California Dreamin'

This past week we were able to head down to California and to enjoy some sunshine even though I brought the rain and some cooler weather!!!!)  We enjoyed hanging with Grandma and Grandpa Shaw and the North's.

We hung out with the North's at their pool.  They all played for hours and hours and always wished for more time.  

We braved the beach with the wind and the cool weather (low 70's--high 60's but the water was warm--70 degrees so that made all the difference).  

The waves were not big but big enough for the kids to enjoy.  It took awhile for them (and me) to figure out how to handle the waves without being tumbled to the ground. 

Proof that I was there. . . . .

. . . . . .and actually went in the water!!!! 

 I needed to keep track of Lizzy.  Once she figured out the waves she could have swam forever!!!

Funny picture of Lizzy!!!  Why she thought of this pose is beyond me.

 This is what summer is all about (soaking up the rays enjoying a good book).  

Thomas read 2 or 3 books during our trip

Back to the beach with Grandpa Bob. 

 The third day at the beach was windy and not really good to hang in the water since there was no waves.  We hung out on the beach and searched for sand crabs (which they found one)

All the cousins (except for Curtis)

We had a wonderful vacation hanging out!!!!!

Pike Place Market

 A couple of weeks ago we went to Seattle.  We decided to hang out at Pike Place Market.

 We headed out on the ferry without our car.  I haven't been to Seattle without my car in years and I think after this trip I would not bring my car to Seattle.  

 The entry to Pikes Place Market.  We were able to do a bunch of things while we were there.  

We ate freshly made donuts, see huge shoes,  go to a magic store, eat fresh Rainier Cherries (my favorite), feed Rachel the Pig. We also went to a wind-up store which was really fun. It was an enjoyable time with such great kids (plus it wasn't raining!!!!)

 We went to Beecher Cheese and had the best (as Thomas said) Grilled Cheese Sandwich he has ever had.  We sat there and watched the cheese turn into to curds.  It was really fun (I need a new fun word).  

We also had to go to the gum wall and left our mark!!!  

Ozette Triangle

This pass weekend our family went backpacking for the first time.  

We had a wonderful time and hope it will become a tradition.  We hiked 3 miles each day.  The first day we hike to Sand Point Beach.  The second day we hiked along the beach towards Cape Alava. The third day we hiked out.   

 Here we go.  

Most of the hike during the first and last day was on boardwalks.  The ground feels like a sponge with all the water and vegetation. 

 When we got to sand point Henry pointed out that Thomas carried his load.  

Sneaky Henry!!!!

 Sand Point was a sandy beach with lots of hoppers, and blue jellyfish everywhere. The sun was out so it felt warm.  We hung out on the beach, played games and had our dinner.  

 Lizzy loves camping.  

 My favorite picture of the trip.

 Good Morning!!!!

 Hiking along the beach we were able to see many interesting things.  The trees were huge, the rocks were many but the weather was wonderful.

 If you look close there are Makah petroglyphs.  There were 4 or 5 rocks full of these pictures.  If you didn't know they were there you would have walked right pass there.  

 I was glad there were toilets at each camp site.   

 Along the beach there quite of few marine litter along the coast.  Rope was one of the items that was found along the beach.  Thomas helped rig up a rope swing.  We were to get really high and it was really fun to swing.     

Second night we were able to have a camp fire and be able to sit around the fire and enjoy another game of cards.