The Humboldt House

http://www.humboldthouse.com/
We stayed at the Humboldt House in Victoria, BC. This is where we spent our Honeymoon many years ago. We were both excited to return. It is an old Victorian home that has been perfectly restored. There is the front parlour where you can find maps, magazines, goodies and a comfy place to plan your day. There is also a place where you sign up for your breakfast. They always have at least 4 choices and you pick the time. They deliver the breakfast in a basket in a cubby next to your room. We stayed in the Celebration Room. It's decor is remarkable and exactly how we remember it. Wood burning fireplace and a cute little breakfast nook to make your stay more comfortable. I highly recommend this place if you are looking for a fun getaway. No TV, No, Internet, it is wonderful. It is also a short walk from all the sightseeing and shopping.

Victoria wharf.

The Parliament building.

Adrienne in front of The Empress Hotel.

I will write more about Butchart Gardens in another post. We walked around the city enjoyed the sunshine. We also went to dinner at this great restaurant called Nautical Nellies. We enjoyed coconut prawns (mmm my favorite) and incredible steak and veggies. We also found a Romano's Macaroni Grill, WA doesn't have one so I was happy. Then as we got off the ferry in Port Angeles I spotted the Bella Italia Restaurant. It is the site of Edward and Bella's first date. The scene where he rescues her and then she devours mushroom ravioli. Although we didn't eat the ravioli's we did find a new favorite drink. Blood Orange Sparkling Cider. It was fabulous.

We had such a fun weekend. It was nice to be a couple again. We adore our children and missed them too. However, we enjoyed going and doing whatever we wanted. We didn't have to pack a bag with snacks and diapers. We got to stay out late and catch a movie and sleep in. Everyone deserves a a few days like that. On a side note we asked the kids if they missed us and the older two said "no". I like to think that our little Anni missed us. She got so happy when we came home. She wouldn't take her eyes off of Joe. It was so funny. She is a daddy's girl too.

A decade together!

Adrienne and Joe engagement photo. Taken By Christine Wilcox.

Joe and Adrienne sealed in the Manti Temple April 23, 1999

So here we are 10 years later. A little older, a little wiser, a little fatter, 3 more family members. Maybe a white hair or two.

Then, I didn't think that I could love you any more than I did that moment kneeling across the alter in that temple that day. We have had our share of ups and down. I think evey marriage does. I am just glad that I went through them with you. I think that joy and sorrow has brought us closer as a couple. Our love has changed in the last ten years. It has gotten better. I am really glad that we will be together forever. I love you and Happy Anniversary Joey!!!

Easter weekend

We had a really nice Easter this year. On Saturday the morning before Easter we had some friends and family over for an Easter egg hunt and lunch. The weather was OK with a few mild sprinkles. We don't let that get in the way of having fun her in the NW. We sent them out and they had a great time.

Isaac and Gavin

Isaac and Gavin

Krissy and Madi

Madi and Grandma Urvina

Gavin

Madi and Jared

Krissy, Carly, Tara, Madi, Josh E., Jeremy, and Gavin

Josh and Ben

Easter morning

So needless to say we had cute Easter clothes to wear. However we were running late Sunday morning and no pictures of the cuteness. I will post pictures of them all dressed up. They look so adorable.

G-Money man

Ok so Grandma and Grandpa Simmons sent all the kids an Easter card with a dollar in it. Gavin was so excited about it that he carried the card and his dollar around for about 2 days. He said now I can ride on the cars at the store(mall). So we went a week later and he was able to use his dollar.

Thanks Grandma and Papa Simmons.

Spring Break 2009

Well, I haven't posted about Spring Break yet. We only have a few pics. Keri, Kelsi, Andrew, and Kayli came to visit. We played a lot. Here are some pics of the us at the beach rolling over rocks to look at crabs. I did have to work. So I am hoping Joe was a good host. Then one of the days we went with Val and her kids and Keri and her kids to Point Defiance Zoo. Val and Keri got better picture than I did. So fun to be with them.

Annika eating licorice

Joe gave Annika a piece of licorice. This is the result! Yes, he had to clean her up!!!

Madi in blue!

So Madi has been doing some major growth lately. We had to get her a new dress. And I love my Madilynn in blue!!! Here are some pictures of my little poser!!! Love you Mad!!

Annika in pigtails

Annika in pigtails. Insert: Mischevious laugh here.

and here.
Thanks Aunt T and Uncle John for the cute new hair bows!!!

Urvina Grandkids 2009

Amidst wind and rain we do have a cute picture of all 12 Urvina grandchildren.

Kelsi, Kayli, and Andrew Button, Sarah, Zachary, Benjamin and Joshua VanderHoeven, Ila Ann and Tara Urvina, and Gavin, Madilynn, and Annika Urvina.

Baby pics

Urvina tradition is to have a pic of each grandchild in a wash basin. We give one to Grandma and Papa Urvina and then I put ours in our "ducky" themed bathroom.

Madilynn (about 6 months)

Gavin (6 months)

Annika (13 months)