{31 weeks}

Niagara Falls {the Honeymoon capital of the world}

View of Niagara Falls. American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls to the far left and Horseshoe Falls to the right

View from our hotel at the Embassy Suites

Our 31st week of pregnancy couldn't have been better! On Tuesday night, we flew into Buffalo, NY and taxied the short distance to Niagara Falls, Ontario! We decided to take a little {really a big, out of the way detour} to Niagara on the way to Liz's wedding. When else were we going to be in this area again?? I've always wanted to see Niagara Falls...and it's a natural wonder of the world. Although I learned on one of our excursions that there are 500 taller waterfalls in the world taller than Horseshoe Falls at Niagara, the amount of water that spills over and it's impressive width, still make it a hot tourist attraction...and it did not disappoint! We had 2 sunny, warm days. We had missed the rain the day prior to our arrival. I also had my most expensive tall Starbucks latte ever. Oh well, did I mention Niagara is a tourist trap?

Many beautiful rainbows

Our favorite activity? Taking a ride on the Maid of the Mist! The wind had just picked up as we boarded the boat. The mist coming off the Horseshoe Falls was intense :) Our ponchos barely did the trick...the wind and mist made for an intense 10 minutes as we stood feet from the base of Horseshoe Falls taking in the view, sounds, and vibrations. I only have 2 pics from the base of the falls because we had to be quick!!! Water was everywhere, including on my camera! :)

We also Journeyed Behind the Falls for another experience of getting close to Horseshoe Falls. We took an elevator down 100 feet and walked through a tunnel that had opening viewing points to see the water falling directly behind the falls. We also got to stand at the base of the falls.

Lastly, we took a walk along the Niagara River gorge and viewed the impressive Class 6 rapids. There are numerous historical facts at each attraction...the most notable? The numerous stuntsmen who lost their lives in the late 1800s trying to impress onlookers, claiming he or she could tame the Niagara...riding over the falls in oak barrels, tight roping over the Niagara River gorge class 6 rapids or boating thru the rapids in small wooden boats or barrels...each one trying to out do the previous stunt attempted. Nowadays, it is illegal to try these daredevil tricks :) Currently, some of the water is diverted away from the gorge to supply electricity...imagine these rapids back in the late 1800s early 1900s when water wasn't diverted.

Next stop, Kingston, NY...about 2 hours north of Manhattan. We'll welcome week 32 of pregnancy
watching Liz and Stu tie the knot!

31 weeks of pregnancy

We used the WeGo bus and the elevator lift in the background to get us to the falls.

Sunrise from our hotel

Thanks Brandon for a wonderful time in Niagara!!

{30 weeks}

10 more weeks left...that's 2 1/2 months left. It's flying by. Lots of kicking throughout the day. It's fun to feel him. I'm still feeling great! Although, I am D-O-N-E {done} by 8 pm on work nights, but am grateful to still be working until the due date :) My fun purchase this week? The diaper bag! :) I don't know that I technically need it (vs a regular bag), but we'll see. It does seem to have some convenient pockets :)

We also added the changing table/bookcase to Jack's room...we're working on refinishing a dresser next, which we'll add in his closet to store his precious little outfits {which are stock piling up}...I just can't help it ;)

Can't wait to meet you little Jacky Poo :)

{29 weeks}

This week Brandon and I celebrated 29 weeks of the pregnancy. And Little Bean has an official, unofficial name: Jack Henry. We both really liked the name Jack. As soon as his gender was revealed at 20 weeks, he became little Jack! And we can't wait to meet him. This week, he became even more active and I received a few elbow jabs and even stronger kicks than ever! I love the feeling!!! The pregnancy is going great. This week I have felt unusually tired....when 4:30 pm rolls around at work I am wishing I was headed home....12.5 hour shifts plus driving make for a long day. Oh well, I am NOT complaining. :) 

We decided to forgo our plans to head out of town for Labor Day and began making Jack's room. It's still a work in progress...needs some artwork, curtains, and the bookcase/changing table, but the room has been transformed from an office to a cute baby's room. Thanks to our family who helped out painting, taping, nailing up bead board panels, etc. We couldn't have done it without them. I later found out that the color, Optimistic Yellow, that I picked is classified as an 'energetic brights' color...I feel its a sign of just how much energy will be in this room over the next few years :) It has been really fun to walk up the stairs and see right into his room! Makes me smile every time :)

Finally, a shout out to my parents who celebrated 35 years of marital bliss this week! Congratulations to them. My sister and her husband were up to celebrate, and we had a lobster dinner.  

The 3rd trimester

{August 25th, 2012}

Time is flying by. I can't believe I entered the 3rd trimester of my pregnancy. Everything is going great and I feel wonderful. I do wish my work shift would end a few hours earlier...4:30 would be awesome. The best part is feeling him kick and move! And I still say listening to Brandon talk to Little Bean makes me excited to see the father Brandon will be. 

A few belly shots to show the week of August 25th!

 

Tyler and Katie's Wedding

 Mariner's game

 This weekend is Labor Day weekend...and unlike the partying that was happening last year...we changed our plans to head over to Crescent Bar and instead are going to begin making Little Bean's ROOM! Can't wait! We are very excited to meet him and with work, Seahawks' games, Lizzie's New York wedding, friends' birthday celebrations, Halloween...and possibly school, the time is going to fly by! So much excitement. :)

Christine and Tom are married!

  

On August 4, 2012, Christine and Tom were hitched in a beautiful afternoon ceremony! Christine looked beautiful and couldn't have been happier. After the ceremony, we danced, danced, danced...and enjoyed sliders, french fries and milkshakes as a late night snack to keep the dancing going! Congratulations and thank you for letting Brandon and me be part of your special day! We love you!

 LOVE your dress!

 

The girls

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Beautiful parents!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Our 5th Year Anniversary! 

A weekend to remember....
July 14-16, 2012

5 years! Can't believe it. I'm so lucky to call Brandon my husband. Over the past 5 years we have grown together as a couple. Brandon never ceases to amaze me with the way he shows his love for me. With Little Bean on board, I especially cannot wait for the next 5 years. Thank you for loving me always!!!! I love you Brandon. xoxo

 

 A getaway weekend in Las Vegas was just what was needed....sun, relaxation, a Cirque de Soleil show and blackjack! 

{ Happy 5th Anniversary }

Brandon reserved reservations at Yellowtail, a sushi restaurant overlooking the Bellagio fountains. We enjoyed dinner on their outdoor patio before seeing O! a Cirque de Soleil show. Thanks for a magical night Brandon!

 

 A little creativity from our server.

 I highly recommend the spectacular show O! {Simply amazing}

A little blackjack here and there....

Fun at the pool! 

 

 Our hotel for the weekend

 Dinner at Scarpetta, an Italian restaurant at the cosmopolitan.

 

 

 

Having fun in Vegas, even at 22 weeks pregnant!

                        I love this guy!

Our flight home! Thanks for a wonderful 5th Year Anniversary!!!! I love you.