A Martini with the Rossis: April 2009

Tulip Festival

Dan, Rufus and I made a quick trip to the Skagit valley tulip festival on Sunday April 26th. Dan had a lot of studying to do, so we left late in the afternoon thinking we'd beat the Sunday rush. Well I guess everyone had the same idea as us as it was packed. The sun came out just in time for our trip and the tulips were beautiful!!!

Tulips here we come!

Sunset Blackout

On Saturday April 25th we skipped the Sounders Game and attended the Sunset Blackout party hosted by our neighbors, Trent and Rachelle Mitchell. They actually won the use of the Sunset Tavern Bar in Ballard through an online auction and hosted a party with 200 of their dearest friends. It was a great party with a live band, Half Acre Day. We had a great evening cathing up with the 85 Stoners.

Neighbors

Dania and Dustin

Emily and Brian

Brian and Dan with the party host Trent

Dan's 31st Birthday

Dan had what he called an "Adult Birthday" this year...it consisted of a full days work and a full nights class :( When he got home close to 10pm we had a small celebration. I made him his favorite flan dessert and he opened a small gift to go along with the previous Sounders tickets.

Rufus always the big helper when it comes to presents

Family Outing to the UW Cherry Blossoms

On Sunday April 19th Dan, Rufus and I went for one last look at the UW Cherry Blossoms. It was another beautiful day and Mt. Rainier was absolutely stunning...the pictures just don't do it justice.

Rufus loving the Cherry Blossoms

Dan's Early Birthday Dinner at Tango!

Unfortunately Dan's birthday fell on one of his class days this year. The good and dedicated student that he is decided not to skip and to instead celebrate an early birthday with me on the 18th. Sticking with our date night theme of picking new restaurants, I selected Tango a tapas bar on Capitol Hill. The tapas were fabulous and reminded us of our time in Spain. We both agreed that this was one of our favorite new restaurant picks.

The dessert was called El Diablo. The waiter told us it was ranked the best dessert in the city by Seattle Metropolitan Magazine, so of course we had to try it. We both loved it.

Happy Easter!

After church on Easter Sunday we headed to the Spaghetti Factory for the not so traditional spaghetti dinner. We had a great time and the food actually hit the spot for all of us. Later that evening though I decided to make a small (7lb..the smallest Safeway had) ham dinner for just Dan and I.

Sounders FC vs. Kansas City

Back at it again for match #3 on April 11th. Unfortunately we lost, but we still had a blast.

Dan trying to show off his not so impressive whistling skills

Cherry Blossom Lunch Break

On April 7th we had another 70 degree day, so I headed up to the UW campus on my lunch break to check out the famous cherry blossoms that were in full bloom. The trees were gorgeous and the quad was packed.

Pikes Place BBQ Competition

On April 5th Dan and Dad were back at it again for their third annual Pikes Place BBQ competition. The weather couldn't have been more perfect nearing 70 degrees...a nice change from the snow and cold we had last year. Dan enjoyed all who came out to support the 3 Alarm BBQ team which included MBA teammates, work colleagues, neighbors, family, and friends. Dan and Dad fed us all well with BBQ pork sandwiches and several samples of their meat. The competition consisted of: chicken, ribs, pork, and brisket. This year they placed 3rd in Brisket and 8th overall out of 30 teams. Way to go guys!!