Day 3

Day 3 was a day at Greenlake. And boy was it hot! We planted ourselves in the shade of a small tree and ate our lunch. Then our kids plus two cousins played to their hearts content on the swings and up the climbing things and in the giant sand box. Apparently this is a new playground. It was well used! We saw at least 4 daycare or YMCA groups along with the moms groups and numerous other families. After a while the kids wanted to go climb the giant tree in the middle of the grass, so we explored that and Kiara was Queen on her branch. We finished off the day with almost an hour on a paddle boat ride out onto the lake. Fun stuff! By the time we got home that afternoon we had 3 sleeping little girls, and 2 parents that wanted a nap too. The sun and the fun was taking it's toll.

Day 2

So day 2 was a ferry ride over from Mukilteo to Clinton. We wanted to give our kids a taste of Puget Sound beaches. We found an out of the way beach called Possession Beach. They absolutely loved finding clam shells and collecting rocks. We relaxed and watched the water and let the waves lap over our ankles, layed back and just enjoyed the peace and serenity and sounds of nature.

The only kink in the plan was that we missed out on spending the day with cousins. The ferry let us board right away, but too quick for the cousins in the other car to park and walk on. Turns out they had an enjoyable day too, playing in the sun and sand. They caught the next ferry over and played at the tiny park in Clinton, but we had already gone on to find a bigger beach to have our lunch at. So I am sorry we missed them, but the fun part was that after getting enough sun, we all got back home within minutes of each other.

Seattle Vacation 2010

We enjoyed a liesurely lunch from the cafe inside the zoo and then headed down the trail in our rented double stroller. Alexa was such a hoot to watch as she toddled from scene to scene. She was an energizer bunny and didn't quit all day. She wanted to touch everything and see everything, boy, it was tough keeping an eye on all 4 kids as they went different directions.

Ahhh the relaxation of a real vacation. And not just a quick weekend, which is Not the same! We drove over and spent the week. We saw Pt Defiance Zoo and Aquarium--fun place, kids loved the kids area the best--could have spent the whole time there. Loved the goats, the lemurs, the meerkat display was awesome, saw cool green snakes, sharks, huge fish, tiger cubs, sea otters, elephants, a bald eagle, peacock, clouded snow leopard cubs ( super cute ), an elusive tarantula (ewww yuck!),

Deep Thoughts...(not by Jack Handy) =)

If I had my child to raise over again,

I'd finger paint more, and point the finger less.

I'd do less correcting, and more connecting.

I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.

I would care to know less, and know to care more.

I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.

I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.

I'd run through more fields, and gaze at more stars.

I'd do more hugging, and less tugging.

I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.

I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.

I'd teach less about the love of power,

And more about the power of love.

- Diana Loomans

Cats at a Spring Window (3 of 4)

See earlier posts for #1 and 2 of the series.

Some first steps

Camping and Dirt biking

I should start with the disclaimer that we have never been camping in the ten years we have been married. And yet we decided to go on a cold, wet Memorial Day weekend in the northern Washington mountains to give it a try. A little crazy? Yup. The kids were so excited. Even Alexa, at one year old could tell that something was going on and as we loaded the surb she would hand me things or drag things out to the side of the car. I was so excited. I over packed, and took too much food, and didn't pack a few necessaries, and asked advice from everyone. Scott was excited. He loves to go ride in the mud on a damp weekend. He says it is the absolute best time of year to go.
We arrived after driving for about 5 hours ( with kids it always takes longer--but that's ok it's a vacation, and there are no schedules to follow, and I have to add a Mom who likes to take detours to see the sights off the beaten path) to a huge meadow up in the mountains with RV's all around, lots of families hanging around, and most everyone knew each other. I guess this dirtbiking weekend is a big tradition. We set up the tent, which we didn't end up sleeping in -Thank goodness- and gathered some fire wood while the guys went to use the chain saw and get some logs for burning. The kids explored and climbed and rode their bikes, and played Frisbee and soccer a little. We ate some foil dinners- tasty! and then had smores over at the next camp. We all got a bit dirty and stinky from 3 full days of campfires and dirt floors. Who am I kidding---it was more than a little bit. Kiara went barefoot some of the time. Her feet are so tough because she always goes barefoot, and shoes only stayed on a short while before we would find them laying on the ground somewhere. The baby is learning to walk, but she prefered to crawl, and she didn't complain about the grass or dirt, so I let her. lol. Jace took his first solo ride on a little Honda 50 dirt bike, and after that first ride I think he was constantly on a bike, either with Scott going faster or on the little one toodling around slowly. He and Kiara both took a ride on the zip line that some other campers set up. Lyssa loved the smores and talking with people around the campfire. The only thing she detested was the lack of a bathroom. I enjoyed the fresh mountain air, hearing the birds, tasty food, and evening bonfires. We had the best time! Really relaxing. Our friend who we camped with brought up an RV for us to sleep in. The cold would have been too much for the little ones. And we found out our tent leaked. I guess we have to waterproof it?! So I have a little list of things we need to get or do differently for the next time we camp, and the plan is to go a few more times this summer. Yeah! I think the consensus is that it was totally fun and worth it.
It actually felt claustrophobic to come back home and be in the house. It took more than a week to get all the camp gear washed and stowed back away in the garage and out of the living room. The big kids did not want to go back to school the next day. Oh, the moans and groans that were heard!