Whidbey Day

When Jonathan's aunt and uncle were here, the local families took a day trip to Whidbey Island. We drove around across the Deception Pass bridge and then had lunch and spent the rest of the afternoon playing at Fort Casey State Park. It took some planning but the day couldn't have been more beautiful.

Driving over Deception Pass

Running through the grass at Fort Casey

Setting them loose--sort of

Inside a room at the fort. Uncle Pete had a really good flash on his camera.

Up next to one of the remaining guns

Going for a little stroll as a family

Returning from our family stroll

Father/daughter flying

Tired but resisting a rest

Playing with the stomp rocket--everyone took a turn

Guys playing it cool

Leann, Sherri and Dave

I'm flying!

In the midst of the Queen Anne's Lace

Beautiful Girlie

Father/Son flying

Hanging out with Grandpa

Nessie's nest--that she refused to sleep in

Grandma and beyond exhausted baby

Folklife 2014

We weren't able to go to Folklife last year. Inessa was less than two weeks old and I just didn't feel up to hauling the whole family out for it. This year, however, we decided to see how the kids would handle the environment. We hoped that there would be some things that everyone would enjoy if we had a relaxed approach to the time there.

Mama's oh-so-fashionable hat to keep the sun off.

Marimba time

Perching and taking it in

Chicken satay on a stick. They liked this but had a harder time working around the stick than I thought that they would.

All together by an entrance

Zooming through the vendor stalls

At one point, Peter was pretty tired and needed some cozy mama time. He is trying to show me the pattern on his snack bag here which is why it looks like he is trying to get out, but I am so glad that he still fits in the carrier. Three cheers for the ergo!

A 3-year-olds eye view

We took a trip to Seattle Children's for blood draws for Elanor and Peter. While we were waiting, Ellie had some fun figuring out how to take pictures.

Litter brother is on my level:

 But Daddy is bending down to fit in the view:

First selfie:

Mommy is a blur--or is it in a blur? I'm not so sure which:

Peter gets the phone:

Meeting Grandma and Grandpa

Jonathan's parents made a trip from Moses Lake to visit and meet their newest grandchild--number 10!

Love

Ellie and Peter weren't a bit excited to take a trip to the park with Grandpa. Not a bit...

Let me show you how I can make the car make really LOUD noises by pushing this little red button right here...

Cherry Blossom Spring

We seized the opportunity to see the cherry blossoms on the UW campus on Palm Sunday. They weren't quite at their peak but we knew that Easter weekend was going to be so full that this was our chance.

Peter is still practicing walking but prefers the reassuring (?) handholding position:

When you're not sure if you want your treat dinner or ball throwing more:

Evening sunshine through the trees:

33 weeks, oh dear:

Take one:

Take two, because you can't get everyone looking at the camera at the same time--ever:

Pink dancing flower:

Climbing the tree with daddy:

Up! Up! I want to climb too!

Summer Snow

We stopped at Snoqualmie on our way back from Spokane to stretch our legs. It was deliciously cool over the snow.

Folklife 2012

Playing by the fountain with "Autie Etta".

 Lightly sweetened boy after a day in the sun and crowd.

Family--the kids were overall happier than this picture looks. It was naptime and we had a hard time getting them to look at the camera.

Messy but happy boy eating messy but yummy dinner in a messy but activity-filled house.

Spring Outings

To the Tulip Festival in La Conner:

Bumpa (my dad) went with us and took the pictures.

He is a champion stroller twirler.

Our Christmas present to the other grandparents was a trip to the zoo. It is pretty chilly even in April but we had a good time.

Not pictured is the amazing delight on her face at the sight of the peacock and the awe at the elephants.