Backyard Birthday Party

 

 

 

 

Last Friday we held a little birthday dinner in our backyard for Nate. The day turned out to be the hottest of the year so far -- 98 degrees -- so we had many bright pink cheeks and needed to cut the birthday ice cream cake before it turned to soup.

Snohomish

 

 

After a little budging by Gina, I finally flew up to Seatac for a quick Mom & Dad visit. I love traveling with the kids, but this was a rare treat to escape unencumbered. We had a great flight around Mt. Rainier and St. Helens, and three days went by in a blink of an eye.

Father's Day Hike

 

 

 

 

We took our annual Father's Day hike again, this time at Wunderlich Park, the former "recreation residence" of the Folgers (coffee) family during the turn of the century. We took an ambitious 3 mile hike up the steep terrain, and quickly found ourselves with two pooped toddlers. One potty accident and lots of running games later, we found ourselves back at the car ready for a wonderful lunch packed by Gina. A perfect day!

Beach fun

 

After berry picking.

Strawberry picking

 

This time at Swanton Farms on the water just north of Santa Cruz. We passed Bonny Doone road and the numerous fire trucks speeding toward the large fire that was apparently down wind.

North Beach Festival

 

This is the US's oldest street fair, and one of the best neighborhoods in the City. We managed to find parking before grabbing free food samples and finally eating pizza (what else?) in this Italian neighborhood.

Julie's Snail

 

Inspired by our early morning snail roundups in the garden. She's just now starting to draw more things than just people.

Great picture

 

Definition of humiliation: your 10 year old neighbor takes a better picture of your daughter -- with her phone nonetheless -- than you do, and emails it to you.

Happy Hollow Park and Zoo

 

 

 

 

Rain Forest Cafe & Muni Ride

 

 

 

Tourists in our own city.

Joey's Sleepover

 

 

 

 

Cousin Joey was the kid's first sleepover guest. We started the day by walking to the farmer's market downtown and stumbled on the annual Pet Parade complete with dressed up dogs, a couple of cats, and one python (Nate's favorite).