A birthday trip to the Seattle Aquarium

A birthday trip to the Seattle Aquarium

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle, Parenting

I have not spent a whole lot of time doing specific "kid" things with Jasper because usually he seems to be enjoying himself regardless of what we are doing. However, on his birthday I wanted to do something special for him and yet memorable for us. I finally decided on going to the Seattle Aquarium. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and at the end of our visit we decided to splurge on the annual pass. I am uncertain how many times we will actually visit the aquarium over the next year, but their toddler programs are on my radar and I am excited to spend more time exploring the aquarium myself. There is no end to the sights, sounds and colors at the aquarium. Jasper favorite spot was the tide pools, in particular the wave machine which turned on every few minutes to mimic the tide. I love this age of discovery and I am trying my best to capture his imagination and keep each day interesting. 

Long weekend traveling

Long weekend traveling

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel

Ever since Jasper has been born we have changed the way we travel. Over the past year we have predominately visited places we have been before and have kept our trips to either three or four days. Between this season of life being extra busy and adjusting to our new family we have made a conscious decision to keep things simple. I am certain as Jasper gets a tad older it will be easier to meet his needs and have big adventures, but for the time being we have stayed close to home and enjoyed low key adventures. Some of our favorite trips have included:

One of the best days of my life

One of the best days of my life

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel, Parenting, Outdoor adventures

I don't think it was a coincidence one of the best days of my life preceded one of the worst days of my life. It was not that we did anything lavish, but the weather was spectacular and we spent the day hiking to Cutthroat Pass via Cutthroat Lake (one of the prettiest trails I have ever been on). The sky was blue, the larch were golden and my happy little family was doing what we do best- enjoying nature and each other. I was confident after seeing the heartbeat of our child, that this tiny human growing inside of me was happy and healthy. We were eagerly anticipating breaking the news to friends and were feeling blessed beyond measure to be adding again to our family so soon. 

Apple picking

Apple picking

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Parenting, Travel

On our way to the North Cascades earlier this month we made a pit stop at Gordon Skagit Farm for a little apple picking, a lot of photo taking and to pick up a few pumpkins. This was Jasper's first time apple picking and you can imagine how my heart skipped a beat when he pulled an apple off the tree and his face light up with pure joy. I will say it time and time again, but EVERYTHING is better with Jasper. Without even trying, he makes the simplest moments pure magic. Once he realized he could bit into the apples he was in heaven. Between the juice from the apples rushing out of his bite marks and the smile plastered to his face I could hardly care he was becoming a sticky mess. 

October

October

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Parenting

October is the time of year where I feel great love and great loss. Three years ago we welcomed and said goodbye to our first born. In the subsequent months that followed we struggled to feel like parents without our child to raise. Our hearts were broken and our hopes were shattered. Each day we would wish and pray for happier days ahead. Two years later we welcomed our pride and joy, Jasper, into the world and felt our hearts would burst from our overwhelming feelings of happiness and gratitude. And now again this October we found out that at nine weeks pregnant our third child passed away. I struggle to make sense of our loss, it feels too familiar and yet entirely different. This time of year has always been my favorite time of year and I wonder if it is just what I need to once again mend broken heart. And so this Fall I find myself moving through the pain and navigating the complex emotions associated with grieving. Amongst the changing leaves and the crisp Autumn mornings I am once again forever changed by the intense and unconditional love I feel for my children.

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel

While we were in Utah a few weeks ago we spent a gorgeous Fall afternoon hiking up and exploring the Timpanogos Caves. It had been almost fifteen years since our first visit together; shortly after we had just started dating. The hike is a short and paved, but steep. It is the kind of hike which makes you grateful for being shape. Although it was a warm day the cave hovers around forty five degrees year round. Although the tours were sold out for the day, we lucked out by taking our chances and hiking to the top. Upon reaching the entrance to the cave, we were able to join a group whose members did not all make it to the top. Even though our son is small and enjoyed a nap on the way down I am grateful for the opportunities we have as a family to make memories and be together.

Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin Patch

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Parenting

Each Fall we make our annual trip to the pumpkin patch. Actually, we enjoy the pumpkin patch so much we normally visit two. The first one we typically visit is Carpinito Brothers. We like to go the last weekend in September before the crowds to find our basic orange carving pumpkins, mini pumpkins and gourds. The second patch we like to visit is Gordon Skagit in the beginning of October for our heirloom pumpkins and apple picking. This year my parents were able to join us for Jasper's first pumpkin patch and wheelbarrow ride.

Garden Party

Garden Party

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle

Each year the women in our church host a Garden Party. For the past two years I have been in charge of the monthly social activities for our organization, which means I head up a small group of women to make these activities happen. For the Garden Party our theme was flowers, so naturally I spent a sunny afternoon selecting armfuls of beautiful dahlias to grace the dinner tables. It doesn't matter how many times I visit Pike Place Market I always leave inspired by the endless colors and textures of the market. 

The North Cascades

The North Cascades

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel, Weekend

In my opinion, one of the prettiest areas in all of Washington state is the North Cascades. It is breathtakingly beautiful at every turn, more hiking trails than you'll ever have time for, and feels remote, yet is easy enough to get to. Our first encounter with the Freestone Inn was a couple days after our son, Asher passed away. Unaware of our circumstance, we were greeted with a warm welcome, a friendly smile and a cozy room complete with a large soaking tub, stone fireplace and lovely views of the property. Since then, we have made it an annual tradition to return to this special place year after year. The Freestone Inn is located on Wilson Ranch on a gorgeous piece of property. We have been fortunate enough to visit the property during the Summer, Fall and Winter and there are different things we enjoy about each season in the North Cascades. 

Parfait

Parfait

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle, Food

This Summer, we have tried our best to take advantage of what has seemed like endless glorious weather. A couple weekends back we spent the entire day hiking the 11.5 miles to Pratt Lake. Aside from the air being hazy from all the fires in the North Cascades, it was a wonderful day spent together as a family up in the mountains. I have to give my husband major kudos because he not only hiked, but carried Jasper on his back almost the entire way. Since Pratt Lake is such a long hike it deters a lot of people. As a result, we found ourselves alone most of the time on the trail. It was a scenic hike where we passed through several different types of landscapes and encountered endless types of terrain. It was a beautiful hike, albeit long and one I am eager to do again as an overnight adventure. 

Pratt Lake

Pratt Lake

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Hiking, Outdoor adventures, Seattle

This Summer, we have tried our best to take advantage of what has seemed like endless glorious weather. A couple weekends back we spent the entire day hiking the 11.5 miles to Pratt Lake. Aside from the air being hazy from all the fires in the North Cascades, it was a wonderful day spent together as a family up in the mountains. I have to give my husband major kudos because he not only hiked, but carried Jasper on his back almost the entire way. Since Pratt Lake is such a long hike it deters a lot of people. As a result, we found ourselves alone most of the time on the trail. It was a scenic hike where we passed through several different types of landscapes and encountered endless types of terrain. It was a beautiful hike, albeit long and one I am eager to do again as an overnight adventure. 

Capturing everyday moments

Capturing everyday moments

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Parenting

Now that Jasper can pull himself up and stand on his own I find him standing all over the place. The other day he was suppose to be napping, but instead he was standing and beaming from ear to ear. Rather than try to fight it and lie him back down, I went and grabbed my camera to capture him in all his ten month glory. This child of mine is changing everyday and whether it be the tan lines in the folds of his wrists and thighs or the way his hair and eyes continue to lighten I want to capture all these little moments. 

Annual tradition: Camping on the Washington coast

Annual tradition: Camping on the Washington coast

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle, Weekend

One of our favorite Summer traditions is camping on the Washington coast. We load up our backpacks with supplies, make certain to pick up a bear can, permit and tide chart and head to the beach with no particular plan in mind. We stop and camp wherever looks like the best spot that day and enjoy big decisions like whether to eat and then look at tide pools or look at tide pools and then eat. Spending time at the coast is always extremely relaxing, restorative and beautiful. One of our favorite spots on the coast is Rialto Beach. Although we typically camp on the weekends, as long as we go a bit passed Hole in the Wall we have no trouble finding a spot to ourselves. Just like hiking, the farther afield you go, the least likely you are to be surrounded by other people. 

Hike to Melawka Lake

Hike to Melawka Lake

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Outdoor adventures, Travel, Weekend

This Summer we have made a conscious effort to branch out and visit several new alpine lakes. Even when it comes to hiking it is easy to find your favorites and visit them again and again. Between the changes seasons and weather in general each visit is a new experience. A mere 40 minutes from Seattle is the I90 corridor where there are countless trails to tackle. Our goal, if we continue to enjoy hiking for many years to come is to eventually visit them all. 

Recently, we had Jasper spend the night at my parent's house and enjoyed a beautiful hike to Melakwa Lake. Melakwa Lake is part of the Denny Creek trail. Denny Creek is a popular trail for families, but as you continue on the trail for a few additional miles you can find yourself at a beautiful, uncrowded alpine lake. There is no place that invigorates my mind and body more than being in the mountains. I feel my most content breathing the fresh air and being surrounded by trees. I am truly a Pacific Northwesterner at heart. 

South Lake Union Block Party

South Lake Union Block Party

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Food

Each Summer South Lake Union puts on a Summer Block Party. The highlight of the event is always the Seattle Met Burger Competition. Although I am not a huge red meat person, every now and again I crave a delicious hamburger. For $15 you are able to try five delicious sliders from five local restaurants and walk away with not only a full stomach, but an adorable little tote bag. Summer is that time of year we really try to savor in Seattle and with all this fantastic weather there has been ample time spent outside enjoying these long days and warm Summer breeze. 

Note: The South Lake Union Block Party typically occurs the second Friday in August. 

Avalanche Lake Trail

Avalanche Lake Trail

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel, Weekend, Outdoor adventures

While we were in Glacier National Park we did a fantastic and easy hike called Avalanche Lake. The trail starts at the Trail of the Cedars and is located 6 miles east of the Lake McDonald Lodge. The trail is only 4.5 miles long with a mere 730 feet elevation gain. On the day of our hike the weather was a bit cool and the clouds were hung low. This moody weather not only made for beautiful photographs, but made us feel right at home. 

Family photos

Family photos

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Familly photos are equally fun and terrifying. There are numerous people to please, but there are also ample people to enjoy being with. Families are one of my most favorite subjects to photograph because I know these photos will be looked back on fondly and serve as a reminder of a bustling and precious time in their lives. 

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