Deception Pass

 

Ferry Ride Home

We had beer and popcorn on the top deck while it was sunny, then went up front to watch us inch through dense fog. The ferry had one scare: a sailboat that didn't heed the foghorn, causing the ferry to put on its reverse engines suddenly. It was sunny back in Anacortes, where we had lunch and searched for the outdoor steam train painting. 

Obstruction Pass State Park

 

Orcas: Day 1 (part 2)

 

Orcas Island: Day 1

Seattle Children's Museum

On Tuesday the day after Labor Day, we drove to the Seattle Center to visit the Children's Museum. We're starting to know these type of places pretty well, there were places to play in the water, make musical sounds, fun toy stations, etc. Nate and Julie seemed to like the artist studio and painted, made bound journals, and paper lanterns. Nate found an animated "Green Eggs and Ham" station, and I took him to the radio station to play DJ. An over-stimulated and somewhat underfed twosome eventually made it back to the car, passing out for the way home.

Evergreen State Fair

Yeehaw! After the grandparents left we did a quick visit to Monroe to see cows, prized chickens, ducks, goats, rides galore, endless Tums-inducing food, and all around fun for kids. Nate was so excited, he kissed me all over my arms and face while waiting in line. Our big hits? Chocolate shakes, petting the soft rabbits, riding the mini-tractors, and popcorn while listening to a 16 yr old play piano. It was fun, really. 

Snohomish

At the parents! We're having slight camera issues but managed to get a couple of snapshots of our visit with Grandpa and Grandma. The kids couldn't have been happier...lots of attention, room to run around, amazing food, and sunshine every day. We were sad to watch them drive off for their own adventure, but happy to have the time together. Thank you!

Boeing

You always know when you're in Renton, WA when a jet engine passes you by...in the slow lane.

Pearl District

Our last full day in Portland (*sniff*) and we did one last stop at the cherished Pearl District Bakery to eat chocolate baked goods and play in the park around the corner.

Bike Parade

One last visit and Dave & Chris' house, and we had a bike parade as promised. The neighborhood dog came over for some pats and treats, and we polished off some good food and a bottle of really cheap champagne we brought over. It was sad to go -- Nate and Julie simply cannot get enough of Katherine who has been super sweet and loving to both of them.

Playing Outside

 

Lawn Tractor Rides!

 

Portland's Saturday Market

We drove to the Portland Airport and rode the MAX red line train into Portland to visit the Saturday Market. We ate from a bunch of international food stands: here's Nate eating his first pork bun roll, and Julie reaching across her pad thai for more goldfish. 

Astoria Column

After Cannon Beach, we drove home via Astoria and did the 164 steps in the spiral staircase to the top of the Astoria Column. *whew*, what a work-out, especially holding two growing tykes. Great views out to the Columbia River and to the Astoria-Megler Bridge.

Self-portrait

 

Cannon Beach: Tidepools

At the tidepools, low tide.