Remlinger Farms Summer Fair

Thursday we met up with some friends at Remlinger Farms... such a special treat! We try to go once a year, typically in the fall season. This was our first time during the summer season and I must say that I think I liked it better as there were more rides, animals and ponies to enjoy. And -- less crowds!!! The sunshine was warm but it wasn't too bad as they had sprinklers throughout the park for folks to enjoy, our kiddos got soaked a few times (me too). We had a fantastic day as we opened and closed the park down making for some tired kiddos and a tired momma!

Sunshine, Park Fun & Family

This week my parents are in town visiting with my niece and nephew. Last night we met up for a picnic dinner at a park on Lake Washington to take in the amazing sunny Pacific Northwest weather we are experiencing. The kids enjoyed a long evening of playing at the park, a small walk and sunshine fun! Bryan was able to hit the water in the kayak and I was able to enjoy a visit with my parents. A fun evening was had by all!

Sunshine Fun

The past few days have been filled with amazing weather, Spring is definitely here and we are loving it! Much of our time has been spent outside which included the zoo. We finally renewed our membership after much debate... we use the zoo a lot and would probably use it more with a membership. Choosing which institutions we want to be members of is a hard one, but we do have to make choices throughout each year - this year the zoo won! So, we took in a full afternoon of sunshine, playtime and animals.

The play area they have created is just wonderful, a favorite spot of ours. When we hit the zoo we must always spend some time if not half of our time in the play zone. They have created a wonderful physical space that encourages children to move like animals - climbing, hanging, jumping, running, sliding, shaking, etc. A different approach to play equipment and Holly adores it.

Each time we go to the zoo we check out a different area, as the whole zoo in one can be just a tad too much still. So, we split it down the middle and rotate out the aquarium. This day we enjoyed the Asian side with a visit to the elephants, tigers, monkeys, anoas, porcupines and river otters. The river otters were by far the hit of the day -- they were actually in a natural setting for them, a running river. First time we have seen them in that exhibit and they couldn't have been any happier, it was great! They were incredibly playful, energetic and adorable to boot.

And, then he was just beautiful - I couldn't resist!

Water Balloon Fight

This summer Holly got her first real container of water balloons... a huge container! So, whenever the sun appears and it is remotely warm she begs and pleads to have a water balloon fight. Here are some photos of her and Bryan enjoying some water fun. The funny part is that she is popping them as quickly as Bryan can fill them up. I am thinking next year we'll have to designate buckets and pre-make them, then play. She had a blast and that is what matters... oh, and she won!
Okay, so it got a bit one sided.... Poor Daddy!

Weekend Fun

We spent the weekend over at Anderson Island to visit with Grandpa Hawk, take in the serene slowed down life it the island has to offer, enjoy some local sites and play in the water. Saturday afternoon we headed over to the island farm to explore. While there Holly enjoyed a grass maze, which was perfect height for her to venture out into and have some fun. We checked out a bunch of old farm buildings and rusty ol' equipment, took a small nature trail to see the few ponds on the property and checked out the chickens and gardens. Sunday morning we started out morning out at the island fire station pancake breakfast. This is a nice little community event with pretty good pancakes, you get to eat breakfast inside the fire station, see all the cool equipment, meet fire men, and best of all - personalized tours of the fire engines.... can't beat that! Only in a small town!

Holly also spent a long time out enjoying her new sprinkler toy. The sun was just warm enough to truly enjoy some early season water play. The afternoon was filled with Daddy, Grandpa Hawk and me attempting to get Holly wet... not sure who won that one. But we all had a nice time and I picked up some great shots of Holly enjoying the water.

The weekend was finished with a special dessert and drink down at the restaurant and some quick fishing on the dock! A wonderful, fun filled weekend 'for sure, for sure'!!!