Adventures at the Zoo

Last Thursday, with a day off and no plans, I headed out to the Zoo with my two favorite zoo buddies, Ryley & Stef.  That morning the zoo was practically deserted, but despite the cold weather the animals were out and ready to play.  Ryley definitely knows his way around the zoo {he's been there a time or two} and took us to all of his favorite exhibits, holding my hand and showing me all of his "friends".  I love this stage where he's certainly gotten past his "stranger danger" and loves having me hold him to get a closer glimpse of the animals and holds my hand as we're walking.  I love this kid more and more each time I see him, and the saddest face I've ever seen was when Stef told him they had to drop me off at my house.  I think that means we definitely need more Ryley/Auntie Stephanie time :)

 snow leopards!

this kid was pretty stoked to ride the carousel all on his own

burgers & beers at phinney market afterwards

xoxo,
stephanie marie

{Introducing} Jack Eldon

One of my most favorite things I did over Christmas break was meet Baby Jack!  I went over to the Welty house the day after Christmas and snuggled the not even 3 week old little man while he slept and cuddled with me.  He reminds me so much of little Lila when she was born and you could tell she is loving the role of big sister to this cutie.  While I didn't want to put him down, I did manage to spend some time coloring with Lila and watching her fashion show of Disney princess dresses.  It was the perfect snuggly day with one of my favorite families and I can't wait to get back there soon for some more baby time :)

Congrats Kami, Craig, and Lila - he's the best!!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!  I hope you have the most wonderful holiday filled with love and joy.  Here are a few pics of the cards I sent out this year - I spent an evening addressing them as prettily as I could with a gold pen and a big glass of red wine :) 

 

Have a fabulous weekend - I'll be back sometime next week for some more holiday cheer!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

The Burlesque Nutcracker

This was mine and David's 5th year of going to the Nutcracker together, but after watching last year's new performance of the PNB's show, we weren't anxious to get back there and wanted to switch it up.  I had heard great things about the Burlesque Nutcracker at The Triple Door, and what better way to celebrate our milestone anniversary than with burlesque!  This past Tuesday we headed down to the theater {which I hadn't been to in probably 8 years} and settled in to our seats in the second row.  We immediately ordered martinis {it was a special occasion, after all} and several dishes to share {their menu is from Wild Ginger upstairs} before sitting back to enjoy the Christmas spectacular.  The dancing was awesome and the rendition of the classic Nutcracker music was perfect.  The costumes left little to the imagination {think pasties and bedazzled thongs} and everyone was in such great moods cheering on the guys and gals all night long.  While I couldn't take pics during the performance, I assure you that we were thoroughly entertained and couldn't stop laughing and cheering the entire time.  It was a fun new twist on one of my favorite traditions and if you haven't yet been, I'd highly recommend it for a fun and festive alternative to the typical Christmas show.  You won't be disappointed :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Dinner with the Crew

Monday night I got together with some of my most favorite people in the world.  Merith, Erika, Susannah, Josh and spouses and kids all met up for dinner at Frelard Pizza for some pizza, beer, and baby snuggle time.  I love that we have this tradition to see each other over the Christmas holiday and now that there are kidlets around, it's even better.  I spent most of the time switching between snuggles with baby Addie {above} and chattin' it up with Linnea, who wanted to tell me all about the pizza she was going to have for dinner.  When the time came, I gave those two their Christmas presents - the cutest onesies that said "bows before bros" that I just couldn't resist.  Linnea was so proud of her present she wouldn't put it down and every time I hang out with her it's more and more fun seeing her little personality come out.  It was so great seeing you guys - next time maybe we can get a group pic! :)

 opening presents is so exciting!

the cutest little ones

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Ladies Holiday Party

Friday night I had the girls over for our annual holiday get together to have dinner, drinks, presents, and lots of catching up.  While we all used to get together a lot, lives have taken us in different directions so it's fun to get together when it's just us girls like old times.  I made lasagna and the girls all brought drinks and sides so that it was an easy dinner to put together but still felt like a good holiday meal :)  This year we had the cutest little visitor Miles {Erin's newest} and like a trooper he got passed around between all of us, was mesmerized by the tree, then instantly fell asleep and started snoring {it was too cute}.  Once again the theme of our gift exchange was favorite beauty product and everyone brought amazing stuff {so far I'm loving the body brush I kept}.  The girls stayed late and while I was sitting there listening to everyone talk it made me nostalgic for all the fun we've had together in the past.  Hopefully we can get together for dinners like this more than once a year, but during the holidays it feels extra special :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

The Weekend {In Pictures}

{work team holiday party at bravehorse tavern}

 {yard work in between snow flurries}

 {my neighborhood train}

 {saturday afternoon walk for coffee}

 {present wrapping + wine + pretty woman}

{filling every open space in the fridge with cookies}

 {holiday baking + wine}

{i wish i could keep this bow up all year long}

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Birthday Kami!

Happy {early} Birthday to this gorgeous lady {and loyal blog reader}!  Kami is one of my oldest and closest friends, and though we don't see each other nearly enough, I can always count on this one for great advice, sweet encouragement, and big laughs.  Kami, I can't wait to come meet your newest little man, and I'm pretty sure you're going to have the most wonderful birthday snuggling him all day long :)  Love you!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

pic stolen from the uber talented jennifer morrow

Color Rush

What do you think of the Hawks' Color Rush jerseys for tonight's Thursday night game against the Rams? I'm not sure I'm going to go out and buy one anytime soon, but I will say that they definitely help you stand out in a crowd!  They're a bit different and a lot bright, but I don't care as long as it helps them beat the Rams!!  Tonight is going to be tough, but with our fancy lime jerseys and a hunger to put last Sunday's game behind them, I have a feeling the boys in "action green" will come out fighting for a win tonight.  Let's hope that green is good luck!

Go Hawks!

xoxo,
stephanie marie 

pics from seahawks

Thug Life Holidays

Remember when I told you about Thug Life's awesome t-shirts?  Well, Mom & I discovered their holiday collection this weekend and could not stop laughing!  These shirts are amazing - I'm pretty sure we need to get the whole Christmas Vacation series for the family.  Here are a few of my faves to brighten up your Wednesday!

xoxo,
stephanie marie