I have a spider friend

Whenever I do laundry, "Mr. Spider" greets me. Today he was pretty bold and climbed up the wall a wee bit. If you know me well, you know I despise spiders. However, Mr. Spider and I have an understanding: he is welcome to hang out near my dryer; as long as he doesn't move from his spot, I let him live.

Valentines Day Webster Style

Well, first of all, this was Valentines Day on a budget. So much so, that Drew and I got excited when we remembered that his parents got us scratch tickets for Christmas that we had yet to cash in. Our first part of the day entailed us running into the ampm to redeem our $11 (after dropping Bentley off at his parents house). We then headed out to parts of Tacoma that we have always wanted to take photos of. Here are a few...





After that, we wanted to check out a few vintage clothing shops... Urban Xchange and PURE... here is a photo of one we didn't go into. However, we did check out an estate sale in Opera Alley.



Then we drove by the graffiti wall where we had several of our wedding photos taken... though now, it looks quite different... (our sentiments exactly)



I convinced Drew to check out the Conservatory in Wright Park and it just so happened that Dale Chilluly had several installations there. It was gorgeous! A squirrel met us outside and was not shy at all. I think it recognized me from when I used to feed the squirrels peanuts with my dad in Wright Park. Here are several photos.



Looking up at the gazebo ceiling. I made Drew kiss me under it... aww.. how romantic


My grandma Blanche would have LOVED this exhibit full of organic and colorful glass pieces






We were now super hungry and so we used our $11 to get chowder at Duke's Chowder House along Ruston Way. (Well, I got chowder and Drew got a burger :) On the way, we were stopped waiting for the train, but we got to take in the "scenery". It was Drive-by Art. Some of it was lame, but some, not so bad. Unfortunately, this isn't a photo of one of the better ones.



At Dukes, I gave Drew a Valentines Day card, and I made sure not to forget to give him one from Bentley.



The P.S. says "I like being a Daddy's girl"



We then headed out to Border's Books & Music for one of our typical cheap dates; reading and looking at art books that we don't buy. (I highly recommend checking out Banksy ) The best part was when Drew had the guy check the balance on a 7-year-old gift card he had and it turned out there was $25 on it! SWEETNESS! Drew got a music magazine, and I was going to order a chai, but I decided I would get one on another date since we had to head out to get Bentley... We did miss that little munchkin.

Another growling moment

My mom stopped by so I had her help me feed Bentley - always an adventure in new sounds.

My Six-Month Portraits

Bentley turned six months on February 5th so mommy took her portrait!
Her dress is from Auntie Judy and in a few of the photos, the white sweater, bonnet and booties are from her Great Aunt Mildred. Drew's grandfather's sister-in-law. Apparently Drew's grandmother used to make all the grandchildren a set, but since she passed, Aunt Mildred took over the tradition.

I'm Cutting a Tooth!

Bentley's cousin Aya came to visit today and Aya's auntie Kim (Drew's cousin) noticed that Bentley is cutting a tooth! If you look closely at her mouth in a few of these pics, you will notice it! It was hard to show Drew when he got home from work since Bentley basically lives with her tongue sticking out.

Bentley was super smiley as usual. In a lot of the photos, she is looking at Jill's husband Dave or Kim who is making her smile (Jill is Aya's mommy and also Drew's cousin - following? ;) Kim even had her giggling several times!





At one point, Bentley is growling and talking quite loudly to Aya and flinging her arms, to which Aya starts crying... Bentley looks surprised, and then soon she starts crying a little. They are both crying at this point. Finally Bentley calms down a bit and then Aya and then all is well :)

"Hi cousin!"