Easter Part Two

On the actual day of Easter my mother was under the weather, so we just celebrated Easter as a family this past weekend. By postponing the festivities it was a good reminder how without my mother, the holidays are pretty much just another day of the year. Each holiday she works tirelessly to pull off a delicious meal, a beautiful table setting and the perfect gifts. And if you are lucky enough to be our little family than all that is required of us is to show up. Over the years I have come to understand and appreciate just how much effort, planning and work goes into these events. I am grateful for the traditions she has established in her home and for the role model she is to me and our children. The greatest lesson she continues to silently teach me is to work hard for the ones you love and expect nothing in return. 

Port Townsend

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!

Tulips, tulips, and more more tulips

The tulips were so beautiful that when my parents invited us to go back up to see them for my Mom's birthday we jumped at the chance. It was a rare treat to spend the day with them. Watching them interact with Jasper and seeing how much they love him makes my heart swell. Once again the sun was shining and it was a perfect Spring day. Half joking I asked my Dad if he wanted to strap on the Ergo carrier and carry around Jasper and eagerly he obliged. It was fun to see how happy and proud he was to carry him around the tulips.   

Easter weekend

If there is one thing you can never count on around here it is the weather report. The forecast called for gloomy weather over Easter weekend and it ended up being the exact opposite- it was glorious! As a result we spent almost the entire weekend outside; drinking in the fresh air, going on long walks, visiting the new Top Pot that opened in our neighborhood and eating a delicious meal at Chandler's. My advice to anyone who says you cannot take an infant to a nice restaurant; is dress them up. Instead of getting dirty looks people go crazy for them and comment on how adorable they look. Easter was also the perfect excuse to get dressed up and take a few family photos in the backyard. 

Hiking with a little one

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

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

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 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

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

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. 

Coho Restaurant

While staying in Friday Harbor we enjoyed a leisurely dinner at Coho Restaurant. The restaurant was intimate, the service attentive, and the food was delicious. The owners Anna Maria and Dave could be seen bustling about as they took orders, served food and chatted with guests. This is the type of place if you visit more than once they would remember your name, greet you with a sincere smile and treat you like their best friend. While chatting with Anna Maria in between courses I was reminded why I am such a big proponent of small businesses. I admire people like Anna Maria, who have carved out a life for herself where she can do what she loves on her own terms. 

Whale Watching with San Juan Safaris

On our visit to Friday Harbor we went whale watching with San Juan Safaris. Although it was a little early in the whale watching season; Brian and his team expertly navigated us to see the whales. During our whale watching tour we came upon two transient whales who eventually met up with another two transient whales. One of the most exhilarating experiences on our tour was being able to witness one of the whales spy hop. Spy hopping is when a whale comes straight out of the water to look around and then goes back down. This was a thrill to witness and something I won't easily forget anytime soon. 

Long weekend on San Juan Island

Several months ago we planned a trip to San Juan Island. Little did we know back when we booked it our timing would be perfect and we would have spectacular weather all weekend. Since we wanted to stay in the heart of Friday Harbor, we decided to stay at the Bird Rock Hotel. From the moment we stepped foot into the Bird Rock Hotel we were given the royal treatment. Tory, the manager, was not only eager to share his love of the island with us, but fill us in on the best places to eat and things to do during our stay. 

A sunny Saturday in Seattle

This Winter has been epic. Mild, dry and for the most part sunny. We are starting to feel spoiled because we have enjoyed several sunny Saturdays in a row. Although we have desperately missed being in the snow up in mountains, we have embraced the slower pace our Saturdays since Jasper has arrived. More often than not we find ourselves at Serious Biscuit to get our biscuit fix; followed by a sunshine filled walk. After brunch we walked along the Seattle waterfront as we made made our way down to Olympic Sculpture Park. Sunshine in Seattle it truly is a beautiful thing!

Long Beach, WA- Traveling with an infant edition

One of our favorite long weekend getaways is to Long Beach, WA. We enjoy biking along the Discovery Trail, eating at thePickled Fish, staying at the Adrift Hotel and in general having the beach to ourselves. Since welcoming our little guy four months ago this is only the second trip we have taken together as a family, the first we took a few days before his two month birthday to the North Cascades. I will be the first to admit traveling with an infant is a game changer, but I will also be the first to encourage all you homebodies to take the leap of faith and travel with your little one. With a little planning ahead of time, altered expectations and flexibility it can prove to be a wonderful experience and create lasting memories for all. 

Stadium High School

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. 

Shake Shake Shake

There is this burger place I have wanted to visit for awhile called Shake Shake Shake, so the other day we took a little jaunt down to Tacoma for the day. Although it has only been around since 2013, the restaurant has a retro feel to it as if its been around for decades. The menu is pretty basic: burgers, fries and drinks, but the best item on the menu in my opinion are their shakes. I ordered the Nutella while Cameron ordered the Peanut Butter Chocolate. Shake Shake Shake has an awesome color palette of turquoise, orange and white and a gigantic light up sign over the dining area which reads "EAT". Shake Shake Shake would be the perfect place to take your children to for a special treat or a fun little day trip from Seattle. In the end, we were stuffed and Jasper was mighty pleased to sit and chomp on his hand. A good day for everyone!

Valentine Cookie Decorating Party

This we held a Cookie Decorating Party at my church. Once a month we gather as women to learn, socialize, serve and sometimes just have fun. This month it was all about sugar, sprinkles and love. Aside from decorating cookies each women was given a name tag and assigned a number. Then each women was asked to write an anonymous compliment about all the other women present. At the end of the evening each women was able to take home a stack of compliments about herself. 

Marking the passage of time

There is no better physical record of the passage of time then watching a baby grow. It seems everyday is full of new achievements, interesting discoveries, firsts and clothes to be outgrown. Since welcoming Jasper into our family I have tried my best to document the everyday moments from lying on a blanket, to snuggling post bath, our family outings and being playful in the morning. Here is a look back at the first three months of our time together. Although we have waited awhile to share our home with a little one and it feels as though we have reserved a piece of our heart for him and have always been waiting to love him. 

Weekends

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.