Seattle in August. It doesn't get much better for this Northwest girl. We had a wonderful two weeks - being with family, catching up with friends, soaking up the cool evenings, clear waters, and and mountain fresh air. SUCH a gift.
Andrew had a special adventure this year, flying out with Grandma 3 days early. He loved absolutely every moment (and didn't miss us at all).
The rest of us arrived in the middle of the night on Thursday, which meant Friday morning was lazy. At one point Dave and I got to sneak away to our favorite coffee shop for lunch. And we eventually headed over to the neighborhood lake to feed ducks.
Will was very excited.
An attempt to get a picture with my boys.
Later that evening my dear friend Tiffany came for dinner with her 2 boys. Will and Grandpa had some fun on the slide.
Bath time in Grandma's tub is always a favorite.
After bedtime, the big boys (Dave was there too) had a wee adventure on the lake in Grandpa's boat. They had a beautiful ride into Seattle, but on the way back, in the dark, the boat broke down (not far from Bill Gate's house!). Eventually someone came to give them a tow, but it was a late night ;).
On Saturday we headed East, over the mountains to Cousin Barb's desert home. We met up with their cousins for the first time at this massive fruit stand - such excitement.
It was a FULL day of pool fun.
It was wonderful to see my husband do this...and my cautious boy suddenly become a fish.
Grandpa showed Caden how to chill - he's a master.
Full day in the pool = tired boys!
Will waving goodbye to Cousin Barb, and her precious new daughter in law Aubrey (who posed with Andrew)
The sunset scenery as we drove home was breathtaking. Vineyards, canyon walls, the mighty Columbia River.
On Sunday we worshiped at my home church. It wss so fun to bring my boys to the nursery and Sunday school classroom's I played in when I was their age.
Uncle Josh showing the boys some fun books he got for them.
A fun park close to my parents house with slides in the hill, and gorgeous views.
We manged a family picture.
Crazy cousin time. I have to note the huckleberry smoothies - the boys LOVED picking them from the wild bushes in the woods behind my parents house. Will ate over 60 (I stopped counting) one afternoon. And Uncle Josh was the master smoothie maker.
Will was a bit obsessed with the bubbles in the backyard. The pic of him gritting his teeth was him trying to twist the top off himself.
Caden took this picture - I like it.
On Monday morning Dave and my mom worked, my dad had an interview, so myself and the boys headed for a morning of fun with one of my best friend's from HS, and her two boys. They live in the same neighborhood as my parents, which is 30 minutes from where we grew up - so fun.
Monday night we took Uncle Josh out for ice cream, before his big move.
Tuesday morning, another fun (and crazy) playdate with another best friend from HS and her two boys!
Uncle Josh loaded up his car and headed off to MN for a year of school - so exciting for him, but we were sad to see him go.
Grandpa Jack was nice to oblige Will with a bit more bubble fun.
Such a fun night out with the Goldborough's.
We came back to find Caden sleeping like this. Awesome.
On Weds, Dave studied, and the rest of headed downtown. We started at the Starbucks on the 40th floor of the Columbia tower. The boys weren't as calm as all the businessmen around us, so I wasn't able to capture great pictures, but the view was spectacular.
This view is looking East over the lake at Bellevue and the Cascade mountains.
Next we popped in to see Uncle Chris, who works on the 42nd floor of the building next door, and had a super cool view of the space needle from his office.
Then it was on to Pike Place market - a must stop every time we're in town. The open air brings in so many smells - salt water coming from Elliot bay, the fresh seafood, flowers, produce, along with the hippie incense and organic soap vendors. I love it.
We stopped for a quick lunch at this park, overlooking the bay and Olympic Mountains. Such a gorgeous day.
And later that night we met up with my college roomie Sarah and her three girls for dinner and bowling.
Aren't they precious? This was such a fun night.
...and then there was WEEK TWO. More friends, more family, more of God's beautiful creation, and some fishing. Pics to come soon!
