Yowza

Is it getting redundant to say things are crazy 'round these here parts? It's coo coo banana crackers crazy.

We had a fun-filled weekend; Kathryn and Jeff came over from Seattle to visit and we actually managed to get in some quality time with that duo and (finally) take our day trip to Leavenworth. Not the one with the prison...the other one...with quaint Bavarian stores and restaurants. It was great to get out of the house to have a little adventure with just the three of us. The trip is a little under three hours (conveniently, just about the same amount of time Audrey can stay in a car seat without going bonkers) We took our time getting there and made it in time to see the Oktoberfest parade. Lil A looooved seeing the horses and she really got a kick out of the bands that were playing. We shopped around, ate a delicious Bavarian meal, bought John a super sweet stein and I got my pickle ornament for the Christmas tree. Did I mention that I also bought a bunch of the crumbliest, most delicious pastries from a Dutch bakery? No? Well, I guess it's better that way since I didn't share them.

Having the last name Schweighardt, I think there's an obligation to appreciate all things German. I feel a special attachment to Bavaria, since that's where I spent the majority of my time while I was abroad and it was very comforting to get even just a little feel of what it was like to be there again. I would definitely recommend Leavenworth to anyone who has the opportunity to go. It's designed for tourists yet still manages to retain its incredible beauty and charm. We were glad we got to see it in all it's Oktoberfest glory, but I think next time we'll go out of season since I have a tendency to want to kill people when they're in great numbers.

Anyway, eventually we had to return to reality. It was great to see Kap and Jeff and I'm glad they got to spend so much time with Grandpa Bob too. He's been moved from the rehabilitation unit of the hospital to ICU since his heart has been having trouble keeping up with the rehab exercises. The man is incredible: it's been an emotional roller coaster ride for the entire family. He's been oscillating between being alert, peaceful and able to have conversations with people and then he'll take a turn for the worst, which involves administering morphine to help him relax so he can breath. Overall, it doesn't seem good, but the man has literally come back from death before, so please keep him and the entire family in your thoughts and prayers.

John and I are headed to the Midwest for Jess and Matt's wedding this Thursday and I'm taking a break from packing to get this uploaded. It's been a while since I had to pack for all three of us and I'm a little rusty. Let's hope I'm not forgetting anything of vital importance in my pregnant-brain stupor. I'll try to update again when I get back, but Lord only knows how that will pan out! In the mean time, I've created a new Gmail account for Picasa pictures--check 'em out!