Andrea's Adventure

Ever seen the movie "Hitch"? You know the part where Hitch has an allergic reaction to some shellfish? He looked like this:

I thought that was a little overdone, for the movie's sake. I didn't think swelling could actually happen like that. Turns out, it can.

Cami came to town a little bit ago, and one night she, Andrea, Rich, and I decided to make some shrimp pasta for dinner together. Andrea was in charge of shelling the shrimp, and she started to complain that her hands were starting to get really itchy, and then we noticed some hives on them. Yep, that should have been a good warning sign. But Andrea has eaten shrimp before and never had a reaction, so we didn't think it was a big deal.

We ate dinner together and then Andrea went for a run a little bit later. She gets back and pounds on the front door for us to let her in. She starts talking about how her feet are really itchy. We all thought we she was overreacting, and so Cami tells her to get into the shower and see if that helps.

It doesn't! She comes out and Rich and I can clearly see that her face has started to swell. We sent Cami to the store to get some Benadryl, and by the time she was out the door, the swelling had doubled!

We called Dr. Aaron to see what we should do to help her. He called in a prescription for her and told us what we could give her in the meantime. After giving her some medicine and establishing that Andrea could breathe and wasn't in any immediate danger, we got to work taking some pictures while waiting for the prescription to be filled. None of us could stop laughing, including Andrea. It sounds kind of wrong, but it was so hilarious!

This was one of the first shots that I got. She already has small eyes, but the swelling made them even smaller! 

Look at the bumps!

 This was about the worst that it got. The first picture and this one were taken probably 15 minutes apart, and I can definitely see a difference in the swelling! Her lips were so swollen! (It probably didn't help her feel better when Cami asked, "Can lips explode?")

Sorry that this is sideways. I wish I had gotten a better video. But this just gives you a little taste of how funny she sounded!

So, it turns out that Andrea is allergic to shrimp. Probably good to know for the future.

(Thanks, Andrea, for being such a good sport about all of this! Those pictures really are priceless!)

One Short Day in the Emerald City

While the Dre was in town, she, Rich, and I took a trip to Seattle for the day to see a Mariners' game. This game just happened to be not too long after they went on a 17-game losing streak. They ended the streak a couple games before this, but our hopes still weren't too high for a win. We were happily surprised, though, when Dustin Ackley hit a homerun in the first inning and the Mariners managed to pull off another win.

We pulled out all of our Mariners gear the night before the game. Notice the tiny Mariners cap? Andrea gave us that cap probably two years ago for our future Mariners fan. Nope, this is not an announcement. Just another Mariners item to add to the collection! I'm sure the hat will be well used someday.

 We sat right over the bullpen and got to see the pitchers warming up.

Pineda, starting pitcher today

 Ichiro!

 

After the game, we explored the city a little. Rich and I went to Seattle on our honeymoon, but we were there on New Year's Day. Everything was closed, and we didn't even get to see them throw the fish in Pike Place Market. I was determined to see them throw the fish on this trip.

We drove to and from Seattle in one day (at least a four-hour drive each way), so we didn't have time to do much. But we had fun while it lasted!

(Like) New Table

When Rich and I got married, we (gratefully) inherited several furniture items from our friend's sister. This included a couch, a coffee table, two lamps, and a kitchen table. We don't have the couch or lamps anymore, but the two tables are still ours. The kitchen table was well used and needed to be refinished, but Rich and I had neither the time nor the means to do that. It was covered in permanent pink and orange stains, so we just covered it with place mats and let it be. When we got to Spokane, we inherited some kitchen chairs that also needed a little love. Good thing being in Spokane means being close to an accomplished woodworker (aka Rich's dad). He gave us a little instruction, and then Rich tackled the table and chairs like a pro (with a little assistance from me).

I wish I had gotten some good before pictures of the table. But by the time I remembered to take pictures, we were well into the project. I snapped what pictures I could with my phone, and then started bringing my camera along.

This shows the natural wood color and then the color of the stain we chose. I liked the natural color, but we wanted something a little darker.

 I don't know if you can tell, but the legs hadn't been stripped of the original finishing yet. That was the color of the whole table before we got to it (with plenty of orange and pink spots on the top).

The master at work. I wish I could say we worked on it just as much as he did, but that would be a lie. Most of the finished project is Rich's doing.

Oops. We thought we were done with the table but then noticed these little spots, the ends of the tracks where the table expands.

Before and after of the chairs. We considered trying to refinish the seat of the chairs to match the table, but that seemed like more work than it was worth. So we just painted the chairs entirely black. I think it turned out pretty well.

The finished product! I finally have a nice kitchen dining set. It was a lot of work, but it was worth it. And so much cheaper than buying a new set.

Petersens in Town

Last month, Rich's sister Carolyn and her family came to Spokane for several weeks. It was great spending time with them, especially Aaron who returned from Afghanistan in June. Their kids just crack me up. All of them have such fun and vibrant personalities, so it's always a laugh when they're around.

We had a fun time at Riverfront State Park with the Petersen clan. We all rode on the historic carousel, and the kids had a great time on the giant wagon slide.

 

 

On another day of their visit, we decided it would be fun to take the kids to the splash pad. Of course, that had to be the windiest, coldest day of their visit. The kids took one trip into the pad and decided it wasn't for them. Rich, Carolyn, and I, on the other hand, tested our bravery in the FREEZING cold water. Alex joined us after a little bit. The water was so cold it gave me a headache, but it was a fun time all the same.

I lost count of how many times Rich did this. He's crazy. That was was soooooooooo cold!

We miss the Petersens now that they're gone again, but we sure had a great summer with them here!

Never Thought the Day Would Come

No offense to my brother Skyler (not that he'll even read this anyway), but it's true.

My family waited a long time for it to happen, but my big brother Skyler finally tied the knot, and, Courtney (you brave, brave woman), I couldn't ask for a better sister-in-law. (I promise I really do love love LOVE my brother.)

We went to Utah a few weeks ago to witness this bwessed awwangement. Man, how I miss it there. Spokane is nice and it's absolutely wonderful being around the Nelson clan here (Doug, Edie, the Dre for now, and pretty soon the Petersens). But I can't deny how much I miss Utah and all those people we left behind. I had a hard time leaving it again.

I just wanted to share a few pictures from Skyler and Courtney's special day (well, week). She was the most beautiful bride, and I have NEVER seen Skyler as happy as he was when he was holding her hand and showing her off (and that definitely made my sister and I cry like the babies we are). He is a lucky guy, and we are so lucky to have her in our family.

Max absolutely adores Uncle Rich. It's so stinkin' cute!

I am loving this laugh face. 

The Fredrickson girls at the temple right before the ceremony.

Okay, so funny story. I knew that one of my best friends from Kentucky that I have known since I was 7 was getting married the same day as Skyler and Courtney, I just didn't know when. Turns out, she got married at the EXACT same time in the ROOM NEXT DOOR! Crazy! She was absolutely gorgeous (Val, I never told you, but I could not get enough of your dress. To die for!). I snuck in and got a picture with her while we were waiting for Skyler and Courtney to come out and her groom was busy with the photographer. It was so nice to see the Hubbards again - haven't seen them in forever! 

Side note: I seriously had some connection to almost every couple that was getting married around the same time as Skyler and Courtney's ceremony. (This is the Salt Lake temple, folks, where they had 83 couples get married the day Rich and I did. This day had probably close to/just as many weddings. There were brides EVERYWHERE.) I worked with one girl who was the bride. I worked with another guy who was a guest at that same wedding. Rich's cousin and aunt were guests at another ceremony. And I saw two people from my graduating class - I took the guy, Shem, to Morp our senior year - that had just gotten married to each other. It came to a point where I was seriously not surprised to see someone else that I knew in the temple waiting room or on the grounds afterwards.

This picture does not do her dress justice. I am SO glad I was able to see her since I wasn't able to make it to the reception that night (for obvious reasons).

Mr. and Mrs. Skyler Fredrickson!

Just look how happy he is! Skyler is head over heels for this girl, and I love it!

My newest sister-in-law! Love her!

 Isn't he just so handsome?!

The reception was so adorable. Courtney has impeccable taste. Unfortunately, though, I didn't get very many shots of it to share.

Eating some dinner before pictures. Khloe was so pretty in her yellow dress.

Isn't he dashing in this suit?! Carrie would probably want me to let you know that, no, he did not wear the Crocs all night.

I just thought this was too cute to pass up. (Don't let it fool you, though - Rich is still Max's favorite uncle.) 

First dance. I wish I had a better shot of her dress and hair. This is the best I could do. If I could do my wedding over, I would do my hair like hers.

I love how weddings just make me fall in love with my groom all over again. (Don't tell Courtney, but Rich was the cutest guy of the night.)

Skyler was the last of the Fredrickson siblings to tie the knot. This means that the only single sibling left on both sides of the family is the Dre. So, no pressure, Dre. (But seriously, don't mess up. We've got the best in-laws ever and would hate to ruin the streak.)

Before and After

So, I was totally going to be all noble and grow my hair out and then donate it to Locks of Love, but... well... that's what I always say. So, I chopped it off (but only 6" and not 10" like you need to donate) a few weeks ago when I was in Utah. I think I am pleased with the results.

Before.

After.