Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!  I'm excited for a night in with my faves eating witches stew, watching one of my most favorite movies ever, and {hopefully} handing out lots of candy to the neighbor kids.  And if you show up at my house tonight, this is what you'll be greeted by - I just couldn't resist :)  Hope you have a spooky and safe holiday!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Pumpkin Patch

A few weeks back when we headed up north I knew the weather was going to be decent {read: not rainy} so I suggested we stop off at a pumpkin patch before visiting the family.  Since we had Nina with us I researched some patches that allow pets and came across Gordon Skagit Farms in Mount Vernon.  We arrived at the patch on Saturday afternoon to a small crowd {way more manageable than the patches around Seattle} and Nina was so excited to roam around the pumpkin fields {leashed, of course} and sniff just about every single pumpkin she came across.  Though it was a little less relaxing than years past making sure Nina didn't get into everything and we only came home with a few mini pumpkins, I love the "family pictures" we got of the 3 of us wandering through the pumpkins and I'm glad we got to continue one of my favorite fall activities.  Cheers to fall traditions!

 fun fact: aunt marsha told me that uncle ed drove this exact truck they now have displayed for his first job!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Urban Hiking {Fremont & Aslan}

Saturday afternoon, with the sun shining and no plans, we decided to continue our urban hiking adventures and head down to Fremont.  Our destination was the new Aslan Taproom that just opened up {one of our favorite breweries from Bellingham} but we took our time wandering the streets of Queen Anne on our way down the hill, taking in the beautiful fall colors and the sunshine on our faces.  After stopping in a few shops we eventually made our way to the taproom that was packed with people who all had the same idea as us.  Luckily after ordering we were able to snag two seats at the bar where we enjoyed our local brews {and a few tasters} before heading back out to find lunch.  Since it was still quite chilly we settled on Nuna Ramen for some bowls of their delicious soup to warm us up.  After lunch we made our way back up the hill, zigzagging our way through the tree lined streets and making a few pit-stops at the local grocery store and a random open house.  If we have more fall/winter weekends like this where the sun is shining I'll gladly bundle up again to explore the city on foot - it's one of my favorite things to do on the weekend together.  And hey - if a brewery is involved, that's even better :)

 patiently awaiting my ramen

xoxo,
stephanie marie

The Weekend {In Pictures}

{friday night champagne & netflix}

 {begging for pizza}

 {sunny fall walks with my girl}

 {beautiful saturday night sunset}

 {wanting attention during sunday's game}

 {trader joe's "pumpkin patch"}

 {putting away the outdoor furniture for the season}

{so. many. leaves.}

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Six

I know I always say time flies, but I cannot believe that today marks SIX YEARS since I popped the bubbly on this sweet little cottage of mine.  This past year has been big for her - she got a fresh coat of paint and new little porch {more on that later} - and though I don't spend as much time here as I did in those first few years, I still am so happy to come home to my little spot in Magnolia every day.  This old house has kept me warm in the winters, cool {ish} in the summers, busy on the weekends, and was the best decision I've ever made for myself.  I'm still kind of in awe that I bought a home on my own before turning 30, and 6 years later I still smile walking through that gate at the end of the day and knowing I am home.  This house holds so many memories and even though it drives me insane sometimes, I really feel like I was meant to live here.  I can't imagine spending the past 6 years anywhere else, and will definitely be poppin' some bubbly tonight to celebrate my little cottage :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Baby Jack

Friday afternoon I snuck out of work a little early to spend some time with 6 week old Jack!  I haven't seen this little nugget since he was born, and when Shaun and Sara said they were making a quick trip over the mountains for one night to the valley I jumped at the chance to snuggle my cutest nephew.  I loved holding Jack and rocking him to sleep, and that spiky hair that cannot be tamed is the best.  This may be baby picture overload, but I can't help it because he is seriously THE CUTEST.  Getting him to smile {above} just made my heart melt and I cannot wait to see him again and give him even more auntie snuggles.

meeting uncle mark

meeting great great auntie marsha

baby yawns are the best

to say these two are obsessed would be an understatement

xoxo,
stephanie marie