Leavenworth

Since Holly was born we have only visited Leavenworth in the winter for our annual holiday weekend away. We have had a blast each time and look forward to that trip each year. However, we realized that Holly has never seen Leavenworth in the Summer months. The beauty that region offers when not blanketed in a white mask. So, we headed up there for four days last weekend to celebrate Bryan's 37th birthday and enjoy a weekend away.

The weather was of course hot, very hot! We took in some sun and a lot of shade. Frequented the pools in town all weekend and stayed cool. The little local pool in town in really nice and perfect for families as it is not crowded at all - which we just found amazing! The KOA we stayed at also has a pool on site and we spent some time there. Holly really enjoyed the pool time.

We also hit town for a bit and enjoyed dinner in town. Drove around to see some the local scenery and also took a visit to the local fish hatchery. The fish hatchery in Leavenworth is the best one I have ever been to - very informative and family friendly. As well, this time of year the salmon are starting to return for spawning so we were able to see very large salmon in the holding areas who worked the way back from the ocean ready for the last phase of their lives. It was amazing to witness that life cycle and Holly seemed to get it by the time we were done.

We took a one mile valley walk to take in some local nature. It was nice, however my only fear was the massive educational board of rattlesnakes before you start the trail. As a parent that raises your awareness to an entire new level and you suddenly hear every imaginable sound in the forest... and I mean every sound. We fared well though, saw no snakes and had a nice time!

The weekend was a nice little break and a wonderful celebration for Bryan -- Happy Birthday Bryan!

Busy Summer Fun

I have been really meaning to post here, really I have. Summer has just been busy and the moments have a way of slipping by quicker than I realize and then before you know it the month of July has almost passed and I have not put up one post! And, sad thing... I had some great stuff I had been meaning to post. Oh well!

Even though we have been busy, it has all been fun Summer moments that I am making a point of enjoying from the inside vs always capturing on the outside with my camera. Bryan always points that out to me. He tells me to step out from behind the camera and just enjoy the moment engaged vs attempting to capture others enjoying the moment. I see his point and so this month I have picked my camera up very little. That has been a chore for me to NOT pick up my camera. And, while I have been fully enjoying myself, I think I am sad I don't have all the photos that go along with the fun... so, I am thinking that experiment is over. LOL!

Anyhow, this summer has been full with some camping, house projects, Holly's summer activities which included a day camp, swim classes and ballet. Enjoying our playgroup, outings to the park, company in town and local adventures. Good stuff!

I'll post some various photos I do have to share and starting today, I am picking my camera back up and snapping away... it is just what I do and enjoy! :)

Holly & Kristina making a firecracker 4th of July hat!

Silver Springs Camping Trip

Last weekend we enjoyed a fun weekend camping with our friends! The campground (Silver Springs) was really nice, pretty close to home and yet close to so many other outdoor opportunities. We enjoyed checking out some local sites and surrounding camping options. The kids played their little hearts out and we all enjoyed some great dutch oven cooking! It was a wonderful weekend, a great trip to kick off the summer season of camping!

Snow & view (above) at Chinook Pass

Beloved Mt. Rainier... amazing!

Pop of Creativity

Last night Holly wanted to play with her pop-beads really badly. These are such a classic little girl toy offering some fun creativity. She got these for her third birthday and in that time they have gotten so much use! It is fun to break them out with adults over because before you know it everyone is all decked out in funky colorful pop bead jewelery. Very fun stuff!

Lessons for all...

Holly has officially moved onto the big girl world of swimming lessons... without Mommy or Daddy. *sigh* That is really hard! A lot of mom's like myself are not typically fond of climbing in the water for 'Mom and Me' classes due to our own insecurities, it has nothing to do with the child at all... just ourselves. Now that my daughter is old enough to do them without me, I really wish I was in there with her - holding tight, watching carefully and guiding one on one. This is all a lesson to me, get over the insecurities and enjoy it. Trust me, this new insecurity of letting go in water with a complete stranger and other kids.... is much tougher!

Last night as we watched on the edge of our seats ready to jump the rail and dive in after her if needed.... she had fun. She had a blast actually! We worried for nothing because in reality, she was the best behaved little one in that class. She wasn't climbing out of the water, letting go of the edge, dunking and playing games, etc. Holly listened to what she was told and did really well! It was actually a good moment for Bryan and I as we watched her listen and follow directions - a moment where you stop and think "wow, it is all sinking in". We are very proud of her and wish her many good swimming lessons ahead.

Filling In

Holly's garden surrounding her little playhouse is filling in so nicely! We have made a few small modifications, moved a few items and have lost a plant or two - for the most part though we are so happy with how it is all filling in, growing and changing.

Each morning we awake to a garden a buzz with birds romping about, bathing in the bird baths and chattering at the feeders. The rabbits have slowly worked their way up - this morning I officially saw one in her little garden checking things out. The deer still come to visit on occasion. Our little tadpoles have evolved into tiny green frogs who have now moved on to find little homes in her garden. Over all, life is good in her garden.

Many hours have been spent playing pretend, gardening, turning rocks and logs in an effort to locate the unsuspecting potato bug. Our little bug house has had a regular flow of guests, our internet has had many moments of Holly and parent in search of names for our critters, books and guides are being scoured to discover the names and behaviours of critters, lessons are being learned daily and memories are being created. Good memories!

The evening hours have also been enjoyed in her garden. Evening hours bring out different bird behaviour we have noticed and bugs are a bit easier to find. We have spent hours watering and exploring together while we do. We have cut tons of lettuce to enjoy with our meals and are watching the raspberries ripen and the beans grow! Moments have been spent enjoying drippy popsicles while flower gazing in the warm sun and catching the beautiful sunset.

We couldn't be happier with Holly's garden, the close moments and memories it has created!

Father's Day

We celebrated Father's Day down at the ocean this year. The weather could not have cooperated more, it was sunny and beautiful! All day we played in the sand, ran through the water and enjoyed good food and company. Holly enjoyed her very first time being buried in the sand, built her first real sand castle at the beach and flew her kite alone. We enjoyed a full day of wonderful family time, which is no better way to celebrate Father's Day!

Holly flying a kite

Running in through the water...

Windy family photo...

Holly & Grandpa Hawk taking a walk...

Bring burried in the sand...