Seattle Seahawks, part 1

So Ben called me last Thursday (December 30) and asked if I could trade with someone on Monday so I didn't have to open. I said that I was sure I could but I wanted to know why. I was shocked when he said that he had been given Seahawk tickets on Sunday if I wanted to go. IF I WANT TO GO??? What does he think I'm going to say? YES, YES, YES- of course I want to go to my first NFL football game. So after arrangements were made and the car was filled with gas and loaded with snacks, we headed to Seattle. It was a cold 24 degrees but clear as a bell. A beautiful day to see Mt. St. Helens... and Mt. Jefferson. Time for a pit stop...

Seattle Seahawks, part 2

So, it was time for a bathroom break and some leg stretching and we just happened to be at the exit for Cabela's. I have never been in one and today was a day of firsts, so we had to go in. WOW- I was overwhelmed from the minute we walked in the door! For those of you fortunate people like me who had never been there, they had a giant mountain of animals in the middle of the store. They even had a waterfall and stocked pond! We walked to the other side of the mountain and there was a giant polar bear. I felt like I had wandered into an episode of Lost!
They had a whole section dedicated to camouflage. Do people really wear that much?

We continued around the store where I finally found something that caught my interest. They had a huge selection of food dryers and dehydrators. Man- we need to beef up our household budget 'cuz I could really get into using one of those babies! And then we ran into this King of the Jungle. What don't they have in Cabela's? There was even a giant elephant!

I realized I was totally out of my element when I walked in the front door but when I saw the flier for a "Women's Only" gun class, I knew it was time to leave! Let's hit the road dear chauffeur.

Seattle Seahawks, part 3

Pinch me, I must be dreaming! We're going to see the Seahawks play the Rams. And the Seahawks need to win. In fact, they must win because if they do, they will be able to invite the Saints to play in Seattle for the Wild Card playoff game. Look, there in the distance is a beautiful cityscape- the Space Needle, skyscrapers, Safeco Field and Qwest field all calling our names!
And Seattle provided my very own welcome sign- T for Trish!
We've arrived! After paying $30 for parking (seriously???), we walked across the road and railroad tracks to Qwest Field.

This was a really cool police car. There was an actual police officer in it and no...it wasn't Barney Fife!

In honor of one of my favorite commercials, Ben took this picture of me!

We were given the blue bags when we entered the stadium. Yeah, more reusable shopping bags. This next picture was taken from the end of the stadium overlooking the harbor and downtown. It was some beautiful scenery!

Before the game started, the Sea Gals provided some entertainment. Notice their outfits? The temperature has dropped again to about 22 degrees plus a nice wind that kept our teeth chattering. Now you know why they were wearing long sleeves and long pants!

Here they come- the Seattle Seahawks! Boy was I yelling for them to score. Please little hawks, bring my QB Drew to the Pacific Northwest, please!

Isn't this a beautiful picture of our flag?

Those little birdies flew really hard all over the field. They played their little hearts out even without Matt Hasselbeck.

On the way out of the stadium, we were singing this song! Of course you realize what happened next! Good thing we had the iPad with us so that (while driving home) we could go to Ticketmaster to get tickets for next week's game. After a few mishaps, we were able to get two tickets, on the visitor's side (GEAUX SAINTS!) at about the same level we sat today (covered seats with backs and arm rests are a very good thing!). We were so happy with ourselves for about 30 seconds and then it hit us...we don't use credit cards so where is that money coming from? Right then, we called an emergency budget meeting for Monday. Good news, we don't have to sell our tickets but we'll be updating FB as to which street corners you can find us holding signs for the next few weeks, LOL!!

Christmas dinner 2010

Christmas night found us at Stevie (nephew) and Autumn's home in Washington. Unfortunately, the pictures I took that night are not that great so I don't have pictures of them or my sissy and brother in law. I thought this was a cute one of Danielle and Hunter opening a present. Look how cute Cooper is!
He and his brother Logan had matching sweaters! Awww!
Korbin taught me how to load and shoot his Nerf gun!

Ansleigh alternated between My Little Ponies and cars. I love that girl!

Landon was drawing pictures and trying to keep Cooper out of his stuff!

The boys got together to strategize as Ben kept watch. Look how scary he is!

Ben and Taylor enjoyed their Nerf wars with the little guys. I see big Nerf guns in my future!

There were pictures of Danielle, Tayler and Matt but they were quite dark. Bummer- but it was a wonderful Christmas day of memories and surrounded by the blessings of loving family members. We sure missed those we couldn't be with but look forward to seeing them soon!

Christmas lunch 2010

So Ben made this amazing prime rib and we had twice baked potatoes, caesar salad, rolls and this nasty green bean casserole. (Rebecca and Hannah, I need your help. The one you made was amazing and I followed the same recipe but something went horribly wrong, lol!) After lunch and before dessert, the girls decided to try out Ashley's new Wii game. It was so fun to watch them dance together again. When no one was looking, I would wipe away tears. Silly, I know but it brought back so many memories of dance lessons, recitals and competitions. Even Dennis joined in the fun! What a brave guy. Not me- you couldn't get me up there.
The boys all watched Allisa and Ashley and made inappropriate comments about MJ. Like him or not, the man made incredible music!
Brady helped to set things up but he didn't really dance either. We all know he can though- remember that wedding video!

I took several videos as well. This link will take you to YouTube and one of them! After that workout, it was time for dessert. Allisa made cookies, Ashley brought birthday cake (for Jesus) and the most wonderful Lemon Drop bars. Yummy- everything was so good!