A Visit from the Masings

Five years ago I decided to quit my job at the symphony, leave my beloved apartment at the Lola and move to Berlin, Germany to become an aupair. I completely lucked out and was matched with an absolutely wonderful family, the Masings. After a six month stay I bid my new German family farewell - and upon my departure my host father, Erik, told me that they would see me again...As the years went by I grew increasingly skeptical that I would ever see them again, but low and behold they came to Seattle as a stop on their "All American Road Trip". So the Masing family came to our house for dinner - It was absolutely amazing to see them all again and to hear the children speak impeccable English (when I arrived in Germany the children only spoke German). I can only hope that I will have the opportunity to see them again someday... Henri, Moritz, Marie and Me

Vanessa and Henri

Meine Deutsche Familie

Baby Natalie!

Here she is - isn't she the cutest niece ever???

Proud Papa - that's right...Austin is a DAD!

It's Official!

Cameron and I are officially an aunt and uncle. My little brother Austin and his fiancee, Jessica had a baby girl on July 17th. Baby Natalie Irene Norris was born at 6:46 am, weighed 7 lbs 10 oz and is 20.5 inches long. Both mom and baby are doing fantastically. We are so excited and cannot wait to meet her next month...I will post photos soon!

A Day Spent At...

We had the pleasure of spending the day with some of our favorite friends, Kji, Becca, Jack, Kate, and Davis Kelly. Becca, the kids, and I went swimming in the afternoon, while Kji and Cameron golfed, then we finished off the day with a BBQ at their house, aka "Nice View".
When they first moved in, Jack thought the name of the house was"nice view" because whenever anyone came to visit, their first comment was always..."Nice View!"

I would say it is a pretty good description!

Becca and Cameron

Me and my sweet girl, Katie.

Jack and Davis cooling off in the pool.

Three Down - One To Go!

Cameron finished his 3rd year of Medical School! He has a very busy 4th year, but we are both looking forward to finding out where we will end up for residency...I am keeping my fingers crossed for the West Coast - but we both realize that we could be sent to beautiful Toledo, Birmingham, or Oklahoma City - HA! March 19, 2009 is the infamous "match day" - we will keep you posted ~ Enjoying a celebratory picnic!

GRADUATION!

It is official - I have taken my last test, written my last paper, and attended my last lecture and am now the proud "owner" of a Master's Degree in Public Administration! I was so honored to have many family and friends come to Seattle to help me celebrate. We had a wonderful weekend which included a lovely dinner on the deck at the Pink Door, Cameron's grandparent's 60th wedding celebration, the Evans School Commencement and Convocation, a BBQ at our house, and Father's Day brunch on the waterfront.

Don't be fooled by Cameron's hand placement - we are NOT expecting!

My Mom, Grandma Lillian, and Uncle Paul

John and Priscilla

The Boys

The Evans School Ball

My graduate program hosts an annual "ball" at the end of the school year...it was kind of like prom with free wine! Cameron has been really sick, so I "flew solo" for the event. Good times!