Austin's & Robbie's Visit!

Although Ron and I have been married almost 7.5 years, we have never been fortunate enough to host either one of his brothers in our neck of the woods.  We have seen them many times over the years, but it has always been at a family gathering in another state.  So you can imagined how thrilled we were to find out that his brother, Robbie, and his lovely, new wife, Austin, had planned a trip out west to see us!  They booked their tickets way back in the summer and the much anticipated weekend finally arrived this past Friday.  Robbie and Austin got to meet Logan for the first time and bond with Lia again since it has been almost a year since she had seen them.  We took them out a couple of times for some sightseeing and holiday fun.  Overall, it was a wonderful weekend and we can't wait to see them again!

 

Since Robbie's 30th birthday was the day before they flew in to Seattle, we held a birthday dinner complete with cake and candles in the dining room soon after they arrived on Friday.  Here is the birthday boy and his blushing bride moments before blowing out his candles.

 

 

After dinner, we braved a storm and took the gang over to the Pt. Defiance Zoo to take in the "Zoo lights."  We had a great time marvelling at all of the lights--even in the rain.  Even Mr. Logan had his own umbrella that he insisted on holding with his cute, little hand.

 

 

Austin, Robbie, Lia, and I posed for the obligatory picture at the entrance of the zoo.

 

 

Our South Carolina couple toughing it out in the rain.

 

 

A family of umbrellas amidst the lights...

 

 

After Lia's swim lessons on Saturday morning, we packed up everyone and headed into Seattle!  First stop included lunch at Ivar's Fish and Chips down on the waterfront.

 

 

While I stayed down on the pier with Logan, the rest of the group tried out the brand new Ferris wheel and enjoyed the stunning views of the city.  Here is Lia posing high above the Puget Sound.

 

 

Robbie and Austin

 

 

A view of the Space Needle.

 

 

After the Ferris wheel, we forged through the wind and walked along the waterfront and up to Pike's Place Market to take a gander at all of the goods for sale AND to see some flying fish.

 

 

We caught some Dickens Carolers right outside of the market.  Lia managed to sneak into the picture while we listened for a few minutes.

 

 

After returning back to Puyallup Saturday afternoon, we headed downtown to catch our town's annual Santa Parade.  As always, it is such a fun tradition to participate in at the beginning of the holiday season and fun to share with Austin and Robbie.

 

 

On Sunday, we hosted a dinner party for our guests of honor and invited my parents and Aunt Pat and Uncle Oscar to join us.  Good food, good times, and good company.

 

 

All ten of us squeezed around our dining room table for dinner and dessert.  Here is part of the group diving into the meal!

 

 

The brothers with their Uncle Oscar.

 

What a great weekend, Austin and Robbie!  Thanks again for making the effort to come out and see us.  We love you!