Goodbye Scottsdale, Hello Seattle.

Welcome to Seattle, Bienvenido a Seattle. Ok, so it doesn't exactly have the same ring to it, but you get the idea. As I have been quite neglectful of my blog, I figured it's only appropriate that I catch you all up on my new life here in the Rainy City.

As you could imagine, the move from lovely Scottsdale to rainy Seattle was minorly traumatic. My last few weeks in Scottsdale were a blur of moving boxes, tears, goodbyes and much needed breakfast buzzes, if you get what I'm saying. My last night in town was spent having dinner at 5th and Wine with my very favorite people. From there, Mike and I packed up my little car and made the long drive to CA. I balled, literally, the whole way out of town. After we hit the ten, I calmed down a bit and fell asleep. Lucky for me, Mike drove a majority of the way there before we switched places somewhere by the Jurassic Park fence along I-5. We made it to Santa Rosa where we spent a few days with Mike's mom and family before finishing the drive to good old Fair Oaks. We spent a few days there before Mike headed back to Phoenix, without me. Que leaky eyeballs, now. I spent the next few days getting ready for the big move.

Being the awesome man that he is, Art offered to drive my over-packed car up to Seattle and Hutch and I took the quicker route via Southwest Airlines. The next few days were spent running way too many errands, putting together far more Ikea furniture than I even care to think about and making a solid attempt at keeping the tears under-wraps. I am so fortunate to have such awesome parents to help me with everything, even less than glamorous moves.

After Art and Hutch left, I spent the next few days getting settles, meeting my roommates and exploring the city before school started. We had an orientation at a Ropes Course on Whidbey Island, which was a total blast. Then, the following week, school started. It's been a bit of a blur, to be completely honest. It's had it's ups and downs, but all in all, has turned out to be pretty awesome. The program is #3 in the nation, so I'm hoping that'll church up my resume a bit and help me score some sweet job post-graduation, plus the bragging rights aren't too terrible. We're closing in on finals week. One quarter down, five more to go. I've met some pretty interesting people, eaten at some delicious restaurants and found a few little Seattle gems. My new roommates are pretty awesome and we have a great little place in the cutest neighborhood, within walking distance to a few bars and restaurants and a 5 minute bus ride to campus.

I've been traveling as much as possible, going to visit Mike in Phoenix, going home for Nicole's baby shower (Miss Nayeli is due early next year!!), Thanksgiving, you get the idea! Hutch and Mike have both been to visit and Lindsey is coming in January. Whoop, whoop!! Can't even wait!! I'm heading to visit my dad in Maui for Christmas and I am so so excited!! Other than that, not too much to report.

Going away dinner at 5th and Wine.

Jurassic Park fence, right Missy?

We had the chance to visit with Mike's sweet baby nephew on the way up to Sacramento.

Time, Mike and I at some bar in Santa Rosa.

We ventured over to Bodega Bay for the afternoon.

Mikey driving Miss Daisy.

Home Sweet Home.

Hutch made an awesome dinner for us the night we got to Fair Oaks. She's such an awesome momma :)

Ropes course at Whidbey Island.

Great Seattle Gem.

Yummmm.

Fish Market @ Pike.

So many fresh flower, a HUGE bouquet for like $10.

Mmmmmm, fresh veggies too.

Best Mac n Cheese, ever.

$10 flowers, definite gem!!

Mike and I at Pike.

Mike and I drenched while watching the UW vs ASU game. ASU won, obviously.

Cute little park by my new place :)

Captured on my morning run.

While it may have been the most traumatic experience of my life, I survived my first snow.

Congrats!!!

I got some AWESOME news this morning: My beautiful older sister and her husband are expecting!!! She is 5 weeks along :) WoooHooo!! I am so very happy for them!! They are both so great with kids, I just know that they are going to be the best parents!!! Multiples run in Junior's family and we will find out on August 2nd if they are expecting twins!! (I secretly hope so, as long as they are ok with that)

Nicole and Junior
Yay!!! Here is to another healthy and happy niece or nephew (or two)!!

Ohhh, and today is their 2 year wedding anniversary as well!! What a fun day to find out that you're pregnant!!!

xoxo,
whit

Birthday Weekend

A little re-cap of my wonderful birthday weekend:

Friday: To start my birthday off right, my sweet man friend ever so kindly packed me a little lunch :) While, I had to work on my birthday, my day went quite fast. I was surprised by cards, gifts and flowers throughout the day from some amazing people in my life and my boss took me out for a delicious birthday lunch. I left work a bit early and ran around like a chicken with my head cut off, gather last minute things for Lionel's birthday and Father's Day gifts. That evening Mike and my dad came over to the house. We had a glass of champagne (or two) before heading to TeePee for dinner. Per usual, we ate ourselves into food comas. We went back to my house and enjoyed some delightful cupcakes from Sprinkles, complete with candles to blow out. We opened gifts before walking over to the bars. We started at Loco (obviously) where Jillian, Dana, Jon and Mandy met us. Jon and Lionel hit it off and entertained themselves with "surf talk" for quite some time. After Loco we headed over to Bungalow for a few more drinks before heading home. It was so nice to spend the evening with some of my favorites. I hadn't seen Dana in what feels like forever and it was fun for everyone to meet Lionel!!

pretty flowers from hutch and art followed by a beautiful purple and gold package from UW, which I forgot to snap a picture of, bummer!

Some of Lionel's birthday and Father's Day gifts

our delicious cupcakes, lemon coconut and peanut butter chocolate chip
Saturday: Mike and I slept in, ahhh! Lionel came over to the house and we all headed up to the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch. Lucky for us, our room was ready early, so we got to check in right away. My hotel rep totally set us up in a beautiful suite and the nice gentleman at the front desk upgraded us to Regency Club after I told him that I used to work there. (This job definitely has its perks) After we got settled, we put our suits on and headed down to the awesome 2.5 acre pool! We ate lunch and indulged in a few fruity cocktails. The three of us talked and laughed, played water basketball and went down the three story water-slide. Lora and her boyfriend Nick came by for a bit and the five of us headed up to the Regency Club for happy hour. That evening Mike and I had an awesome dinner at SWB. Fresh guacamole (made right at our table), crab cakes, tortilla soup, a filet and coconut sorbet. Que food coma; round 2. After a long day in the sun and way too much food, we called it an early night.

our sweet suite

ahhh king size bed, my favorite

such beautiful grounds

part of the "adult pool"

nelly in his hat

ohhh hey there, Mikey

enjoying some "uber coladas"

champagne and chocolate covered marshmellows waiting for us in the room

"cheers"
Sunday: Another morning of sleeping in, courtesy of black out shades at the hotel, Mike and I woke up at 9am and checked out of the hotel. I had plans to meet Lionel for Father's Day breakfast at 10am. My favorite Uncle Mike, Aunt Becky, Cousin Katelyn and her two sweet girls joined us. We tried a new place by my house, Randy's, which was pretty OK. After breakfast I took Lionel to the airport, we said our goodbyes and he got on his plane. I cried the whole way to Mike's house after dropping him off. It was so nice to have him in town for 2 whole weeks. I miss him dearly and feel fortunate to have such a fun and funny dad. While it is hard for me to only see him every 6 months, I know that he is so happy in Maui. I am really looking forward to our Christmas trip. I spent Sunday afternoon catching glimpses of movies and the US Open in between naps. I cooked a delicious dinner and Mike and I caught up on The Bachelorette.

father's day with ellie and aubreyel

Thank you to everyone who made my birthday so special. I am very lucky to have such amazing people in my life.

xoxo,
whit

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday came and went without a blog post, but better late than never :)

I am thankful for my fun office! We had a champagne lunch in the conference room for my birthday. How fun! Nothing like a nice glass of champagne in the middle of the day!

I was also thankful to come home to some beautiful flowers from my man friend. Let the birthday celebrations begin!!!

xoxo,
whit

Home Sweet Home

After my lovely Cabo vacation, I was fortunate enough to spend a very relaxing 5 days at home in Sacramento. Here is a recap and a few photos for your viewing pleasure :)

Tuesday: Reluctantly, I left our beautiful Mexican oasis and headed back to the states. Picture a 5 year old on their way to Disneyland for the first time, that was me flying to Sacramento, where I knew I would finally be reunited with my dad. The last time we saw one another was last August for Nelson's funeral. I was beyond excited to be seeing him again, and on much better terms. My mom, dad and cousin Portia picked me up at the airport. From there, we picked up Ann and went to La Placita (best hole in the wall Mexican joint in Fair Oaks) where we met Renee. We had an awesome dinner. Even after 5 days in Mexico, I couldn't turn down La Pla. It's that good. After dinner we dropped Ann off and went back to Hutch's house. We stayed up late chit chatting. I was so excited to be home ♥

Wednesday: I went to work with Hutch on Wednesday. After having turned off my Blackberry for the past 5 days, it was a bit hectic. That afternoon we went to Ann's graduation lunch at a great little place downtown before heading over to Memorial Auditorium for graduation. I bet you will NEVER guess who was awarded valedictorian... (If you guessed Ann, you are correct) So proud of her!!! She delivered an awesome speech. As much as I tried not to, I will admit that I did shed a few tears. After graduation, Dad and I helped Elizabeth and the rest of the volunteers help set up "Sober Grad Night." We called it a night at about 12:30am. So much for a "relaxing trip home." Haha.

Elizabeth, Dad, Me, Ann & Hutch at lunch

Ann giving her speech, she did awesome!

Dad, Ann & Elizabeth after graduation

Ann, Krysta & Myself after graduation
Thursday: I went to the dentist in the morning (yuck!!) and worked from home all day. That night Hutch cooked a big feast and invited a few of my my very favorite people over. Nay Nay came early and brought my sweet, sweet baby nephew, Alex. I can not even believe how big he is getting. Alex and Lionel met for the first time, and really hit it off. Lindsey and Garret joined us and so did Laura. It was so nice to be all together (although I must say, Mike and Art would have increased the 'nice-ness' by quite a bit). Probably my favorite night of the trip.

Those shoes kill me. He is so freaking cute.

Alex and Grandpa Lionel giving high-fives

Seriously, I would never be able to tell him 'no'
Friday: I worked from home again in the morning. That afternoon Hutch and I got our hair done before taking Lionel to the airport. Art's flight got in about an hour after Lionel's left, so mom and I killed some time shopping :) After we swooped Art from the airport we went to happy hour at Chevy's on the River. Then they dropped me at Missy cute new place downtown. We got ready and headed out for a night of fun :) Our friend Renee came out and met us. I drank a bit too much sangria and the rest is history. Bleh!

Pipee dogg having a rough Friday morning

One of Artsky and Hutch's new kittens

Miss and I at Bistro

We stuffed our own blue cheese olives
Saturday: I lounged. All day. And it was awesome. That afternoon we went to Ann's grad party. It was a sweet reunion of all of her friends and family. I over-heard her basketball coach talking about how he worked the roulette table at Sober Grad Night and got the urge to play. After the grad party Art, Hutch and I went to Redhawk. We wanted to get Round Table (my must have for every trip home) so we vowed to only stay at the casino for 1 hour. Hutch played Pai Gow Poker, Art played Video Poker and I player Roulette. I was feeling pretty guilty about gambling since I am about to be a broke student again, until I hit on my very first round. For whatever reason, I was a lucky girl that night. I came to the casino with $100 in my pocket and left with $230 :) While we stayed a bit longer than we had originally intended, we still had time to grab a pizza on the way home. I'm chalking it up to a little pre-birthday luck. Amazing night!

Art filled the fountain in the back yard to see what the kittens would do. The kittens didn't notice, but Louis thoroughly enjoyed his mid-afternoon bath. Naughty Dogggg!

Hutch gave me a pedicure, lucky me!

"Come on biggggg money!"
Sunday: We slept in and just hung out all morning. Hutch baked some delicious treats for me to take home to Mike and I packed my suitcase. That afternoon we went to David Berkley for lunch and sat outside and enjoyed the ever-so-mild Sacramento summer. We dropped Art back off at home and head to the airport, which was a mess!! Luckily I made my flight, even after having my bag completely torn apart at security. Mike picked me up and boy was I excited to see him! 10 days is a long time!! Unfortunately both Hutch and I got sick that night (maybe food poisoning) , so I wasn't much fun. The Car-Washing and Gas-Tank-Filling Fairy (whom resembles my handsome man friend) came while I was gone and had my car all ready for a long commute to work on Monday morning! Lucky me!!

While it is always hard to come back from vacation, I am glad to be home and back on schedule. Hope you're having a fantastic week!

xoxo,
whit