makes a world of difference.
3. Black tea lemonade, half the sweetener, light ice. Starbucks, I hope you love my detailed orders.
4. The grassy knoll.
5. This adorable swimsuit.
6. Overhearing really funny conversations when running or walking around Green Lake. Seriously, people. We can hear you. (Makes me also think twice about my conversations?)
7. Getting back into the groove of things and feeling good about it.
8. Opening day of fishing this weekend with my Dad!
9. My iGoogle countdowns for weddings - Lizzie in 58 days and Jessie in 156 days!
10. The sun. How can it not make you happy?

Fancy Park Picnic

What better way to end the weekend than a picnic? You all know how much I love my picnics! We met up with Erik, Johan and Shelly for a picnic at Medina Park on Sunday, where we enjoyed bagel sandwiches, fruits, veggies and limonata. Before we could digest lunch, we were out playing with the stomp rocket, building gravel castles (turned mountain turned volcano and back to a castle) and playing a rousing game of soccer. Team Johan (with Shelly and me) won with flying colors - that little bugger can certainly dribble a soccer ball!

For a little cool down, we decided to walk down to the water in search of Bill Gates and look at the pretty homes. Joe and I are really torn between this home and this home - what do you think? I guess it all comes down to who would we rather have as our next door neighbor, Bill or Jeff? :)

The Grassy Knoll

It's that time of year when the grassy knoll outside my apartment gets a lot of action. All you need is an adult beverage, homemade salsa, chips, camping chairs and a pair of shades - then just sit back, relax and soak up the Vitamin D. It's a lesser-known oasis in the heart of Seattle, I tell ya.

P.S. Remember the World Cup party on the grassy knoll?
P.P.S. Recognize my clogs?

Spring Thinking

Even with the gray and gloom lurking outside, I am sticking to a Spring mindset. Flowers, short sleeves (ok, third-quarter sleeves), sunglasses, summery drinks and more. I'm content living in my own little "Spring World" for now, but pretty soon the weather will need to cooperate. In the meantime, allow me to share some Spring thinking with you:

My mom made me one of these to decorate the place for Easter! (Though the jelly bean level has gotten lower with time.) It's quite cheery... and apparently delicious.

Did I tell you I finally got a pair of these little guys? (Thanks to Cup of Jo's discount code!) I'm in love. It only took 1.5 years to finally cave! But I'm so glad I did. Now back to that Spring weather, it needs to come stat. I want to get some good use out of these!

Doesn't this dress scream Spring?

I love my DIY Picnic Basket, but sometimes it's a bit small - even for two. One day, I'll want one similar to the Jacquelyne or Nantucket picnic baskets. Which do you like best? (The former might not be 100% functional for actual picnics though?)

Hope you're finding some spring in your step this Spring!

Spring welcomed me home.

Hi Friends!
I'm back home from a FABULOUS trip to DC. Well, actually we covered a lot more ground than that - in total, DC, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania! My work training was fantastic and hanging out with old and new friends was even better. Details to come, but I will say this - our trip would make both history buffs and wine aficionados jealous.

While I was gone, my entire street bloomed! There are cherry blossoms everywhere and it makes me smile. Why hello Spring!

Did everyone else have a fun, Spring-filled weekend?

TGIF

Despite the snow flurries this week, I do believe that Spring is right around the corner. It has to be - it's already March! (Am I right?!) This year, I'm going to convince my new roomie to plant a little garden like I did a few years back. Remember my green thumb?

What's on your weekend agenda? I plan to hang out with friends, do some relaxing, maybe go for a little run and pack for a trip to DC next week!

A good sign

The skies are still cloudy. I'm still wearing rainboots. (But luckily, cute ones!) It's pretty muddy at Green Lake.

But the flowers are blooming. A sign of good things to come. Amen. (But please, for the love, please come faster!)

A new season

A couple weekends ago, we went snowshoeing at Snoqualmie Pass, probably for the last time this season. At the time, I was a little disappointed that the snowflakes were damp (not fluffy) and the temperature wasn't near as cold as it's been on past snowshoeing adventures. But then I got to thinking, this means that Spring is closer. I am happy to give up winter and all the snowy adventures it brings, to be able to wear fun sun dresses, retire my winter coat and actually leave work when it's light out.

As I've gotten older, I've realized that I am not the same winter-lovin' gal that I once was. I like me some sun (with sunscreen) and summer, filled with Chelanigans, weddings, and picnics.

What's your fave season?

Wanna go ride bikes?

Autumn apparently doesn't let the weather get in her way (look at the excitement in her eyes!), but I'm a bit of a fair-weather biker. However, I'm thinking that a nice bike ride might be in my near future. Maybe not all the way to Redhook again, but something to get the pedals moving. I think I'm just ready for the season to change. Then I can also get back to my work on this!

Dear Spring,
I can't wait for you to be here. Please hurry.
Sincerely,
Petes