"To Stella"
Stella celebrated her upcoming first birthday with family and friends this past weekend. We had a lovely party at Broadway Park and then continued the festivities with a family barbecue back at home. Stella was the consummate birthday girl, graciously doling out the smiles to all in attendance. Highlights for Stella included balloons and bubbles - they really are pretty darn cool, - poking at her first cupcake (but showing absolutely no interest in eating it), spending time with her Great Grandparents, and hanging out with her big girl cousins. It was a truly wonderful day, and we feel so fortunate to have so many dear friends in our lives who adore our wee Scout.
Proud Papa
Beautiful girl.
For more pictures, click here.
Okay. So this isn't Stella here. But we figure her Poppy's well deserved retirement merits top billing for Poppy himself. Poppy celebrated with an absolutely lovely afternoon party in the garden with family and friends. All his beloveds gathered for great company, delicious food and, of course, to celebrate this new beginning. Both Brian and I deeply admire Poppy's honesty, integrity and common sense both professionally and personally. And hey, Stella already thinks he's pretty grand. Congratulations Poppy! 
Stella absolutely loves her Auntie Tricia. They giggled all afternoon. 
"Hey! Nobody told me these things grow on vines. Does anyone know how to pick this thing?"
The handsome couple. 
Stella loved flirting with her honorary Auntie Maria. 
Peek...
... a Boo
To top off the afternoon, we celebrated Auntie Lisa's birthday in the garden. We love you, Lisa! Happy Happy!
Stella and I headed down to Seattle before all the festivities to enjoy a few days with Grandma and Poppy. She loved relaxing on the porch swing every evening, watching planes fly by and neighbors taking their evening strolls. She also got to see her first official art exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum. She was thoroughly amused by waving at the paintings in the Impressionist exhibit and had a ball waving at people on the street while sitting by the window at Taste, the museum restaurant. (She charmed just about everyone who passed by, included countless tourists and a particularly chipper Pomeranian.)
We visited the Woodland Park Zoo, and Stella got to pet a goat! It's a good thing she's had all that practice with Vinnie. 
Stella is determined that Poppy relax during his new life as a retired Grandpa. Here she is helping him ease into a calmer and more peaceful life with a little push. 
Stella Scout welcomed her Grandma Jannie and Grandpa Harte back from China today. While the grownups enjoyed hearing Grandpa's stories and looking at pictures, Stella had a blast playing with Grandma Jannie. Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa, for all the beautiful and thoughtful gifts and the fascinating tales! You're so kind. We're so thrilled that all four of Stella's grandparents possess a deep love for travel and adventure. 
I learned to kick from my friend Chuck Norris.
Enough Chuck Norris. I want Mama.
A bit blurry. Too funny.
Vinnie catches a bit of rest as Stella naps. Apparently Stella's new cook set is super cuddly.
We've been hit by a double whammy - Stella got her first major cold this week and broke three molars within forty eight hours. She's been a trooper, but life is just plain hard when you don't feel so hot. We're spending a lot of time reading in the garden, playing with her new cook set (Thanks Alex, Erik and Ava!) and snuggling a ton. 
