There couldn't possibly be a better way to end a busy summer than 2 weeks out in Seattle with my wonderful family. We soaked up every moment of being spoiled by my parents, cooler days (mostly), evergreen trees and ocean fresh air, sweet times with people we love, my mom's beautiful yard, cousin madness, and lots of good coffee. We took over 600 pictures, so here are some ;). I don't expect many to read all of this, but it's mostly so we remember the many moments - all sweet gifts from our loving Father.
My mom's beautiful dahlias.
Our first morning, peering down at Caden. We walked off the plane at midnight (3am DC time - and Will only slept 35 min), so our first day was all about recovery.
Picking huckleberries in Grandma and Grandpa's woods.
Dave and I snuck away to our favorite coffee shop to catch up, and plan out our time.
Lazy backyard fun.
That night, birthday cake to celebrate our 5 year old.
Will got to experience his first bath in Grandma's tub.
The next morning the cousins were reunited - all SIX boys! Enjoying huckleberry smoothies.
That evening we enjoyed dinner with the Gore's - one of my oldest and dearest friends who just had her third boy.
Friday we were off to the Washington Coast, where my parents had rented a house on the beach for 2 nights.
There's just something about waves that makes a boy giddy. He ran...and ran...and ran.
Gettin cozy by the fire.
And then later with an ipod.
The next morning the boys set out to play in the sand dunes (I enjoyed a beautiful run on the beach).
Saturday was misty and cooler - so refreshing.
Just a little fun.
Jack Daddy livin it up. He had just picked up this beautiful v-neck sweater vest from a guy selling them out of his vw bus. Always a hippie at heart. And always making us laugh.
Enjoying the soft sand.
It was a little too cold to swim, but they splashed anyway. And I have to document that Dave dove in head first to join my brothers - they felt he had to experience the Pacific Ocean in its fullness.
Perfect day for kite flying. Our A-frame house in the distance.
This was the view from the couch where I read (and sipped my latte) while Will napped.
With my crazy, sweet boy.
Andrew loved running and jumping into this hole that Uncle Chris dug.
Love this.
and this.
The hot tub was the perfect place to warm up - Uncle Chris was very good at helping them get used to what felt like super hot water (after being in the cold Pacific Ocean).
Silly cousin time.
Warming up by the fire with Uncle Josh.
And most importantly, making s'mores.
Happy, sand-caked boy.
The next morning we headed up into the Olympic National forest. First stop was the beautiful Lake Quinault Lodge.
Getting cozy in the lobby.
Meeting some new friends.
We enjoyed our coffee (and hot cocoa's) on the deck...
overlooking this.
One of our family pic attempts - typical.
Will was excited to climb into this Gazebo - it reminded him of church.
The lodge.
After grabbing sandwiches to go, we did a quick 1 mile rain forest loop hike.
Portions of the path were lined with these huge clovers.
Taking in this 400 year old douglas fir. Dave asked Andew if he'd like this as our Christmas tree, but he said it would be waaay to hard to decorate.
Impossible to capture how beautiful it truly was.
Andrew climbed through a hollow log.
Uncle Josh found the best walking sticks.
the path.
quick family shot.
love this one too.
Next stop was beach 4.
I could have spent all day here.
The mossy tree lined hills descending into the misty air.
the tidepools.
The family beach picture.
Andrew was all about being an explorer and climbing the rocks.
Next stop was the Hoh rain forest. I have always wanted to see this.
Crystal clear water, with moss growing several inches below (and descending from above).
Trees grew within threes.
In the "Hall of Moss"
Hard to capture how lush and green it truly was.
BOO! Will's favorite game was to run ahead, and hide behind a tree.
An old phone booth.
We stopped for pizza in Forks (Twilight central), which took much longer than expected.
Andrew peering out the window of the ferry at 12:45am. We just missed the 11pm ferry to Seattle, which meant that we had to wait for the 12:25am boat. Once we got Will settled (and fiiiinally asleep) we made the most of it. Andrew and I even practiced some tae kwon-do beside the Kingston marina. It made for a late night (or early morning) - we pulled in to my parents house at 2AM. But it was completely worth it.
The next morning I met up with a dear college friend who was up visiting from Portland for the weekend. I opted to leave the younger, sleep deprived ones at home with Grandma.
This girl is such a joy - I cherish all of the sweet, hysterical memories I have with her.
Andrew took this picture of the ladies.
More cousin time later that afternoon.
Tuesday morning we hit our favorite parks close to where my parents live.
Will face.
The views are amazing.
Getting ready to go down the "big" slide, which is built into a hill. The Bellevue and Seattle skylines in the distance.
Chillin in the adirondacks. That afternoon/evening we did pool and pizza with one of my best friends from HS, who now lives in the same neighborhood as my parents.
She has 2 boys :) - pizza and a movie, how much better does it get. And we actually got to enjoy peaceful conversation, which is something that parents of boys don't take for granted. Bummed I forgot to take a picture of the adults. They're precious, and possibly one of the funnest couples I know.
So there's week ONE! Could it get any better?
