Seattle - Moments to Cherish


Sometimes visiting our Seattle home can be crammed full of so many things to do and people we want to see that entire weeks fly by in a blur of activities.  But there are also moments that stand out as extra special where time mercifully seems to slow down and we are able to relax and enjoy quality time with the special people in our lives.


Brunch at Salty's on Alki with my parents on a beautiful clear and crisp fall day in Seattle.  The brunch was incredible (I ate no less than 6 large crab legs!) but spending time together laughing and chatting will always be an incredible memory for me.


Enjoying a long lazy dinner at Luc with friends who always have and always will play such an important role in our lives.

Dinner at Matt's in Redmond where Graham and I shared our first "official" oyster shooter together.


Dinner and Karaoke night at Ohana's.  Despite a fair amount of bragging earlier in the evening, none of us were actually brave enough to sing Karaoke after the first guy got up and sang a perfect rendition of Mario's - "Let me love you" which brought the house down.



(Blog-worthy) Santa photos with Sharon.  We met in Singapore 3 years ago and developed a weekly coffee date tradition. I have missed our long chats since they moved back to Seattle about a year ago.  Enjoying a coffee date in Seattle together along with a impromptu Santa photo was one of the highlights of the trip!

Seattle - High Point Hike

To say my Marine brother is physically fit is an understatement.  Kingsley, Mark and I planned a post Thanksgiving hike up the High Point Trail in Issaquah.  The hike alone (which is apx 6 miles with ALOT of elevation gain) was a challenge for Kingsley and I.  In our defense, Singapore is essentially flat so our hill climbing endurance is shocking!  


Mark, perhaps sensing we would be climbing at a slower pace took it up a notch with this mask that you can wear which alters the "altitude" you are at.  He set his to 10,000 ft and then proceeded to sprint up the mountain.  Kingsley and I climbed at a significantly slower rate. 



At the summit! 



Seattle - Baby Zeke and Mama Goetsch




Many people have asked where I learned to be so good with kids and babies.  I think the above video pretty much sums it up.  I had the most incredible role model - my mom!




Seattle - Thanksgiving


There is so much to be thankful for in 2012 - but for me, family is at the top of my list.

I am so thankful for time with my brother Mark who recently finished up his second deployment in Afghanistan. He is an incredible man and I am so very proud of him.

I am incredibly thankful for my parents who upon learning (way back in August) that we might be home for Thanksgiving, took it upon themselves to offer host Thanksgiving dinner for 14 of our family and friends. To have the chance to be surrounded by the most important people in our lives for Thanksgiving was such a special gift. Thanks Mom and Dad!




Josh and Shari couldnt be with us on Thanksgiving but we had a special (leftover) Thanksgiving dinner together the following evening. 


Seattle - Baby Jack

One of the best parts of visiting Seattle over Thanksgiving was meeting our Nephew Jack for the first time.  He is just the cutest little thing. 

Loves his Uncle Kingsley

 Not too impressed with me at first but I will win him over one way or another. I'm not above bribes!  




The Art of Fighting Without Fighting


Kids dancing Gangnam Style

This Gangnam style song has quickly taken over the world! I was just on iTunes this morning found out that it is currentlyTHE top song sold!

Kingsley and I were window shopping this weekend and came upon these cute little guys who were just too cute with an impressive mastery of the dance moves!