Northwest Break

Amir and I went to the great Northwest.  Sadly, it was clear and sunny most of the time we were there.  I got a sunburn in Seattle.  Who does that? 

I also left my camera at home.  I read somewhere to stop taking pictures and enjoy the moment, so I enjoyed.  There were many pictures not taken, but much fun had.

We went on a lovely hike with Amy and the girls near their school.  There was water.  All children are attracted to water. And dirt.  I think if a child is not covered in a layer of grime every day, their summer has been wasted.  There were so many logs to cross and so many blackberries to eat.  We also ate some Oregon grapes.  But they were very bitter.

More toward the school there were these large monument climbing things.  OK, maybe they weren't built specifically for climbing, but that's what everyone was doing.  The girls were very sad uncle Amir climbed all the way to the top and they didn't get to. But they did fine on the lower levels.

Seattle skyline.  So picturesque.  Amir wanted to see the Olympic Sculpture Park.  Right on the water front. 

This was one I liked called "Love and Loss"

Betsy and the boys and Gina and the girls were with us visiting the park.  But again, no pictures.  We attempted pictures with the boys, but Matthew was having none of it!
We are also missing pictures of Mei Lyns's birthday.  The balloons were great.  And much fun was had popping them. Betsy also made a gluten-free quinoa cake.  It was quite moist and delicious.  I also saw my dear friend Sharon and her wee ones.  They are growing so fast!
My dad's private playground is also missing.  And the wilderness trail.  My dad has a small 'wetlands' on his property. The kiddie-winkles made a trail and cousin club.  One night uncle Amir turned into a bear and was 'freaking us out." (According to Matthew)
 Amir went fishing with Jose and a friend. Here is his arm and the fish.  The fish was actually not bad...a little bony...but tasty.

 Dad let the kayaks loose and we went to American Lake.  Isabel and Reina showed no fear.  We went into a kind of swamp, which was nice.  I'm not saying I want to build a summer home there, but the trees were actually quite lovely.  We saw ducks and snails and a deer along with moss and reeds and flowers and bugs. Many bugs.

Another adventure in Orting.  There is a super bike/hike trail.  Next to a river, of course.  And the girls wanted to walk in it, of course.  And Uncle Amir let them, of course.  He said it was survival training. Sure.  He also taught them to smear mud on themselves. Sorry Amy.  Glad I didn't get pictures of that. (They wash) And a snake.  Why not?   The poor thing was manhandled by four little girls. Its traumatized forever.  

It was a great time, but exhausting.