Motherhood

Motherhood

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Parenting

The one question I receive far more than any other is, "How are you adjusting to motherhood?" Not matter how many times I am asked this; I am always taken back. Normally, I sputter out something like "It is great" or "I love it" But the truth is there are far too many emotions and responses swirling around in my head to say more than a few word answer. Most of my responses would require more time and tears than most people would care to endure. The embarrassing truth about becoming a mother, is I love my children so fiercely talking about them will inevitably make me cry.

Solo adventures and the myth of doing it all

Solo adventures and the myth of doing it all

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Parenting, Outdoor adventures

As a woman the societal expectation is that we do it all. Society wants us to be thin, pretty, bare beautiful and well behaved children, keep an immaculate house, have perfect hair, stay on top of the housework, maintain a pretty yard and prepare healthy and delicious dinners on a nightly basis. In reality, something always has to give. In order to have an immaculate house, maybe we deprive ourselves of sleep. Or if we are able to prepare delicious dinners on a nightly basis, maybe our laundry pile is sky high. Being a mother or a woman for that matter is a balancing act between being selfish and giving. On the days where I excel in one area, I most certainly fail in another. I have come to peace with the fact that I cannot do it all, nor will I try to pretend that I do. 

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. 

Easter Part Two

Easter Part Two

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Food

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

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!

Tulips, tulips, and more more tulips

Tulips, tulips, and more more tulips

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle, Outdoor adventures

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

Easter weekend

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle, Parenting

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

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. 

Coho Restaurant

Coho Restaurant

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

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

Whale Watching with San Juan Safaris

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

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

Long weekend on San Juan Island

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

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

A sunny Saturday in Seattle

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

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

Long Beach, WA- Traveling with an infant edition

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

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

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. 

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