Exploring our own backyard!

Trying to save vacation time and money to do a big Disneyland trip sometime next year we decided to head over to Seattle-in conjunction with a wedding- and see what we could entertain ourselves with. The weather was amazing. I'm sorry- but there is NOTHING like Seattle on a beautiful sunny day. It literally sparkles - and with Mt. Rainier clear as a bell in the background it still takes my breath away and makes my heart ache! We did a lot! And had so much fun with Ted's cousin Brian and his wife Rebbecca-put the kids to bed at night and played Settlers of Catan- and learned a new game called Ticket to Ride (Ang- if you and Paul haven't played this yet you're in for a treat- head on up here and we'll teach you!) Thanks again Brian and Rebbecca for letting us crash your house with all our kids!

We hit a Mariner's game on Wednesday night- after dinner at Dick's of course!






On Thursday we went to the Pacific Science Center and spent the entire day there. The kids loved the butterfly house- and the butterflies loved us! They kept landing on us! There was a lot to do and see and learn. James favorite station was the machine that measured the speed of your pitches. Kyle loved the dinosaurs!








I just have to say that the best person to go to the Science Center with is Ted! We learned a lot from our Dad!

That night Brian took us rock climbing. I love it when I find a new challange. I think I'm so fit and tough that I love to be humbled! It is not as easy as it looks! And is definitely a mental challenge more then anything. Tough little James scaled the wall twice! Ted and I barely made it once- thanks to a great coach!






On Friday we took a ferry out to Bainbridge Island and had a picnic lunch- then headed home pretty wiped out.



Saturday I visited some old haunts- my homes that I grew up in and my elementary school. I was pretty emotional as I walked around the school with my kids and showed them which classrooms I went to school in and we talked about the teachers I had. I felt so richly blessed with good childhood memories and experiences. I hope that my children look back- when they're about to turn 30!- and have the same warm fuzzy feelings that I did yesterday when I think about growing up. I have to say I can't think of a better way to celebrate 30 years on this earth then sharing my childhood experiences with my own children. This weekend really was my childhood in a nutshell. Thanks for the memories Mom and Dad- and the traditions started. I hope they continue...