Charlotte and Seattle

Charlotte--the newest niece

 Several weeks ago my mom called and asked if I would drive with her to Seattle to be there when my newest niece was born. I said "Heck yes!!" So on a crazy Wednesday night Emily, another sister, drove into town, picked me up, and we headed the parent's house. We talked and talked and talked and had a fabulous time.

The next morning we woke up early, loaded the excursion and took off for Seattle. My sister Jen was supposed to be induced Friday morning so we wanted to me there to have some time with them before she went in.  We had a great drive up (with many stops--McIntyre tradition--buy a pop, stop and pee, buy a pop, stop and pee, you get the idea!!). 

 We showed up to a beautiful day in Seattle. You can't tell from this picture, but almost the entire time the sun was out and we had an absolute blast!!

 Friday morning the hospital called and said they were still too full so she wouldn't be coming in that day. Bummer :( So we re-arranged our plans and set off. We loaded in car and went to their favorite Thai place (wow!! super yummy), stopped at 2nd hand stores and found some great deals, and then headed out to Alki Beach to entertain for the afternoon.

 We too off our shoes and enjoyed the sand,

 walked up and down the beach looking for shells, had sword fights with Ryan, and enjoyed the sunshine. It was beautiful. We loaded back up so we could make a stop at Jen's favorite fruit market to make sugar cookie fruit pizzas and get pedicures.

 Boy did we look beautiful. Our toes were gorgeous and it felt so good to have them done.

By this time that sweet little girl was still not wanting to come out so we went outside and played with the kiddos.

 This is so much harder than you think. Wow!! To be a kid again, just so I can be more coordinated!!

 This little girl is a whiz on her bike--so amazing!!

 We took the kids on a long walk to work on that baby but still she sat in there happy as can be.

Saturday her doctor was not on call so unless she went in on her own there was no way that girl was going to make an appearance so we headed to another park to enjoy the sun.

 We packed a picnic and played baseball with their star player. That boy plays better than I do (and no I am not joking--even when I was in high school playing on the team, at 4 he is absolutely amazing!!) 

 Grace was content to swim,

 and then snuggle when it was cold. We took some time to read books and relax outside.

 See she's still pregnant--dang girl!!

 Love that picture of Grace. What a doll!

 That night Emily and I took Jen on a 5 mile walk and nothing :( Boy that girl was not coming out for nothing. By the time we got back the kids were in bed so we cut ourselves some watermelon slices, pulled out the cards, and laughed ourselves silly. Boy was that fun, nothing better than laughing till your cheeks hurt because absolutely nothing makes sense and is really not funny but it sure is!

The next day the hospital said she could come in so off they went in the morning. We took the kids to church and messed around until we got word that the baby was here. We had the kids outside the door waiting until we had the all clear that everything was cleaned up and ready for us to come in.

 Charlotte was born around 530pm and was absolutely beautiful.

 She was calm as could be and just stared at all of us the entire time with wide eyes.

 She didn't make a peep through all of us holding her, them weighing her, and taking pictures.

 It was amazing. There is just something so magical when it comes to those brand new little persons. I could feel it and was beautiful!!

 The cute new family of 6.

 Me with that fun little girl.

Emily and I took off the next morning on a plane since she had classes and I needed to get back to my family but what a fun time we had. It was wonderful to be there!!