Seattle FD/My little Pony

On Thursday, when Max got off work in the evening we started a 3 hour drive up to Seattle to be there in time for Max's interview with the Seattle Fire Department the following morning. We didn't start on our drive until nearly 7pm. I did the driving so Max could get some extra studying in. Charlie fell asleep about the last hour of the drive. We were hoping he would transfer directly to bed. We arrived at the hotel around 10:30 and after getting checked in and our luggage to our room, Charlie was wide awake and ready to explore. (side-note: Normally when we have gone up North for fire fighting stuff we have stayed at my brother's house, this time the interview was at least an hour north and early in the morning so and we wanted to make sure Max got a good nights sleep...so we went to a hotel 7 minutes away from the interview) So we get into the room and Charlie is beyond excited, running from light to light turning  them on and off, digging in the snack bag, spilling the muddy buddies, opening and closing the fridge etc. We were terrified that it would take him forever to settle down, I was prepared to stay up and cuddle with him all night so Max could get the sleep he needed. We quickly got ready for bed and made the pull-out bed up for Charlie. We turned off all the lights and I cuddled with Charlie in his bed and sang to him. Much to our pleasant surprise he settled down pretty quickly and fell asleep all while I enjoyed my cuddle time with him,.And then I turned on some lights to take a picture of my sleeping angel.  

Both my boys slept well all night long, I, on the other hand, am starting to get uncomfortable with this massive belly of mine so I didn't sleep the greatest.

We woke up early and Max got all ready...
Here is a little tidbit about this interview process, and why this interview was such a big deal...For fire fighting, all departments have a test you have to take first. After the test you are ranked and the highest percent are called back for interviews. Out of the tests that Max has taken this was the first time that he was asked to come back for an interview. They are interviewing 2600 people and 1500 will be called back to have Chief's interview. Max will not know if he goes back for that second interview until Valentine's day. After that interview they are ranked again and the top 25% will be invited back for the physical test. Then those that pass will be invited to the training academy which has a 25% fail rate. Which should leave a list of about 200 people ranked for 50-60 jobs. SO, this is incredibly competitive. Max has a lot of great things going for him and this would definitely be a dream career so as of now we are just praying for God's will. In the meantime we are so grateful for the job he has now and his generous employer.

So yes, I took his picture at the hotel door as he left for his interview.

In the meantime, Charlie and I played a bit at the hotel and watched some Friday morning cartoons. He ran around and explored some more. He especially liked this luggage rack.

Also, he wore his brand new "good luck" fire truck pajamas. 

Eating Strawberries and watching cartoons

After a little bit of lazy time Charlie and I got ready to go to the pool.

He was a little anxious

We played at the pool for awhile then Max joined us and we had some fun swimming time. Max had mixed feelings about the interview. He felt like it went so fast that there was information that he wasn't able to share with them but he also felt like he had shared some good traits and he filled the time perfectly. (it was a panel interview where 3 fire fighters were questioning him) We have to wait and see but it was fun to have him back and a little relieved for the rest of our fun family day. 

After swimming, we packed up and checked out of the hotel then headed to IHOP for a family lunch. Charlie was kind of being adorable and I kind of wanted to take a bunch of pictures so that's what happened.

He then starteed doing some science experiments with the ice. 

First he tasted it and said "mmmmmm." Apparently this is his yummy face.

He then set the ice on the table and shot it around with his finger. He laughed like crazy. I love my little explorer.

And then he wanted to hold Max's hand while they were eating. This made him so happy. 

and then he put a fork in Max's hand and made him feed him some ham.

And this is his ham face (pun intended)

After we were stuffed we took Charlie to the mall to run a little bit before our hour drive to my brother's house to celebrate Gwenevere's 5th birthday with an amazing My Little Pony party put on by James and Elizabeth. I don't know much about My Little Pony but apparently it's a big thing among 5 year olds.

Gwenevere had some of her best friends come to the party.

James and Elizabeth made an amazing Pony pinata.

And the winning shot!

Elizabeth had some fun relays prepared.

They also dug for jewels, then created crowns with their jewels.

Gwenevere's beautiful heart cake.

This little guy is growing up so fast. He's almost 4 months. 

Max got a whole bunch of smiles out of him. 

She even got to cut her own piece of cake 

Then there was a pony photo shoot. 

Hugs for the birthday girl.

After the party we stayed and ate a wonderful dinner and got Charlie all ready for bed. We then had some cousin/climb on uncle Max time. There were a whole lot of giggles.

WE then headed home, Charlie spent most of the ride sleeping and Max and I were able to have some enjoyable road trip conversation time. Thanks to James and Elizabeth for hosting a wonderful party.