A day at the zoo

A day at the zoo

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle, Parenting

A few weeks ago we took Jasper to the zoo for the first time. Even though he is still quite young, we were excited to see him interact with the animals and check this off our list of "firsts". Overall, it was a successful first trip to the zoo. We were able to see a fair amount of animals, it was not too hot or cold outside and Jasper even took a nap for part of our time there. The only snag in the day was not having cash to feed the giraffes. Will someone please explain to me why I need to pay to feed the giraffes after I already paid an entrance fee into the zoo? Lame. Hands down the penguins were by far all our favorites. We stood at the glass and watched them dive down time and time again. Other interesting tidbits from the day were the new tiger exhibit (they are truly stunning creatures in person) and I will never forget the bear who appeared to be smiling. In celebration of Jasper's first trip to the zoo we had to pick up some sort of souvenir, after much deliberation (on my part) I selected a copy of Goodnight Gorilla. We look forward to experiencing more animal encounters with Jasper, but preferably in their more natural habit- the wild. 

A night away

A night away

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Parenting

A couple weekends ago our son had his first sleep over at my parent's house. In preparation for his first night away I eagerly stocked his overnight bag with everything necessary to take care of him for a solid week. Then I called my mother and meticulously went over a rough schedule with her. Since my mother has successfully raised four children and helped raise several subsequent grandchildren, all of this was more about giving me piece of mind then out of necessity. As I placed his elephant slippers and bathrobe in his bag I was a mix of emotions. I was worried about our first night away from each other and yet I was really looking forward to it. I wasn't afraid anything bad would happen, rather I knew how much I would miss him. 

Spring time at Pike Place Market

Spring time at Pike Place Market

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle

On any given day, Pike Place Market is swarming with tourists. However, I always manage to walk away feeling inspired by its endless array of sights, sounds and colors. When I visit Pike Place Market, I like to treat to myself to a bunch of fresh flowers for our home. There usually are a large array of bouquets to choose from for five, ten or fifteen dollars. I realize some people view fresh flowers as a waste of money, but the amount of joy they provide me far surpasses their monetary cost. The fresher the flowers the longer they will last, a little tip is to ask what they received on that particular day.

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.

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. 

Load More