Anniversay weekend away!

All that is left of our donuts. We were so excited to eat them that we forgot to take a picture before:)

Travis and I celebrate our 7th anniversary on the 21st of September. Since Travis started school yesterday though I decided to surprise him with a weekend away. Surprised he was!! He was so shocked he scared me a little bit:) Travis thought his mom was coming over to take us out to breakfast Saturday morning. She arrived and then I told him he had 5 minutes to get ready to go. It was so funny to see his face. He just stared at me and was like "what are you talking about." He wasn't sure about the idea at first because he had a lot of little things to do considering we had a Saturday with no plans but he warmed up to the idea fast.
Our first stop was Seattle. We are Food Network junkies and are always seeing all these restaurants on there from Seattle and of course we've never been to any of them so I thought it was time to change that. We started with Lola's for breakfast. It was the best breakfast Travis and I have had. We shared these donut bites that come to your table in a paper bag. They serve them with marscapone vanilla bean cheese and a blackberry jam. So good! The rest of the breakfast was delicious too and we can't wait to go back and have it again!
Across the street from Lola's we checked out the Dhalia bakery which has made it on the Food Network as well. Travis grabbed shortbread muffin with jam for later and I got a chocolate cupcake with chocolate malted butter cream. Yummy! We then walked down to Pike Place and it was such a beautiful day to walk around. The sun was out and it was perfect.
After Pike Place we walked to Pacific Place and looked around a bit. I got a new cell phone which I've needed for some time and we had chips and salsa at this little Mexican restaurant there. Let me tell you, some of the best chips and salsa we've had. The chips were flavored with this yummy lime salt that made them delicious! After our snack we went and saw the movie Julie and Julia. It was pretty good and helped round out our Food Network weekend pretty well:)
I surprised Travis by staying at one of his favorite hotels. The Bellevue Club. This hotel is attached to a high end exercise club which is sooooo nice compared to the Y, and we were excited to work out there. Our first workout we went swimming in the pool, relaxed in the hot tub and sat in the sauna (tough workout:). We then got ready for dinner and hit PF Changs. It was our first time and we really liked the food. Fun atmosphere too. We walked around Bellevue Square which is my favorite mall and Travis got a Starbucks. When we got back into our hotel room we had free champagne waiting for us which was a nice touch.
On Sunday morning, we had breakfast in the room (bread from Great Harvest Bread Company and homemade jam), and then we went and worked out for a few hours. The equipment there was so fun because you could watch TV while running on the treadmill:) We finished off our weekend at Cactus, a Mexican restaurant that Rachael Ray recommends. It was yummy. We had a great weekend away, the kids loved staying here with grandma, and we can't wait to try out some more new restaurants in the near future. My favorite part of the weekend was surprising Travis. He didn't know what I had planned next and I think that was fun for him. Happy Anniversary babe! Here's to 7 years, only 70 more to go:) XOXOXOXO

Seaside Oregon trip

Strawberry chocolate twinkie

Chocolate covered twinkies

Flying a kite!

She wasn't sure about the sand at first, but it didn't take long until she was sitting in it playing with her brother.

Since we got back from Mexico I have been dying to take the kids to the ocean. There is something about watching them play in the sand that is so fun to me. We decided that instead of going to the fair this year Travis would take a day off and we would go for a day trip to the ocean. We were planning our usual trip to Long Beach but decided on Seaside since it was the same drive time to get there. We are so glad we did! Seaside was beautiful! We loved the beach. It was huge so you didn't feel crowded and they even had swing sets for the kids. The weather was great, we actually got a little hot during the day. They have a beautiful promenade to walk along the beach and a really fun town.
We got there and had a picnic lunch and let the kids play in the sand. Then we put Peyton in the backpack and Brayden in the stroller and took a long walk along to the promenade and let the kids take a nap. That worked out well and it was a great way to get some exercise in. Then we walked the town and checked out some of the cool shops. Hate to say it but our favorite one was the candy store. Ok, seriously this place had chocolate covered everything. Twinkies, Nutter Butters, Pop Tarts, and even bacon. We had to try a strawberry chocolate Twinkies that was pretty good. We made it back to the beach after nap to play some more. We played baseball, soccer, made a small sand castle, played in the water, flew a kite, and just relaxed. When we got hungry we hit a restaurant in town for a yummy dinner and then decided to head out. On the way out of town we had to stop at the outlet mall where I found some great deals! As we were leaving town we noticed a lot of traffic and the longer we sat in it the more we realized we weren't going anywhere fast. We turned around and got a hotel room in town later to find out that there was a huge accident and traffic was backed up for hours. So, we were stuck, but had a relaxing evening in the hotel. We can't wait to go back to Seaside someday and maybe this time we'll plan on staying for more then the day:)

Metcalfe Life

Brayden in front of his cubby

This is the last sight I see of Brayden before I leave, he is sitting on the table coloring.

Brayden and Lita ( my mom) on his first day

Brayden at home ready to go on his first day. He kept asking if it was time to go yet. He got up this morning and put his clothes on, brushed his teeth, washed his face and made his bed without me telling him to do it. He was so excited!

All of us in his classroom at the back to school night

It's been awhile since I've done a family update and I think it's time. Life has been busy, but good and it's bitter-sweet that summer is almost gone.
Bryaden started 4-year-old preschool today! It was such a special moment today and it's like my life has done a full circle. Brayden is going to Puget Sound Christian School this year and I went there 4th-7th grade. My mom has been a teacher there for 20+ years and I grew up with Brayden's teacher's children. They were some of my best friends growing up at church. So how weird was it for me today to take him into school and leave him there? He was excited and was happy for me to leave and I can't believe I didn't cry:) I was happy for him, I know he was ready and it's time for this next step in our lives. I think the reason it felt like such a big step was that my normal stay-at-home mommy days will never be the same. No more getting up and planning the day as it goes. But, that's ok too. Peyton and I enjoyed the time together and I got a lot accomplished in 2 1/2 hours. I worked out and did my Costco shopping trip:) Brayden has been talking about starting school for months and says he day at school was fun and can't wait to go back.
A few funny quotes from Brayden: Yesterday I got home from the YMCA and he was already in bed waiting for me to give him a kiss goodnight. He says "Mom, how was your workout?" I say, "It was great Brayden." He says, "I missed you so much while you were gone (I was gone an hour:), can you tuck me up now." Hahaha, instead of tucking into bed he wants to be tucked up:)
- Travis is in the habit of asking me how many calories dinner is since I do the cooking. So yesterday Brayden had to ask too. "Mom, how many calories was my dinner." I told him, and he said "That's pretty good, now I can have a treat:)"
- Peyton is always asking "Where did daddy go." She says it all day until Travis gets home from work. Brayden answered her yesterday and said, "Daddy just got out of an important meeting, ok?" Hahaha, Peyton said "oh."

Peyton is 19 months and is full of energy and fun. She is very adventurous and strong-willed. I spend a lot of time on my knees praying about being her mommy:) She is talking up a storm and loves helping mommy or daddy more than anything (well except for her blankie). She also loves a lot of attention and making people laugh. I'm hoping we can bond a little more with brother being in school 3 days a week.

Travis and I are still trying to loose weight and that in itself keeps us busy. That just means we spend a lot of time working out at the Y and we love it. I've noticed that our family outings have definitely gotten more active. Instead of driving to the park, we are walking or running to it. Instead of a night here at the house, we are going to the local school and running around the track. It's fun and obviously a lot more healthy for us:) This September we are going to be celebrating 7 years of marriage! Travis also starts school in a few weeks. He is going to the UW Tacoma to get his MBA. We're excited for him but also know that will keep us busier than ever. We are still at Renovo church and are loving what God is doing there. We feel lucky to be apart of it. I think that's about it in the Metcalfe house for now....

Big boy bed...

We talked a lot about what to get Brayden for his birthday and finally decided he needed a new bed and soon. He was currently in a toddler bed, which was quickly getting small for our growing boy. We decided to get him a bunk bed with a full size on the bottom and a twin on top. That way he can grow into the full size bed and we hopefully won't have to get him another bed until he moves out:). I researched different websites and stores and we found a reasonable bed and mattresses. We also changed the theme in his room to sports. Which is one I figured he can have for a long time. He LOVES his bed! He loves for Travis and I to lay down with him and read because now we fit. He's already had a slumber party with his friend. I think one of his favorite things was to help us set up the bunk bed. He had a Home Depot apron on and was actually a big help. He loved it!

Happy Birthday Brayden!

We can't believe our little man turned 4 this week! I know we all say that, but time flies when we're having fun. 4 years ago on his birthday I was screaming in a birthing tub asking for an epidural. Hahaha, it's funny because I was at a birthing center and knew full well that I obviously couldn't get that there. I was determined to go natural and I did mainly because at the time I didn't have a choice:) You imagine the birth of your first child to go a certain way. I especially did being a labor and delivery nurse and seeing multiple births every day. It didn't go quite like I thought it would, but it was beautiful and the end result was perfect. Beautiful, healthy baby and happy/tired mom. I remember looking at Travis after we had Brayden and he had tears in his eyes. He just said, "my son." It was a special moment.
Brayden has been a gift to us since the moment he was born. He is laid back, loving and lovable, encouraging, sensitive, and a very sweet little boy. He even told me today "Mom, thanks so much for doing my laundry, you did a good job." :) That doesn't mean that he doesn't have bad days, but luckily they are few and far between. He loves his family and friends, loves helping daddy do anything, and loves playing with his sister. He is still learning his letters, colors and numbers, but can do a 100 piece puzzle by himself and is great at sports. We are excited/nervous for him to start school this year but know it's time and he's ready.
To celebrate Brayden's 4th birthday he decided he wants a Curious George birthday party. That's very fitting because he watches his show almost everyday and loves reading his books. We had over his best friend Cooper and his 3 cousins. The kids painted, played a Curious George game, I read a book about George making pizza and then the kids made "pizza" cookies to take home, we ate pizza and of course cake. I think the thing they enjoyed the most was just playing out in the backyard, (thank God for the nice weather). I talked to Brayden before his party about being thankful for every present he opened. It was so funny. Every present, whether it was clothes, or some cool toy he exclaimed, "WOW!!!!" That was cute. Brayden, you are a joy to have as a son and we can't wait to see what God has planned for your life. Happy Birthday Mr. B!

Making "pizza" cookies

This was the hardest cake I've made yet because I had to free-hand the picture onto the cake, but it was a lot of fun and I didn't want to cut it up:)

Brayden at Azteca. He's been there every birthday since his first. Kind of a family tradition:)

I love Puyallup!

Peyton hanging out with her balloon

The library sets out chalk for families to use outside

I was impressed with the artwork

Brayden playing in a little tent set up next to the booth

Us

Poor Travis had to be there at 7:30 and didn't get home until 2:30, but of course he did it with a happy heart. What t good man!

We've lived in Puyallup now for 3 years and just love it here. It seems this city tries hard to be family friendly wherever we go. One of my new favorite things here is the Farmer's Market. It's so fun to go and look around at all the pretty produce, yummy treats, and get all the free samples:) This year Renovo has had a booth at the market and our HFG has manned it twice this summer. It's been fun, the kids love it and we've met a lot of new people. We pass out balloons, do a root beer taste test, face paint for the kids, and just talk to people. I know our family has enjoyed our time hanging out. Looking forward to next year!

Bitter-Sweet

Titi Desi and Uncle Jimmy. The kids LOVE them!

Desi and me. People have asked us if we are twins before. Seriously?

Today my sister and her husband Jimmy left Washington to make the long drive to their new home- Atlanta:( They are moving there from California so Jimmy can get his PHD from Emory University. We are very proud of Jimmy and his schooling and are behind him 100%. However, we wish they didn't have to live so far away:( They came home in early June for 10 days and then left to do a 6 week mission trip to Africa. They've been home for 2 weeks before they left this morning. I love having them in town, we had a lot of fun. We played at the lake, went out to Indochine for Desi's birthday, we went for walks, we had a pizza and game night, we got to hear stories about their Africa trip, they made my whole family a fun dinner, they came and babysat the kids for me, and we had a fun goodbye dinner for them last night at BJ's. The kids LOVE their Titi Desi and uncle Jimmy!! They will be sad when they realize they won't be around for awhile:( They plan to at least be in Atlanta for 3 years so we'll get used to this hello/goodbye thing again. Desi and Jimmy we love you and miss you already! You'll be in our prayers as you start your new life in Georgia. Can't wait to see you soon!