The Gma & Gpa come for a visit

YAY!  We finally got our first visitors, since moving to the Pacific Northwest.  My parents just love me so much, they just couldn't bare being apart from me for so long :)   Ok Ok so they didn't come out just to see me, my kids probably played a bigger factor in the reason as to why they came out.  But setting the kids aside, I know they really missed their middle child.

Things have been a little crazy since we moved, and so this was our first chance to play tourist.  It was a lot of fun, to get out of the house and go see some of what Seattle is all about!

First thing first ... we and HAD to go check the gum wall.  It is gross and cool at the same time.  It is in this dark ally way under neath Pike's Place Market, and you almost get the feeling that you are in an old Jack the Riper film.  There is gum on both sides of the ally, and strung from window wells.  People have blown bubbles,  spelled out names, and made shapes.  My recommendations: go prepared with some major packs of bubble gum, and contribute to the artwork!

Creepy ally is behind the rents

After the gum wall, we made our way to the famous Crab Pot, to of course dig into some crab pots.

These people were all "CRACKING" me up hahahaha

We also took the ferry to Bainbridge, and walked around and enjoyed the cherry blossoms and the beautiful scenery

 It was a lot of fun, getting to know this new city that we now live in!

Denver

Thanks to our good friends Jeremy & Justine, for getting married!  You gave us the perfect excuse, to take a trip to the wonderful state of Colorado!!

This was our first trip back, since we moved nearly a year ago.  And I must admit, it was a little emotional for me.  Don't get me wrong ...  I grew up in a Utah, my family is there, and I still love to go back and visit.  But Denver ... oh Denver ... will always hold a special place in my heart!  It's where I spent the last 8 years of my life.  Chiki & I were married there, we have some GREAT GREAT friends there, I had my 3 kids there, the sun there is absolutely incredible (something you wouldn't understand, unless you have lived in the Pacific Northwest :)), and we made sooo many great memories while there! 

When we flew into DIA, it felt like we had been on a really long road trip, and we were coming home.  Except instead of heading back to our car and driving home to Thornton, we headed to Hertz and drove to sweet Matt & Nicole's house :)

The wedding turned out beautiful, and a good time was had by all!

What a Beautiful Bride!

 My Cute Little Flower Girl, With The Groom

 Nicole, was my first friend in Colorado.  We met at school, and have been inseparable ever since.  She has the sweetest family, and they have kind of taken us under their wings.  My kids call her parents grandma & grandpa.  It is the sweetest thing. We love and miss them all

Anyhow, CONGRATULATIONS Jeremy & Justine.  We wish you the best!

Allie's Birthday Bash

At the beginning of March, we went on our first road trip, since moving to the state of Washington.  We headed to Bend, for Miss Allison's 7th birthday!

The Birthday Gal

 Decorating Our Cupcakes

 Dancing The Day Away

Thank you cousin, for letting us come and celebrate with you!

A Little Peak

Here are a few pictures to try and entice visitors:

Remember how two posts ago, I wrote how I don't handle change well .... well, then you will understand my last post.  After that rant, I am feeling better about it now.  It is really pretty up here, and I am sure that come spring ... it is going to be absolutely gorgeous.  I am excited that after a full year, me and the husband will finally be able to blow the cob webs off of our fly rods.  I am excited for our visits to Canada, and to all the pretty parks along the way.  It is definitely something new, and different.  

Oh and here is a little something else, that we have been up to

Ya, not so good.  It still freaks me out when I am going straight, and someone cuts in front of me to make a left hand turn.  And the most frustrating part ... it has been two weeks and the last time I spoke to the adjuster, he told me they are still breaking down the car and taking parts off for estimates.  Poor Pilot I miss you :(

Everything Happens For A Reason

So me and the kids are stuck here at the house, for the 4th day in row, due to a major storm.  All morning long we have been listening to music, while the AppleTV scrolls through our pictures ... and it got me to think.

 I know everything happens for a reason, but really?  Are Chik & I, out of our minds??  How could we go from this

To This

 

And then here (yes the ladies are using their boogie boards.  We were a little unprepared)

I am sure being stuck in the house, hasn't helped my mood any ... but I am really missing my friends, the sun, the sun,  and my family :(  

2011

WOW...

is the one word that comes to my mind, when I think about this past year.  2011 was definitely a big one, for us Carbajal's.  There were so MANY big life changes and during it all we managed to stay healthy, alive, and semi sane.  

We have been exposed to many more cultures, experienced coastal life and that awesome San Diego weather (oh how I miss that weather), met many many new great people, and was able to catch up and spend some time with great old friends.   

During 2011 ... we shed many tears, said a few good bye's (just a few ha ha), and have donated so many unused items ... we could have opened our own store.  

We lived in 3 different states, sold a house, and rented 2.

For me personally, it has been a year of highs and lows.  Whether it was packing on the pounds and dealing with post pardum,  or getting to meet this sweet little man (definitely my highlight)!

For someone who isn't good at change,  2011 was a bit of a challenge, but I must admit ... I think I handled it pretty darn well!!

The Trek

Our last move of the year, was a big one.  A very big one, indeed.  We went from the very south ... San Diego, to the very north ... Seattle.  We drove 1300 miles, over a 4 day span, in two vehicles, with 3 very good children.

It was a little out of our way, but we HAD to make a pit stop at this place:

The Jelly Belly Factory

 

Yes, people ... the Carbajal's have found their real home away from from.  We were in absolute candy heaven!

 Our trip to the Jelly Belly Factory was absolutely fabulous!!