Jake had to work today so the girls and I ventured out to Woodinville's annual All Fools Day Parade.  I think we have been to the parade nearly every year for the past 9 years--kind of a tradition.  I can only remember one or two of the parades where the weather was actually decent.  Today's weather was not decent.  It rained the entire time--plus, it was in the high 30's or low 40's.  Wet and cold!  Since we are seasoned parade go-ers, we knew exactly how to be most comfortable with the conditions.  We have a certain parking spot near the grandstand that we always try to get.  We back right up to the road and pop open the back of the truck.  All of us girls climbed into the back--out of the rain--and snuggled under blankets.  We enjoyed ourselves, at least until Alice decided she needed a bathroom break.  We had to leave our dry car and walk across the street to the city hall to find "facilites".  When we got back to the car, the marching band had just passed.  I think we must have missed the bassett hounds too--unless they weren't in the parade this year.  That would be unusual though since it has always been such a big part of the festivities.  In the past, owners bring their bassett hounds and walk them through the parade.  Some dress up (dogs and owners) and some don't.  Regardless, it is always fun to see that many squatty dogs in one place.  When we returned to the car, it was nice to climb in out of the rain.  As is normal for all parades, people were walking up and down the streets as the parade went by.  I kept thinking to myself, "Man, I hope nobody hits their head on our tailgate".  Sure enough, a few moments later, BONK!  Some guy wasn't watching where he was going, and walked right into it.  He seemed a little daized and embarrassed.  I felt bad--sorry!  Some of the parade highlights included the Dancing Ponies and Mariachi Band, Star Wars Storm Troopers, Mini Cooper Club, DeLorean Club, and the Seafair Pirates.  One of the pirates came up to Alice, asked her to say, "Argh!", and then gave her a pirate coin.  They didn't shoot off their incredibly loud cannon this year though.  We had a good time.  I always bring my camera, but am terrible about actually using it.  But I did take a few.  Lucky for us, the Woodinville Weekly newspaper photog was there.  He took a shot of us cozied up, so we might be famous next week.  Cross your fingers!  He knows Shannon, so I tried to use that in our favor.  We'll see... 

 

One more thing, Teddy's Burgers (from Hawaii) just opened in Woodinville--the first one on the mainland.  If you have been to Oahu, you might have eaten there.  If not, head downtown to get some burgers and shakes.  The fries are really good too.  Mmmm...

Good question.  Well, a couple of weeks ago I got some time off from my "job".  I went to TOFW with my mom, sis, SIL, and pink-dolphined friend.  We had a great time!  The speakers were great, the music was great, and the venue was great.  It was fun to escape from reality for a while.  I have also been busy working on an etsy shop that my mom and I share.  Check us out every once in a while--we might have something new!  www.polkadotdoor.etsy.com

 

Jake has been pretty busy lately.  He always has a million projects on his plate at a time.  I don't think it is possible for him to not have anything "lined up".  This is always better than not doing anything, right? 

 

Roxie has 7 teeth now.  She is really good at destroying things.  Within the past 2 weeks or so, she has decided walking is kind of fun.  She'll do it leisurely, but prefers to crawl if she needs to get somewhere fast.  She's still very tipsy.  She's acquired a few new words here and there, but still enjoys yelling or screaming if she needs something (something we are breaking her of).  That doesn't go very far with parents like us.

 

I took Alice over to her school today to register for kindergarten.  What?  How did that happen?  It is really freaking me out how fast time is going by.  A part of me doesn't want to send her out in the world, but I have a feeling she is going to be just fine.  I feel good about it.  Parents do this all the time, right?  Public school is right for us, at least for now.  I have resolved to try and be as involved as I can with my children's schooling.  I want to be an active parent--mostly because I want to know everything that is going on.  This won't be happening to my kids--if I can help it.

I do believe in pink dolphins.  I do believe in pink dolphins.  I do, I do, I do believe in pink dolphins!

 

 

(This one is for you Becky!)

No, it's not that kind of surprise  We are not pregnant.  When I looked outside today at my mulch/garbage pile from last fall, I found this: 

 

 

I completely forgot I threw those bulbs in there last year.  I left them out on my sun-soaked patio (well, as sun-soaked as it gets here) all summer long and thought they were goners.  I know nothing about gardening--I thought I could kill just about anything!  Guess not...