Hall of Fame {Congrats Dad!}

This past Friday was extra special as we headed up to the valley to celebrate the greatest coach ever, my dad.  We found out over Thanksgiving that my dad was getting inducted into the BEHS Hall of Fame for his many years of coaching golf at our high school and last Friday night was the ceremony, held during a surprisingly exciting boys basketball game in the gym {they eventually lost but made an amazing almost-comeback after a not so stellar first half}.  Several old golfers came out to support and surprise my dad and lots of old coaches, friends and family were all there to witness the honor.  It was so special to listen to all of the accomplishments listed out for him and his fellow inductees and made me such a proud daughter {and former golfer} to be able to cheer him on during this exciting night.  It had been years since I've been in the high school gym and it was fun catching up with old friends and teachers I hadn't seen in so long.  Congrats again, Dad - we are all so proud of you!!  Love ya!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Dave Matthews Band

Before I get too deep into vacation pictures I wanted to share some pics from one of my most favorite nights recently, the Dave Matthews Band concert at Climate Pledge Arena a few weeks ago.  If you knew me at all in high school and college you know I was obsessed with DMB {to put it mildly}.  Susannah and I went to their concerts at the Gorge, brother and I hit up a few solo shows in Seattle, and their albums were on constant rotation throughout my teens and early 20's.  There's something about their music that just hits me in my gut and instantly brings me back to that time, so when I saw they were playing in Seattle {something they haven't done since 2006 as an opener for The Rolling Stones and 1996 as a headliner!} I knew I had to get us tickets.  We walked down to the arena {one of my favorite things about living in the city} and after dinner at The Sitting Room we headed over to the concert super early and super excited.  With no opener or real grand entrance the band jammed for 3 hours straight, playing some of my most favorite songs {Two Step & Crush}, some I had totally forgotten about {Seek Up & Stay or Leave}, and some new ones I had never heard of {if you ask me, the perfect DMB concert would be solely songs from the 90's but I guess you gotta take the new with the old!}.  I loved listening to his stories and rants in between songs {about getting out the vote for Patty Murray and heading down to Florida during the pandemic} and sitting there that night I was transported back to previous life and so grateful to be able to see one of my all time faves again.  Even Christian who wasn't a huge fan before the show was looking up old interviews of the band and watching concert videos online when we got home.  It was one of my most favorite nights in a long time and I'm so happy that my love for these guys is still so strong after so many years :) Now, let's hope it's not another 20+ years before they're back!

a mike mccready cameo for all along the watchtower

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Twenty

It's absolutely crazy to me, but last weekend we celebrated the class of 2002's 20 year high school reunion {relive our 10 year here}.  The past 20 years have gone by in the blink of an eye - it seems like just yesterday we were walking across that graduation stage on what has to be one of the coldest June days ever, but when I think back to everything that has happened since then, I guess it really has been quite a long time.  Due to covid, travels, and other plans a lot of people couldn't make it, but we still had a pretty awesome turnout {see above for most of the attendees and their families} for a warm sunny day at Bay View State Park.  While I was super nervous before the event {especially as one by one my friends started dropping like flies}, it ended up being so much fun catching up and reminiscing with people I haven't seen in so many years - it was like no time had passed with some and we picked up just like we had left off.  While I know most of these people I probably won't see for another 10 years {except for chance encounters in the valley} I'm hoping that some of these rekindled friendships won't take quite so long to connect again.  Thanks to Merith for putting together such a fun afternoon, and to Josh for executing it in her absence!  Cheers to the class of 2002 - see y'all again in 2032 :)

with janet & josh

janet, josh, & jake

facetiming in merith

zach singing happy birthday to tessa and remembering those we've lost

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happiest of birthdays to this wonderful, thoughtful, funny, selfless and pretty lady!  Mom - I'm the luckiest to call you mom and friend and I'm so grateful for everything you've done and continue to do for us.  You really are the best -  I love you!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Birthday Wishes

Happy early Birthday to this little cutie, who is turning 37 tomorrow!  I'm excited to see what this year will bring, and while I'm so thankful that for the most part my family and friends are all healthy, happy, and vaccinated, my birthday wish this year is that anyone who is able will go get the vaccine so we can begin to repair and rebuild what has been lost this past year and a half.  I for one am so excited to travel, eat out, and hug friends, but we are so close to moving backwards again that I'm hoping everyone will follow the science and do their part.  It's not a big ask, but would make this birthday girl the absolute happiest.  Let's put on a mask, get vaccinated, and pop some bubbly to a happy and healthy year ahead.  Cheers!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day {a day late} to this wonderful lady, who has been such a bright light during this past crazy year.  Mom - your optimism, patience, and sense of humor have helped get us all through such an unprecedented time, and I'm truly lucky to call you Mom.  To all the mama's, mama figures, and those missing mama's this week, lots of love to you.  Girls really do run the world :) 

xoxo.

stephanie marie

Birthday Wish

Happy Birthday to this girl, who is turning 36 today!!  I'm taking the day off to eat some good food, be outside, and spend time with my honey.  If you want to get me a gift, the best gift I could ask for would be for everyone to wear a mask, stay home as much as possible, maybe have a socially distanced drink with those you love - and VOTE!  That would be the best birthday present ever :)  Cheers!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Birthday Wishes

Would you believe me if I said that this little girl with the red accessories and slip for a dress is turning 35 today? :)  While I'm not nearly as fashionable as I was back then, I'm still hoping to dress up in my best to head to work {lame} then off to a nice quiet dinner with my sweetie.  I think 35 sounds like a good time to focus on being healthy - physically, mentally, and emotionally - and I'm setting those intentions today to put myself down a really good path.  Here's to hoping 35 is the best year yet!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Showering Baby Clara

Sunday afternoon I headed north to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Ashley & Sam's baby Clara.  I've known Ashley since I was 2 years old and I can't believe that in 8 short weeks she's going to be a mom!  Her shower was at her Aunt Lisa's house and Lisa definitely went allllll out to decorate and celebrate Ashley.  The food spread was incredible, there were bunny decorations {the theme} everywhere, and the focus was all on the new mama as we played games and she opened gift after cute gift for baby Clara.  It was fun to catch up with some old friends from back in the day and the celebration made me even more excited to meet little Clara - I can't wait!  Congrats Ash & Sam!

the old neighborhood crew - sarah, ashley, and me

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Neigborhood Reunion

On Christmas Eve Eve we had the Satterlund family over for what is becoming our traditional catch up from the old neighborhood.  Tyler and Nema were in town from Tanzania with their sweet little girls Bridget & Gabriella and we all sat around drinking wine, chatting, and taking turns snuggling sweet Gabby while Bridget entertained us by dancing to Christmas songs.  I love catching up with this family and these adorable little Tyler lookalikes - hopefully next year Lindsay is back in town so we can get the whole gang together!

xoxo,
stephanie marie