A weekend at the Freestone Inn

A weekend at the Freestone Inn

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel, Weekend

Before we bid Winter adieu we headed up to the North Cascades to stay at the Freestone Inn for one last hurrah. We spent our time enjoying slow mornings and big breakfasts, snowshoeing, window shopping in Winthrop, and constantly dreaming about one day building a house of our own amongst the stunning landscape. The North Cascades have become our refuge, our go to place when we want a break from the world with a healthy dose of natural beauty and a hearty side of adventure. We have spent many hours hiking the nearby trails and marveling at how we always feel like we have the place to ourselves. We love to visit the Freestone Inn during all seasons, but the Fall and Winter are our favorites. The combination of the coziness of the inn with cooler temperatures makes us feel right at home by the roaring fire.

An afternoon at Cutthroat Lake

An afternoon at Cutthroat Lake

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel, Weekend, Outdoor adventures

With the transition of Winter into Spring my thoughts turn outdoors. If I had it my way I would be outside everyday from dawn until dusk. Unfortunately, many days between work commitments, taking care of a small child and the rigors of life in general my schedule does not permit such a luxury like this. On those days, where all I want to be is outside, but I am stuck inside I have the memories and the photos of wonderful days past spent amongst the dirt and the trees. Here are a few photos from one such lovely Fall hike to Cutthroat Lake. 

A walk around the neighborhood

A walk around the neighborhood

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Parenting, Outdoor adventures, Seattle

I don't know about you, but we are so excited Spring is here! We have been craving longer days, warmer temperatures and are currently in the process of planting as many vegetables as we can in our little plot at our community garden. We are day dreaming of window boxes overflowing with flowers, wearing flip flops and not having to wear a jacket for the foreseeable future. As of late, we have enjoyed getting out as much as possible and exploring every nook and cranny in our neighborhood. Our little man is all business when he is exploring and I would not have it any other way.

An annual tradition: Cherry blossoms at the University of Washington

An annual tradition: Cherry blossoms at the University of Washington

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle

Every March we make our annual pilgrimage to my alma mater to see the cherry blossoms trees. Since the window to witness them in their full glory is relatively short, it is usually quite crowded- but fun nonetheless. You will see people taking engagement photos, pregnancy photos and just photos in general. This year we witnessed a sweet little baby in full UW cheerleading attire being held by the world's proudest papa. Just like that I am reminded how each of us thinks we love our children more than the next person and how in that moment we feel like the luckiest person alive. Life is grand, muddy puddles, wind storms and March who acts like a defiant toddler never wanting to decide between whether it wants to be Winter or Spring or both. 

Easter egg hunt and luncheon

Easter egg hunt and luncheon

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Parenting

Last week I had the brilliant idea to cohost an egg hunt and lunch with Jasper, for the three little boys his age from church and their Moms. What started as a last minute idea turned into a great way to commence Jasper's life as a host. He was gracious as he allowed others to play with his toys (we've never had anyone over to play before) and when it came time to eat lunch he sat like a big boy at a table quietly eating his lunch. I think he was in such awe of having such dashing lunch companions that he didn't even think to throw his food or his plate on the floor. My heart could have burst with pride as I watched him interact kindly (for the most part) with each little boy. This party was a good reminder how important it is to not put limitations on our children. Jasper did brilliantly in a completely new environment and I foresee a lot more get togethers with this cute little bunch of boys and their mamas. After everyone left I felt exhausted, but pleased to see how even though we parent differently the outcome is still the same- kind, sweet and loving little boys!

Point Robinson

Point Robinson

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Weekend, Travel

During our visit to Vashon we spent one of our mornings down at Point Robinson. Point Robinson is a ten acre shoreline park and marine conservancy located on the east shore of Maury Island overlooking East Passage. This site has provided fog and lighthouse service for vessels since 1885. The park has a sandy beach shoreline which wraps around the point, a saltwater marsh, and upland woodlands. Jasper particularly enjoyed the beach (he is obsessed with carrying around tiny rocks), the wooden swing and cement pathway in front of the Keeper's houses. No matter how you spend your time at Point Robinson there are spectacular views of East Passage, Tacoma, and Mount Rainier from anywhere on the shoreline.

Smash cake

Smash cake

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Parenting

I just realized I never blogged about Jasper's first birthday photo shoot nor his smash cake. I wanted to capture Jasper demolishing his first birthday cake, but I knew I might be too distracted at his party to really enjoy the moment. So one afternoon we loaded a mini homemade chocolate cake into the car and headed over the the Arboretum for the afternoon. It was a beautiful fall day with leaves scattered on the ground and the sunshine shining through the trees. Jasper was sweet, funny and charming. The best part was when he had finished with his cake he didn't crawl around it, but he crawled right through it. Such an epic moment I will never forget!

Going into the photo shoot I did not really have a game plan. I just loaded up the car and decided to see how it went. Once I arrived to our destination he had fallen into a deep sleep so I waited about an hour for him to wake up. As far as props. I only brought a couple of different hats and I did not even think to bring a large plastic bag for his frosting covered clothes. If I did this again I would bring along a cake stand for the mini cake, a change of clothes for Jasper, a large garbage bags for his clothes and an assistant to help me out. Trying to wrangle a chocolate covered child at a park is an experience to remember. 

The Lodges on Vashon

The Lodges on Vashon

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel, Weekend

Last week, we had the opportunity to stay on Vashon Island while we checked out the Lodges on Vashon. Even though I have visited Vashon Island numerous times, I have never spent more than a day there. Living in West Seattle, Vashon Island is a place I look at across the water pretty much everyday without thinking much about it. It is a beautiful place, but I have never considered it a destination for a weekend adventure. Now that I know such airy, light filled, and hip accommodations exist I foresee many more trips to the island in my future. Early one afternoon, Jasper and I boarded the ferry for our ten minute crossing to our island getaway. With the sleek water taxi service from downtown, Cameron would be joining up with us after work. 

The Conservatory

The Conservatory

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle

All this wild weather we have been experiencing lately called for a trip to the Volunteer Park Conservatory. I love this little escape in the city and that for an hour or so I can be transported to a warmer, lush climate.

Come on Spring, I am ready for you!

The company you keep

The company you keep

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle

I have had the privilege of being part of a few friendships which have spanned a majority of my lifetime. One particular friend I met in junior high and we have stayed close ever since. She married young and had children much sooner than I. Now, as her children are reaching a delightfully independent age they are eager and excited to spend time with my little one. I have known these children their entire lives, but seeing them with my son and the excitement and love they exude makes my heart melt. I know it is cliche to say "everything happens for a reason", but I am grateful for all the built in role models Jasper has been blessed with so far in his life. Seeing how kind and thoughtful these two are makes me eager to see all the good they will accomplish in this world. 

Sweet Peaks

Sweet Peaks

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Food, Travel

While in Whitefish I had the opportunity to spend some time with the owners of Sweet Peaks, Marissa and Sam. I met them at their Whitefish shop early one morning and were greeted by six smiling faces (five of which comprised their family and one employee). After spending just moments with them I was immediately impressed by their friendliness and teamwork. In my opinion you can tell a lot about a couple by how they interact with their children and Marissa and Sam seem to be equally adored by them. Aside from their great personalities and adorable family Marissa and Sam are serving up some killer ice cream; from salty caramel and chocolate love to strawberry sorbet and honey cinnamon their flavors are intense, but not overpowering and the creaminess of their ice cream is unparalleled. My morning spent with Marissa and Sam was a good reminder of the type of people I like my money to support and reinforced my belief in the importance of both eating and shopping locally. 

Glacier National Park in the Winter

Glacier National Park in the Winter

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel

I have always wanted to visit Glacier National Park in the Winter and a couple weeks ago we finally made it happen. One of my favorite things to do is hike the same trails over and over again, but during different seasons. I had heard the Going to the Sun road was closed during the Winter, but being able to walk along it instead of drive was a thrill. In general, the park was quiet, and beautiful, but it was also a good reminder how traveling during the off season will always have its benefits. 

River Meadow Ranch

River Meadow Ranch

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel

We just returned from spending a few relaxing days in Whitefish, Montana. During our time there we hiked in Glacier National park, cooked delicious meals together and enjoyed being outside as much as possible. However, a majority of our time was spent enjoying the comfort and beauty of a wonderful place called River Meadow Ranch. River Meadow Ranch is a gorgeous property boasting not one, but two spectacular rental homes. The first home is a five bedroom, three bath fully restored hand hewn log home and the second home (the one we stayed in) is a newly built five bedroom, four bath house located on seven acres and offering stunning mountain views.

Spring time in Seattle

Spring time in Seattle

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle

I know it is not technically Spring, but it has certainly felt like it the past couple of weeks. We have enjoyed the warmer weather immensely and have tried to spend a majority our of day outside when time permits. The bonus of being a Northwest native, is unless it is pouring rain than I consider it a good day to be outside. Jasper is completely content to spend as much time as possible outside where he likes to spot all the birds, planes and dogs he sees. These days there is also no greater thrill than his shadow or the brush of the wind on his cheeks. All these things combined make it both completely fun and utterly invigorating to be outside.

Easter baskets for little ones

Easter baskets for little ones

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Parenting

This year Easter comes early (at the end of March!), so I have done my best to get a head start so I can avoid aimlessly roaming around Target the night before. If I am going to spend money on Jasper's Easter basket I want it to be filled with things I know he will both use and love.

Surprising the one you love

Surprising the one you love

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

A few weeks ago I got the idea to surprise Cameron at work with balloons. It seemed easy enough, but I always seem to forget the "toddler factor" which puts a unique spin on every situation. We hurried out the door to the grocery store to select our balloons. Immediately, I was disappointed they didn't carry heart shaped balloons...aren't those as basic as toothpaste!? Once we settled on something else and they started to fill them with helium Jasper became upset by the sound. On the way to the car, it was a tug of war between Jasper and I with the. Once inside the car, Jasper had the brilliant idea to run his fingers back and forth across the balloons making the most hideous noise. On our way to Cameron's work I started to ponder why I thought this was a good idea to begin with. I was certain the balloons would pop and Jasper would either freak out or choke to death on a ballon. Fortunately, neither of those things happened. Once downtown things started to look up, we immediately found a parking spot and made our way a few blocks to Cameron's office. At our destination, we called him and told him to look outside his window. I wished I could have seen the smile spread across his face when he looked out the window and saw his precious little boy holding a handful of balloons blowing in the wind.

A day trip to Whidbey Island

A day trip to Whidbey Island

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Weekend, Travel

When the sun is shining and the hiking trails are still covered in snow we like to spend our Saturdays taking little day trips around the state. In order for it to be a day well spent, we like to eat delicious food, see beautiful or interesting places and spend a majority of our day outside rather than in the car. One of our favorite little day trips is to drive up to Mukilteo and take the ferry to Clinton. From there we make a pit stop in Langley for a little shopping and then onto Coupeville for lunch. After lunch we like to spend the late afternoon at Ebey's Landing or Fort Casey to enjoy the beautiful visitas and breathe in the fresh air.  Depending on our mood and the hours of sunlight left we might drive up to Deception Pass, stop in La Conner for dinner and then make our way home via I-5. On this particular day, we drove back the way we came and took the ferry back over to Mukilteo.  

Family date to the Seattle Aquarium

Family date to the Seattle Aquarium

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle, Parenting

Now that Jasper is so mobile, it is fun to see what new things he discovers with each visit to the Seattle Aquarium. This time it was the little cut out in the window he repeatedly delighted putting his hand in and out of, last time it was the harbor seals and every time he is fascinated by the white spotted jellyfish. I appreciate how their is an indoor and outdoor area to the aquarium which makes it appealing for both rainy and overcast days. We love being outside and don't mind getting rained on, but it is also nice to be able to come back inside and warm up a bit before heading back out. Jasper has opened my eyes to a whole other side of the aquarium I would not think to appreciate it and that is its prime waterfront location. He loves standing on the dock by the harbor seals watching the cars zoom by on 99, the helicopters and birds fly around in the sky and the ferries and sailboats cruise by on the water.

Filson

Filson

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle

For those of you who haven't heard Filson opened a new flagship store in the same building where they develop, sample, cut and sew their goods. This store is extra special not only for its location, but because they offer some limited edition items not available anywhere else. A couple weeks ago we finally paid a visit to the new Filson flagship store in SODO.  Once inside the large wooden doors we were greeted with a two story photo of Iditarod dogs. To say my dog obsessed son was delighted at this sight is the understatement of the year. Drawn into the space by this photograph, we made our way up the winding staircase to reach the main floor of retail. The vibe was masculine and moody, but I immediately felt at home in the space. Between the juxtaposition of steel against the exposed wood beams, the richness of the leather and coziness of the plaid it was a very inviting space. Even the taxidermy felt luxurious and thoughtfully placed.  As we spent the following hour searching high and low for the perfect gift for Cameron, I made note to return to this wonderful space soon.  My only critique would be that I wished they had a children's section. My little mountain man would look awful handsome matching his Dad in one of those plaid shirts.  

Volunteer Park Conservatory

Volunteer Park Conservatory

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle

Jasper has reached the age where he is super engaged and interested in all the places we go. He is no longer interested in napping in the stroller or being carried in the Ergo so rather than an accessory to my every day he is an active and interested partner in crime. In an effort to capitalize on this period of time in our lives and engage his brain in new and exciting ways I have made it a point to devote two days a week to outings. Living so close to downtown Seattle we have a wide array of interesting places at our disposal ie. parks, outdoor markets, museums, children theater etc. I have decided to invest in a few annual passes and then just try my best to make the most of what is around me. We can only visit the local park for an hour or two a couple of days a week before we are both bored and in need of additional stimulation. 

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