Year 2 of the Michael Family Labor Day "Staycation"

With my due date only 2 weeks away, for the second year in a row we decided to stay close to home for Labor Day weekend. With the down time we were able to get a lot done around the house, managed a few outings and had some fun with good friends.

Our friends Cindy & Shane celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary on Friday night, making so Clara got to have her pal Davis down for an evening of fun. We watch Davis occasionally, but typically during the days, so it was a big treat to have him over in the evening. They were so adorable playing together, reading books and climbing all over Daddy. The night was so much fun it got Kevin and I even more excited about what life will be like with two children!

As it got later in the evening, the kiddos enjoyed some sherbet and then got to watch a movie. Scout's choice was one she had picked out at Costco the day earlier - The Muppet's version of the The Wizard of Oz. While the kids enjoyed it was not one this Wizard of Oz loving Mommy would recommend!

The next day, after Mommy enjoyed sleeping in, Daddy decided that we would make a long-overdue trip to Red Mill Burgers. This was our first trip which is shameful since we have been living in the Seattle area for over 12 years! When I was pregnant with Clara, I told Kevin that I wanted to have one before I popped and we never made it to get one. A few months ago, I reminded him of this and he was bound and determined to make it happen this time. Like it is ever really a fight to get Kevin on board for a bacon burger and onion rings!

We waited a while for our food, and were both a little worried that it wouldn't measure up to the hype, but were all pretty impressed with our grub. Clara was most taken with the blackberry milkshake!
Mama & her well earned burger - Documentation for when I start to question why "Gem" outweighs Clara's 10 lb. birth weight!

Happy Girls - wearing our Husky purple!

We decided to make the most of the day in Seattle with a few more fun stops for Clara. First, we hit Top Ten Toys where we picked up a few gifts for friends and Clara decided on a fun purple ball.

Then we headed to Fremont to check out the JP Patches statue (she just got to see him at the SWW Fair) and check out the infamous troll! Clara has the book Larry Lost in Seattle and has made it to most of the sites in the book. Also, Papa Mark has been reading her about the Three Billy Goats Gruff which has increased her curiosity about trolls. She was a little hesitant at first to get out of the car and check out the Fremont Troll, but has been gabbing about visiting it all week!
Next stop was Gasworks Park! As far as we can remember, this is Scout's first trip to Gasworks and she enjoyed looking at all of the machinery and doing some climbing.

Daddy had to do all of the climbing with her as Mommy doesn't trust her balance at this point!

Mommy and Gem (38 weeks)

Clara with pals Hayden & Logan Fisher and her neighborhood buddy, Christoph

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On Sunday, the Fishers came over for a day of fun. In the morning Kevin and Cory got in some golf and then in the afternoon Christy and Mommy hit up happy hour at the Melting Pot for some yummy cheese and chocolate fondue and thoroughly delighten in the kid-free time. The kids all play so well together so they spent a lot of time out in the park. The day was a fun treat for us all!

We ended our weekend with a "Pajama Day" on Monday. We relaxed, watched a movie and did some stuff around the house. Gem's nursery is all ready to go and she has clothes washed and waiting. While we are pretty sure she will hold off until her due date, we are patiently waiting to meet our sweet little girl!