All in Weekend

Hiking to Snow Lake

Hiking to Snow Lake

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle, Weekend, Outdoor adventures, Parenting

For you long time readers, you know we like to hike...A LOT! So when Jasper came along, it was pretty much a given we would invest in a hiking pack once he was big enough. We were ecstatic when upon placing him in the carrier for the first time he literally laughed and squealed with delight. Hiking must be in his blood! Riding in the carrier allows him to be up high and see everything from a different vantage point than his everyday life. I can tell Jasper feels like a big deal in his carrier and he really seems to enjoy the view.

Earthbox Inn

Earthbox Inn

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel, Weekend

Over Memorial Day weekend, we stayed at the Earthbox Inn on Friday Harbor. Earthbox Inn is centrally located in town and only four blocks from the ferry terminal. It is close enough you could walk onto the ferry and enjoy a car free vacation as you walk or cruise around town on one of their free bikes. Earthbox Inn is an old motel which has been refurbished into a modern, chic, laid back place to rest your head. Even though we stayed over a holiday weekend, we found our room to be quiet and our bed to be among some of the comfiest we have ever slept in. 

Long weekend in Long Beach

Long weekend in Long Beach

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel, Weekend

Last year over Mother's Day weekend we stayed at the Adrift Hotel in Long Beach, WA with my parents. We had so much fun we decided to head back and stay at their sister property Inn at Discovery Coast. Inn at Discovery Coast is a smaller, more intimate hotel, closer to the beach and a tad more luxurious. We stayed in the top corner rooms which had large jetted tubs, unobstructed ocean views and thoughtful touches such as roses and chocolate on your pillow. We spent a majority of out time outdoors riding along the Discovery Trail, eating leisurely meals at the Pickled Fish and enjoying the view.

Experiencing life through new eyes

Experiencing life through new eyes

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Parenting, Outdoor adventures, Weekend

One of the most exhilarating parts of becoming a parent is seeing the world through new eyes. I can distinctly remember only one other time in my life when I have felt this way and that was when Cameron and first started dating. Everything I had previously done I wanted to experience with him. It did not matter how many times I had been somewhere, if it was accompanied by him it felt like a whole new experience.  Ever since Jasper has joined our family I have experienced similar feelings. I have been eager to show him all our favorite places and take him everywhere we go. One of our favorite activities as a family is hiking, so naturally we have taken Jasper on several hikes with us. It doesn't matter how many times we have hiked Rattlesnake Ridge with Jasper it is a whole new experience. From stopping to touch the trees to changing his diaper on the ridge to seeing the wonder in his eyes at the sound of a bird. Hiking with Jasper is a whole new experience!  After our hike we stopped at Rattlesnake Lake to let Jasper stretch his legs and roll around on the grass. Being a parent has caused me to be more present, take life at a slower pace and be acutely aware of another's needs before my own. 

Washington State Ferries

Washington State Ferries

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Weekend, Travel, Seattle

Ferries are not only useful in getting us from Point A to Point B, but they are also extremely scenic. One of the best ways to experience first hand all the beauty of Washington state has to offer is by getting out on the water. From a ferry you can enjoy sweeping views of the Seattle skyline, witness sea life galore or cruise between tree covered islands. Although I enjoy going anywhere on a ferry, my favorite ferry ride will always be through the San Juan Islands. In the past, I used to dread having to wait in line for hours in the Summer, but Reservations are now available for Washington State Ferries which makes waiting hours in lines a thing of the past. 

Port Townsend

Port Townsend

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Weekend, Travel, Seattle

This past weekend we wanted to go on a little family adventure for the day, so we hopped on the Southworth Ferry and drove up to Port Townsend. Port Townsend makes for a great day trip from Seattle because there are cute shops, a few fun places to eat and gorgeous views of the Puget Sound and ferries breezing by. Whenever we hop aboard a ferry we always feel like we have gone somewhere exciting!

Hiking with a little one

Hiking with a little one

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Weekend, Seattle, Parenting, Outdoor adventures

As a parent I often daydream of sharing certain experiences with my children. From the moment I was pregnant with our first son, Asher, I could hardly wait for all the hiking and camping we would eventually do with him. Flash forward three years and my dreams of hiking with my child have finally come true.

Although this is not the first time we have taken Jasper hiking this is the first time he was wide awake and attentive for the entire experience. In the event he was cranky or unhappy we decided to do one of our favorite short hikes- Rattlesnake Ridge. On the ascent up the mountain Jasper was so quiet I kept checking on him to see if he was asleep. He wasn't asleep, rather keenly interested in every bird tweeting and tree branch blowing in the wind. Since Jasper is still so young and relatively light, we were able to carry him in our Ergobaby. For our hike we tried to keep things simple; we packed a few extra layers in case the weather took a turn for the worst, a change of clothes and a hat for him. We also brought along our baby essentials- diapers, wipes, burp cloth and pacifier. This wonderful Saturday morning spent hiking has made me eager for warmer weather and more hikes as a family.

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Weekend, Parenting

Each year we make it a priority to head up to LaConner to see the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival; It is by far one of the highlights of our Spring. This year we were ecstatic to bring Jasper along to see the tulips for the first time. Although he slept for a portion of our time in the fields, I cannot help but think his eyes were delighted by the rows and rows of color. In my opinion don't let the fact that your child won't remember something prevent you from doing it. Experiencing anything with your child for the first time is certainly something you will never forget. 

Note: Due to the fact we have been experiencing unseasonably warm weather the tulips are almost a month early this year. Check out the bloom map before you go to see which fields are in bloom. 

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Weekend, Seattle

The Chihuly Garden and Glass has been around for a couple years now, but we finally made it over there to check it. Although we are very familiar with Chihuly's work it was fun to be able to see it so artfully staged. We have seen his work previously at the Tacoma Glass Museum, the Bellagio hotel and have even had the privilege of visiting his Lake Union home. At the Chihuly Garden and Glass you are able to witness a variety of his work from spheres to chandeliers and more free flowing pieces. I am always impressed with the uniqueness Chihuly is able to create with glass as his medium and I have never seen his work so beautifully lit.

Roche Harbor

Roche Harbor

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel, Weekend

Roche Harbor is a great little day trip from Friday Harbor. A short little drive and you feel as though you have been transported to another place. The Hotel del Haro is a popular spot for weddings in the Summertime, but during our visit it was relatively quiet. We enjoyed delicious sandwiches, fish and chips and fresh donuts from Lime Kiln Cafe and then spent the better part of an afternoon walking around, soaking up the sunshine and looking at the various boats and yachts in the harbor. 

Cherry blossoms at the University of Washington

Cherry blossoms at the University of Washington

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle, Weekend

Each Spring we make it a point to head over to the University of Washington to view the spectacular cherry blossoms in the Quad. And each year just like clockwork I have the same thought- why don't we come here more often. With the days getting longer and warmer weather upon us it seems like the perfect place to allow your child to explore and run free on a beautiful Spring day. These particular trees are over eighty years old and are well maintained and loved by students and Seattle residents alike. Here is a little Q & A about these particular cherry blossoms. 

Cattle Point

Cattle Point

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel, Weekend

One of the most beautiful places on San Juan Island is Cattle Point. Cattle Point is located at the south end of San Juan Island and consists of low rolling hills, and cliffs covered in prairie grassland. Cattle Point is a short drive from Friday Harbor and yet it feels as though you are miles and miles away from everything. On a clear day you can see all the way to Canada. The southern shoreline of Cattle Point has long gravel beaches, rock outcroppings and protected sandy coves; it reminds me of the California coast in many spots. Cattle Point is a prime example of how easily accessible some of the most breathtaking places are. A ten minute drive and a five minute walk later we were able to witness more bald eagles than I have ever seen at once in my life. Washington is such a beautiful state filled with rich diversity and plentiful beauty; I am fortunate to call this place home. 

Stadium High School

Stadium High School

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Weekend

After our lunch at Shake Shake Shake we walked over to Stadium High School. We have seen it featured in the movie Ten Things I Hate About You, but have never seen it in person. I cannot imagine attending such a beautiful high school. It reminded me more of a building you would see on a college campus. On this particular day, the sun was shining and it was a balmy sixty five degrees. We ended up doing an impromptu photo shoot of two of my favorite guys. I think these are some of my favorite photos of them to date. 

Weekends

Weekends

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Weekend, Travel

Weekends, in particular Saturday, is the day we set aside for adventures and exploring in our family. I like to leave the house in the morning and return home at dark with a heart full of memories and a camera full of photographs. This past Saturday was rather stormy and rainy, so we boarded the Southworth Ferry and spent a leisurely day driving to Union and then Hoodsport, WA. We made a pit stop at Alderbrook for brunch and witnessed one chilly polar bear swim. Then we went onto Hoodsport for ice cream. I love this little family of mine and I am grateful we are able to spend days like this together. 

Brunch at the Salish Lodge

Brunch at the Salish Lodge

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Weekend, Food

You have all heard the expression, "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach" and with my man these words could not ring truer. When thinking of gifts he would enjoy chocolate (and peanut butter) always come to the forefront of my mind. But don't be fooled by his slim physique, this man loves to eat! Give him a box or bag of his favorite kind of chocolate and that is all he needs to be happy. I lucked out with a man who is easy to please, so for his birthday weekend he had two requests; a chocolate and peanut butter cake and brunch at the Salish Lodge. For the cake I used this one bowl Chocolate Cake recipe and this peanut butter frosting. 

Weekend Adventure

Weekend Adventure

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Weekend, Travel

As the fog hung low one Saturday morning we resisted the urge to stay cozied up inside all day and instead went out for an adventure. We took Jasper on his first ferry ride to Whidbey Island and then drove to Coupeville and then Langley. We didn't have any particular plans rather a destination in mind. We spent the day walking around, browsing some of the shops, ate lunch, then dinner and most importantly were together. It always takes a little extra effort these days to get out of the house, but whenever we do we are glad we did. Aaahhh Saturdays my favorite day of the week.

Sun Mountain Lodge

Sun Mountain Lodge

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel, Weekend

Whenever we are up in the North Cascades we make certain to spend a day at Sun Mountain Lodge. It is a beautiful place with sweeping vistas and regular wildlife sightings. Their lobby is warm and inviting with two massive fireplaces flanking the large vaulted space. Sun Mountain Lodge is the perfect spot to warm up by after being outside for several hours. In the Fall we like to hike around the property and in the Winter we like to snowshoe on one of the many well marked trails. One unique experience they offer during the holidays is a sleigh ride. The last Winter we were up there we took a sleigh ride during the day. This time we decided to mix it up and opt for a nighttime sleigh ride complete with dinner. There was something very magical about riding on a horse drawn sleigh, bundled up with blankets looking at the starry sky above with the sounds of jingle bells.

White Christmas

White Christmas

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel, Weekend

Living in Seattle it is rare to experience a white Christmas. In the thirty plus years of living here I can remember a couple of white Christmases. So in an effort to make it feel a little more like Christmas we have started to make it a tradition to spend some time up in the North Cascades before Christmas. I know most people like to vacation between Christmas and New Year's but going beforehand allows us to avoid the hustle and bustle leading up to Christmas. No crowded malls, frantic list making or late night gift wrapping for us. Instead, we spent a few glorious days in the mountains with nothing but trees, wildlife and each other as our companions. Taking this trip right before Christmas helps remind us of the real meaning of Christmas and how blessed we are to have our health, our faith and each other. 

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