LEMAY - AMERICA'S CAR MUSEUM

in Tacoma is so cool!  To tell you the truth, I wasn't super excited about going but knew the man clan were going to love it.  What I didn't expect, was for me to love the LeMay Museum too.
It's a four story museum filled with American cars, history and technology.  There are also a few motorcycles, trucks, the Flintstone mobile from the movie and the best part is they have three race simulators.

While the man clan have car knowledge, I was loving the license plates, hood ornaments and Triumphs.

We have passed this museum a gazillion times on the way to Seattle.  It's next to the Tacoma Dome and most definitely worth the stop.

WHILE WE WERE IN TACOMA

we stayed at Hotel Murano and it was fabulous.  I loved the simple color, modern feel and subtle sense of whimsy the hotel had.  Not to mention, customer service was top notch.
The coolest thing about the hotel, was every floor was a mini art gallery for glass artists.  We went onto every floor to take a look and it was fun to see what impact the art had on the boys.  Some were okay, some were breathtaking and of course there were giggles when he hit an exhibit that was boobies.

PS - Much to our delight, we met up with SteviePoo for dinner and he was able to swing by the Dragon Boat Festival the following day.  Always a fun time when Steve's around.

We would definitely stay here again.  We loved it!

SHE LOVES BOW TIES AND TARDIS'

and anything else related to Doctor Who.  Alivia, our cute niece, with her quick wit and awesome smile turned 14.  She celebrated with blueberry cupcakes and a mini tardis by her wish blowing candle.  May her wishes come true.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIVY!

WE LOVE YOU!!

RAINIER DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

in Tacoma was my first dragon boat race this weekend.  I've been paddling with Pax Bellatoris (latin for Peace Dragon Warriors), a mixed team, since the end of last summer. (Peace Dragon Warriors is the all woman team.)  Today was the day to show the results of our hard work.

I couldn't stop looking at this gorgeous view!

We had gorgeous weather, surrounded by happy people, we were proud of our race results and we left exhausted - every ounce of energy was left on the water.  It was wonderful.

WE'VE BEEN DOING A LOT OF CELEBRATING FOR THIS MAN OF OURS

but today it's official.  It's officially his birthday and he is another year older and wiser.
Our little clan celebrated with Larry's favorite Chinese food, birthday party tiaras and a yummy cake.

He's rad and we love him.

IT'S LARRY'S BIRTHDAY!

Larry is turning another year older today, so if you're craving something sweet, you have the perfect excuse to indulge.
This man of mine is cool beans.  He is the best husband/father/friend/son/brother - kind, loving, thoughtful, supportive, giving, fun and talented.  He's the twinkle in our eyes and the smile on our lips. I could rave about his awesomeness all day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LARRY!

WE LOVE YOU!!

WE CELEBRATED LARRY'S BIRTHDAY TONIGHT

with some of the family.  A yummy potluck dinner, red velvet birthday cake, a warm sunny evening with a cool breeze and Jack Johnson tunes playing in the background.  It was wonderful.

PS - Larry and Laird went bull frog hunting last night and served cornmeal deep fried frog legs.  He was so happy so many family members tried them.

PPS - Here's my main squeeze blowing out his 43 candles.  I absolutely LOVE my brother photo bombing the photo.  ha!

Let the week of birthday celebrations begin.

I'VE BEEN GETTING MY CRAFT ON

When I saw the Ryan Innes t-shirts, I was inspired. I knew I had to put Larry's face on a shirt for his birthday.
I sent a photo of Larry's face to my sister and she whipped up an image for me.  I pulled out my fancy schmancy screen printing supplies and went to work last night.

Seriously, can you believe how high tech I am?  Hahaha!

I made one for the man clan and me.  Although Larry's birthday isn't until Thursday, we're celebrating with the family this weekend.  Our little clan are going to be sporting these beauties of the birthday boy.

I'm loving how they turned out.  It was a fun surprise for Larry to wake up to!