Apr 25

Apr 25 Kelsey Creek Farm

After wanting to visit Kelsey Creek Farms for a few months we finally made it happen. We went a few weeks ago on a Friday morning and we were simply delighted with what we saw. Amidst sun breaks and acres of green grass we watched sheep, a pig, goats, cows, roosters and bunnies. It was exciting to see the animals which Jasper has mainly read about in books walking, talking and interacting with him. Some of the highlights of Kelsey Creek Farm for us did not have much to do with the animals and were more about the two large sand boxes with trucks, the metal Lil' Johnny Deere and the ability to run free in a new environment. I was impressed with how well maintained the facilities were and that we are able to have so much fun without a high price admission fee.

Apr 22

Apr 22 San Juan Outfitters

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Travel, Weekend, Outdoor adventures

While visiting San Juan Island we went on a kayak trip with San Juan Outfitters. What started out as a beautiful day for a paddle ended in the most memorable kayak trip of our lives. We headed out of Roche Harbor and made our way to Henry Island. A couple hours in we stopped and enjoyed a shoreline brown bag lunch and then continued on. Before long we spotted a small clustering of boats and we knew it must be one thing- whales. For the next half hour we watched in awe as the whales swam a mere hundred yards away from our kayaks.

Apr 20

Apr 20 From South Lake Union to Gasworks Park

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Seattle

One Saturday we set out for the city with our only agenda to be outside and have fun. What ensued was a day of firsts, discovering new gems of our fair and city and stopping for good eats along the way. Our first stop was the Center for Wooden Boats. We had hoped to rent their paddleboat, but unfortunately it was still broken so instead we headed over to the MOHAI to watch the seaplanes come and go and the sailboats dance around Lake Union.

Apr 18

Apr 18 Roche Harbor in the Spring

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Weekend, Travel

Spring time is one of our favorite times to travel. The weather usually cooperates, flowers boxes and hanging baskets are bursting with color and it is generally a quiet time compared to the hustle and bustle of the Summer. When we visit San Juan Island we like to spend at least a few afternoons and evening at Roche Harbor. We like the laid back, easy pace of the area and find it to be devoid of all the ferry traffic and tours which come in and out of Friday Harbor. We also love to kayak out of Roche Harbor with San Juan Outfitters and one of our favorite places to eat on the island (Madrona Bar and Grill) is located here too.

Apr 15

Apr 15 Spring time at Pike Place Market

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Seattle

Pike Place Market is a big tourist destination in Seattle, but it is still one of my favorite places to go for gorgeous fresh flowers and reasonably priced vegetables. Especially now that I have a toddler in tow, I try to be strategic about when I visit and I try to keep the length of my trip to a minimum. Although Jasper is a very social little boy, I have noticed he starts to get stressed and anxious if a place is too busy or chaotic. My favorite time to visit is in the morning between 9:30-11am or after the lunch rush from 2-4pm. As a general rule of thumb, the sunnier it is outside the busier the market tends to be.

Apr 13

Apr 13 Whale watching with San Juan Safaris

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Travel, Outdoor adventures

While visiting the San Juan Islands earlier this month we went on a whale watching tour with San Juan Safaris. Whenever we visit the San Juan Islands we like to get out on the water as much as possible and San Juan Safaris is one of our favorite outfitters to partner with. Their guides and naturalists are professional and possess an enthusiasm for their jobs that is unmatched. Whenever I go on a whale watching tour or a kayaking trip with San Juan Safaris I always leave inspired by the scenery, but more importantly the people. In addition to fantastic staff you won't find nicer boats or kayaking equipment than through them.

Apr 11

Apr 11 A weekend at Bird Rock Hotel

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Weekend, Travel

In the midst of downtown Friday Harbor and just a short walk from the ferry terminal there is a lovely place to stay called Bird Rock Hotel. It is a small, unassuming place, the type of place you might even walk right past if you did not know the charm awaiting you once inside. Bird Rock Hotel is a boutique hotel with a historic exterior and a modern interior. Rooms range from deluxe with harbor views and jacuzzi tubs to simple European style sleeping rooms with shared baths down the hall. Each room is unique which makes it a fun experience to stay there again and again. There are so many things I enjoy about Bird Rock Hotel, but the comfortable beds, location and delicious continental breakfast awaiting me each morning are three of my favorites. This is our second time staying at Bird Rock Hotel and just like last time we loved every minute of our stay.

Apr 8

Apr 8 Easter weekend recap

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Parenting

I realize Easter has long since come and gone, but I am just getting around to writing about it. Easter was filled with chocolate, Easter eggs and a profound gratitude for the knowledge that death is not the end. We are eagerly anticipating the day we will see our loved ones again, especially our sweet son Asher.

Apr 6

Apr 6 Adventuring with a toddler

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Travel, Parenting, Outdoor adventures

Doing anything with a toddler is an adventure, but trying to adventure with a toddler is a whole new level.

Apr 4

Apr 4 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.

Apr 1

Apr 1 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.

Mar 31

Mar 31 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.

Mar 26

Mar 26 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.

Mar 25

Mar 25 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!

Mar 24

Mar 24 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.

Mar 16

Mar 16 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.

Mar 15

Mar 15 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.

Mar 11

Mar 11 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!

Mar 9

Mar 9 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.

Mar 8

Mar 8 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.

A little bit about Lisette.....