Quelle belle ete

I always said that there is nothing like a Chicago summer, or that summers in Chicago almost make the winters bearable. And then I thought that maybe it's simply that summer is the best time in ANY city. But now I know the truth. There is NOTHING like a Seattle summer.

Since the week after we first arrived in Seattle almost each day has been perfect. Hot, sunny, blue skies. Mountain backdrops, shimmering lakes and trees everywhere you look. We spent this Sunday afternoon laying on the grass at South Lake Union Park watching the sea planes land and sailboats go by. I've spent plenty of time up on our rooftop deck soaking up the sun, but this time we decided to venture down to that little patch of green. There aren't a ton of parks in Seattle, given that land is at such a premium - but the waterfront more than makes up for it. Here we got the best of both worlds. That grass felt like a little piece of heaven between our toes. That same evening was spent on our rooftop deck, grilling, drinking wine and talking all night with my cousin Ben and wife Jen. We have had any number of these perfect days in Seattle.

We've been truly blessed by our friends and family who have come visit us in the short time that we have been here. It's been such a gift to have people to share my days with and to explore Seattle with. It's also a nice reminder that we're not alone here. My sisters have visited, friends have driven down from Vancouver just for the day, and those who have passed through town have made a point of seeing us. It's been wonderful. We settle in more each day, meet more people and are starting to feel connected at church. It's still too early to tell what the year will hold for us, and so much remains up in the air. I'm trying to embrace this uncertainty. So we are grateful, we are at peace, and we are loving summertime in Seattle. Come visit.