Day 21 - Seattle day 2

Got lucky and scored beautiful weather for day 2 as well. We had breakfast at the famous public market, walked by a so-called famous gum wall (disgusting!), did an underground tour in which we learned about the history of the city (interesting), walked around the market some more, drove around the city to see the different neighborhoods, and went to a cookout at our friend Sean's parent house. Our last stop before heading back to the hotel was a place called Kirkland, where we got to enjoy the beautiful sunset.

Day 20 - Seattle day 1

Today we arrived in Seattle in the late morning, got settled at the hotel, met some former P&Gers and friends for a late lunch, and then rented a boat to check out one of the many lakes around here. After that we decided to call it a night, before the time difference and the tiredness of the trip catches up with us. 

Day 20 - Heading to Seattle

When my Sabbatical first got approved I felt like a little kid standing at the entrance of a giant toy store,  being told that he (or she)  was allowed to check out all the aisles and choose a bunch of his favorite toys. In my story, the giant toy store was the world. I finally had the opportunity to choose places to go, things to do, and people to visit. And, most importantly, I had the unique blessing of playing all summer long with my favorite real life dolls. Unlike with regular vacation, for once I didn't have the limitation of trying to pack every fun thing in just a handful of days. That was liberating to say the least.

The kid would probably first run around through all the isles, pinching him or herself, and wondering where to start first. He would probably take something off the shelf only to put it right back thinking "No. Maybe not this one. I bet there is one much better over there". That was also me. Trying to decide where to go can be hard when there are so many places where you have never been. I have been lucky to travel some, but the world is vast and there are so many more things I would like to see.

Regardless of where I ended up for our long family trip, I was hoping my sabbatical would include some kind of a girl trip. With my sister being pregnant, and saving her days for when the baby comes, I knew that wouldn't be a choice. And with most of our friends being busy with their own kids - or not in a position to finance a trip - my chances looked slim. So when my friend Carissa told me that she and her little sister were going to Seattle for three days, and asked if I wanted in, I knew that was my chance. I have never been to Seattle, but it was one of the places I have been wanting to visit.  The trip was planned for the weekend right after my sister's birthday, but since I would be here for her actual birthday, I thought that would be Ok. Unfortunately I was mistaken, and she wasn't happy with me at the beginning, but I think we got over it after an argument and I felt like I could go ahead with it.

Since the trip was also planned for 3 weeks after the start of my Sabbatical, I also thought it would be a good break - both for the girls and I - from being together 24x7. Unfortunately I was also mistaken in that aspect, and it was harder to leave them than I originally anticipated. Even though we are normally not used to being together for that long, we have quickly grown accustomed to it. It's funny how that works. But the reality is that we can't always be together all day, every day, and having some personal space, mixed with adult conversations, stress-free meals, and time to relax on your own, is also healthy.

As I sit here on the flight, peacefully writing this blog entry, I am excited about our low key plans in Seattle. We rented a car to get around, but I don't have to drive it. We are staying at a nice hotel, but I didn't have to book it. And we are having some nice meals, but I didn't have to do the research. I was able to give my opinion, but I didn't have to be the one in charge. And that is really nice to have once in a while.

Be nice to me Seattle, and maybe I'll be back.

Day 19 - Happy 40th Birthday Tia Gabi!!!

Today was tia Gabi's 40th Birthday and as tradition would have it we celebrated as a family ... and with cake. In the afternoon we first had lunch together except for Diego (who was at daycare) and my dad (who was at work). My mom and I then hung out together and did some shopping for a little bit while Gabi, Lionel, Raj, and the girls rushed back to Gabi's house to watch the World Cup games. We then went our merry way. My mom went back home to make dinner to bring to Gabi's house later at night, and I went back home to finish the cakes.Since it was a special birthday we had not one, but two cakes. I made both of them: One of chocolate - since Gabi has always liked chocolate - and one in the shape of a giant donut - because Gabi is also quite fond of those.  That was my special gift to her, plus a custom made silly t-shirt with the picture of a donut on it, simply because I thought it would be funny and she could wear it around the house or as pijamas right after the baby is born and before she is able to get back into her normal clothes.  The girls also wanted to bring a gift for Tia, so Sofia made her a loom bands bracelet and a card that pictured both of them shopping for bags and for jewelery. Bella, on the other hand, drew a picture of the two of them running, and told us a whole story about how she and Tia ran so fast, that everybody else finished the race 30 minutes after them. Since she didn't have any other gifts prepared, she also tossed one of her stuffed animals in a bag along with some of her coins. If I had to guess, I'd say that all her coins didn't even add up to 50 cents. But it is the thought that counts, especially with little ones.After dinner and cake cutting the evening was pretty much over, so we headed back home. But before the day is officially over, I will say one more time: Happy Birthday Gabi! I love you lots!

Day 18 - Woodland Mound

Today was both simple and fabulous at the same time. After having a very late breakfast the girls and I went to Woodland Mound, one of my favorite parks about 15 minutes away from our house. The park has a water playground that is a delight for little ones, and is mostly stress-free for moms as it is almost completely fenced in - hence no worries that your little one will run away any minute.

The girls had a blast, and so did I watching them run around, have fun, and trying to take the perfect picture that would capture the happiness of the day. On our way out, and before finally heading home, we stopped by the regular playground so the girls could run around some more. We were having such a good time that nobody was in any rush to bring the day to an end.

Day 17 - It won't be easy...

This is my third week away from work, and as I get settled into my summer routine I was thinking earlier today that going back to "normal" certainly won't be easy. It will be particularly difficult for Bella - or maybe for me because of her- since she is the little one and as such she is quite attached to me. Sofia is having a great time as well, but at 9 years old she is definitely a lot more independent. Bella, on the other hand, still wants to be with me 24x7.  When I go out for dinner with friends, and she doesn't see me right before going to bed, she even comes check on me in the middle of the night as if she wanted to confirm that I indeed made it back. The other day, when I woke up before her, she even asked me to go back to my bed so she could get in there and cuddle with me for two minutes. How could I say no to that?

It definitely won't be easy, but for now I will try not to think about that.

Day 17 - Another perfect summer day

Today was a pretty awesome day. After my morning yoga stretches Bella and I got started playing Scrabble Jr until Sofia woke up, because she really wanted to play it the night before but we ran out of time. I then baked cupcakes, just because I felt like it, and in the afternoon we picked up Abuelita to have lunch downtown and check out one of the newest parks by the riverfront. In there the girls checked out a labyrinth made of grass and concrete, we enjoyed sitting on the swings, and the girls ran around in the water while Abuelita sat down on the grass under a shade. At some point even I got in the water with Bella because Sofia was tired and didn't want to do it anymore, and Bella was having so much fun that I just wanted to share that moment with her.  It was very hot outside, but there was also a bit of a breeze which made it a lot more manageable. 

Eventually we had to make our way back to the car and head back home, but I would have happily stayed longer if only because the water, the view, the swings, the breeze, and certainly the company, made it quite a lovely and relaxing time.  It just made me so happy. This is exactly the type of day I was longing for when I decided to take time off.