Day 4: Shopping!
 
Even shopping offers photo opportunities.  While we were taking pictures of Kennedy in the pumpkins at Central Market, a Japanese family was admiring the pumpkins.  One of them just plopped right down next to Kennedy and had the others take her photo.  

Kennedy was only slightly freaked out by the whole thing.  I had to snap one because it was such a crack up. What do you imagine she would do with that picture?   Post it on her blog, perhaps? 
 

We dropped by a kids consignment shop to see if there were any Halloween costumes that would catch Kennedy’s eye.  She tried on dog costumes, bunnies, a giraffe, and several others – but none were perfect.   As we were walking out the door, Ashley noticed a pair of glittery red shoes, just Kennedy’s size.   Kennedy tried them on and just beamed.    It was decided – she would be Dorothy. 

We went back to Country Village where Ashley did some shopping, we watched some belly dancers performing, and sampled some great Kettle Corn.  Apparently to make authentic kettle corn, you must appear in costume.

Oh, and Kennedy modeled her new ruby slippers.

Then we went to Molbaks, of course.  Just try coming for a visit WITHOUT stopping at Molbaks. It just isn’t done.

Anyway, each year during the holidays, they put on children’s plays – really well done.  This year it was “Little Red Riding Hood”  – an updated version. 

We chose a performance that also had ASL interpreters for the deaf  (Ashley is trained as an ASL interpreter).  Kennedy loved it.  Here is a photo of her with “Red.”  

While there, we took advantage of Molbak’s photo opportunities.

Final day: Pedicures!

It finally rained at the end of the Sunshine Tour.  So we spent the day just hanging out at home, only venturing out for Ashley and Kennedy’s first pedicures. 

Kennedy actually didn’t have a full pedicure – but had her toe and fingernails painted orange, with little flowers and bats applied.  She was SOOO good, holding still for the whole time as we enjoyed our pedicures and her nails dried.

After a dinner and a little more shopping, I sadly waived goodbye at the airport.  

Stop, wait, come back…

Thanks, Ashley for bringing Kennedy to come visit me (and thanks Justin, for parting with them for 5 days).  It was so much fun to have you here – I’m already looking forward to the next visit!

And now – the long awaited presentation of Ashley & Kennedy Sunshine tour to Seattle. 

For those unfamiliar with the whole Rae of Sunshine thing: 

That has been my daughter’s nickname – Ashley Rae of Sunshine – since she was a little girl, because of her absolutely sunny personality.   Her daughter Kennedy bears the same middle name, and that same sunny streak.  So now you know.

I picked Ashley and Kennedy up from the airport early Thursday afternoon (10/11) and had my first “aaaaaahhhh” moment as we were walking along the skybridge to my car.   Kennedy was pulling her little princess suitcase behind her, and out of the blue she turned to me and said, “I love you, Grandma Alli”    And that set the tone for the rest of the wonderful mother-daugher-granddaughter bonding trip : )

The traffic is the only drawback to living here, and I try to avoid making extra trips downtown if I can avoid them.  So while already out, we headed straight downtown to the Pacific Science Center to look at giant bubble machines, dinasaurs and other cool stuff.     That night we met up at Cosi for dinner with my brother Jeston, his lovely bride Eve, and cousin Emily.   Of course we topped it off with Smores.

Day 2:  The zoo.   Kennedy wanted to see the animals, so after lunch we headed off to the zoo.  We hoped it might solidify her Halloween costume choice, since to this point every time we asked she wanted to be something different.    The weather was lovely and the zoo not very crowded.  I took lots of great photos, but you can’t see them.  The flash card has errors and the only photo I was able to salvage from the day is this lovely gorilla family portrait.   

Costume choices?  Giraffe, dog, bunny, rabbit or fireman.

You might be wondering how kitty handled visitors.  No?  Well I’ll tell you anyway.  He adored Ashley – took right to her and was often curled up in her arms.  Kennedy, on the otherhand, was a cause for great alarm.   Run away!  Run away!

Day 3:  The Park.   First we browsed Country Village shopping center (very cute) that was having a harvest festival, had lunch a local cafe, where Kennedy entertained us with songs and overall cuteness.   I wish I could remember all the funny things she said – she really kept us in stitches.

Then it was off to the park to feed the ducks, play on the swings, make friends on the playground and pose for more pictures.    All in all, a lovely day.   And aren’t my babies beautiful??

I’ll have to stop for now, because today is my LEAST favorite day of the entire year – the day when I must set my clock forward and lose an hour of sleep.   But be sure to come back – you want to miss the exciting conclusion of this high estrogen adventure!

Margie is in town for a Neways meeting tomorrow night.  She came up a day early to hang out, see my place and, most important, meet kitty.   It’s been great being able to laugh and visit and enjoy the beautiful autumn day together.   

After a delicious dinner at Azul, I dropped her off at the nearby Extended Stay America….   where she was able to get Chris, the kid behind the counter, to join her in singing several show tunes.   It started with songs from Oklahoma, then West Side Story, then Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – and ended with Les Mis.   If only I’d had a video camera with me, I’d be posting it on YouTube right now.

Tomorrow we will make the mandatory pilgrimage to Molbaks.

Two exciting baby announcements to share!

First, I finally received photos of the absolutely beautiful Sydney Ann Madsen – daughter of equally beautiful parents Lauren & Chris Madsen.  (Lauren is my delightful former step-daughter). 

Can you believe all this dark hair!!  

Sydney was born September 10th at 5:04am, weighing in at 6 lbs 6 oz and 18 1/2 inches long.   I can’t wait to meet her!

And speaking of lots of dark hair….

A couple of days later I got an email from dear friend Amy (Pearce) Gordon introducing me to Veronica Kahaunani Gordon.  Amy and her husband Kimo are adopting this adorable angel from Guatamala, and hope to bring her home before her 1st birthday (in June).   Kimo’s mom says Veronica looks just like Kimo’s baby pictures 

So we’re keeping our fingers crossed and I’m sending positive energy their way for a smooth adoption process….    won’t you join me?  

And while we’re at it – let’s send “stay home” energy for Kimo, who is a Marine.   Looks like he may be deploying again in January…..    Amy, drop by and keep us posted on Veronica and Kimo’s deployment status!

I’m very happy for all the proud new parents, and equally delighted it is not ME!