Tag: Family

Thanksgiving Weekend

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Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope your turkey day and thanksgiving weekend was a relaxing and joyful one. I hope that you had the chance to spend time with loved ones.
Our Turkey Day weekend was a nice and relaxing one. Grandma Zoe came out to visit from Spokane and we cooked a small but very tasty turkey dinner. Because it was such a small crowd, we decided this year to cook a turkey breast instead of a whole turkey. I love left overs but even a 10 pound turkey leaves more than we cant get rid of in a weeks time.
The bird before its long nap in the oven. 
The process of homemade pumpkin pie, including crust made from scratch.Turned out amazing.
Our amazing turkey day dinner of Turkey breast, stuffing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy and saute’d carrots. Yummy!
The day after Thanksgiving we took it easy. Shaun had to go into work for a a half day and when he came home we went out and did a little Black Friday shopping with Grandma. The deals this year were OK, but nothing worth going out at 10pm on Thanksgiving day for. In all honesty there isn’t a deal good enough to make people work on Thanksgiving for. It was a pretty low key day and that was fine. I think we were still suffering from a turkey coma.
The next day we got moving, had breakfast at our favorite cafe and then headed out for a ferry ride over to Kingston and Port Gamble. It was a bit of a dreary day but that didn’t stop us! It was nice to get out of the house, move around and enjoy the outdoors. Our biggest hope was that Port Gamble would be decorated with Christmas lights and more!
Its a bit chilly out but we are loving the ferry ride.
My beautiful girl… Ellie was asleep with Grandma Zoe in the car.

State Champion Camperdown Elm. This tree has been in this spot since 1875. Just read the sign below!
This tree looks very different during the spring and summer, but its almost ghostly appearance without its leaves made us stop and take a look.
Our favorite general store all decorated for the holidays.
Pretty! Can I take it all home to decorate with??!
I love these ornaments and I would love to take them all home for my tree!
Ellie felt like such a big girl with her cup of hot chocolate. Have I mentioned that its some of the best hot chocolate that I have ever had?
The Port Gamble General Store is getting ready for Christmas!
The bistro in one of the historic homes is all ready for Christmas. So pretty!
Love this little town. We discovered Port Gamble on a late night drive when we lived in Seattle before the girls were born. It was Christmas time and the whole town was lit up at night. Glad we get to share this with our kids.

After our stop and fun in Port Gamble, we made our way to Bainbridge to take the ferry into Seattle. We wanted a more close up view of the Space Needle. At Christmas time the Space Needle gets a little something extra to celebrate the season and who can pass up a picture to celebrate our first holiday season here in Seattle! So cute and festive if you ask me.

Even the Space Needle gets into the Christmas Spirit.

Today was the final day of our Thanksgiving weekend and it was spent at home relaxing. Shaun and I did some grocery shopping while the girls hung out with Grandma Zoe and then I used some of the leftover turkey to make my moms famous Turkey Tetrazzini. It turned out amazing and was the perfect end to a fun weekend. Now its back to school, work and reality tomorrow. It certainly was fun while it lasted!

Mukilteo, Crazy Ferry Rides and Plenty More!

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We are closing in on winter in the Pacific Northwest and the weather has turned to its usual clouds, rain and cold. Cabin fever was starting to set in for us, so instead of sitting around we decided to head out for an adventure even if it was a bit stormy out.
Instead of our usual ferry ride from Edmonds to Kingston, we decided to take the ferry from Mukilteo to Whidbey Island and then head from Whidbey Island to Port Townsend. As we waited to board the ferry in Mukilteo another portion of the storm started to blow in and it certainly made for an interesting ride. The waves out on Lake Washington were big and the ferry rocked a lot. From the car we  watched the waves and stayed safe. That is, until, the ferry hit a big wave and water splashed all the way up and over the side to the second level and manged to hit Shaun and the girls in the back seat. I had to laugh a little. 
Mukilteo Lighthouse just as we departed from the ferry dock.

The trip to Clinton (Whidbey Island) was a short one, less than 20 minutes but it was bumpy. The drive from Clinton to our ferry stop for Port Townsend was pretty uneventful and very wet. It poured the entire drive up which stopped us from getting out and doing a bit of exploring. That and the power was out in a lot of locations!

Our ferry ride from Whidbey Island to Port Townsend was just as interesting. We got out of the car and went up to the main passenger deck. Just getting there was interesting as the ferry was rocking enough to keep you off balance. Once on the passenger deck, a person needed to stay seated for fear of getting knocked over and some people were quickly heading for the bathroom. It was one heck of a ride I tell ya!

Stormy waters out on Puget Sound heading from Whidbey Island to Port Townsend.

Ellie thinks all of the rocking and bumping around was funny!
Once we landed in Port Townsend we took a walk and enjoyed the stormy Fall day. In our travels we found a yummy new place to eat, a great Chinese noodle restaurant. We walked to a few of the shops and then decided to go for a drive. All of the excitement on the ferries tuckered out the girls and it was time to let them rest.

Walking down the streets of Port Townsend.
Autumn Leaves are falling!
Puget Sound on a stormy day. The beautiful beaches out at Fort Worden.

After a peaceful drive around Fort Worden State Park and a stop to sit and watching the stormy seas we slowly made out way back to Kingston and then home. Luckily when we got home the power, which had been out when we left, was back on. All that fun but now it was time for laundry and bed!

A Gorgeous Day for Ferries, Port Townsend and Port Gamble

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After a wonderful day at the zoo, the mall and enjoying more birthday presents we decided that some relaxed sightseeing was in order. My sister, who has only had the chance to make quick and focused visits to Seattle, has never been on a ferry, so we thought that a ferry ride across the sound would be a great idea! So off we set for a day of fun and we would go wherever the wind decided to blow us.

Once again it was a BEAUTIFUL day in Seattle. The sun was shining, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky and the weather was cool but perfect. The ride from Edmonds to Kingston was windy but stunning. To the north you could clearly see Mt. Baker. To the southeast you could see Mt. Rainier and to the west the Olympics were stunning. I was so happy that it was such a clear day for my sisters first ferry ride.

The Olympic Mountains on a gorgeously clear day.

Auntie Jillian, my sister, on her first ferry ride across Puget Sound. I’m just glad that the sound was calm and she didn’t get seasick.

Shaun with his girls… Love these three with all my heart!

Hello Taylor Family! Its windy but beautiful out. You can see Whidbey Island behind them.

Shocked that we could even get a picture together at all. This rarely happens with anyone! I have yet to capture even a semi-family picture with Grandma Zoe or Grandpa Pat and Nana Fiona. It is my mission to do so. The one big thing missing is my handsome Shaun, who is behind the lens for this one.

After a beautiful ferry ride we headed out from Kingston and decided to make our first stop in Port Gamble. I wanted to show everyone one of our favorite stops, The General Store, and take a little walk around the small park and main street. The girls had the chance to pet and admire two beautiful horses who were waiting patiently for their riders over by the park. We shopped a bit in the general store making sure we didn’t leave without their amazing hot chocolate and mocha in hand.

As we walked along the little park and garden, my dad and Shaun noticed something swimming out in the water. Further investigation revealed that there were not one but two things swimming around in the waves and they were Sea Otters! We hopped into the car and drove down to an old logging dock and lot close to the water where they were swimming. The pair was swimming very close to the shoreline and I was able to snap a quick photo of one before they caught on to us and headed back out into the small bay that Port Gamble sits in.

Watching, feeding and petting the beautiful horses.

Our adorable little otter friend. They were fun to watch, playing in the waves along the shore. Its been a while since I have seen Sea Otters in the wild.

After the Sea Otter excitement, we decided to move on and head to Port Townsend. The sunny day would allow for us to actually get out of the car and do some exploring, which is something we have been waiting to do. Upon our arrival we decided that lunch was in order, so we stopped at the Nifty Fifties Cafe for a bite to eat. The food was simple and easy but very yummy, especially their malts, shakes and root beer floats.

After lunch we set out to explore the streets and look around a few stores that had caught our eye as we drove in. We found a lot of adorable boutiques, toy stores and more. We didn’t buy much, if anything, but it was great to get out and see some things. One of the stores I really enjoyed was a steam punk boutique and I know Auntie Jillian really enjoyed it too. There were a few things I would have loved to take home, like a beautiful leather jacket and some Toms style shoes that had the Union Jack on them, but they were not meant to be and certainly not a necessity to life. Although I almost bought some adorable boots for Abby and Ellie but my realistic side knew that they were novelty items and had zero practical function for them. In laymen terms… They would never be worn.

We walked for quite a while, shopping and taking pictures of the old buildings and charms of Port Townsend. In the late afternoon we made the decision to pack up the car and head out to Fort Worden before the sun went down.

Just one of many lovely and old buildings in Port Townsend. I love this little town!
My lovely sister and family walking the streets of Port Townsend. It couldn’t have been a more perfect day!

As we arrived at Fort Worden, the sun was beginning to set and sporadic clouds were starting to blow in. This made for an amazing and beautiful sunset along the water. We drove around, looking at the lighthouse and more. We stopped along the point where you can see Canada (Vancouver Island and the city of Victoria) on a clear day and drove through the old fort itself, looking at the old buildings. I love this spot, as it reminds me of a much smaller version of the Presidio in San Francisco.

Once the light started to fade we headed out of Fort Worden and back to the ferry. This time we decided to take the ferry from Bainbridge to Seattle so that Jillian could see the city lit up at night. As we crossed, the skyline was perfectly clear and it want too cool or windy to go out on deck for a few pictures.

This sea gull just sat there and watched us as we watched him.

Looking northwest towards Vancouver Island. It was a clear enough day to actually see the island itself!

Gorgeous sunset along the sound in Fort Worden State Park

Picture perfect sunset along the Sound in Fort Worden State Park.

Sunset along the Sound as we crossed over the Hood Canal. This is one of many reasons as to why I love Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.

Sunset over the Olympics

Seattle Skyline at night.

Jillian and the Seattle skyline.

Ellie and Daddy being super silly. Those big cheesy smiles never fail to make me smile!

My beautiful Abby and the Seattle skyline. Love that beautiful face!

After another fun crossing from Bainbridge to Seattle, we stopped for dinner at the Spaghetti Factory in downtown and then headed home. The Taylor crew had to leave and head home the following morning, so a late night was not in the cards. Oh well, we had a wonderful time and enjoyed the time that we did have together. It may have only been a weekend, but it was a weekend packed full of wonderful new memories.

Birthday Trip to the Zoo

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Grandpa Jerry, Grandma Denise and Auntie Jillian were supposed to come to Seattle for Abby’s birthday last weekend. Due to some unexpected work issues, they had to cancel and miss the festivities with Grandma Zoe, which was a big bummer for them. The plan was to have them come out and visit whenever they could and as luck would have it, the following weekend worked out for everyone. Yesterday afternoon they arrived tired from the road but so excited to see all of us. We hung out, had dinner and caught up with each other. 
When asked by Grandma and Grandpa as to what she wanted to do for her birthday while they were in town, Abby decided that she wanted to go to the zoo. So on their first full day in Seattle we started out early and headed to the Woodland Park Zoo. Thankfully the weather was spectacular and allowed for a beautiful day to see the animals.
We had to stop and see our favorite tuxedo friends

Our fearless leaders showing us the way through the jungles being followed by Auntie Jillian the ferocious beast. Abby and Ellie didn’t have a clue she was there.
The Asian small-clawed otters were out with their babies. Unfortunately they spent most of their time hiding behind the rocks playing in the bamboo.

Standing guard over the family
Meerkat cuddle huddle

Abby really wanted to see the Kimono Dragon and she was surprised with how big they are. There were even babies too!

Lion smiles. These statues are original to the zoo which opened in the early 1900’s.

“Mommy, I want to smile but I cant. The sun is in my face.”

Sleepy lion cubs.

Swimmin’ Hippos

Coming up for a bit of a breather

Pondering the meaning of life… That and picking food from his teeth.

The oldest female Gorilla between both groups at the zoo. She has been with the zoo since 1970.

Afternoon snuggle with mommy Jaguar

Mama keeping a watchful eye on her adventurous cubs
A little cub out for a stroll and a climb, still getting used to those climbers legs

Fall is starting to set in at the zoo.

Trying very hard to sleep until some “local” decides to throw rocks and food at the wolves to see what they would do. Let’s just say I chased down a zoo employee and got them removed from the zoo. Your welcome.

After having a cheeseburger and chips thrown at her, this female was on alert. I am betting she is the alpha of the pack and she was not thrilled about the disturbance.

So beautiful. I could never get sick of watching wolves… EVER.
The Brown Bear out for an afternoon stroll. It was also quite apparent that dinner was coming as this one paced the back of his enclosure.

Auntie JJ taking a rest with a few little monkeys.

 
Crazy squirrel trying to reach a strategically placed ice cream cone.

Before we knew it the zoo was close to closing and it was time to go. On the way home we decided to stop at the mall so that Auntie Jillian could do a little shopping for work clothes and other items at stores that are not located in Bozeman. Hey, when you live in a smaller town its things like this that cause a lot of excitement. If you have seen the mall in Bozeman, you would understand what I mean.

After some shopping we headed out for dinner at Abby’s favorite place, you guessed it, Red Robin! Hey, she is the birthday girl and she gets to pick. After a yummy dinner and some great conversation it was back home for presents. When we arrived, Abby was greeted by a table full of fun and colorful boxes as well as a cute mural and Mario play set made by daddy. She was super thrilled.

All of the lovely presents and play sets!

Abby was pleasantly surprised when she came through the door.

Thank you Great Grandma Laura for the cool shoe piggy bank!

“Lalaloopsy, loopsy Hair!”

All I have to say is that Abby is one lucky and very loved little girl. I am not sure about where all the presents from the last two weekends will go! I am sure we will find a place or two. Happy Birthday little monkey! I wonder what tomorrow has in store for us?

Big Birthday Fun with Grandma Zoe

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This weekend was all about celebration! What are we celebrating, you ask? Abby’s 5th Birthday, of course. She will be five in a few short days! This weekend Grandma Zoe, Grandma Denise, Grandpa Jerry and Auntie Jillian were coming out to celebrate. Unfortunately, due to some big issues at work, the Montana crew had to postpone their trip and will hopefully have the chance to visit in the next few weeks. Therefore, Grandma Zoe gets to have a special one on one celebration with Abby!
Grandma Zoe arrived yesterday in the late afternoon, so we kept the evening pretty low key. Visited, settled in and went out to dinner. The girls were happy and had plenty to talk about. Today was all about fun, excitement and a big surprise. The morning was breakfast, time to play and then the girls got dressed in their best princess dresses, Abby in her Merida dress and Ellie in her own version of a princess. Pretty soon we were packed up into the car and headed to Bellevue!
Dressed and ready for a day fit for a princess!

We headed straight for Bellevue Square. The day was very stormy and the rain was coming down pretty hard so we left home early. Traffic ended up being just fine, so we had some time to use up before the “big surprise”. We took Abby and Ellie over to Top Pot doughnut for a tasty treat, which they loved and then took them up to Dooz 4 Kids for their surprise. An afternoon of princess pampering!

MMMMMMM… Tasty!
She is the biggest cheese of them all!
Abby though it was pretty cool that she was dressed like Merida in her dress and wearing rain boots with it. She said that Merida would think it was perfect.

Dooz 4 Kids isn’t just a kids salon, they do parties and special events for children. Because we are still settling in to school and Abby is just meeting new friends, we decided not to do a party but have a small day of pampering with her sister. Her surprise was a princess hairstyle, an manicure and glitter tattoo!

Waiting for the pampering to begin!
Playing and being a good girls sitting in her chair. A princess hairdo in the making!
Abby is getting the most perfect Merida braids and curls.
Beautiful little Ellie curls!
Beautiful Abby curls! She was so excited to have curls just like Merida’s. I reminded her that she has beautiful curls already but she liked that these ones were bigger and smooth.
The finishing touch, Princess sparkles!
Princess hairdo, done. Now its time for some nail polish!
Beautiful braids and curls.
Pink nails for Abby…
… and a princess sparkle tattoo to match.
Ellie chose purple nails and a unicorn sparkle tattoo.
And top it all off… a balloon and goody bag to boot!
With goodies in tow and all dressed like princesses, its time for some dinner.

After the princess treatment it was off to dinner, Abby’s choice. Red Robin was at the top of her list, so Red Robin it was. She had her favorite dinner and we all enjoyed the time together. Once dinner came to end it was back to our house for some cake and presents!

For Ellie, it wasnt dinner, it was serious business deals. At least that is what this picture makes me think of.
Happy Birthday to MEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
Cake and princesses… Happy 5th Birthday Abby!
Make A Wish, Count to Three and BLOW!
Our happy little birthday girl. All smiles and happy about the wonderful day she had.

After the singing, the cake and some silliness it was time to open presents from Grandma Zoe. Mommy and Daddy were saving their gifts for Abby’s actual birthday. It looks like this special little girl will get a week, maybe more, for birthday celebrations. Who wouldn’t love that? Well, maybe those of us past age 25 but as a kid I think I would have loved to be the birthday girl for a week not just a day. This isn’t something we would normally do but hey, you only turn five once!

Our Weekend in Spokane

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Grandma Zoe made the move up to Washington just a few weeks ago and now that she is settled in a bit, we took to the road to visit her in Spokane. We left Friday afternoon to beat the traffic and were lucky enough not to hit a single slow down. Once over Snoqualmie Pass and out onto the Central plains of Washington it was evident that a big thunderstorm was brewing and we just might be heading into it. Most of what we could see was off in the distance, but it still enjoying the lightening show. However, as we got closer and closer to Spokane it was evident that we might get a nice storm yet. And we did.
When we arrived at Grandma Zoe’s new place, the car was unloaded and we finally had the chance to relax and visit with Grandma. Just after dinner, the storm that we thought might hit the area finally started to blow over and gave us a nice little light and thunder show. It was a nice welcome for us!
The next day we took our time getting up, enjoyed some breakfast and then head out to enjoy the area. Grandma Zoe lives just across the Spokane River near downtown so she wanted to take us over to Riverside Park and show us the area. The day was cloudy, post thunderstorm but it was beautiful and perfect for a day out walking and enjoying what Spokane has to offer.
Crossing over one of many bridges over the Spokane River into Riverside Park and downtown Spokane.
Rain puddles and reflections.
Clock tower and foot bridges. Pretty day in a pretty little city.
If there is a carousel, Abby and Ellie will find it. This one was super fast too!
The carousel in Riverside Park is just over a hundred years old and absolutely gorgeous. The carousel horses still have their original tails made of actual horse hair.
Such an easy place to photograph.
The detail and precision of these carousel horses is amazing. Creating a carousel horse is an art form that has been lost over time. Only one company and maker exist in the United States.
Riverside Park clock tower along the Spokane River.
This bog old goose thought she was park of the Canadian Geese flock and certainly made his presence known.
Tagged Canadian Goose. I wonder what the research can tell us about the places this one goes.
Enjoying the Wagon Slide… Ellie was a bit unsure of it but finally came down.
Its the giant Radio Flyer Slide… so much fun!

Fat goose taking a “gander” at the Spokane River. I know… that was bad.

After our walk through the park, we stopped downtown for lunch and had some very yummy pizza. After we stuffed ourselves full, the walk back to the car was needed. After our afternoon out we went for a nice little drive, exploring back roads, taking pictures and enjoying the scenery. Before we knew it we were back home having dinner and relaxing after a fun day out.

The next day we had a wonderful breakfast and headed out to Green Bluff with the hope of picking apples and enjoying yet another beautiful day. Unfortunately a lot of the orchards were closed to public apple picking but we still enjoyed the day and some of the yummy food these places had to offer. The girls ended up with ice cream and that made their day. The rest of the evening we relaxed, enjoyed the gorgeous sunset and Shaun and I took a drive after the girls went to bed. It was a great last night of our weekend in Spokane.

Ice cream that’s almost as big as my head… hurray!
Eating the whole cone was a big job, but Abby was up to the task.
A rainbow after the storm.
It almost looked like the rainbow was coming from downtown and the old smoke stacks.
Picture perfect sunsets. Even better than a painting.

In the morning we packed our things and prepped to leave. Before we hit the road we went to breakfast with Grandma Zoe, checking out the restaurant just across the street from her place. It was delicious! A perfect way to prep for our drive home. We had hoped to stay a little longer but because of blasting work over Snoqualmie Pass, we had to get going so that we weren’t stuck in a two house wait. Before we knew it, we were on our way home. Traffic was great and the ride was smooth. It was good to get home and prep for the next few days to come… The girls start school tomorrow!

Its Off to the Zoo We Go!

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So did you think I was kidding when I said we would use our zoo memberships to their fullest? Well, I wasn’t! A lot of the unpacking has been done, the girls were restless and the sun was shining so we got an early start to the day and headed to the zoo. On our first trip, we hadn’t allowed enough time to see as much as we would have liked so we made another attempt today. Another perfect day at the zoo! This time we had the chance to see a lot more and while we didn’t see it all, we covered a lot of ground.
Our first trip was through the Tropical Rain Forest. We found this Lemur hanging out and trying to catch some Z’s in his tree.  Thanks to some unruly zoo visitors (there seem to be a lot of those here) he couldn’t doze off and eventually moved from his spot.
At the rain forests edge are the Jaguars. Mama was standing watch as her three cubs napped, although she kept dozing off too. I know how you feel Mama Jaguar!
I love Jaguars and so did the girls. So beautiful and the cubs were adorable too!
We then headed to the penguin habitat, a popular spot to be. These Humboldt penguins were having a blast swimming and the girls couldn’t stop giggling as they watched them. Love an up close experience like this.
This particular penguin seemed very interested in Ellie. He or she kept swimming up to the glass right in front of her. Of course Ellie loved every minute of it.
These guys look so cute in their little tuxedos!
After our visit with the penguins we took a walk along the Northern Trail. There we found one of the two Brown Bears just hanging out and giving what almost looks like a smile to us. I love bears!
Something about drinking her juice from lunch was funny. Who can resist that smile!
Watching the trout and salmon and hoping that Mr. Brown Bear might come down for a drink. Love the viewing areas for the North American habitats.
Now, we can see these guys any time we want to in Yellowstone but this guy has a pretty impressive rack… of antlers. Couldn’t resist taking a picture.
Had a rare chance to see the snowy owl. He looked right at me and even hooted! Such a pretty bird.
Abby wanted to sit and take a picture with the ravens. This is for you Grandpa Jerry!
Ellie wanted to join in on the fun too!
After a trip through the North American Trail we made our way to Tropical Asia. The orangutans weren’t out and about but this zoo volunteer and this Siamang was giving us a great example of the bonds that are created with some of the animals. 
If you visit tropical Asia you have to stop by and say hello to the Elephants!
The girls seem to love the statues at the zoo. I think they were more interested in the statue of the snow leopard, the the actual animal itself!
I could see why they might not be interested. This snow leopard was happily snoozing. Not too interesting to a three and five year old.
Our last stop was a quick one to see the Meerkats. Love this little guys, especially this one. He looked so comfy and cozy just sitting on his rock, watching the people watching him.

Before we knew it, the zoo was ready to close. Abby and Ellie were having such a great time and didn’t want to leave. Shaun and I certainly like to encourage a love for places like the zoo but when you have to encourage two young children to leave, sometimes bribery is involved. So, as an incentive we told them that if we left, we would take a ride on the ferry and then get some dinner. It worked like a charm! I swear to you, we don’t do this often.

Sunset on Puget Sound
Sunset on Puget Sound
Sunset on Puget Sound
Abby was quiet and enjoying the wind and the water. She also didn’t want me to take her picture.
Love those girls, especially when they don’t want me to take pictures!
Watching the scenery and asking Daddy lots of questions.

The ride on the ferry couldn’t have been more perfect. We were on just as the sun was beginning to set and it was spectacular. The spectacular sight of the sun setting over the Puget Sound always reminds me of just how beautiful the Pacific Northwest is and even though I miss family and friends in California, this move was worth it. Just another day in our kind of paradise.

A Stunning Day in Mt. Rainier National Park

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Before summer comes to a close and the weather starts to change, there was one thing that we needed to do now that we live in Washington. Take to the road and head to Mt. Rainier National Park! This snow capped mountain is more than visible from where we are and is a iconic piece of the Seattle skyline, almost as famous as the Space Needle. Its a close drive, about an hour and a half from us and worth every moment in the car to get there.
Today was the perfect day  for a trip to Mt. Rainier. The weather was beautiful, sunny and without the threat of thunderstorms or other cloudy weather that could block our view of the mountain. With the help of Abby and Ellie, we packed up a cooler for a picnic and loaded up the car for a day out. Abby has been fascinated by Mt. Rainier, ever since her first trip to Seattle so she was ready and very excited to get a move on.
The drive up was beautiful and very uneventful, which we were happy to about. One of the beautiful things about Mt. Rainier is the journey you take from the Nisqually Entrance up to the Paradise area. You start low, driving through thick cedar rain forests (much like the ones you would see in Olympic and Glacier) and quickly climb up into pine forests. By the time you reach Paradise you are up in the sub-alpine and alpine terrain. Its amazing and breath taking, especially when you see it for the first time. 
The views on our way up were spectacular. The mountain was surrounded by a thin layer of clouds that surrounded the base, which seemed to appear from inside of the mountain. Aside from those clouds, the sky was perfectly clear. It certainly made for a beautiful picture or twelve. After a few photographic moments, we stopped at a picnic site just below Paradise for a bit of lunch and a break.
Shaun and his girls enjoying a spectacular day in Mt. Rainier National Park. The mountain is doing what it does best and creating its own set of clouds and weather. So pretty!
Me and my girls enjoying the view and having a few giggles!
Alpine meadows and Mt. Rainier
Shaun decided that Belle should have a moment too! A little Beauty and the Beast/Sound of Music Moment.
Close to the Paradise Visitor Center we stopped for a yummy picnic lunch. It might have been warm back home and in the sunshine, but sitting in the shade was a tad chilly.
So there was this carrot, see…

After lunch we made the final trek up to Paradise for a stop at the Visitor Center. That was the point in which Shaun and I were completely baffled. Our last trip to Mt. Rainier National Park was in May of 2008. The winter of 2007/2008 had been a very heavy one and the snow walls near Paradise rose about 8 ft. above our car. During that trip we stopped at the visitor center, which was still surrounded by snow but I knew what it looked like from prior trips with Shaun and with my parents and sister. When we arrived at Paradise with the girls, the Visitor Center that we knew of was gone. We drove in circles and couldn’t find it! We questioned if we were in the right place, which I knew we were, but how could you lose a building? Yes, it was surrounded by snow the last time we saw it but the terrain hadn’t changed that much or had it? Well, as it turns out in the summer of 2008, after all of that snow melted, the old visitor center was torn down and a new one was built. Shaun and I were kind of sad because the original building was pretty neat and even had an area where visitors could monitor the seismic activity of the mountain but eventually things change. Instead of being sad about this change we sucked it up and checked out the new center. In the end, Abby and Ellie really enjoyed it and that’s all that really matters.

Checking out Nature’s Compost. The girls giggled endlessly when they found out that a lot of natures compost is actually animal poop. Ahh to be kids!
“Look mommy, a book that’s bigger than I am! Neat!”
Sister’s cheesing it up in Paradise.
A better picture with the “balcano” as Ellie called it. No one in the background and all the clouds around the mountain are gone!
Beautiful waterfall near the end of the Paradise Valley Road.
It may look empty now, but you don’t want to be on this bridge during a heavy spring runoff.
Lovely cedar rain forests.

After the stop in the Visitor Center, we took the one way loop through Paradise Valley. We were hoping to see some blooming wildflowers, but unfortunately we were about three weeks too late. Oh well, the waning colors were still beautiful! We decided from there that there wouldn’t be enough time to make it up to Sunset and back so we headed back out of the park the same we we came in. The girls had seen several people with ice cream up at the Paradise Visitor Center but we could not figure out where they were getting it, so on the way out we stopped at a small hotel, bakery and coffee shop for a nice cool treat.  

We sat out on their big wrap around porch and watched the cars go by. We ate our ice cream in the late afternoon sun as a small breeze rustled through the trees. Some leaves started to fall and it was the first time I had noticed an ever so slight change in the weather. You could almost feel it, fall was starting to creep in. The breeze started warm but had a crisp feel underneath it all. I love the summer but as I sat there, I couldn’t help feel excited about our first fall in Washington with the girls. We sat there taking it all in and happily eating our ice cream. After that, we had two very happy and tuckered out kiddos who passed out on the way home.

Yay for ice cream!
“Mmmmm Mmmmm Good”
Silly Abby, the ice cream goes in your mouth!

The drive home was quiet and very peaceful. Both girls slept after a day up in fresh mountain air. It was nice to have the chance to visit Mt. Rainier before the season ended and before school begins. Enjoying all of the the little blessings that can come from the more uncertain times in life. Feeling very blessed and lucky today and everyday.

A Long But Pretty Detour!

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The day after our adventures downtown was a quiet and relaxing one.  Shaun and I ran some errands that needed to get done while Grandma Zoe stayed with the girls and played. We BBQ’d for dinner that night, making pork chops and steaks from Bill the Butcher. We love that place and the meat from there is amazing. All of their meat, milk and eggs come from local farms that are strictly organic and grass fed. Dinner was amazing!
This morning, Grandma Zoe had to head back to Porter Ranch. Its now her turn to finish packing up her house and load the moving trucks up to Spokane. Before she went to the airport we decided to take her to breakfast at the Woodinville Cafe. A local place that has AMAZING food! We filled up on pancakes and other yummy breakfast goodies and then hit the road for the airport. On the way there we noticed that traffic heading northbound on 405 and 5 was at a dead standstill. Didn’t look good for our trip back home.
At the airport we said our goodbyes to Grandma Zoe and wished her a safe flight home. We had a great time with her and will hopefully see her over the Labor Day weekend! Once we were settled back into the car, Shaun and I checked traffic before leaving and found it was still the same. So, we decided to take a major detour and enjoy the day. We took the Tacoma Narrows Bridge over to the Bainbridge Island and took the ferry back home. The traffic north of Seattle was moving just fine so we figured this would work out best.
Tacoma Narrows Bridge on another beautiful summer day.
The sun and all of the fun left Ellie a tad tired.
A peek at the Seattle skyline with a summer storm rolling in.

Mt. rainier disappearing behind thunderheads.

The Seattle skyline in all its glory. Wishing I could have captured the lightening being produced by the days summer storm.

“Look mommy its the Space Needle!” Seeing the Space Needle and the Seattle skyline never gets old for these two.

The drive over to Bainbridge was sunny and gorgeous with big thunderheads rolling in over the city. This made the ferry ride into Seattle pretty spectacular and the girls enjoyed seeing the city with a few lightening strikes over it. Its too bad the ferry was too rocky and I didn’t have a tripod to catch some of the strikes on film.

I really don’t think ferry rides will ever get old now that we live here. I could be wrong, but I doubt it. What was supposed to be just a trip to the airport turned into quite the adventure and a fun one at that. I guess that’s how us Wharton’s roll.

Pikes, the Space Needle and Ferry Rides… A Busy Day!

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What a busy but fun day! When we woke up this morning we knew we were in for some fun and adventures but we had no idea we would be up to so much!
We had decided to take Grandma Zoe out to the city and do some touristy things that she hasn’t done since her last visit here back in 2008. It was a beautiful day, so we thought heading down to Pikes Place Market would be a great idea. Being that it was such a beautiful day, everyone in Seattle as well as every tourist in the area thought it would be a great day too! Despite it being a week day, Pike’s was packed. But, we made the best of it and had a fun time!
Shaun really wanted to try out a well known, highly recommended and award winning chowder house in Post Alley but that is something we will have to wait until another time. The line to get in was down the alley and the girls were too warm and too hungry to wait. So we tried a sandwich place next door. The food there was good but not great, so I think it made us long for that chowder even more. Oh well, once we were all fed and had something to drink, everyone was happy.
Post Alley shops. The store on the right is one of my favorite kids shops and has special memories as we bought a few things from there just after we found out I was pregnant with Abby.
Just like the sign says… Post Alley, Seattle.
Summer Umbrellas
This gentleman has been performing on this corner near Pike’s for years. I remember seeing him for the first time when we took Auntie Kelli to Pike’s when she visited us here five years ago. Pretty talented guy!
A very talented banjo and bluegrass band playing out on the street. Both Abby and Ellie were brave enough to walk up and leave a little money in their case.

We walked along the street hoping to get inside the market area and check out all of the shops and produce, but after making one attempt at it, we quickly decided just to walk along outside and enjoy the afternoon. It was too crowded within the market to try and keep track of 3 adults, 2 children and a stroller. Another time I guess. We attempted to watch the famous fish throwers too but alas that was overly crowded as well. We did have the time and space to watch a a great little bluegrass band playing on the street! They were great and even had a album to buy, pretty good if you ask me. Abby and Ellie even had the courage to put some money in their case too! Abby had a little help from Grandma because of the dog, but she was still very brave.

From there we left Pikes and decided to go to the Space Needle. Grandma Zoe was about to face her fear of heights and head up to the top! We had to wait for a bit but we enjoyed our time together. Used some of that time to take a look in the gift shop. Pretty soon it was up in the elevator to the observation deck. Grandma Zoe did a great job and made it all the way up. I know for her the view was worth the ride. At the top, we stopped for a bit of lunch at their cafe and then enjoyed the view. It was a perfect day, clear with wispy clouds in a very blue sky. Couldn’t have asked for a better day!

The Space Needle and the EMP (Experience Music Project) Museum
Waiting in the summer heat to head up to the top of the Space Needle!
A little bit of lunch overlooking the Puget Sound
Seattle skyline view

After a breathtaking view of the sound from the Space Needle, we decided to get out of the city and take a ferry ride. It was too perfect of an afternoon not to! Traffic was pretty yucky leaving the city, but it actually worked out in the end. We made it to the ferry terminal in Edmonds and only had a short wait.

Gorgeous summer sunset on the Sound.
A picture perfect sunset on the Sound, ferry included! 
Bubble blowing on the ferry never looked so cute.
My adorable little bubble blower!

The sunset on the very was spectacular. Being stuck in traffic made the timing perfect. Grandma Zoe brought the girls bubbles to play with and they had a blast trying to blow them out on the observation deck of the ferry. When they were able to produce bubbles, the girls couldn’t help but giggle as they blew back into their faces.

After the ferry landed in Kingston, we drove around to Bainbridge and took the ferry back into Seattle. The girls fell asleep in the car and all of the adults were a tad exhausted so we stayed in the car and enjoyed the view from where we were parked. What fun adventures today. So glad we had the chance to enjoy them with Grandma Zoe.

Picnics and First Movies!

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Grandma Zoe arrived today for a visit! She took a break from packing up her place in Porter Ranch to come and see us, our new place and enjoy a bit of a belated birthday trip. Shaun picked her up from the airport in the early afternoon and the girls were thrilled to see her. Abby and Ellie really wanted to jump in and do lots of things but because she had spent most of the day traveling here, we decided to keep things simple for today.
Shaun and I thought it might be nice to get out of the warm and sticky house and enjoy the beautiful summer day. So we decided to grab some lunch at Dairy Queen and head to one of our favorite parks for a picnic. Denny Park sits along Lake Washington and is a gorgeous place for a picnic. Today was so clear that you could see Mt. Rainier from several of the beaches along the lake. We also had the chance to watch the most adorable dog I think I have ever seen. It is very obvious that he loves to play in the water. The minute his person let him off the leash he charged in splashing and barking with each splash of his paws. He tried to bite at the water as it came up and he barked and yipped with such joy. His person called him back to their blanket for a bit and you could tell he wasn’t ready to leave the water. He sat and whined and cried until finally his person caved and let him go. Such an adorable dog! And as I am sure you can guess, he was a Lab.
After some food and the adorable entertainment provided by the cutest dog in the world, the girls wanted to play for a bit on the playground and we were happy to let them do that! Always a good idea to get some of your wiggles about before seeing a movie, right?
Some serious cheeseburger eating during a lovely picnic at Denny Park.

A beautiful summer day along Lake Washington.

Hot! Hot! Hot! That and this slide seems to quickly spit kids into the wood chips!

Climbing is lots of fun, especially for Ellie!

Beautiful bridge and walkway over Denny Creek. Love this place!
After our picnic in the park we decided to head to the movies and enjoy some air conditioning. Now, normally going to the movie is fun but today was extra special because it was ELLIE’S FIRST MOVIE! Yup, this was the first time that Ellie has gone to the theater to see a movie and she was super excited. Today we were going to see Despicable M 2, a movie that both the girls and Grandma Zoe have been wanting to see. So with drinks and snacks in hand we headed to pick out our seats in the theater!
All set with my Icee and some goodies for my very first movie!

In my seat and ready to go! Of course I brought my blankie with me too!

A girl must be prepared to attend her first movie, complete with jewelry, blankie and her purse!

Because it was such a special day, Ellie was give the chance to pick out where we sat. She chose our seats (good ones too, not too close but not too far away) and then made herself comfortable, blankie and all. She did an amazing job watching the movie and only needed to use the potty once. I kind expected that considering she sucked down her Icee.The movie was great and the girls were so well behaved. Ellie did a great job with her very first movie and I think it helped that they loved Despicable Me and the minions. After the movie it was dinner and then home. I have a feeling we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow. Cant wait!

Visiting Family in Anaconda

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On Sunday Great Grandma Laura, Auntie Diane and Uncle Barry and David came over to Bozeman to have dinner with the family. It was a quick visit but so nice to see everyone. I have not seen my cousin David since our wedding, so it was absolutely wonderful to visit with him. I am hoping that sometime in the near furture we can get all of the family together in one spot!
After a lovely dinner with the family yesterday, we headed out to Anaconda today to visit with Grandma, Diane, Barry and David. Heading out that direction gave us more of a chance to sit and just relax with everyone. Abby and Ellie had the chance to play, chase Sasha the cat around and put on a show for everyone. Great Grandma Laura laughed and smiled the entire time. I know seeing the girls brightens her day, no matter what!
Great Grandma Laura, Grandma Denise, Abby and Ellie. Three generations of family in one place.

Cousins! Although its not complete without Michael. Hope we can all get together soon!

Ellie was putting on a fashion show. She has got the look down!

Fashion show duck face!

Great Grandma Laura, Auntie Jillian, Me, Abby and Ellie. Some very lovely ladies!

The motley crew from Anaconda (and Arizona). Gonna miss these people a lot. Until next time!

As a treat we took Grandma to the Haufbrau, one of her favorite places to eat. The food was delicious and the time spent talking with one another was even better. Anaconda is a very small town and because of that, you get to know a lot of the people who live there. Its nice to head to a restaurant where Diane, Barry and Grandma know so many of the people who work there. Such a sense of family and community!

After dinner it was back to their house to gather our things and say goodbye. I hated to leave, as I felt I needed more time to visit, but we needed to get back to Seattle. I know we will get to see everyone again soon but leaving is always tough. Yet, the show must go on and life isn’t one big vacation!

On the way home we had one last sighting that made us all giddy and happy. Standing out in the middle of  a large pasture was a big bull moose. My parents had seen this moose just a week before standing in the river not far from where this pasture was. Its not common for moose to be down in the valleys and lowlands, especially this time of year, but this moose had been frequenting the area quite a bit. He was a very big guy, even bigger then the one we had seen in Yellowstone several days ago, so I am sure he felt safe enough to stay out in the open. It was near dusk and there wasn’t a safe place to stop the car so that I could grab a picture but it was still a spectacular sight. A nice little parting gift before heading home tomorrow!