Seattle

My dad was so kind to plan a trip in Seattle as a gift for Dawn's birthday and invite us all to join. We had an amazing weekend seeing some friends we know there, seeing all the usual Seattle sights, and of course watching the Red Sox play (just wish we could have seen some more wins). Thanks Papa for a great weekend!!!!!!

We spent the first night in Tacoma so that we could see Ed and Serena Nau and their three adorable kids - Anika, Eban, and Rosa Lee (Scott played football at PLU with Ed). Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of the whole crew, but I was able to capture a quick one of Jalen and Rosie playing together. It was so good to see them, as it happens so rarely. I can't believe how much the kids change in one year!!

Jalen touching the star fish at the aquarium.

Proud grandparents: Dawn with her grandson Landon and Papa with Jalen.

Jalen and Papa checking out the fish from above.

Jalen loved watching ALL the fish!

Landon getting in on the action.

Family photo - riding the whale tail.

Lunch at Ivar's on the waterfront.

Jalen was fascinated, yet scared of this man dressed like a pink monkey and playing the drums. Nothing surprises you in Seattle!

Scott ordered the "large" beer...little did he know it was going to be THIS big. Cheers ;-)

Out on an evening walk to Pike's Market.

Jalen is making pig noises in this photo.

Jalen and Daddy.

The following morning Papa and Dawn took Jalen out while Scott and I got to enjoy a morning away - I think it was a win-win!

Riding the Monarail with Papa.

On top of the Space Needle.

Checking out the sights from way up high.

The whole crew - half Red Sox fans/half Mariners fans - Jalen, Katie, Scott, Papa, Dawn, Landon, Jake (Dawn's son), and his wife Mandy.

I guess Jalen thought he was just one of the guys - reaching for Papa's beer after he chowed down his hot dog.

Jalen and Papa on the field (this is Jalen's new "cheese" face).

The fam after the game.

What a day!!!!

More Play Dates

We are really fortunate to have such a great group of mommies and kiddos that we get together with every so often. Last week we met up at a park in Lake Oswego to feed the ducks and play in the sand. This week we met up at a new park in Sherwood, which we loved!!! Jalen and the others couldn't get enough of the running water fall/sand/play area.

George Rogers Park in LO:

Ella throwing sand into the water and Jalen watching for the little baby duck to return.

We loved watching the little baby duckling with his Momma.

Ava, Aspen, and Connor (Ava was trying to give away here little doggy after it fell in the water).

Ella was so cute running back and forth into the water and loving watching the ducks run around her.

Digging in the sand.

Ella and Connor - so sweet!

Ava and Aspen busy at work.

Jalen is asking, "where the ducks going?"


Snyder Park in Sherwood:

Jalen, Aspen, and ? all eying Jalen with the dump truck they wanted.


Playing in the sand box.





Jalen got a kick out of throwing his ball from the top of the falls and walking down to get it.


Aspen was so funny - he went around offering his pretzels to everyone, strangers included. What a nice boy to share!


Lunch Break

McCall

Each year we head to McCall during the last week of July to enjoy family time and the annual McCall Amateur Golf Tournament. Skip and Dick Nelson had a successful year, as they both won their flights - Congrats. As usual, we had a great time just hanging around the cabin, playing on the lake, and watching the boys play golf. Here are a few pictures we captured:

We spent one of our evenings at Shore Lodge lounge, listening to a friend's band play. Jalen loved dancing to the music and got his first experience of shuffle board. He's a pro now.

Luckily we were able to spend a little extra time with Kaye and little Will - here's a picture of Will at the Spring Mountain Clubhouse pool. He is such a sweet, adventurous, and friendly little guy, wanting to jump in the pool and including Jalen in everything.

The Donaldsons were so kind to invite us over for some drinks and time around the campfire. Here's Scott, Ivan, and Bella.

Jalen playing with his truck (of course one of the first things he spotted).

Poor quality picture, but it was so hard to take as Elliot and Jalen were running up and down the path together. They quickly became buds again after seeing each other on this trip - it's so fun to watch them play!

Elliot saying "Cheese!" She's a pro at this picture taking thing.


Evening boat ride with the Donaldson's


Beach time with cousins Ellie and Abby.

On the way up from the beach (after a fun afternoon on the boat and a delicious meal prepared by Nena) we saw a fox across the street. Auntie Annie let the kids each put out an egg to feed him...here they are watching the fox get the eggs they set out earlier.