Grandmother Tolsma visits!

We were so happy to have Grandmother Tolsma come visit for a few days! We went out and did a few things, but mostly sat and talked and stared at the baby. :) It was fabulous. 

 On Thursday we drove around our area and showed her where Jeff works. We drove to Snoqualmie Falls - it started pouring rain when we were there....but it was still enjoyable. Lucky for us, that was the only time we really got rained on while she was here. Here she is...as wet as the waterfall:

We had dinner at Mod's Pizza...a fun pizza place we like to go to. We then went to the Museum of Flight and saw lots of cool planes!

 Jeff's dreaming of being a fighter pilot...

Friday we went to Seattle. We rode the bus (first time with a baby and a stroller!) and walked around downtown. We then rode the Monorail (how come I didn't take a picture?) and ended up at the Seattle Center and Space Needle. 

 We had lunch up the Space Needle. It was an amazing view! The restaurant rotates while you eat, so you get to see the whole skyline. It was a clear day, and breathtaking.

 We then went back and walked around Pike's Market - a must-do for any Seattle visitor.

 Poor Lori was cold a lot...we're used to the damp air by now!

 Saturday was a quiet day...Jeff and Lori went to the temple, we cleaned and prepared food getting everything ready for the baby blessing the next day.

 We admired Brielle in her two new outfits...so cute! Thanks Grandmother Tolsma! (She's decided to be called "Grandmother"...we'll see how long that lasts!)

 

Sunday was the big day! Brielle's blessing day! It was a beautiful, fall day.  We had a wonderful time at church and enjoyed having family in attendance. Brielle looked like a pretty princess in the blessing dress she was given by Grandmother Tolsma! It was made complete by a homemade headband, white jacket, white shoes and socks. She was a hit in Relief Society. :) 

 The dress was a little overwhelming for a little baby...here she is, stuffed into her car seat. ha ha!

 After church, we went to our apartment for some snacks.  Then we all drove down to Olympia and had a wonderful family dinner.  Here's the group...(minus Jeff & Kate who came later!)

 I was sooooo happy my Grandpa Ricks could be there! He drove up from Portland for the occasion.  It was so wonderful to see him, and get some pictures with him and his great-granddaughter! I think he said she's number 39 for him! Wow... that's a lot of great-grandchildren!

 Here's cute Lori and Brielle Lori!

 Grandma & Grandpa Bates:

 Mother & Daughter

 Father & Daughter

 The dress was so pretty...a cute bow in the front, a bow in the back, embroidery on the sleeves and bottom with little pearls all over.  It was amazing, and will be such a treasure.

 After a long day...this is how she felt! She did great all day, she's such a sweet, happy baby.

On Monday, Lori took me to get my very first pedicure! That's right, I've never had one.  So that was a real treat! We talked and talked some more, and then headed to the airport. What a fun visit from a fun lady!