Tag: Port Gamble

Christmas in Port Gamble 2015

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Christmas is only a few weeks away and we have traditions that we must keep up with! Ok, that sounds very serious but since our arrival in Washington we have found some wonderful new traditions as a family. So this year we were off again to Port Gamble for their holiday fair and a trip to see Santa.

This year was fun. We arrived earlier than we have in the past and it made a huge difference. The girls had the chance to do all of the arts and crafts stations in Santa’s house, which included cookies, ornament making, pine cone bird feeders and more! Most years we have arrived fairly late in the afternoon and everything is a zoo. Its pays to be early!

Our usual Santa was not there this year, which was a bummer but the man who came in was very nice. It seems as though things were a little bit scaled back this year, maybe based on last years turn out? Because the crowds had not shown up yet, the girls had the chance to talk a lot with Santa and he certainly made them giggle with silly jokes and songs. Mommy and Daddy also had the chance to hear what they wanted for Christmas, as they haven’t been very helpful on that front.

Abby and Ellie with Santa
Santa had something pretty funny to say!
Making yummy Christmas cookies!
Little cookie monster making her cookie creations.
One of Ellie’s cookie creations… we had to make her finish the other one first even though she wanted to stop and eat the one she had already made.
Abby was very detailed and serious about her cookies. She wouldn’t turn around and smile for me!
Abby’s finished cookies. That’s an upside down silly face on the cookie to the right.

After cookies and crafts it was off to explore some of our favorite shops while we waited for the tree lighting ceremony. Because of a storm that had blown through just several days before, the usual tree was out of commission but the lighting with Santa was still fun for the kids and the anticipation of fireworks kept the fun going.

And there was anticipation…

Lots of it…

Because of winds and some issues setting up, the fireworks were delayed by nearly half an hour. Luckily, we had hot chocolate, warm coats and several shuttles full of people from the local retirement communities to keep us amused. (Apparently they couldn’t find two of the residents, who ended up being on the shuttle the entire time but had fallen asleep. They also took a vote to stay and wait for the fireworks or leave and go home and just as they decided, the show started. It was fun).

The fireworks were fun and pretty. They changed things up a bit this year too! Afterwards we hopped back into the car to warm up and then headed out to find some much needed dinner.

Now that the girls are getting older, I have to say we get the chance to enjoy these events and traditions a bit more. This was the first year that I didn’t feel stressed out and chaotic. I hate to see the girls growing so fast, I really do. I miss their baby faces and toddler years. But I will say that I am enjoying these new stages in their life. The ability to enjoy things with them more, talking with them, and having a greater appreciation with one another. I find that if I learn to stop and appreciate every stage and moment, watching them grow before my eyes hurts a little less. But only just a little.

Now we count down to Christmas!

Afternoon in Port Gamble

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It was a perfect summer day that could not be spent in the house, so we took off and headed for one of our favorite spots. Port Gamble is always a perfect place to go any time of year but its gorgeous in the summer. Even if its warm, the ocean breezes keep you cool and the smell of the sound is refreshing. Its a favorite getaway spot and one that included a BBQ joint that Shaun still wanted to try. 
In the past, we never made it over to Port Gamble in time. While the restaurant would still be open, everything would be sold out before we could try it. Not this time! Nope… we got an early start and made it just before the lunch crowd and let me tell you, the world was our oyster.
5 Star BBQ in Port Gamble was AH-Mazing!!
They might be weeds to the average adult, but to a child they are magical bouquets of beautiful flowers perfect for wood sprites and fairies.

After a delicious and filling lunch, we walked around Port Gamble and let the girls play in the open fields nearby. We enjoyed the cool air and the break from the heat. Abby and Ellie gathered flowers, searched for fairies and wood sprites and giggled until it was time to head home.

I love our little adventures. It may seem repetitive to some but to us they are irreplaceable memories that I cherish. I also love that my children get to have memories like these.

4th of July Across the Sound

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In my very humble opinion, I feel that the best way to enjoy the 4th of July and beat the holiday crowds is to head away from the city and out to the smaller towns on the Peninsula. While I know there are plenty of great celebrations for the 4th near Seattle, we just didn’t want to deal with the crowds. So we headed for the Bainbridge ferry and took off to the smaller towns on the Peninsula.
The ferry was busy but not bad. Unfortunately, we were the last car on and my parents and sister were right behind us. So we took the ferry and then we had to wait for the them to catch up. The day was a bit cloudy and cool. To most people, that would be a huge bummer but for us it was heaven. Despite the delay in catching up with everyone, our 4th was off to a great start.
Patiently waiting to head out the door.
Rainier from the ferry to Bainbridge.
Seattle skyline on the way to Bainbridge Island.
Seattle skylines and ferry boat trails.
Snuggles with daddy
Kisses for daddy too!

Once the troops were rallied and potty stops were made, it was off to Port Townsend for some fun! We walked through some shops, enjoyed the beautiful afternoon and then needed to stop for lunch. We found a new little spot to enjoy and the food was AMAZING. Hillbottom Pie in Port Townsend has some of the best pizza, soups and salads I have ever had.The Clam and Corn Chowders were perfect for the slightly cool day and I didn’t want my bowl to be empty.

After lunch we continued our walk around town and through more shops. So many of them were decorated for the 4th. It was so charming and perfect for the day. To me it was far better than spending the day in a crowded spot.

We wanted to make a stop in Port Gamle on the way home, so we eventually had to pack ourselves up in the car and go. As we drove, the clouds that had hung on for most of the day had started to part and the sunset over the Olympics on the drive home was stunning. Who needs fireworks when you have Mother Nature on your side?!

The perfect clam chowder that I wanted to take home in vats.
All smiles and having fun!
Feeling festive and enjoying all of the decorated shop windows.
Love it!
Silly girl enjoying a break from walking.
Perfection…
Happy 4th of July!

Most of that statement about needing fireworks is true however, after our ferry ride from Kingston to Edmonds we were treated with a fireworks show by the city of Edmonds. We stopped along the street and watched. Sure there wasn’t any music or anything to accompany it because we were too far from the park, but it was still pretty and a perfect end to a fun night. Ah, the adventures!

Adventures and Unexpected Suprises

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This morning we set out for what we hoped would be a lovely day. Breakfast at Salish Lodge, a walk down to Snoqualmie Falls overlook, ferry rides, Port Townsend and more. But just as we started to hit the road, Ellie puked all over herself. Both girls had coughs for the last week and she was coughing when it happened, so we turned around, changed her clothes, checked her temp (she didn’t have one) and then headed back out. We figured that was the last of it, but boy were we wrong. 
We sat down for a lovely breakfast at Salish Lodge and a few minutes after she started to eat her food, Ellie leaned her head under the table and proceeded to throw up all over Shaun’s leg and the floor. Luckily the restaurant was super nice about it, we got Ellie and Daddy cleaned up as best we could and we finished breakfast. After that, Ellie seemed like her normal self again. So we carried on! 
She ran down to the falls and we enjoyed the beautiful view.  The day was perfect, sunny and warm for Spring in Seattle. We enjoyed every moment that we could. Soon we were heading back home so that Shaun could change his shorts and we could meet up with Auntie Kelli and Keith. They were going to join us for a ferry ride and a trip to Port Gamble!
Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls

The Barger, the Goofball and the photo-bomber.

So pretty and green!

The ferry ride over was beautiful and it was so exciting to have Keith and Kelli with us. Kelli was able to introduce Keith to my parents and we all had the chance to hang out. I don’t think we could have picked a better day. I am starting to think that my parents are the good luck charm for amazing weather!

Kelli and Keith, the Happy Couple!

Picture perfect day and a clear view of Mt. Rainier

Hello Everyone!

Feeling better with a veracious appetite!

Everything is blooming here in Port Gamble.

After a ferry ride and stop in Port Gamble, we parted with Keith and Kelli and made our way to Port Townsend. By the time we got there and drove out to Fort Worden, I was starting to feel pretty yucky myself. At first I thought it was hunger but it wasn’t. Once we were back at the ferry and ready to head home I was very under the weather. What a bummer! I can only hope I feel better by tomorrow. No fun being sick with family here!

Santa Makes A Stop In Port Gamble

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I think that it has become very apparent that one of our favorite places to go is Port Gamble. Its small, charming and has a great sense of community. So when we discovered that Santa would be visiting Port Gamble and there would be some fun festivities to go along with it, we were there! We spent the afternoon in the shops, visiting Santa’s workshop and taking part in the tree lighting ceremony and fireworks. It was a great afternoon and evening. Another fun Wharton Adventure in the history books!
Walking the road, singing her own Christmas songs.
Enjoying a stroll with daddy, talking about Santa and his reindeer.
Ellie was so excited to see Santa, I thought she might explode.
At first Ellie was a little shy but then she had plenty to say to Santa. There was a huge line behind us but Santa let her talk and tell her stories. So sweet!
Big smiles with Santa
So happy to see Santa and tell him all their hopes for Christmas, like Abby’s Barbie Dreamhouse.
Making their own Christmas cookies.
Ellie went all out with the cinnamon dots.
Abby loved the cinnamon dots too as well as all the red and green sprinkles that she could handle.
Abby’s finished cookie product. Yummy!
Ellie’s finished cookie product. Yummy!
We closed down Santa’s workshop and stopped for one last picture before we left. I wonder where Santa is off to now?
What a fun afternoon with Santa. Don’t fret though, there is still more to come!
We decided to take a little walk around  town to kill some time before the tree lighting. Ellie kept looking for Santa too. I don’t think he is here though.
Two little monkey’s in a tree!
Look who we found again! Santa was visiting the kids near the little garden and light display.
Abby and Ellie were so excited to see Santa, yet again!
A cold and gloomy night in Port Gamble. Lucky for us the rain stayed away!
The sun is setting and Puget Sound looks beautiful in the stormy, waning light.
Hot chocolate and magic candy canes make the wait for the tree lighting very easy.
Snuggling up until tree lighting time.
Santa counted down, the tree was lit and the fireworks began. What a beautiful sight to see.
Port Gamble might be a small town, but the fireworks were beautiful and very well done.
The Grand Finale!
The tree is lit and now its time to go home!

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!

Ferry Ride to Kingston

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Ferry rides are our go to thing to do when we need to get out of the house but its too wet and dreary to get to the park and play or to walk around downtown. They never get old, especially for Abby and Ellie. Today we needed to get out and take a break from the house, so off on the Edmonds to Kingston Ferry we went. We didn’t have anything planed other than enjoying the time out and we certainly did. It always makes for a decent photo session too!

Happy to watch the water and the world go by.

Sitting with Daddy, contemplating life and wondering if mermaids are in the Puget Sound.
Abby and Daddy always have something to talk about.

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.

A Party, Ferry Rides and Fun Road Trips

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 Today was yet another day of fun and excitement for all of us. It was a day of fun, adventure and a party. A party, you ask? Yep, it was Abby’s very first Birthday Party since moving to Seattle! Her new friend at school was having a party and Abby was invited. She couldn’t have been more excited about it.

The party was at the local YMCA and had a princess theme. Everyone was to wear their best princess dresses. . They played in the big playroom, pretended to running through the castle while being chased by dragons and bad guys and did some arts and crafts. After playtime it was food, cake and presents for the birthday girl, Isa! When it was time to go, Abby was a bit sad to leave but so happy that she had been invited and had such a fun time. As a parent it makes me happy to see that my kiddo is settling into to her new home and making friends.
All decked out with her goodies from Isa’s birthday party. Such a happy and excited little party goer.
Even though the party was over, the fun was not! Daddy, Grandma Zoe and Ellie picked us up from the party and we were off for an adventure together in the car. Today, despite the rain, we thought we would take Grandma across the sound to Kingston and over to Port Gamble. We wanted to show her a new favorite spot of ours and do a bit of exploring too. The ferry ride was wet and choppy, so we opted to stay in the car most of the way over.
We stopped in Port Gamble expecting it to be busy but to our surprise it was quiet. The Lumberjack Festival that was supposed to be running had been canceled. The storm that weekend created some problems and high winds the night before, knocked over one of the carnival rides. The town had to pull the plug on it for the safety of its patrons. A bit disappointing but we still made our time there fun. We went into the General Store, which is full of fun treats and the best hot chocolate and coffee drinks EVER. Grandma Zoe did a bit of shopping and when we had had out fill we hopped back into the car. We had planned to spend more time there but since plans had changed we opted to do some exploring and head to Port Townsend. 
Port Townsend is another beautiful little town with lots of historic charm. Shaun and I had been there once before, back during our first adventures in Seattle before the girls were born. Our real estate agent was having an open house for our home that was now on the market, so we took Jack and head out for the day to do some exploring. Our travels took us to Port Townsend and we thought it was a beautiful place. Since our plans today had changed, we thought it would great to head back that direction and it wasn’t too far away.
One of the old ferry docks that still stands in Port Townsend.
Low grasses along the sea edge in Fort Worden State Park
Looking out into the sound towards Whidbey Island and Vancouver Island in Fort Worden State Park. Quite a choppy day but so beautiful
A doe with her two little babies came out of the woods into some of the grassy areas for the evening. The little ones were still young enough to have their spots.
The whole gang enjoying the early evening hours. Too cute!
Port Townsend City Hall and Court House
Lighthouse home on the hill, Port Townsend, Washington

The trip out to Port Townsend was beautiful. It was stormy but the clouds were starting to break up a bit. We drove down Main Street to see the historic buildings and look at the shops. We had hoped to stop and walk through town but because it was later in the afternoon on a Sunday, most of the shops and restaurants were closed. So, we enjoyed what we could see and then drove out to Fort Worden State Park, which has some beautiful scenery and views. We headed down to the lighthouse and stopped along one of the beaches. On a clear day you can see Vancouver Island from that spot. Abby thinks its pretty neat that she can see Canada from there.

After our drive through the old fort and military outpost, (think the Presidio but on a much smaller scale) and spotting a little family of deer, we headed back out and over to Bainbridge Island to take the ferry into the city. We stopped for a bite to eat at the Madison Diner where things got interesting near the end of our dinner. Another storm was blowing in and the power was knocked out while we ate! Ellie could have cared less but Abby was not to thrilled about. Luckily it was out for only a minute and soon we were on our way home on the ferry.

We were all exhausted by the time we got home, but it was for a good reason. We had such a lovely time together! Starting tomorrow its back to reality and school. But good things are ahead of us. Shaun starts his new job this week! More on that later though…

Haircuts, Ferry Rides and A First Trip to Port Gamble

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Today was the day… a year in the making! Abby and Ellie would be getting their first haircut since the snip heard around the world, or Porter Ranch for that matter. If you need a reminder, click here for the story on that one. We found a small place in Inglewood-Finn Hill that was fabulous. Very basic and inexpensive but the ladies who do the cuts are great, especially with kids. The girls were great listeners and sat very still, which as we all know is important for a haircut!
In the chair and doing an awesome job!
Waiting patiently to get in the chair for her haircut.
Haircuts are serious things. So is sitting still so that the lady doesn’t mess up.
Abby was having a great time! Nothing but smiles and giggles!

After haircuts were finished, we treated the girls to another ferry ride. This time we decided that we wanted to take them to Port Gamble, a cute little town north west of Kingston that Shaun and I discovered during our first experience living here on a random drive at Christmas time. We drove through at night while the town was covered in white lights. It was adorable and so charming. Most of its buildings are historically preserved and recognized as well. This trip would be our first that actually involved getting out and exploring the area too!

Today was a bit of a windy one. The water was choppy but the sky was beautifully clear!
Ellie did get a haircut, but the wind is making it hard to tell. Oh well, she was enjoying the sun and the time on the ferry.
Picture perfect… Puget Sound, Ferries and Mt. Rainier.
The Port Gamble General Store. This place has a great little shop, restaurant and lots of fun snacks, ice cream and coffee. A new favorite place to stop? I think so!
The Port Gamble Theater, which has now been turned into smaller businesses.
The Port Gamble Theater, view from the front.
We walked across the street to a small park and picnic area. In one small spot they have a beautiful garden full of prize Dahlias. They were beautiful and in multiple shades of reds, yellows, pinks and oranges.
These Dahlias were my favorite. Loved the fading of colors.
A look up the main street from the park and gardens.
Geological survey markers from 1915. Love little pieces of history like this that remain.
Geological survey markers from 1915. Love little pieces of history like this that remain.
Beautiful and bright pink Dahlias.
Ellie fell asleep in the car, so while we let her rest Abby had the chance to get out and run around for a bit. Love this sweet girl.
Waning sunset on Puget Sound

After a full afternoon, we drove to Bainbridge and headed back to the Seattle side. We missed most of the sunset but, I was able to get a beautiful shot of Mt. Rainier in the fading sunlight. Like I keep saying, I love my new home and I love exploring and enjoying all that it has to offer. Yet another great day of exploring and fun!