For Bridger

A couple weeks ago, I received a letter from my cousin, Bridger. He's the 2nd grader of my Aunt MaryAnn's. I'm sorry to say I have only met this little fellow a handful of times. Mare, and her family live in Bridger Valley, and since I've been in Seattle for many years, our paths rarely cross. I don't think I have been back to Wyoming since my friend, Janell's wedding reception. I don't even know when that was. I think she was married a couple years after Jake and I. So, give or take 7-8 years? Yes, that's sad, because I love Wyoming. I had a great childhood, growing up in our small rural community, surrounded by cousins, and wonderful friends. I do miss it sometimes. Especially when I think about my kids going to public school here in the city. We were sheltered at times, in Mtn. View, and although we had our fair share of "worldly" temptations, there's a lot more here. Let's hope that I raise my children, and teach them to have a strong foundation, so they can withstand all of the ugliness, and come out on the other side.

Anyways, tangent dually noted. Back to the story: This letter was accompanied by a Flat Stanley figure, and an Adventure Journal. I was to take Stanley along, show him the sights, and write about our adventures. Well, I don't know if Bridger fully realized just how UN-adventurous his fair cousin was. My adventurous life consists of diapers, feedings, preschool drop-offs, Dr.'s appointments, and maybe an occasional play date, bike ride, or walk to the park. However, since I have to send good ol' Stanley back soon, I thought I should make an effort, and I finally started.

Jake had an Awards Banquet in Seattle yesterday. It was at Salty's, on Alki Beach. Although my husband makes it to Seattle numerous times a week now, with his branch transfer (Grrrrrrr), I rarely get to the big city. We didn't venture into the city, but, it was a beautiful day, and I snapped a few pictures to accompany my scant adventure log.

I do not venture to be a good picture taker, and this one isn't a tiny bit good. In fact, I might just go, and buy a postcard, instead of send this one. But, what Seattle adventure is the same, without The Space Needle?

A lovely picture of the Seattle city sky-line. It was a gorgeous day. Absolutely not a ray of sun in sight, but, that's not unusual. The water was like glass. And, so quiet, all I could hear were the seagulls, and some distant boats honking their horns.

Ahh, a seagull. A very annoying bird, but, actually kind of pretty in this picture.

It was very hard to get a clear picture of a moving ferry. And, with my mediocre photography skills, I didn't do great. Gotta love those Ferry Boats, though.
It was quite high tide, but, I just HAD to find Bridger a couple seashells. So, I walked to the beach in dress, high heeled boots, and all, and did find some pretty shells. I had been agonizing over what to wear to Jake's work Banquet. I still can't fit into my pre-baby clothes, and didn't want to show off my very un-svelte figure, in something oh too tight. So, Friday night, after the kids were in bed, I went shopping. I found this little dress, and was quite happy with it. I hid all of my curvy curves, and I think it will look even cuter after I lose those stinkin', pesky 17 pounds.

Any other ideas on where to take Flat Stanley are greatly appreciated. Here's to you, Bridger, for making me realize that to those who live in Mtn. View, Wyoming, of all places, Seattle, Washington really is an AWESOME place.