Mechanic-in-law

Earlier this month we started to have trouble with our mini-van.  We took it to the repair shop and learned we needed a new radiator.  After getting a quote for parts and labor, I sent a quick text to my brother-in-law Seth asking for a second opinion, "does this seem appropriate?"

I expected him to write back, "yep, bite the bullet and pay the bill."

Instead, he essentially responded, "no way, fly me up and I can get it done for a quarter of that price."  Good joke, right?

Would you believe that it actually ended up being less expensive to buy him a plane ticket to fly up from California (with a new radiator in his checked luggage) than the original repair quote?  Plus (plus!!), he brought my sister, Katie, and their two little girls with them (ages 22 months and 4 weeks - so they both fly free).  So, not only did we save money on getting the car fixed, we also got to visit with the Harps for the weekend and meet their brand new baby, Piper!

I like to think it was a win-win situation because Katie and Seth were celebrating their 5-year wedding Anniversary that weekend and had wanted to do something different and fun.  We watched their girls while they spend Saturday evening exploring downtown Seattle and trying not to freeze their California bums off.

They arrived Friday evening and left Monday, so it was a short trip.  I had wanted to do a few touristy things with them, but Mother Nature had other ideas.  A snow storm blew in Saturday night, so we spent our time playing in the snow instead.  

Seth taught Bryce and Aubree how to build a snowman and have a proper snowball fight.  They idolize him.

Thane chased Anna around the yard until she decided she'd had enough of snow and was ready to go back inside.

Adorable baby Piper fell asleep every time I held her and found a permanent place in my heart.  

Despite the fact that Katie is super-woman (did I mention Piper was only 4 weeks old?), we still managed to wipe her out.  Late nights playing games and talking will do that.  

Oh yeah, and of course Seth fixed our van perfectly.  I guess he's superman.

Now I just need to continue my genius plan to get them to move up here and be my neighbor...