family to the rescue

Bret and I have been lucky enough to have had an abundance of family visitors over the last month or so since we've been here. We can't say enough how much we appreciate the support and excitement our family has shown us in regards to our move. It has meant the world.

Bret's dad was the first to come, taking his son out to baseball games while I was still in Utah and Bret had nothing but an aero mattress to come home to. Since then, the visits have gone as follows: (WARNING: another long, picture-filled post ahead. Continue at your discretion).

The Bowens (my sister Sarah Jane and her husband Nathan and daughter Norah) came the same week we moved in. Nathan grew up in Bellevue and most of his family still resides in the area which is great for us cause we know they'll visit often, especially now that they're in California.

Nathan's parents have a gorgeous place on a small lake outside the city that we visit often for good conversation,  gourmet dinners and quality r&r. They've always made us feel more than welcome - indeed - like part of the family.

Obviously, we feel right at home there.

It was great to have the Bowens over at our new place. Too bad it was basically a giant mess at that point, full of boxes and everything. Norah didn't seem to mind though. Hopefully it will be sorted by their next trip.

It looks like Norah is wearing a clown hat in this picture. It's just the birdcage (yes, the birds are still with us).

Wondering how we got them here? Like this:

It was a long drive for all of us.

Next in town was my mother. She overlapped a day with the Bowens and then went with a friend and Nathan's mom up to Vancouver and Victoria, Canada for a few days. The rest of the time she spent with us (and in every quilting store in the greater Seattle area). Bret worked most the time but on his day off we took a ferry over to the islands.

(I thought these clouds were cool)

We spent most of our day in Poulsbo, a quaint little town settled by some Norwegians a hundred years ago. It's a charming place that plays up its heritage making it a favorite of my mothers.

It's also home to one our favorite bakeries.

This pretty much sums up Bret's experience. Just kidding, he was a good sport.

This past weekend, Bret's sister Carynn and her husband Jamie came to stay for the holiday weekend. We were happy to show them a new side of Seattle, what most tourists don't see anyway, and they in turn helped us pick up furniture and look at potential new cars- not to mention brought us joy and adventure.

We did all sorts of exciting things like Ikea furniture-making parties.

... and playing sophisticated games that challenged our strength and wit. 

We also ate at several amazing restaurants, went shopping and witnessed some crazy raccoon antics. Thanks for the good times Hudsons!