Ok, let's see how many pictures I can fit into one post THIS time! You can't blame me can you? What would you do in a situation like that?? Gaaa!... (Napoleon Dynamite anyone?) Moving on.
Monica lives in beautiful Astoria, Oregon. It's right on the Columbia river near the ocean. It's full of historic buildings and old houses with tons of character. You can see the water from almost every point in town. Including from our hotel balcony.
I snapped these pictures from our balcony after tea and stitching group.
Cowgirl Rosie was rewarded with a special treat after the long car ride earlier.
Then it was time to go to Monica's house before dinner!! Yippee! On the way we drove through town and went up to 'The Tower'. It's amazing. Do I know the tower's official name at the moment? No, that's how mushy my brain was from the dreamy day. But, it was amazing. Have a look see.
The tower is at the top of this hill. You can see the whole town from there. Here's the famous Astoria bridge. We crossed that sucker to go to tea and Karen's studio. Once you cross it you're in Washington. It's beautiful.
The tower depicts the history of the area. We couldn't go inside because some restoration was going on.
We gave the girls each a quarter to enjoy the view.
What gorgeous sights could they be looking at? I wonder.... It must be fantastic...
Well naturally my little nut cases were looking at each other. Of course! Why not with all of the natural beauty around. Crazies.
That's better pumpkin.
I wish you could have smelled the cool air. Take a deep breath and pretend while looking at this picture above. Aaaaahhhhhh... so nice.
Now we're driving to Monica's house.
Are you ready? I loved her house. It's pretty and cozy, full of quilts and full of charm. I didn't take tons of pictures inside her home as she gave us the grand tour. We were chatting too much! And I didn't want to appear too creepy... but I got some in her studio. It was SOOOO CUTE!!! Just as you imagine it would be. Full of humor and beauty, charm and love. My girls loved it too. There was so much to look at. The sun was fading so not all of my pictures turned out as I hoped they would. (sniff sniff)
Look! It's Triskit on the stove, naturally. Where else would she be? Josie, and Big Sis, were so exited to see her.
Their first meeting. Josie looks suspicious, Triskit looks exited, and a little shocked.
The girls and I love little Triskit. She's so cute with her braids, rubbery little legs and her tramp stamp.
Look it's the shelf! THE SHELF!! When you see it in real life you want to gently rub your hand on each item and say, "oooooooooooooohhh".
I had to slap my hand to keep from touching everything.
That's it for the studio. I know! Sorry I don't have more for you. We were just having so much fun chatting. I thought I took more pictures of her studio than I actually did. And I was a tad worried about Cowgirl Rosie being naughty outside. Monica's sweet dogs were so playful and kind to Rosie, and she just ran away from them and showed her mean teeth.
Time to head out to dinner.
Monica has such a great backyard too! It's perfect for a summer backyard barbeque. Really perfect. I'm thinking the husbands cooking food, with us girls lounging in chairs, drinking margeritas and watching Cowgirl Rosie show her mean teeth. Perfect!
We had a blast at dinner. I really wish we could have stayed longer. The husbands had burgers, Monica and I each had a rueben. They were YUMMY. The kid food was served in dog bowls.
Big Sis loves Elvis.
It was so nice to be with people who didn't think I was a total weirdo for taking pictures of our food. Did I mention how great Monica's husband is? He is GREAT. So nice and easy going. We also got to meet their cute boy who just graduated from high school. He was great too! We really really enjoyed the whole Zombie family.
Sadly it was time to part ways after dinner. We said our goodbyes and promised to get together again soon. Monica and her husband couldn't have been more kind or more fun! They were both so sweet to our girls, and to Rosie. We had such a great time and wanted to stay longer. I can't wait for our next trip!!
The next morning my husband and our girls brought back breakfast to our room.
The girls bring books everywhere we go.
This one below is my favorite. "Harriet Tubman... Secret Agent". You go Harriet!
Friday morning was a rainy one. I love Oregon rain. I had to take pictures from the balcony again. It was so nice to sit out there after breakfast and listen to the rain.
After getting some fish and chips for lunch we were headed back home. The girls quietly worked on their stitching. Rosie caught up on some sleep.
Thank you so much for inviting us Monica! I am truly blessed to call you my friend. xo