Seattle - week TWO

Week two - soaking up the city, salmon fishing, and lots of sweet family time.

Wednesday was our downtown Seattle day!

We started with a Duck tour - the kids were all finally at a good age.

These quackers found a nice spot in my purse for most of the tour ;).

P, the day after surgery - he was such a trooper!

Driving into Lake Union - our captain/tour guide was really fun.

We got to see several sea planes take off!

Cousins strikin a pose - such a fun time!  And we actually learned a few new/interesting things about the city.

After a quick lunch overlooking the monorail, it was on to the observation deck of the Sears Tower (one of Seattle's oldest skyscrapers), where Uncle Chris has his office - which meant we got to go up free (thanks Chris!).

Gorgeous views of the city, Puget Sound, the Olympics.

Big boys taking a rest inside.

The cousins went home to rest, but we hopped on a ferry to Bainbridge Island, one of my favorite things to do in Seattle.

Such a fun, beautiful way to take in the city.

Love pictures of my boys and my city.

View from the car deck as we came into dock.

We decided to get off and drive 15 minutes to the town of Poulsbo, where my brother Chris just accepted a new job at a wonderful company (and will likely move before we visit next).

We met my sweet college friend Erika, who grew up there.

We go to see baby seals!  Apparently mama's come and give birth at this particular dock every Summer.

The town is incredibly charming, right on the water, and completely Norwegian, which is super fun for the Madson clan.  Grandpa and Grandma just might have to move there too. ;)

My boys were quite smitten with Erika's daughters.

And this was for sure some of the best ice cream we have ever had.  Handmade, incredible flavors and fresh ingredients.  

We caught the ferry ride home right at sunset!

Beautiful Olympic sunset on one side (I can't ever get enough of this sight).

And a large moon rising over Seattle on the other.  The Smith Tower (where we had been just a few hours earlier) is on the far right.

Gorgeous.

Coming into dock.

The end of wonderful day. 

Will was VERY excited to see Uncle Josh the next morning.

The boys went on a hike in Grandpa and Grandma's neighborhood.

On their way to the lake...

Love this.

Later that afternoon Dave and I got to sneak away for a date.  We decided to hit Pike Place without kids, which was so fun.

We took advantage of the opportunity to try another local brewery, which is always a treat for my man.

Incredibly delicious tacos at the market.

A very talented street performer.

Taking in the sunset from Queen Anne Hill, after stopping into a few of my favorite college hang out spots.

Olympic Mountain sunset two nights in a row - such a treat.

Friday was our fishing day!!  We got up early and met Pastor Don (one of my dad's oldest and dearest friends), who has become my fishing buddy.

We found our spot on the Skagit River, and waited.  The guys in the boat beyond never caught one.  Dave and I each caught FIVE!  

Fresh from the salt water (they'd just swam up river that morning), it doesn't get any better!

We stopped at my parents hometown country cafe on the way home - best milkshakes and burgers around.

Back at the house, more fun in the back woods

Andrew livin the life.  The tub is always a highlight.

Saturday morning, a visit to the Snoqualmie train station/museum - just down the road from the cousins house.

Will has a slight obsession with steam engines lately...

So to see one in person was very exciting.

Hanging out.

Walking on real tracks, looking inside a real train,

and then seeing a REAL train up close go by!

Very exciting.

Such a charming little place.

That afternoon/evening we took the boat out on Puget Sound for a picnic dinner and salmon fishing adventure.

Lucky for us, the major railroad line up to Canada went right by us, so this boy was entertained all night!

Will, still absorbed with the train.  The fishing in this particular area had been amazing, but just that morning the local Native American tribe was out with their nets, which meant no fish for us.

Andrew was very focused.

Happy boy.  

Mukilteo Lighthouse.  Fish or no fish, it was such a treat to soak up a beautiful night, and breath in that salt water air.

Later that night we got to spend a few hours with Amy and Eric.  We love these dear, fun friends.  Can you tell it's almost midnight?

After a fun morning at the cousins "bouncy house church" (the kids meet in a bouncy house place), Cousin Barb and Greg came by for a visit.  Some of my favorite people to see - they are such a joy, and she is so amazing with kids.  And we got to meet their adorable new puppy.

Sunday afternoon we took some family pics not far from Chris and Julie Anne's house.  

I know, two pics of Caden, but the last one just makes me laugh.  

Our fam.

Uncle Chris, Aunt JA, P, S, and T!

Grandpa and Grandma with their six grandsons!

Love these pics that JA captured.

Hilarious.

This was the best we could do ;).

  Such a gorgeous place.

That night we had cousin sleepovers.  Caden and P at Grandpa and Grandma's house, and Andrew and T at their house.

Caden and P on their special adventures the next morning.

Such sweet times for these boys.

The whole family!  What a gift to have this time together, to soak up the beauty of this place, and the people we love and cherish so much.  I can't even begin to tell you how much fun these boys all have together.  Such fun memories made, and fun to think about the memories that will come :).

Another wonderful end to our Summer - we are so so thankful.  Thanks Grandpa and Grandma for everything.  You guys are truly amazing!!