Elliott Bay Sailing

A few Thursdays ago, I got to do one of my most favorite Summer activities - sailing.  Autumn & Ryan invited me out on the boat for a Thursday night race at Elliott Bay - and it also just happened to be their anniversary!  It was a perfect Seattle night on the water - it was about 90 degrees in town, but the bay had an amazingly warm breeze that kept us flying across the water {and tilted a little more to the side than I'm comfortable with :)}.  I did my part by sliding from one side of the boat to the other when told and passing beers around to everyone on board :)  While I can't take credit for these pics {I stole them from Ash}, it really was just one of the most beautiful nights.  Being on the water in the summer is the absolute best place to be.  Thanks for the invite, Hellings!  Can't wait to go out again!!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

4th of July {Part 3}

And now - fireworks!  While the pre-show was a little anxiety inducing {so many huge fireworks way too close for comfort}, the main attraction was completely spectacular.  Norm really outdid himself this year - they took their whole dock and turned it into a barge full of fireworks that they floated out onto the bay.  The show lasted 14 minutes nonstop and once it got started, all eyes on the island were on that barge.  We're lucky enough to have it right out in front of us - there's no where else you can get this close to a show like that.  Pretty amazing :)

the barge on the way out

xoxo,
stephanie marie

4th of July {Part 2}

I know I promised you firework pics, but let's save those for tomorrow, eh?  The lighting in the evening on the 4th was so gorgeous - it cast a orange-y glow across the whole island.  After my buddies left, I relaxed out on the deck with the family chatting, drinking, and eating some fresh crab we'd gotten as hostess gifts {yessssssss}.  It was the perfect way to end the day before the craziness of the fireworks began!

 the family that birks together....

 messy hair don't care

xoxo,
stephanie marie

4th of July {Part 1}

This year's 4th of July celebration was missing a few of the regulars, but we gained a few newbies and it was pretty fantastic.  We were all nervous it was going to be way too hot, but the breeze on the water made for a perfect day on the island.  We munched on oyster nachos and watched the parade {no exotic animals this year}, then gorged on food before taking a nap {Ryley} and eating our weight in dessert {Lila}.  It really was just a gorgeous day in my favorite place - I'm already excited for next year!

 ryley loved his first 4th on the island!

 lila kept rockin' out to the band every time they came by

 saxophone accompaniment to 'god bless america'

 crab cake!

 sneaking an oyster nacho before they were all gone

 ryley and eric on the beach

 while ryley napped....

 ....us girls took a sitting down version of our annual pic

 lila and ryley were instant buddies

the best smile :)

Tomorrow - fireworks!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Holiday Weekend

Happy Long Weekend!  I don't know about you, but I'm definitely ready for a 3 day weekend to really relax and enjoy one of my favorite days of the year.  I already know that July is going to fly by, so I'm trying to enjoy every bit of it that I can.  Have a safe and happy holiday everyone!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

The Cycle Saloon {on water}

Last week, my new work group headed out of the office a little early for some summertime bonding on the water.  We rented the Cycle Pontoon, a version of the Cycle Saloon you see riding around Ballard.  The Pontoon is a peddle boat {although to be honest, you don't really have to peddle} and we brought aboard some drinks, snacks, and 90's music to entertain us while we rode around Lake Union on a gorgeous Seattle afternoon.  I always say that the best place to be on a sunny day is on a boat, and this day was no exception.  I wish we could do this every week :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Birthday Griffin!

Oh man, G - I can't believe you're 10!!!  This makes Auntie Stephie feel so old!!  I remember the first time I saw you, and how absolutely in love I was with you.  You are one of my most favorite humans on the planet - I wish I could snuggle you every single day!  Have the happiest of birthdays, Griffin!  I love you so much!

xoxo,
stephanie marie