Visit to Aunt Sheryl and Cloe

Saturday morning we filled the Mini with bags (make that one small one for Brian and myself and three for Abby), the car seat, and stroller. As early as is possible with a small baby, we hit the road heading north to beautiful Vancouver, Canada where we met Brian's Aunt Sheryl and cousin Cloe. Abby is now an international baby traveler!

We visited over lunch while Abby caught up on her beauty sleep. Afterwards, we took a leisurely stroll through the park next to Jericho Beach. It was quite a warm and sunny day, temperatures were about 28 C (that's high 80's for you Americans), and that meant the beach and park were cluttered with beach blankets, mini grills, umbrellas, musicians, and last but not least a fully stocked ice cream truck (smart business man). We sat under the shade of a huge tree, and while Abby nursed we snacked on cool treats.

Dinner was delicious and perfect for a summer evening - grilled salmon, salad, and corn on the cob, followed by sweet strawberries in little chocolate cups topped off with freshly whipped cream. Yummmmm

This morning we walked a few short blocks through Ali's neighborhood to a small cafe called Sophie's. Brunch was tasty and the weather, a bit cooler than yesterday, was nice on the patio. Abby slept like a good baby while we ate.

Poor little Abby is getting over a cold, so she is still congested. Despite this, her spirits are still happy and easy going. She detests the nose sucker with a passion though!

-Diana

A night to remember

Brian and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary Friday May 16th and had the most wonderful date. I did the typical wifely thing, reminding Brian weeks in advance that our important anniversary was coming and that he might want to go get a little gift for me, implying that this was a big deal anniversary year and that I wanted us to share gifts with meaning.

I made dinner reservations at Canlis but kept our destination a secret from Brian. We had Madeline over to babysit Abby, got dressed up in fancy clothes, sprayed on perfume, and hopped in our freshly washed Mini. When we pulled up to the entrance two valets opened our doors simultaneously and while one zipped our car out of site, the other escorted us into the dimly lit restaurant. We were greeted and led to the bar where we enjoyed cocktails and a sashimi ahi tuna appetizer while we visited. Soon we heard, "Mr and Mrs McFarlane, your table is ready", and were led to a table with an unbelievable view - the dark blue water of Lake Union on which boats sailed by and sea planes took off. The background revealed the clear crisp snowcapped Cascade Mountains. Our waitress, Terry, was so kind and hospitable. We ordered our meals and discussed our wine options with a very knowledgeable sommelier.

We couldn't wait any longer to open each other's gifts. Brian composed an artistic and romantic poem about our life together. I wrote about our wonderful marriage, reflecting on the last 5 years. Brian unwrapped the iPod Nano I gave him so that he could carry songs, pictures, and videos along with him as he trains for his mountain climbing trips. Then it was my turn...he had been dropping little hints and "accidently" leaving Ann Taylor bags out, ultimately convincing me that he must have bought me clothes. So, I smiled knowingly as I pulled at the tissue paper, but I was speechless when I pulled out a tiny maroon bag with a small maroon package tied with a pretty gold bow. No outfit would fit in such a small package. My eyes teared up, and my hands shook a bit as I opened the velvet box. Let me just insert here that this is a big deal. I've always hinted that I wanted jewelry, but Brian teased me, saying that I really didn't want jewelry, or flowers, etc... I opened the box to find sparkling princess cut diamond earrings. They are gorgeous. I put them on immediately, and I love them. What a special gift.

I have to tell you how amazing our food was. We started with complementary chilled pea soup in sake cups. Brian ordered a white asparagus soup, poured from a decanter at the table side. I had a Dungeness crab salad with french green beans. It was delicious. Then the unforgetable entree...I ordered a Kobe-beef Angus raised Wangu steak. It was the most phenomenal steak. It came with a phenomenal price tag as well. You could cut it with a butter knife, and it just melted in your mouth. Brian had seared salmon with a special berry sauce and hickory smoked bacon. For dessert, we had a souflee (our first souflee experience). It was incredible! Top that off with a latte, and we were full and happy.

Our waitress was kind enough too give us a tour of Canlis after dinner, and she sent us home with a box of chocolate filled macaroons for the babysitter. It was a very special magical night, one we will remember with fondness. I hope our next 5 years will be as fun and adventure filled as the first five were. Something tells me that with Brian McFarlane, and now Abby McFarlane, they will be.

-Diana

Good Morning from Orcas Island

We arrived! We are on beautiful Orcas Island for our neighbors' wedding. Julie Hendricks and Chris Myers have been our neighbors for almost 2 years now - since we moved in to our Seattle home. They are both wonderful, and we've enjoyed getting to know them. We were excited to be invited to thier intimate wedding here on Orcas Island, the biggest of the San Juan Islands about 1 1/2 hour hours ferry ride from Anacortes, WA.

Yesterday, we hit the road for our first official family vacation. Even though we arrived at the ferry terminal 1 hour early, we were too far back in line for the 3:30 ferry. Oh well, we just hung out and each took a couple naps in the car. Then we were off! We saw the gorgeous sunset when we arrived at West Beach Resort. http://www.westbeachresort.com/ We are in a quaint cabin with large picture windows overlooking the ocean and surrounding islands. There are pine trees, campfire pits, a hot tub, and gorgeous views. We got here late, so the owners left our cabin door open, and a note at the front door to welcome us. They left a nice crib in the cabin for Abby to sleep in, and boy! did she sleep well....really deeply! Brian lit a camp fire, and he and I ate delicious burgers and fries by the fire, while Abby slept inside, saranaded by the croaking frogs.

This morning, as I fed Abby in the early morning light, I was filled with joy and happiness, looking out the windows at the water. Abby woke up happy and rested and was looking out the windows with a quiet joy spread across her face. We are so impressed by this little slice of heaven, we are planning week long vacations here in the future. Today we plan to try clamming for the first time...maybe next time we'll go crabbing. At 4 today, we'll go to the wedding on the beach and get to know our friends' family and friends. Tomorrow, we plan to go on a 8 mile hike up Mt Constitution - http://sanjuanislands.kulshan.com/Washington/East_Sound/Outdoors/Mt._Constitution.htm

We'll have some videos and pictures up as soon as we can next week, but it might be a little tough. Brian is starting back to work this Tuesday. I know he'll be sad to leave Abby. He'll know the heart sickness I feel when I leave her in the morning and the utter joy of returning home in the evening to see her again. I think it will be a little hard for both of us to leave her with someone else, but this is a necessary step for her and us. We trust our nanny Jerri, and we are happy she will be spending her days with her little friend Tatum.

-Diana

Doughnuts N' Dawgs

Abby Cadabby, the dogs, Di and I went on a nice walk over to Tangle Town and had some tasty vegan doughnuts. Somehow the fact that we walked there and they were vegan made it ok to have more than one :-). The Brian diet, give it a try! We found a perfect bench in the shade and had a wonderful relaxing day in the sun. Diana got to play pattycake and other fun games while I got to play with my new twitter account.  Here is a video that we took from earlier today:

Thank God It's Friday

TGIF...those words have a WHOLE new meaning to me now!  Today is Friday, my last day of work for the week - horray!  That means  BD family gets 2 whole days and nights together!  That is something to celebrate.  When I am walking home from work on Friday, I have spring in my step and a smile on my face.

Abby has been so lucky to spend 3 weeks home with her Daddy.  They have developed their own rhythms and patterns (it involves lots of sleeping, smiling, and playing with dogs).  Brian took Abby hiking on Mt Si and snowshoeing in Snoqualmie.  The dogs also went and got some much needed exercise!  Today they went to the Seattle Zoo with our friend Kerry, her son Sebastian and a couple of her friends.  So cute.  Brian really is a great Mr. Mom!

On Wednesday, Brian cooked a gourmet dinner for us and our friends Anne & Mike.  They came over with their daughter Rosalie, and we had a great time.  Last night our family played games and ate dinner at Mark and Suzann's house along with Amy and Jordan.  Abby is a great sleeper at other people's houses - nice for mom and dad when they want to stay late visiting.

Last weekend my mom visited from AZ.  We had a great time - BBQ at our house, Tulip Festival, but most of all - some great cuddle time for Mimi and Abby.  She's such a great smiler!

Abby's new tricks for the week include almost rolling over (a little assistance needed), reaching up to touch my face while nursing, and reaching out to grab things and bring them to her mouth.  She is such a joy in our lives.  Saturday we'll go to a wedding shower for my friend Heidi, and on Sunday we'll go to a bbq at Kailey's house - a friend we met in our mom's group during my maternity leave.  I'm excited for Brian to meet these new friends and for me to meet all of my friends' husbands.