Sleepless in Seattle...

We are back from our romantic get-a-way to Seattle. We stayed at our Worldmark hotel, the Camlin right in the middle of downtown. We were in walking distance of most everything and did walk what seemed like miles as we took in the glorious fall weather and all things distinctly Seattle:)

Here is our hotel. The Camlin was built in 1926 and it has lots of rich history. We were able to take a bit of a tour and learn more about the building, it once housed a 40ft yacht in it's pool while owned as an Italian Consulate. Interesting people, those Italians:)

We ended up in a studio in the "new addition Cabanas" added on in 1962. We were on the second floor and had an amazing view out our door of the city and of the courtyard.

On our first day in the city, we strolled around Pike Place Market, found our hotel and then headed out to find our dinner. That story is for the next post:)...

We are off!

Chad and I are off on a romantic three day get-a-way to Seattle today. Alone, no kids, just the two of us. We are going to explore and relax and have fun!! Not that we don't have fun with the kiddos of course, just that whole relaxation thing isn't involved or present when traveling with them:)

For our 11th anniversary (in July) Chad purchased tickets to the music production Celtic Thunder (love, love them!) as a surprise to me. He got the tickets, booked our hotel, arranged for the kids to be taken care of and even checked out everything that we could do within walking distance of the hotel. That was all before he let me open my gift! What an amazing man!

We are staying at The Camlin, one of our World Mark Resorts and a historic building in it's own right and have plans to go to several museums, have lunch at trendy little cafe's, and of course experience Pike Place Market.

We are packed, the kids are packed and we are just waiting for Chad's mom to get here so that we can start our adventure. Thanks Chad for dreaming up this adventure and for following through in all the little details. Oh the excitement!!

Wouldn't you like to have a Bristle-Bot?

What? You don't know what a bristle-bot is? We'll get you up to speed on the latest robotic technology. Okay, well, the technology that includes a toothbrush head, a cell phone vibrator, a watch battery and other random things. Chad and the kids scrounged around the house and then made a quick run to Walmart to purchase the last of the necessary parts needed. After dinner, the robot building began.


Check out Gav's face, he's been Mr. Grumpy Pants off and on for the last couple of weeks. Loving my 2 yr old:)

The kids were full of giggles as they watched their creation "ice skate" across the dining table, around and around it went.

Now Chad's thinking bristle-bot Wars. Oh the adventures we have here in the Riddle house:)

Don't you wish you had a bristle-bot now??

Frolicking Fall Fun

On Thursday, I had the privilege of having my nieces over for the day. Not only are they sweet girls whom I enjoy spending time with, but they also love to help keep Gavin busy while Kyla is away at school! They are amazing! The girls spied the large piles of raked leaves in the neighboring park and we headed outside for some frolicking fall fun.

Can you seriously pull your eyes away from those mesmerizing, beautiful blue eyes? Just try it, I dare you:)


I'm glad the kiddos lured me outside to enjoy the last of the crisp fall air. I sat and watched them run and jump and laugh and was overwhelmed with all that God had blessed me with. Thanks Bethany for sharing your girls with me and Gav, we enjoyed them to the fullest!

Latest Projects of the Sewing Craze:)

Here's a glance at what I've been doing to keep my sewing machine busy lately:) I have several jackets that have become to big, but with fall and winter coming, I was in desperate need of something that didn't swallow me up. I figured it shouldn't be too hard, right:) I took my first jacket and after some corrections to my initial plan, made it fit me comfortably. I also have a brown fleece jacket that was given to me that is so comfy, yet so huge! After my success with my first jacket refit, I got out my scissors and hacked away! I didn't want to go and purchase a new zipper so I didn't do anything with the overall length of the jacket, just took in the sides and arms. I had quite a bit of fabric left over and so I whipped up some flowery type things that I'd been seeing on a bunch of blogs. Wa La! A great fitted jacket with just a bit of my newly found flare:)

This past weekend, Kyla's teacher let us know that her son was in the hospital. He was heavy on my heart all weekend and I felt like I needed to do something for them as they struggled over this hurtle. My coping mechanism is to make things for people, whether it be banana bread, dinner, a blanket, a card. Just something to keep my mind and hands busy to show that I'm thinking and praying for them. Out of this need, I gathered up my fabric scraps (and a bit from my friend as well, thanks Jo!) and pieced together a blanket for little Mr. Jordan.


I thought that a blanket full of different textures would be fun for a little one so I used fleece, flannel, jersey, linen, and cotton. I'm not sure that I'd use the combination again though:) Kyla "helped" me piece and then tie the quilt, she was in charge of the scissors. Yeah I know, not the best parenting move ever:) I pray that it brings him comfort as he recovers and that he can enjoy it as life carries him on his next adventures.

Back to the sewing machine...I have a shirt smack-dab in the middle of refashioning. I'm hoping to wear it to church on Sunday. Wish me luck:)

Keep Your Clothes On!

The last two days, it's all I can do to keep Gavin dressed. I take my eyes off him for one moment and he's either naked, or has redressed himself in smorgasbord type fashion. Seriously, Isn't he cold? Doesn't he mind that his tags are flapping in his face or that he can't move due to the constriction of a shirt arm being to tight for his leg??

Have a peak of the last two days...

Pumpkins, Oh My!

On Sunday afternoon, we all piled into the car and made the short drive to Farmer Johns to enjoy the beautiful sunshine and bright blue skies.

We played in the hay maze, had a picnic lunch, checked out the last of the fall flowers and played tag amongst the pumpkins. All in all, a great family time!