For years, my parents have had a very limited view of Lake Washington. It was such a shame because you knew that just behind the 5 or so trees blocking my parent's view was a masterpiece even an artist would have a hard time capturing. This beauty was hiding until this past Winter when a number of wind/rain/snow storms ripped through the Pacific Northwest and just happened to knock down all but one of the 'view preventing' trees. Now look at the view my parents have from their deck! It is breathtaking and I love it! My parents have this view from their deck and from the kitchen window and side deck, you can see the Seattle skyline and the Space Needle. Who knew that with a new house they would get a new view? It is pretty amazing.
A lot of our trip was spent just hanging out with the family. We had a number of different events (my dad's bday, my uncle bob being in town) so we were never bored. The weather just happened to be absolutely beautiful. Generally, it would be overcast until about 1 or 1:30 p.m. and then the white overcast sky would disappear and show it's true blue. Of course this led to many nights on the deck admiring the skyline!
Last time we were in Washington, Matthew had just learned to walk and really wasn't that stable. But his time, he was on a roll! He and his cousin, Kyle, had a lot of fun exploring Nonna's house and getting into trouble! They did a lot of fun things together and got to know each other better. It was cute because Kyle, who in the past has been rougher and tougher than Matthew, really wanted to show Matthew some love. Matthew, being somewhat smart to his ways didn't really want to give him the time of day in the beginning. But as Kyle showed Matthew he was very loving and tried to include Matthew and share things with him- Matthew did soften a bit. It was really cute. Neither of these guys have a lot of language so it was funny to watch them mumble back and forth without making a great deal of sense!
Through our many many activities, the kids were pretty good sports. The only day that pressed our patience was the day my Mom wanted to take a very long walk from her house down to the water. We took the kids to lunch, went and played on this great big play structure, went to an outdoor market where we met up with my Uncle Bob and sampled some local delicacies, and finally ended up at his coffee house called Cafe Ladro where I had the BEST latte I have ever had in my life. My mom said I would love it and she was right! The day was great. We were headed toward home, or rather the bus station, as my Mom wanted the kids to have the whole 'ride the bus experience' when I realized we had forgotten a stroller at the coffee shop. Ahhhh! 'No problem' I thought. I called them and they were going to hold it for me. So then, still fulfilling my Mom's bus riding dream- we checked the schedule and wouldn't you know? We had just missed the bleepin' bus! We had to wait 25 minutes for the next one. The kids were starting to come unglued. We could have walked home, but it would have taken us more than a half hour so it was in our best interest to wait. You know- it was crazy and in the moment, I was a bit crazed. But it makes a funny story now. You should have seen the looks on Jill and my faces! Classic!
On one of our last days, we went over to my Aunt Monica's house which is situated right on Lake Washington. It was a gorgeous day and the kids couldn't help but want to go out on the dock. So cautiously, we explored the dock, the water, and just enjoyed the view. Claire was just happy to be sitting out there relaxing. Matthew was going crazy over the boats and the birds. It was so fun to see him so excited, but also difficult because he wanted to jump right in the lake! Michael's attention to the water was short lived because he wanted to go inside and play Guitar Hero 3 with my cousin, Courtland. Monica's house is gorgeous and it was really nice to be invited over to hang out and enjoy family but also take in the lake front view!
Sadly, our week long trip came to an end. I must say, though- this was one of the very best visits we have had. My Dad, Mom, and sisters said the same thing. Nothing of real significance took place, but instead- there were a lot of family gatherings and just good quality time spent talking and enjoying each other. Can't wait to go back again!
For years, my parents have had a very limited view of Lake Washington. It was such a shame because you knew that just behind the 5 or so trees blocking my parent's view was a masterpiece even an artist would have a hard time capturing. This beauty was hiding until this past Winter when a number of wind/rain/snow storms ripped through the Pacific Northwest and just happened to knock down all but one of the 'view preventing' trees. Now look at the view my parents have from their deck! It is breathtaking and I love it! My parents have this view from their deck and from the kitchen window and side deck, you can see the Seattle skyline and the Space Needle. Who knew that with a new house they would get a new view? It is pretty amazing.
A lot of our trip was spent just hanging out with the family. We had a number of different events (my dad's bday, my uncle bob being in town) so we were never bored. The weather just happened to be absolutely beautiful. Generally, it would be overcast until about 1 or 1:30 p.m. and then the white overcast sky would disappear and show it's true blue. Of course this led to many nights on the deck admiring the skyline!
Last time we were in Washington, Matthew had just learned to walk and really wasn't that stable. But his time, he was on a roll! He and his cousin, Kyle, had a lot of fun exploring Nonna's house and getting into trouble! They did a lot of fun things together and got to know each other better. It was cute because Kyle, who in the past has been rougher and tougher than Matthew, really wanted to show Matthew some love. Matthew, being somewhat smart to his ways didn't really want to give him the time of day in the beginning. But as Kyle showed Matthew he was very loving and tried to include Matthew and share things with him- Matthew did soften a bit. It was really cute. Neither of these guys have a lot of language so it was funny to watch them mumble back and forth without making a great deal of sense!
Through our many many activities, the kids were pretty good sports. The only day that pressed our patience was the day my Mom wanted to take a very long walk from her house down to the water. We took the kids to lunch, went and played on this great big play structure, went to an outdoor market where we met up with my Uncle Bob and sampled some local delicacies, and finally ended up at his coffee house called Cafe Ladro where I had the BEST latte I have ever had in my life. My mom said I would love it and she was right! The day was great. We were headed toward home, or rather the bus station, as my Mom wanted the kids to have the whole 'ride the bus experience' when I realized we had forgotten a stroller at the coffee shop. Ahhhh! 'No problem' I thought. I called them and they were going to hold it for me. So then, still fulfilling my Mom's bus riding dream- we checked the schedule and wouldn't you know? We had just missed the bleepin' bus! We had to wait 25 minutes for the next one. The kids were starting to come unglued. We could have walked home, but it would have taken us more than a half hour so it was in our best interest to wait. You know- it was crazy and in the moment, I was a bit crazed. But it makes a funny story now. You should have seen the looks on Jill and my faces! Classic!
On one of our last days, we went over to my Aunt Monica's house which is situated right on Lake Washington. It was a gorgeous day and the kids couldn't help but want to go out on the dock. So cautiously, we explored the dock, the water, and just enjoyed the view. Claire was just happy to be sitting out there relaxing. Matthew was going crazy over the boats and the birds. It was so fun to see him so excited, but also difficult because he wanted to jump right in the lake! Michael's attention to the water was short lived because he wanted to go inside and play Guitar Hero 3 with my cousin, Courtland. Monica's house is gorgeous and it was really nice to be invited over to hang out and enjoy family but also take in the lake front view!
Sadly, our week long trip came to an end. I must say, though- this was one of the very best visits we have had. My Dad, Mom, and sisters said the same thing. Nothing of real significance took place, but instead- there were a lot of family gatherings and just good quality time spent talking and enjoying each other. Can't wait to go back again!
2 comments:
It was such a great visit! I cherish Clairey's daily calls to me telling me popsicle jokes. I'm also very happy that I was able to give them the unfortgettable experience of watching edward scissorhands. It will forever haunt them. love hot dog
Loved spending time with each and everyone of you! As far as the bus incident .... build a bridge........and get over it :>)
Couldn't love you more,
Mom
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