that one time we went to the zoo

On Saturday, Stephen and I took Uriah to the zoo. He slept through the whole thing, but let's be real, it was for us. It was a beautiful day that waited until we were on our way out to start sprinkling rain. It was a beautiful zoo, too, one of the best I've been to. The lions were my favorite - there were 4 cubs chasing and pouncing on each other. So cute! And so funny how they look and act just like house cats...only bigger. Stephen's favorite was the orangoutang - she covered herself with cloths and was dragging two burlap sacks by her feet, walking around with her face down, when she stopped, pulled back her "clothes" and looked right at us before continuing on her way.
It served as the perfect study break, and the perfect excuse to get dip 'n dots ice cream! ;) I can't wait until Uriah is older and interested in the animals - how fun it will be to take him then!

ode to idaho

Mom: "Wanna fly home this week?"
Allison: "Ha! Yeah! Sure! See you in a couple days, mom!"
Mom: "Ok! Does Wednesday sound good?"
Allison: "Uh... Are you serious?"
Mom: "Yes!"
Allison: "Well... Ok!"

I'm not the greatest when it comes to being spontaneous. I like my spontaneity carefully planned. But when my mom called and said she received an offer for cheap plane tickets... Well, she's very convincing! She called on Monday and I was on the plane Wednesday morning! Stephen was busy studying for tests and I wanted to see my family as bad as they wanted to see Uriah (no one cares about Stephen and I anymore, it's all about the little one). So, off I went!

We did a lot of sitting around staring at Uriah and Harper, but I wouldn't have had it any other way. That little girl is growing up too fast! Though she's still so tiny (just 4 pounds more than Uriah!) she is so smart! Always babbling and running around, showing off her tricks ("Show me your muscles, Harper!", "Harper, do ballet!"...) She knows just about every animal sound, sign language, MY NAME...! I couldn't love her more... Nor could she love Uriah more! Always wanting to kiss him and hold him and "give him loves". He's here "bebe" and he loves her right back!

I loved getting to show off Uriah, too. He was the best little traveler and so smiley all week! He got to meet his uncle Byron for the first time along with Jordan, our friends at my dad's office, his great grandparents, my cousin, Gail, and uncle Mark, and the Favillo girls! He was well loved ;)

I am so happy I was able to travel home to see my family. Though Stephen was deeply missed by us all, the opportunity came at a perfect time. Love you, Ryan family! Hope Italy is treating you well!

a walk in the park

...Something we do quite often, now, with a little one in tow. Me and some friends go walking three times a week, and when Stephen needs a study break we usually find ourselves walking to Starbucks or around the neighborhood. Now that the weather is warming up and blooming (my, oh, my is it beautiful!) we have been venturing out of our usual paths and hitting Greenlake, the Burke Gilman trail, and most recently, campus!

Oh how I love this little family of mine :) Seattle is beautiful in the spring! Similar to spring term in Oregon, but this time I have Uriah and no job and no school, and occasionally, Stephen study free. Truly don't think it gets any better than this.