One day my friend Jill asked, “wanna go to Seattle?!?!” and I said “SURE!!” So we went before the busy summer wedding season that is now upon us.

I think our most exciting tales are from the hotel’s complimentary shuttle service. Riding with Mr. Crazy Morning Whiplash Driver every morning was both entertaining and scary, but we always got to where we needed to be. However, at the end of every day when we were supposed to get picked up, it was a nervous waiting game. The only day it rained for us in Seattle, we were standing under our umbrellas under a big tree for much longer than we should have. I called the motel and sure enough we had been forgotten. The next time I called for a pickup I sarcastically asked them for a confirmation number and for the rest of our stay, they knew our room number by heart. 

A couple years ago when I started to get really interested in photography, I started taking lots of photos of my mom’s flowers. The butterfly house at the Pacific Science Center was SO beautiful and it was fun for me to get back to what I started with.

We weren’t planning on going to the Space Needle that day, but it was right there, the weather was perfect, and there was no line to go to the top!!!

Our first of many Starbucks stops!!

We spent a day wandering around the University of Washington campus – I thought these leaves were pretty cool.

Elliot Bay Book Company was HUGE!! Since I don’t read as much as I should, I just took pictures of all the books instead of buying any :-)

Pioneer Square garden:

The Waterfall Garden provided by UPS!

On our boat cruise, I got this great shot of the Seattle skyline – on the right you can see Smith Tower which used to be the tallest building in Seattle and on the left you can see the Space Needle.

There was so much color at Pike Place Market!!

There were so many beautiful bouquets at the market – this one was my favorite.

We rode the monorail to and from the Space Needle just to ride the monorail – it was only $4 round-trip, how could we say no??

A lady selling postcards outside of a gift shop told us the story of the pig, but I’m still not quite sure what it was about. I do know it has something to do with it being a piggy bank for donations to raise money for something….I’m a terrible tourist. I just take photos and don’t learn a whole lot. It sure was fun though!!!

Mom- you’re the best. When I’m a mom some day I hope to be at least half as awesome as you are!! Not only are you a great mom, I’m pretty sure you’re a wonderful Grandma, too!

And since we’re bringing Jonas into this, Happy (God)Mother’s Day to me!! :-)

I know these photos are from last weekend, but I am taking off for Seattle in the morning, so I won’t be able to blog until the 19th! So until then, have a wonderful Mother’s Day and a great week!

I haven’t seen my nephew since CHRISTMAS, so when I found out he and his parents were going to be at my parents’ house this weekend, there was no stopping me! I was afraid he might not remember me, but he’ll pretty much let anyone pick him up so I was lucky. :-) His crib was set up in my room and yesterday morning I heard him wake up, but Ben was still sound asleep in his room. I looked over at Jonas and he saw that I was awake, stood straight up and put his arms up for me to come get him out! I got lots of hugs and open-mouth kisses (he says ‘mah’ and on the ‘ah’ part puts his mouth on you) this weekend. Just looking back at these photos makes my heart melt! Nephews are the BEST!!!

In the mornings, Jonas likes to stay in his pajamas and eat three or four rounds of breakfast- his breakfast, my breakfast, grandma’s breakfast, mommy’s breakfast, daddy’s breakfast…. :-)

He is also very smiley and loves to read-

Jonas also LOVES to be outside!!

Since it was so nice outside this weekend, we all went out to clean our cars. Jonas practiced driving my car.

And one last pajama picture!!

With a 40% chance of rain, I was nervous that we wouldn’t get to do any outdoor photos for Shane and Lacey’s wedding. I’m sure lots of prayers were said to keep the rain away until after the wedding, and it worked!! It was a bit overcast, but we took care of all the outside photos before any sprinkles started to fall.

The entire day was simply beautiful – emphasis on both simple AND beautiful! Three bridesmaids, three groomsmen, small families and lots of smiles made my job super easy!!

For ring photos, I like to find something that fits the couple really well – for Shane and Lacey it was this wooden bench that made the perfect backdrop for the rings. I’ve spent two Spring Break mission trips with this couple, and I’ve seen how down-to-earth and selfless they truly are. 

Pink, green and silver made the perfect color combination for a wedding this time of year!

Lacey and her little sister getting ready:

A special moment as Lacey waits as her dress is being laced up:

I love doing ‘first look’ photos – it’s my favorite part of the day! And knowing these two, I expected nothing less from Shane when he first saw Lacey all dressed up! :-)

Next, a couple bridal portraits:

Then we stepped outside for a couple shots:

But it was a little breezy so we came back inside for some more around the church: 

A re-creation of Spring Break last year:

Group shots aren’t my absolute favorite, but how could I pass up sharing this Stepbrothers pose??

On to the ceremony: Lacey’s dad giving her away to Shane

Doesn’t Adam look nice? :-)

Padre has the BEST homilies – I never get tired of hearing him speak!!

Lacey joined the Catholic church on Easter, and so she was able to receive communion for their wedding!

Mr. and Mrs. Deranleau!!!!

Typical Shane:

Shane + Lacey – thanks for being such a great couple to work with!! Also, thanks for sharing a slice of your wedding cake with me! :-) This was a perfect start to my wedding season this year! Have a great honeymoon and I will see you around!!