Winter Break

What better way to spend the day after Christmas than to trek up into the mountains to play in the snow.

It seemed most of Western Washington had the same idea, which meant we were drove a little further over the pass to find a less crowded area.

These boys were SO excited to get out into the snow!

There's nothing like snow in the mountains - even on this groomed trail, there was lots to trek through.

The older boys spent most of their time building a fort in this snow pile.  I didn't even manage to get a picture of them sledding!

Andrew and Uncle Josh having a little fun.

Caden building a snow cave.

Will trying a version of snow shoeing for the first time.

Eating the snow was much more fun.

Driving home - the snow covered trees were so incredibly beautiful.

The next day, we had our first, and only snow on the island.

A few days later my dear friend Amy came over with her family.

We of course had to take them to Lytle beach.

Where fun and adventure can be found all year long.

The boys took over the bar at our favorite local Pho place.

The Hirsch's were visiting family in the area, and popped into Cross Sound - so fun!

Chris and JA came back and camped in our driveway!  We had so much fun over Thanksgiving, we decided we had to do it again.

Enjoying Amy's leftover dip.

Our little men.

Quick, everyone look at a screen! :)

New Years Eve, we celebrated Grandpa Jack's birthday!!

The Madson boys - we had a yummy dinner down the hill at Treehouse.

And cake afterwards.

Six boys on a couch.

We discovered a new favorite spot on the island - Manzanita bay with this GORGEOUS view of the Olympic mountains.  They're so much closer in person.

Our precious babes.

We then ventured over to Bloedel Reserve. 

The Reflection pool.

And moss forest.

Above the Japanese garden...

These boys were on a constant adventure.

The next day we were off to...

Point no Point.

If you zoom in on this pic, you can see the Seattle skyline, which is so tiny in comparison to the mountain.

Such a beautiful spot.

Such fun cousins.

Looking for whales (not as common in Winter, but they're still around).

\

Our little ham.

Dave got this shot of these two lovebirds.

We stopped at Bella Luna for pizza - JA was very excited about her salad.

A few days later we drove by Manzanita bay at sunset - so gorgeous.

We are so incredibly grateful to live in a place surrounded by so much beauty - even in Winter.  It makes the rain just a bit more bearable.