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!

Eagle Crest ~ 2013

We all look forward to our annual summer trip over to Eagle Crest.  We usually go towards the end of August, so it's a great way to cap off our summer.  This year more than ever before, I felt like our time was so relaxing and rejuvenating.  Our life is often hectic and rushed, so to be able to just relax and be together felt like a true gift!  The way the juniper smell welcomes us, the deer that we see throughout the day, the constant sun and warm weather and just the slower paced days, it was a slice of heaven!  I love that the kids are in play clothes, hair usually askew or in a swim suit begging to go to the pool.  Everything about our trip is laid back and I love it!  It's always fun to be with family and this type of trip is so conducive to a big family gathering.  Our days were lazy, mostly filled with outdoor activities and our evenings always included a big dinner together. It is the perfect ways to spend a few summer days and we are so grateful for the opportunity to go each year with Kyle's parents.

Kennedy was Auntie Val's shadow for most of the trip!  She sure loves her auntie!

loves her daddy, too!

and this was an hour of my afternoon ~ pure heaven!

Grandma arranged to take Carter golfing one afternoon.  He was so excited!  They had a great time together on the Challenge course.  Grandma commented that Carter played well and also had very good manners (music to my mama ears!)

my little man is growing up so fast!

Brady is quite the little golfer, too!  The kids took advantage of the grassy area behind our condo and played throughout the evening!

my boys.  my loves.

I know I have said it before, but it's worth repeating ~ I love that the kids have cousins close to them in age.  They always have so much fun together! 

Brady can't get enough of Carter and Kennedy and they are so sweet to him, as well.

love this free spirited one.  

love to see her running free, laughing from her toes, living and loving.

There were a few fawns outside one morning.  Carter was able to get fairly close and take a few pictures.  

It never gets old seeing deer up close and this is another thing that I love about Eagle Crest.

a few of Carter's pictures

Papa took the littles up to feed the horses ~ Kennedy was a little timid but still managed to give the horse a couple of carrots.

Brady was happy to give the horse a snack!

The weather was a little cooler on my last day but we still made a trip to the pool.  I absolutely love this picture of Brady ~ he was so happy!  Kyle is such a great uncle!

Carter doing a cannon ball!

Kennedy with a diving assist

Unfortunately, I had to go home a few days early so that I could go to work but the kids and Kyle stayed and enjoyed the weekend.  Ken and Diane were headed to a wedding, so I was able to bum a ride back to Portland.  It worked out nicely but I was sad to have to leave.

The kids on a hike

Brady feeding the ducks

a very happy girl!

And a very happy time at Eagle Crest this year!

Summer Adventure ~ Seattle

For Kennedy's birthday, we made a special trip up to Seattle.  We kind of had to squeeze it in between kindergarten camp, a friend's birthday and work, but we did our very best to make the most out of our two days.

Packed and ready for our adventure!

 

We drove up to Seattle on Kennedy's birthday, so we were able to swim at the hotel,

*funny side note ~ kids are so easy to please!  Our two star Best Western was easily the 'best' hotel because it had a swimming pool and breakfast in the morning.  The children were thrilled!*

and enjoyed a fun birthday dinner at Red Robin with one of my sweet friends from college, Andrea.  She has two kiddos close in age to Carter and Kennedy, so that made our dinner really fun.  It's always wonderful to see friends, and I was so grateful for the opportunity to spend time Byrd.

 

the birthday girl enjoyed her ice cream sundae...didn't love the singing this year, though.  She tried to bury herself in my lab as the waitstaff sang!

Happy 5th birthday, Kennedy!

I love you!

Andrea and I and our crew

Brock, Reagan, Andrea, Kennedy, me and Carter

hotel pools are the best!

Carter and Kennedy were in heaven ~ an hour in the pool after a long drive was the perfect way to end the afternoon!

my little fish

 

After our time at the American Girl store, we headed into downtown Seattle to see some of the sights.  It was a gorgeous day, and I wish we would have had more time to explore and see things.

Our parking garage had a great view of the bay!

 

 

then it was off to the Space Needle!

We had fun playing tourist, exploring the area around the Space Needle and then going up...

I'm pretty sure the kids thought it was going to be a bit more exciting (maybe more like a roller coaster?).  After paying a small fortune, they were ready to go in about 5 minutes.  We dragged it out and tried to explore for as long as we could, trying to make it worth our effort.

 

the telescopes were fun!

it was a gorgeous day, so the views of the city, Elliot Bay, Lake Washington, etc. were amazing.  I thoroughly enjoyed our time high above the ground!

Kennedy just wanted to play!

Thank you, Nana, for helping to make our little adventure so much fun!