SUNDAY ON CAPITAL HILL + SAVING WHAT YOU LOVE

Aside from Yoder (a.k.a. Johan, my husband) being on shift, this past Sunday was my absolute favorite in awhile. All the kids were with me including Ozzie’s gf (who we adore), the sun was out, we fit in some park hangs, attended the kids’ uncle’s movie premier at SIFF (seattle international film festival) which was amazing, followed by the after party and finally a quick stop at Dick’s Drive-In on our way home.

Almost perfect is almost an understatement. It was a good day so figured it deserved a blog post! More photos and full story!

After being in the car and before sitting in the theater, we walked over to the park to (hopefully) get all the wiggles out. The kids all stuck together at the swing set which made my job of keeping track of everyone way easy so I grabbed the big camera out of my bag and started snapping away… How many pics can one mom take of her kids on the swings? Apparently a lot, lol. Actually, my real problem is narrowing down which ones I want to share in a post. Otherwise they’ll all make it into a chatbook at some point!

This girl (Tilly below) is coming into her own lately and I! AM! HERE! FOR! IT! A reminder that persistence, creativity, prayer and positive parenting is effective and worth all the hard-work even when you aren’t seeing the results yet. KEEP GOING! KEEP LOVING! KEEP ENCOURAGING! + KEEP PURSUING THEIR HEART!

Now if she would just stop growing up so fast, that would be cool ;)

Something about a giant park in the middle of a city full of business and buildings and busy streets makes my heart extra thankful. A little cheesy but true!

Next stop was the movie and I know I’m biased but if the wild film comes to a film festival near you (there are still some screenings happening in Seattle!), you must go and don’t hesitate to bring the kids either. Poppy loved it but she was also watching her uncle (and a little of herself) on the big screen which I’m sure helped. I’d say K or 1st grade and older would enjoy it. Even though the film is about salmon and our environment, it’s also a story of resilience, connection and industry without a spec of political undertone (Praise Jesus) making it so much more appropriate for kids. And as someone that often finds herself frustrated by so many political extremes and conflict, more appropriate for me too, lol.

I have no idea how my brother in law, Mark was able to tell such a relatable story on such a specific issue but he did and I couldn’t be more proud or impressed.

The last film Mark made came out on Netflix for a bit so i’ll let you guys know if that happens again. For anyone interested in seeing it in a theater, I’m guessing the screenings page of the web site will be updated soon!

Nothing like an afterparty to make you feel like a total rockstar and these kids were eating (and drinking) it up along with all the attention from adults and bottomless soda supply. Luckily they were serving dry soda which has half the sugar, ha! Paired with all the yummy food, beautiful view, good music and chill Seattle vibe, it really was a one of a kind event. Bummed I didn’t get a photo of the grub (lots of salmon of course!) or the view from the front of the boat (ugh!), so you’ll just have to take my word for it.

More info on the restored ferry boat venue HERE! Then if someone could please plan another event there and invite me that would make my life :)

Hanging with their auntie! Also, the progression of Poppy in the last two pics is priceless. Girlfriend hit her limit and was ready to go home! Her wild head of hair only added to the dramatic head flop.

But first Dick’s Drive-In on Broadway because my kids will only eat so much salmon before they need fries and a milkshake to round out their meal :)