Tuesday, December 3, 2013

New Orleans Saints Game in Seattle

Steve and Michel bought us tickets to go see the Saints play in Seattle.  We weren't planning on going but we were excited when Steve said he was getting us tickets.  Next, get on the computer to find a place to stay close to the field.  When we checked in to our room at the Sheraton the man at the front desk said the rooms on the top levels have a great view.  I told him just pick a floor we wouldn't be there much anyway.  I wasn't concerned about the view.  We got a room almost at the top of the hotel.  This was the view out the window.  Seriously!  He needs to come to our house and see the view from our front window.  Tons of trees and green grass!  I know the city is wonderful for some but this isn't my idea of a beautiful view.  Sorry Seattle.  I know not far from our hotel the ocean and beautiful nature exist.
 Another view from the window!
Inside the hotel I found a handsome man standing by this Christmas tree.  I decided to keep him!  My present to me!  I was really looking forward to spending this weekend with Mike!   I love him!
There was a gingerbread house display like we have never seen.  One of the workers at the hotel said different chefs around the area make them and they actually use architects to help with the designs.  Lucky the rope keeping us from the displays was far enough away from them that Mike couldn't snitch a bite.  He has done that at the Davenport!  Surprised?




 Amazing talent!
So just before I went to the room(Mike was parking the car) I saw these Saints fans.  After I checked in I found them in the bar/restaurant area.  Yes, I went and searched for them. Of course I talked and talked to them.  Wonderful people, full of that Southern hospitality you hear so much about.  I told Mike about them that night.  They have season tickets to the Saints and had planned this trip since June.  They were at the game when Stephen blocked the punt.   The next morning they were coming out of the elevator when we were walking by.  We talked and of course took pictures.  The Rivers family!
We tried to coordinate having breakfast together.  Mike had to go back and get his jacket and we never connected.
 Mike and Alex!  Love the glasses Mike.
 The view from our breakfast spot.  Now this is a beautiful view!


Before the game we met up with the New Orleans Gleasons at Starbucks.  Rivers was his usual joyful, active, self but I actually got a quick picture of the two of us!  What a gift this boy is!
Katie (the youngest of the kids) and Skeve!  No I didn't misspell his name.  He is the only one without a K in his name so I gave him a K.  Only fair!

I was asking Rivers who everyone was.  Katie, Mike, Jackie, Mommy.  I pointed to Steve and he shouted GLEASON! Probably what he hears everyone call Steve.  I think Rivers normally calls him DADU!
Let picture taking begin.  I told these riders that I take a lot of pictures.  The man said, "Well, who wouldn't want a picture of me!" Ha ha! Funny!
 Here we go!
There were a couple of bands outside.   A bunch of Saints fans were dancing to this band.  All my pictures were either blurry or the backs of them.  They were moving fast!  They were there trust me.
Here is the best dressed Saints fan.  I bet he got cold during the game if that is all he wore.  We talked quite a bit. He owns a restaurant in New Orleans.  Something like Arnolds but more southern sounding.
 Guess what he had on his wrist?  Thanks for supporting!
Let the game begin.  We had high hopes for this game!  We knew it would be close and thought the Seahawks had an edge at home but Drew Brees and his experience gave the Saints an edge.  We were ready for an exciting game! Who DAT!


 US!
 The boys from ESPN were there of course.
 The Seahawks had a huge production before the game.  If they weren't playing the Saints I would have thought it was fabulous.
 I think this is what caught the Seahawks on fire.  They were truly on fire this night!
 Beautiful!
Well, it didn't take long to realize this wasn't going the way we thought it would.  10 to 0 right away. A turnover creating a TD.  Ahhhhhh!  I lost my enthusiasm for taking pictures.  Mike and I kept looking at each other and saying, "I can't believe this, what is going on?"
There is always hope with Drew Brees!  I will take the camera out again in the second half because we will bounce back.  Didn't happen!  Sad but the Seahawks were too much for the Saints this night.  Congrats to the Seahawks.  The fans at the stadium were fabulous.  No one gave us a bad time except for the drunk guy that had to show me the toilet paper on his shoe and then he proceeded to try and make it stick on the bottom of my shoe why his buddy was waving a foam finger at me.  I took the foam finger and no toilet paper on my shoe. I gave the finger back because I didn't want it.  They were funny though!
The game was more than disappointing but the weekend wasn't.  We made new friends, spent time with family, had a safe trip back and forth and there was snow on the pass.  Life is good and we are truly blessed! Until we meet again Seahawks!

Friday, November 29, 2013

Thanksgiving 2013

I have so so much to be thankful for! Life, friends, family are more precious than ever.  Faith is greater than ever.  Every day is a gift.  This Thanksgiving weekend started on Wednesday night with a trip to see Kristin and family.  Layne said she wanted to start a new tradition.  If we didn't have Thanksgiving together then we get together for enchiladas and guitar playing the same weekend.  Great idea Layne!  Enchiladas at Thanksgiving is already a tradition for us.  It was a wonderful time. We were greeted with big hugs from Layne and Lucy!  
 We got the guitar playing in and we sang Christmas carols and the girls danced and danced.  I didn't want it to end.
Here are some of Lucy's dance moves!
                                     

                                      

What kind of a smile is this Grandma?  I don't know.  A star smile! Makes sense!

 Lucy is coaching Layne about some app on their Kindles!

 Lucy made these cute name tags for our places at the table.


 The table runner was full of the things Layne and Lucy were thankful for.  Great idea!

 It was a wonderful evening full of love! Now Thanksgiving day.  It started with a traditional walk at Manito Park.  Cheryl and I do it every year.  We both said we didn't want to get up and go but once we were there we were very glad we did.  It is always fun.  It was cold but not the coldest we have ever done.
 Sliding on the pond!
 The ducks found a thawed place.
 Let the costumes begin.   Not as many this year or at least we didn't see them.  A lot more people this year.
 Here we are!

 Why is it every event I go to there is a guy in his underwear?
 It was a beautiful morning.  Started foggy but cleared up.

 Look who found me.  Tim!  You might recognize him from the Jingle Bell blog.  We bantered a bit about the game coming up against the Saints.  He is a good man I can tell.  Fun to see him again.
 And his family!  Great group for sure.
 I arrived home to the turkey already in the oven.  Mike went to visit his mom while I cooked the extras and took care of the turkey.  It was cooked perfectly.  We bought a 20 pound turkey for just two of us.  If you need some left overs let me know.

 A little football.  OK, a lot of football!
 With some sparkling cider!  No, it isn't wine!  Can you see the finger print on the glass?  I can.  Not sure why I noticed that.
 Clean up time!  I really enjoyed the day with no schedule and just hanging out with Mike!
 Friday Steve, Michel and Rivers arrived in Spokane.  We were invited to the Theilmans to watch the Apple Cup.  It was fun watching the football dances of grown men!  Unfortunately it didn't have a happy ending.
 A rare opportunity for a picture with Rivers.  He never stops.  Truly.
 Steve and Mike!


 One more picture Rivers!  Quick, hold on to him!
 Love you Rivers!  Thanks for the picture!  We had a great time Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and it is just going to get better!  Happy Thanksgiving!  Thank you God for my life!  It's a good one!