Michelle and Mannie (GA)
Member Since 2009
Good Morning LL!! 
(Ahhhhhh.... elixir! Thanks Elsa), and Happy Catmint Caturday!
LL! It's is I, Elsa, KBP, president and CEO of Coffee Cat! Life is GOOD! GUESS WHAT! Paw Prints Pizza is open and ready for business! They are running a Caturday Catnip special today, in honor of Catmint Caturday - lots of nip in those pies!
They have even used their signature nip cheese. 
Best order early! OOOOOOOOO! They have perfected their NY Style hot dog pies. MAJOR YUM!!!! Try one, you'll see! Just order the Mannie and Stu Special! so. well. anyways. Coffee time! 
For today, I proudly offer Elsa's special 10 hour energy coffee, and Double shot espressos, with beans from deep within the mountain slopes of Ethiopia, AND.... for all my Mocha fans: a venti quad peppermint white chocolate mocha, with peppermint infused whip, garnished with peppermint candy chips and white chocolate shavings... It is my bean's fave, and a Caturday tradition! SWEET! OH! No worries, a dollop of peppermint and vanilla and chocolate and caramel swirl ice cream, on top of a dollop of fudge, sprinkled with peppermint chips and a chocolate caramel drizzle.... Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh....... mega good! OH! We gots peppermint cheesecakes too! AND Peppermint Fraps! 
Elsa, CEO Coffee Cat, from summer 2013
I hope everyone has had a great week. We have been.... well, busy again!
I just can't imagine not being on the go. 
It keeps us out of trouble, and makes for great times! I often think back on the weeks happenings, and wonder how in the world did we do all that! 
It was the same this past week. It has been a good week. I hope everyone had a good Easter Holiday too. We did well, had family over for brunch adn an egg hunt for the boys. Fun Times!
It has also been a good week in the pool. It has just become the norm for us, we go each week, and just never tire of it. It proves to be such fun for both boys, and their excitement with it all has not wavered. Things continue much as they have in past weeks. Last week was spring break so that sis bring a few changes for us in the pool. Nicholas's regular swimming hole opens the big pool for most of the morning for families to use. So he spent practically the whole morning in it. There was little interest in the beach play area. That I find interesting, and just goes to show he is ready for lessons, and taking his swimming to another level. He had a great week in the pool, lots of underwater work. He has learned to do a breaststroke type pull underwater. That he really likes as he has discovered he can go farther before he needs to surface. He continues to want to take lessons, which is good news. His first class will be this Monday. SWEET! With it being Spring Break Nicholas did not have school, which left me with no way to give William any one on one time in the pool, as he goes when Nicholas is in school. After some thought I decided to take them both together so William could swim, but at a pool that only had shallow water access. I was worried that Nicholas would be bored with it, but he did well. The lazy river at that pool, a very slow mellow one, was available too. so.... a good experience for taking the boys on the same day, when I need this for a back-up plan. I will be glad when they are older and can swim at the same skill level. 
Our swim days this week were Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Night.
On Friday night Nicholas and I continue to do out post swim Friday Burger Feast. It still is just as popular with him as it has been in the past. It is such a positive and fun thing for both of us. I wouldn't stop this tradition for anything, or until he decides it is time. I just love Friday Nights.
GO NICHOLAS! GO WILLIAM!
Nicholas: Touchdown, on the bottom of the pool
William: Checking out the bottom of the lazy river
The boys and I continue to be very busy. We have had a decent weather week too, sunny skies for most of the days, warm temps, with us hitting the 60/65 mark, 71 on Thursday. 
Friday was a bit iffy with rains early on, but the afternoon was great. Spring is for sure coming. We have been to the playfields at Meadowdale Play Park on Wednesday, and the Beach at Juanita Beach Park on Thursday. With the rains in the mix on Friday we went indoors, and spent the day at the Pacific Science Center. Friday afternoon offered some weather breaks so we were also able to get in some outdoor time at the grounds of the Seattle Center. With it being Spring Break here the kids have been out in force, and nicholas has been able to play with several new friends. The Play Park was insane 
and he and William had such fun. Juanita Beach was an adventure! When we got there we discovered that the beach/swimming area was closed due to Toxic Blue Algae! 
Whoa..... the boys were so disappointed that they could not swim. Nicholas was so looking forward to that. But... we prevailed, and made due, and had alot of fun, with the creek there and in the sand. They constructed dry beds after dry beads, and just had some great sand fun. Was I ever worn out after that day! What with two boys in the pool for 2.5 hours, and then all that sand hauling... We enjoyed the Science center on Friday. It is such a great place to take kids, and they learn too! Nicholas visited the small small small aquarium set-up they have there, and was able to hold a few hermits crabs, watch them move in and out of their shells, while in his hand. That was awesome. William willing touched his first anemone.
Nicholas and William... hard at work at the beach
Wednesday, after Nicholas's swimming we we able to spend some time at my DMIL Connie's. The boys continue to love it there. It was nice to unwind some while they played. I am ever so grateful that she can on days needed, watch William so Nicholas can swim.
This for just smiles.... Friday morning, after breakfast, the boys settled in for a 30 minute run of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I had gone to clean up the kitchen. When I went to check on them I discovered that they felt they needed a snack while watching Mickey, and had gotten a bag of chips: Lay's Salt and Vinegar. LOL that a 4 year old would like those chips. William was a hoot: he looked at Nicholas, looked the chips, tried one, and then said NO, and went ans grabbed a bag of Doritos Ranch. And this was after a breakfast of pancakes, sausages, blackberries and raspberries! The whole thing just cracked me up... Another Chip Raid at Grammie's.
For my own personal time, I continue to hike the local trails here when I can. I still haven't made that mountain hike, but all in good time on that one. The North Cascades Highway reopened this past Friday, so maybe just a drive up there would be good. Trails etc are still snow covered, but at least the highway is open. I also made a few treks to the old favorite: Meadowdale, on Saturday last week, Monday and again Saturday today. Tuesday this week was free and clear, and I think the whole neighborhood heard me and my happy dance. So I packed up the backpack, grabbed the hiking poles and headed over the passes to Eastern Washington (our version of the "desert") and hiked an area near Yakima called Snow Mountain Ranch. The weather was so so, but no rains. The hike itself was good, so many wildflowers! The higher elevations of this hike were cold and windy, but there was sun.... The drive over to Yakima was great, enjoyed that! One the way home I decided to pay a quick visit to the Snoqualmie River, out of the Twin Falls trailhead. There is about a .5 miles walk/hike along the river. The boys and I often go and do this .5 miles, and then spend alot of time on a few of the river access points. That was a perfect wrap up for what was a very good day for me. WOOT !
Snow Mountain Ranch, so many wildflowers!
Normalcy in Three MusketeerVille! The kitties are doing well. Elsa is still into her game, active, and getting out when she wants, 18.5 years and still making her rounds. As I wrote last week, I am still somewhat worried abut her, as she still is as skinny as a rail, despite my attempts to get some weight back on. I know this could be just age, but still... She is not eating as much as I'd like, but that seems to be affecting all of the kitties here. Much less food being consumed by all. Hmmmmm... maybe it's just the seasonal change, as for all other intents and purposes they are well, activities are normal. Bug is being Bug, my stoic affectionate Mannie wannabe kitty. Lola is well.... Lola. Still my wild and crazy girl. With the arrival of spring weather she has been in the "LET ME OUT!" mode. Two escapes last week! Three the week before! Crazy cat. So.... we are back to thinking about how we can feasibly build something that will let her get out but still confine her to the yard. If only she would stay in her yard..... NOPE! She traveled a couple of blocks last TH until I was able to corral her. Hooray for kitty treats, which she can resist. Other than that, Normalcy in Three MusketeerVille! Maybe that is normal. Crazy cat.
A classic Lola Video for you...
Have a great Caturday everyone. Time for me to go and clean and detail by car. well... at least vacuum it out, wipe it down. It is unreal what two kids can do to an interior.
KITTIES!! Remember: BLUE, think GREEN
(Ahhhhhh.... elixir! Thanks Elsa), and Happy Catmint Caturday!LL! It's is I, Elsa, KBP, president and CEO of Coffee Cat! Life is GOOD! GUESS WHAT! Paw Prints Pizza is open and ready for business! They are running a Caturday Catnip special today, in honor of Catmint Caturday - lots of nip in those pies!
They have even used their signature nip cheese. Best order early! OOOOOOOOO! They have perfected their NY Style hot dog pies. MAJOR YUM!!!! Try one, you'll see! Just order the Mannie and Stu Special! so. well. anyways. Coffee time! For today, I proudly offer Elsa's special 10 hour energy coffee, and Double shot espressos, with beans from deep within the mountain slopes of Ethiopia, AND.... for all my Mocha fans: a venti quad peppermint white chocolate mocha, with peppermint infused whip, garnished with peppermint candy chips and white chocolate shavings... It is my bean's fave, and a Caturday tradition! SWEET! OH! No worries, a dollop of peppermint and vanilla and chocolate and caramel swirl ice cream, on top of a dollop of fudge, sprinkled with peppermint chips and a chocolate caramel drizzle.... Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh....... mega good! OH! We gots peppermint cheesecakes too! AND Peppermint Fraps! Elsa, CEO Coffee Cat, from summer 2013
I hope everyone has had a great week. We have been.... well, busy again!
I just can't imagine not being on the go. It keeps us out of trouble, and makes for great times! I often think back on the weeks happenings, and wonder how in the world did we do all that! It was the same this past week. It has been a good week. I hope everyone had a good Easter Holiday too. We did well, had family over for brunch adn an egg hunt for the boys. Fun Times! It has also been a good week in the pool. It has just become the norm for us, we go each week, and just never tire of it. It proves to be such fun for both boys, and their excitement with it all has not wavered.
Things continue much as they have in past weeks. Last week was spring break so that sis bring a few changes for us in the pool. Nicholas's regular swimming hole opens the big pool for most of the morning for families to use. So he spent practically the whole morning in it. There was little interest in the beach play area. That I find interesting, and just goes to show he is ready for lessons, and taking his swimming to another level. He had a great week in the pool, lots of underwater work. He has learned to do a breaststroke type pull underwater. That he really likes as he has discovered he can go farther before he needs to surface. He continues to want to take lessons, which is good news. His first class will be this Monday. SWEET! With it being Spring Break Nicholas did not have school, which left me with no way to give William any one on one time in the pool, as he goes when Nicholas is in school. After some thought I decided to take them both together so William could swim, but at a pool that only had shallow water access. I was worried that Nicholas would be bored with it, but he did well. The lazy river at that pool, a very slow mellow one, was available too. so.... a good experience for taking the boys on the same day, when I need this for a back-up plan. I will be glad when they are older and can swim at the same skill level. Our swim days this week were Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Night. On Friday night Nicholas and I continue to do out post swim Friday Burger Feast. It still is just as popular with him as it has been in the past. It is such a positive and fun thing for both of us. I wouldn't stop this tradition for anything, or until he decides it is time. I just love Friday Nights.
GO NICHOLAS! GO WILLIAM!
Nicholas: Touchdown, on the bottom of the pool
William: Checking out the bottom of the lazy river
The boys and I continue to be very busy.
We have had a decent weather week too, sunny skies for most of the days, warm temps, with us hitting the 60/65 mark, 71 on Thursday. Friday was a bit iffy with rains early on, but the afternoon was great. Spring is for sure coming. We have been to the playfields at Meadowdale Play Park on Wednesday, and the Beach at Juanita Beach Park on Thursday. With the rains in the mix on Friday we went indoors, and spent the day at the Pacific Science Center. Friday afternoon offered some weather breaks so we were also able to get in some outdoor time at the grounds of the Seattle Center. With it being Spring Break here the kids have been out in force, and nicholas has been able to play with several new friends. The Play Park was insane and he and William had such fun. Juanita Beach was an adventure! When we got there we discovered that the beach/swimming area was closed due to Toxic Blue Algae! Whoa..... the boys were so disappointed that they could not swim. Nicholas was so looking forward to that. But... we prevailed, and made due, and had alot of fun, with the creek there and in the sand. They constructed dry beds after dry beads, and just had some great sand fun. Was I ever worn out after that day! What with two boys in the pool for 2.5 hours, and then all that sand hauling... We enjoyed the Science center on Friday. It is such a great place to take kids, and they learn too! Nicholas visited the small small small aquarium set-up they have there, and was able to hold a few hermits crabs, watch them move in and out of their shells, while in his hand. That was awesome. William willing touched his first anemone. Nicholas and William... hard at work at the beach
Wednesday, after Nicholas's swimming we we able to spend some time at my DMIL Connie's. The boys continue to love it there. It was nice to unwind some while they played. I am ever so grateful that she can on days needed, watch William so Nicholas can swim.
This for just smiles.... Friday morning, after breakfast, the boys settled in for a 30 minute run of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I had gone to clean up the kitchen. When I went to check on them I discovered that they felt they needed a snack while watching Mickey, and had gotten a bag of chips: Lay's Salt and Vinegar. LOL that a 4 year old would like those chips. William was a hoot: he looked at Nicholas, looked the chips, tried one, and then said NO, and went ans grabbed a bag of Doritos Ranch.
And this was after a breakfast of pancakes, sausages, blackberries and raspberries! The whole thing just cracked me up... Another Chip Raid at Grammie's. For my own personal time, I continue to hike the local trails here when I can. I still haven't made that mountain hike, but all in good time on that one.
The North Cascades Highway reopened this past Friday, so maybe just a drive up there would be good. Trails etc are still snow covered, but at least the highway is open. I also made a few treks to the old favorite: Meadowdale, on Saturday last week, Monday and again Saturday today. Tuesday this week was free and clear, and I think the whole neighborhood heard me and my happy dance. So I packed up the backpack, grabbed the hiking poles and headed over the passes to Eastern Washington (our version of the "desert") and hiked an area near Yakima called Snow Mountain Ranch. The weather was so so, but no rains. The hike itself was good, so many wildflowers! The higher elevations of this hike were cold and windy, but there was sun.... The drive over to Yakima was great, enjoyed that! One the way home I decided to pay a quick visit to the Snoqualmie River, out of the Twin Falls trailhead. There is about a .5 miles walk/hike along the river. The boys and I often go and do this .5 miles, and then spend alot of time on a few of the river access points. That was a perfect wrap up for what was a very good day for me. WOOT ! Snow Mountain Ranch, so many wildflowers!
Normalcy in Three MusketeerVille!
The kitties are doing well. Elsa is still into her game, active, and getting out when she wants, 18.5 years and still making her rounds. As I wrote last week, I am still somewhat worried abut her, as she still is as skinny as a rail, despite my attempts to get some weight back on. I know this could be just age, but still... She is not eating as much as I'd like, but that seems to be affecting all of the kitties here. Much less food being consumed by all. Hmmmmm... maybe it's just the seasonal change, as for all other intents and purposes they are well, activities are normal. Bug is being Bug, my stoic affectionate Mannie wannabe kitty. Lola is well.... Lola. Still my wild and crazy girl. With the arrival of spring weather she has been in the "LET ME OUT!" mode. Two escapes last week! Three the week before! Crazy cat. So.... we are back to thinking about how we can feasibly build something that will let her get out but still confine her to the yard. If only she would stay in her yard..... NOPE! She traveled a couple of blocks last TH until I was able to corral her. Hooray for kitty treats, which she can resist. Other than that, Normalcy in Three MusketeerVille! Maybe that is normal. Crazy cat. A classic Lola Video for you...
Have a great Caturday everyone. Time for me to go and clean and detail by car. well... at least vacuum it out, wipe it down. It is unreal what two kids can do to an interior.
KITTIES!! Remember: BLUE, think GREEN
I'm glad you and the boys are mostly staying out of trouble. 
He was excited, ready to go when he got there, seemed very anxious to start, even wnated to go over early. Met his class, and fellow simmers, all was well until it was time to get in. Then it was a no go. So frustrating! and I feel for him too. He has always had that sense of fear of what is new, even though he can swim laps around most of the kids. so... we will try again on Wednesday, and hopefully he will be ready to swim in class then. We had a great two hour session after that, he had fun, and did all the things he would have done in class, and then some. oh well.... THX on the pics, and the Lola video, one of my faves. Such a crazy girl. Amazingly she leaves the questionable plants alone I only have two that fit in that category. I too ask people not to bring flowers, as I know she'd eat them too. How fun that you have a friend in Yakima. I love hiking over there in the spring, warm and sunny, and so different than this side of the mountains. A great Place! Hugs and scritches back at ya!