Goodbye Seattle. Thanks for the great time. A few photos to remember you by:
Boo and her Papa doing some morning paddling:
Two of my nieces playing in the sand:
We spent a lot of time on the boat:
My brother-in-law Bill surfing the wake of the boat. Never knew this was possible without a rope. Coolest thing ever.
Boo learning to knee-board. She thought it was torture…..but was so proud afterwards.
Campfire and a rock collection:
Mr. LBB and Papa LBB at the Mariners/Yankees game:
Pike Place Market:
I taught my nephews to take photos with my camera. I learned that it’s hard to take direction.
We did some family portraits on the dock. Most turned out to be hilarious outtakes….like this one of “Mimi” trying to get a photo with her granddaughters:
This was one of the highlights for me: every night after dinner someone would jump up from the table and run as fast as they could to the dock and jump in. It became this secretive competition that was hilarious to watch. I swore I would not be a part of because the water is freeeeezing.
But our last night in Seattle, my nephew Dylan asked me if I’d help him win. At first I said: NO WAY.
Then……the disappointment on his face crushed me…..and I immediately changed my mind:
I’ll jump with you.
We masterminded the perfect plan because no one suspected that I would ever jump in. We sat down to dinner and I was still in my clothes. I asked if anyone wanted a drink from downstairs. As I went down to get a drink, Dylan tip toed down the stairs after me…..we kicked off our shoes…..took off through the back door…..and under the porch where everyone had just sat down to eat. Here we are jumping into the freezing water:
It was freezing.
It was awesome.
Seriously Sassy Mama says
I bet you made his day!
wendy ward says
sounds like a wonderful trip.
Kim Ristedt says
Looks like you were in Issaquah and on Lake Sammamish? I used to live there and miss it… but only when it’s sunny and blue!
Rachel says
You are awesome!! Looks like it was a nice vacation!!
Marshall says
Aw, you’re an awesome sport!! It looks like you had a wonderful trip in Washington. It’s just gorgeous there.
Sarah says
Love it! and you are totally rockin’ the pixie “cut”!
Brandy says
WAY COOL!!! Love the last pic..Im sure that made his day…
Steph says
Short hair really suits you! And that last picture is priceless <3
Marcie (Celebrating Moments by Marcie) says
Just love you and you look AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tracy says
Awesome.
Nicole Ritts says
Girl you are beyond amazing! So glad someone snapped that shot for you! BTW, GIRL! Rockin’ the do! Love the pic of you!
michelle says
So sweet I teared up! I’m sure that meant more than you’ll ever know to your nephew…and something that you can remember and laugh about forever. You look awesome with short spikey hair by the way!
The Iowa Expat says
ITA!
Tamara says
So much fun!! I love the flip of the hair in front. Glad you had a great time!
Rachel says
Girl, that water is freezing! I live in the area and have a hard time going in! Way to take one for the team and leave an awesome aunt memory for your nephew. Glad Seattle could provide a few days of summer for you.
Debra says
This is now one of my favorite posts…. thanks for sharing the unconditional love you showed to your nephew.
Casey says
Your hair is growing so fast! I love the lil faux hawk though, it looks great on you.
Kathleen says
Who took the last pic???
Looks awesome. Hope it was a restful trip!
Let it be. says
I was thinking the exact thing…okay, maybe I was obsessing about it! 🙂
Nadine says
*sings* “I’ll stop the world and jump with you…”
Dena says
You’re awesome…So inspiring…So full of life! I’m so happy for you and your family.
Suzanne says
best. aunt. ever!
christie says
best.picture.ever. !!
Amy H. says
I’m sure you just made a lasting memory for a little boy–glad you jumped!
Connie says
What an awesome Aunt! That picture is a treasure 🙂
Julie says
Love Seattle. We had family at that Mariners game.
Maleahbliss says
Oh man am I jealous!! Seattle is home to me… but I live in Utah. (BOO.) Was that Lake Sammamish? Or Lake Washington? I used to live on Mercer Island and in Sammamish. I hope you had fun. 🙂
Kate @ Songs Kate Sang says
Absolute awesomeness.
Twins Squared says
Looks like you had a great time and what a fun memory you made with you nephew! I’m glad someone was quick enough to snap a picture.
Ann says
Perfect memory for him, awesome picture for you! That was a beautiful story to share.
Becky B. says
I’ve always wanted to see Seattle! Looks like you guys had a great trip. Love your hair! It looks fabulous!
Southern Gal says
Love, love, love the outtake picture of Mimi with her granddaughters! Your hair looks fabulous. I wish I had an aunt like you when I was young.
nantucketdaffodil says
What a fun time! You look great! Did you visit Lissa from Keep it Simple Keep it Fresh Blog while you were there? You would be great friends i’m sure!
Erin says
I really admire your adventurous spirit and your ability to open yourself up to new experiences. What an inspiration!
michelle says
Good Times!! I am so glad that your here to enjoy them with your family. Praise God for another miracle.
Melissa K Johnson says
When I was at an age where this wouldnt kill me, my niece and I ran up the down escalator on the Plaza, a really awesome outdoor shopping area in KC. At the top of the stairs, waiting for us, was a uniformed officer who looked at her first and said “Dont do that again little girl” and then slowly turned to me and said ” I KNOW you know better at YOUR age!” Ah the sting!
Know one seems to know how to ccmbine the words cherish & fun into action like you do. Growing up in a funny quirky family was by far the greatest gift God gave me. ts obvious that you have two families where that applies. Double blessing!
You soooooooo rock!!
Janet says
Love, Joy, and JUMP!
So happy for that time well spent with family. And the post is a happy reminder to the rest of us to make sure we’re tucking away some wonderful summer memories as well.
Happy Saturday, everyone!
valerie says
ashley you are awesome! You look gorgeous(but you always do!) and jumping into the lake was perfect! Glad you had a fabulous family vacation! xoxo
Erin says
love the granddaughters pic — the “outtakes” pictures are often my favorites when looking back.
Cassie says
Coolest Auntie ever. Props to jumping in the lake with your nephew! I’m sure he will remember that for a really long time.
Tsuki aka LittleGrayFox says
that is so awesome! I live here, so I understand just how cold that water would be! looks like you had a fabulous time!
darcy says
love this post! love your hair!! so damn cute!
Vanessa says
Hi, Ashley
What a fun time. Love the pictures. Glad you all got to go a vacation.
Vanessa
Debby says
How did you get the picture jumping in the lake? It’s perfect.
Erin Berg says
You are truly an inspiration and remind us that in every day there is time to choose joy!
raquel says
Wonderful trip!!!
Erin M. says
Of course you jumped!
You know only to jump.
You are a “seize the moment” kinda girl.
Your honesty is inspirational.
You look for smiles.
If I saw you, I would want to be your friend.
I feel like I “get” you Ashley.
Not intended to sound creepy,
Erin M.
[email protected]
Chicago, IL
Jane@SeeJaneLearn says
I’m glad you had fun in “my neck of the woods”! I live an hour south of Seattle. You’re right, the water in Puget Sound is freezing!! You looked adorable in all the pics.
Andrea says
Glad you got to see a a bit of Seattle… As for the water… BRrrrr! um no thank you! But glad you got the chance to try it! Puget Sound is frigid waters.
Ravae says
Best.picture.ever!! I’m so glad someone thought to take it…what a memory!
Kelly says
You are awesome!!! I love your hair…so cute!!
Karen says
This all made me smile! So happy for the great time you all had!
~Karen (in NC)~
MaryAnn says
What a way to finish a joyful vacation! And such a fabulous photo!
Let it be. says
I’m in love with the picture of Mimi trying to get everyone to cooperate. Boo looks so distressed with her hands on her forehead. That’s a great picture!
Stephanie in MI says
Awesome! And by the way, you look so great with short hair! Beautiful women look great in any hair!
gina says
You are the BEST.AUNT.EVER!!!
Brenda says
That has to be one of the best phrases anyone could ever say to someone they love…”I’ll jump with you.” Not sure why, but it made me cry, in a good way.
Elizabeth B says
Wake surfing is SO much fun! I’ve gotten’ up on the surf board and pulled myself in but have yet to master letting go of the rope. I have plan to master it and be the first girl on the boat to be able to do it. 🙂 It look like you had fun!
Have a wonderful day!
xoxo
E
Jasmine says
This gave me chills. Awesome.
PS I want to be as cool as you.
Beth Morrow says
Love that leap of faith you took there…you have changed two lives forever!
Awesome!!!
Love ya,
Beth
sasha says
and what a prize to have that photo. just amazing!
Karen Peterson says
In life…always jump!! Love it!
nickelle Weekes says
OH My Gosh!! I LOVE your Hair! It looks GREAT!! I have been MIA for awhile…. but had to read this post! 🙂 xo
Allison S. says
Man that is awesome. I’m glad that photo got snapped. Sounds like many memories were made 🙂
Alisha says
Sometimes…. we just gotta jump
stacey K says
1st, what a great sprot you are. I would not have wanted to jump either. THAT is what made it a great memory. 2nd, I am totally in LOVE with your hair! I actually like it better than the long pretty curls! Seriously, LOVE it! I know it’s in the “Grow out phase”, but SO STYLISH!!!! Blessings
Trisha says
Your nephew will remember that for a life time,,,and you will always be the coolest aunt because of it!