San Juan Islands ~ Orcas

For years and years and years, I have wanted to go up to the San Juan Islands...It seemed so sad that I've lived in this area all my life and had never made the trip.  Well, it worked out that Kyle's cousin was getting married in Anacortes and his parents had found a great house for the weekend.  It was a perfect way to explore the region and we will definitely be making a return trip.  Unfortunately, the weather was super stormy on Saturday, which was the day we were headed out on the ferry and also the day of the wedding.  But like the true north westerners that we are, we pulled up our hoods and explored in the rain!

We arrived on Friday morning and Kyle visited some clients in the area.  The kids and I rode bikes a bit and then that afternoon we explored the town of Anacortes.

We headed down to the marina area...

Kyle found some lovely ladies

There was a boat show going on, so we meandered around the marina and saw a ton of huge boats.

We got up bright and early on Saturday morning and headed down to the ferry docks.  It was fun to drive our car right onto the ferry.  I think it might have been the highlight of the day for the kids, it was so exciting!

a bit of wind and rain didn't deter us from being outside and taking in the scenery

Once we arrived on Orcas Island, we took off to explore the island, heading up to Moran State Park and Mt. Constitution.  On a clear day, you can see amazing views from the look out tower.  Sadly the clouds were socked in and we couldn't see a blessed thing.

rainy, windy, freezing...but still smiling!

we were all running from over hang to over hang to try to avoid the downpours!

Look, over there is Canada!

Hahahaha, we were literally in the clouds!

the entrance to Moran State Park

even in the rain, the beauty of the area was breath taking

a treat and a warm drink at brownbear baking

how cute is this church?

another beautiful would-be view

Our last stop was Deer Harbor

I think we explored every inch of the island and each spot was quaint and charming with gorgeous scenery.

I wish that we could have hiked a bit but again, it's just another reason to go back!

Sadly this was the only whale we saw!

Summer Road Trip ~ Belmont and SF

We made it to the bay area!

It took us about six hours to make it to San Francisco from Medford.  It was so nice to be able to split up our trip and the kids did great!

We were so excited to finally get there and see Auntie Stacy, Uncle Justin, Bennett and Sloane.

One of the best parts of our trip was just relaxing at their place and letting the kids play.  The weather was sunny but not too warm. We weren't over scheduled, and we just enjoyed spending time together.  It was a fabulous and restful vacation.

Uncle J with Kennedy

The crazy kiddos had such a fantastic time playing together.  There were dance parties, lots of scooter riding and a ton of good ol' fashioned fun!

 

Of course Kennedy found a map!

 

We got up early on Saturday morning and headed into the city to do a few touristy type things.

It's such a great city and we could have explored all day, there is so much to do.

Our first stop was a ride on the cable cars

We were quite the crew!  It's a miracle that we made it back with all four kids.  During our cable car ride, I was so worried that Sloane was going to jump off!  She is a mover and a shaker and it wasn't easy getting her to sit still for the ride.

 

A view of China town area from the cable car

Next up was a walk around the Ferry Building, which is located on the bay.

They have a huge farmers market going on, so there were lots of people and lots of fun things to see.  We were a large group, so it was a bit tough to navigate through.  We did a quick walk around and then headed out to the pier where the kids could run more freely.

Carter on the pier ~ the Bay Bridge is in the background

The World Cup sailing races were going on and we were able to see a boat being towed in the bay.  Down the wharf a bit farther, there was a ton of things that had been built just for the races ~ concert venues, a museum and other gathering spaces.  It was really fun to see it all.

Sloane is a character!  She is such a spunky little one and was so much fun!  Her vocabulary is amazing and it's so much fun to hear what she'll say.  She's a crack up and we love her so! 

 

It was a beautiful day in the city

 

Kennedy got a lift from Daddy

We happened upon a new play ground and the kids had fun climbing and exploring!

Our four crazies!

This was one of the few pictures that we got with all four cousins, because it was so hard to get Sloane to stand still.  She was trapped in the swing, so it seemed like a perfect opportunity to snap a picture!  You can tell she's ready to get out!

Carter-Man and B

These two are great buds ~ it's so sweet to watch them together.  I am very thankful that my kids have cousins close in age.  It makes family time a lot of fun!

Stacy arranged for a sitter on Saturday night so that we could go out to a nice dinner.  It was so much fun! 

We headed into San Mateo and enjoyed one of the best meals we've ever had!  We ate at an Italian restaurant (which of course I can't remember the name of now) and tried lots of different dishes and great wine.  It was such a fabulous way to spend the evening.

 

Stacy and Justin were such gracious hosts to us while we were visiting and we are so thankful for our time together.  It was a wonderful few days!

 

Before heading home on Sunday, we went over to Justin's parent's, Julius and Michelle's, house.  They live in the East Bay, so it was on our way ~ they have a lovely home and were so kind to entertain us.  It was lovely to see them and spend some time together before we started our ten hour trek home!  A great way to end our trip.

 

We loved our time in the bay area and hope to go again soon!

 

Summer Road Trip ~1st stop Medford~

We aren't a family who normally drives too far for vacation, but we decided to try out a road trip this summer and it was great!  We loaded up the car, full of snacks, books, movies and every other thing that could possibly entertain the children, and headed south on I-5 ~ destination San Francisco!

Our dear friends, the Williams', live in Medford, so it was the perfect opportunity to spend some time together.  Kyle was able to work, visiting clients in Southern Oregon, while the kids and I had a blast with our friends!

This was the scene shortly after we arrived...they were SO happy to see one another.  I love these little ones and am so very thankful for our time together.

 

 

 

Unfortunately, southern Oregon was experiencing horrific forest fires, so we weren't able to go outside.  It was so sad, because the weather is always sunny and there is so much to do outside.  And as you can tell from the pictures above, our kiddos had a ton of energy and could have used the outdoor room to run!  Instead we decided to take them bowling...but first:

 

The kids had spilled a bag of candy in the entry way, so I opened up the closet to get the vacuum out. 

And this is what I saw:

oh. my. word.

It was a giant bug, which at first I thought was a cockroach but thankfully it wasn't.  Also it wasn't moving, so I figured we had a few seconds to devise a plan of action.  Meanwhile, the kids are freaking out (think lots of squealing and screaming), Ali is about ready to have a heart attack and I'm not at all certain that I have the guts to trap this beast.  I wonder if there is a neighbor we could call...then one of the children shouts, "we need a daddy to come help us!"  And I just knew I had to show them that a mama could handle a big, disgusting bug too.  We got a cup, I plopped it on top of the bug and slid it out with a lid on top.  We put it outside on the table, just so Kyle and Jeff could see it and be proud of us.  Sadly, I don't think they were nearly as impressed with us as we were with ourselves.  Carter said I was awesome, so really what else did I need.  Crisis averted.

Ick.

 

Bowling here we come:

 

love them. 

so much.

Carter was up

these two have such a special friendship...wish so much they lived closer.

the whole gang!

Luke (4), Carter (7), Emilia (7), Kennedy (5) and Drew (1)

 

I can't begin to express our gratitude for this time together and for the Williams' wonderful hospitality.  We had a wonderful dinner, a beautiful breakfast, hours to talk and play and just quality time to be together.  It is visit that we will certainly treasure.  Ali is one of my very dearest friends ~ she lives her life full of faith and love and she is beautiful inside and out.  She is a fabulous mother, a supportive wife, a generous friend and woman of God.  We could talk for hours and still never run out of things to say (we were up well past 2:00 AM and could have found another dozen topics to discuss, I am sure).  And we always have so much fun together.  I know that I am a better person because I have her in my life!  What a blessing she is!

love.

 

This is how bad the air quality was from the smoke.  We were just south of Medford, on our way to California, and the smoke was so thick we had to slow down to about 30 mph on the freeway.  It was crazy!