Memorial Day Weekend

We had unexpected four day weekend in our house.  Todd had a fishing trip planned with the guys in the family, but because the fish count was so low, it was canceled.  We made the most of it and enjoyed the lack of schedules.   

On Friday we woke up earlier and headed over the mountains.  We went hiking just outside of Leavonworth on a flat 4 mile loop.  Little miss M did GREAT!  At first she wanted in the pack, but we bribed her that happy hikers get to have ice cream as a treat.

Happy Hikers

 We stopped at a few times to enjoy snacks and the views. We had warmth, blue skies and sunshine!

Orange Flowers

 We headed into town for lunch and ice cream!  Everyone enjoyed watching M wander the sidewalk with her vanilla ice cream cone.

Saturday morning reading with Maddie bear.

 The weather was so GORGEOUS all weekend - sunshine and EIGHTIES!!!  I can't remember the last time Memorial weekend was so nice.

Sand castles at the lake

 Enjoying having friends over for a backyard BBQ.

 On Monday we decided to head to the zoo.  The crowds were minimal, and we enjoyed a picnic lunch on the lawn.  M was so sad to go home, and wanted to see more animals.  We took in the new raptor exhibit show, the komodo dragon and the carousel.

Komodo Dragon

 The weekend ended with a visit by the ice cream truck!  Summer is officially here!!!

April Showers & May Flowers

You know the saying: April Showers...

Puddle jumper

We had a pouring down rainstorm - in the matter of minutes the gutters were over flowing and the backyard was filled with puddles.  Mikaela was eager to get out and jump in the puddles.  With her rain coat and rubber boats - out she went.  (Although protected from the rain, she was soaked underneath from the puddles). 

Tulips

My tulips came up this year - a bit later then fields - and I have so enjoyed them.  I only wish I had kept the names of varieties that I have.  Purple, orange-red and a pink too.  When we went to the tulip fields, Todd and I both agreed I needed more.  =)   And we bought some more.  My little garden is going to be bursting like the fields next season.

We took a trip to see the tulip gardens and the fields.  We had so much fun, and avoided the crowds by going on a not so wonderful weather day.  We made it in between the rain drizzles.

Annual windmill photo

Daddy and M

Pink Tulip

Tip toe through the fields

M and Momma

 When Grandpa and Grandma came we also enjoyed a trip to see the tulips (the season ran late enough!  Yay!!) .  It was a gorgeous day - with sunshine and warmth.  We enjoyed walking around the tulips and the town of La Conner.

Grandma and M

Froggy!

Chelan - Summatime

Back to my favorite place for a bit of good ole wholesome family fun; as well as rest and relaxation.  This trip was a bit different for me - being pregnant limited my abilities to be on the boat, running, etc.   I did get a bike ride in with Dad through the hills of Manson, read a few good books, played games.  Here is a photo capture of our week.

Floating on the lake - 32 weeks

The Boys made a pre-ssert cookie pie

Todd, Me, and Baby at the Lake

Celebrating a 7th Birthday!!  Lucky to have a birthday in Chelan

Mr Fisherman - still waiting to catch a fish in WA.  He came pretty close, but didn't have a net.

Camper of the Day Award - Passing of the trophy from Todd to Jack

Fiesta Night - complete with piñata 

Family Photo

Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls

This past weekend, we took advantage of a dry Saturday morning, and took off for a hike in the Central Cascades.  We had originally planned on doing a different hike, which one source stated as 5 miles and another as 6.5 miles.  We were more interested in a shorter hike, as we had plans for the afternoon.  We quickly settled on Bridal Veil Falls, which is 4 miles round trip, and the book said it would take roughly 2 hours (and it was right!). 

We got off to a 'rocky' start, when once we arrived at the trail head we realized we left our discovery pass at home!  (Don't worry it has now been placed in my car!).  We headed back into town, and bought a day pass.  The first 1.5 miles up was on a nice terrian (with a few streams to cross), and not too steep of an incline.  I should have paid closer attention to the description of 'rocky terrain is at the top'.  There were quite a few streams to cross, with poor footing.  With my somewhat fear of heights and falling this was not helpful.  But the view from the top was worth the last 1/2 mile.  I had read that it was 'kid friendly', and mentioned holding your child's hand at the top, so as not to fall into the waterfall.  I'm not sure what the definition of 'kid' is - but I wouldn't recommend taking under 10 along for the hike, due to the last stretch of the trail. 

At the start

Tulip Fields

I really enjoy spring time around the pacific northwest!  And with these beautiful colors who wouldn't?   I enjoyed the tulip fields with the cousins who were on Spring Break.

Sugar Loaf Trail

We took advantage of the beautiful sunshine this weekend and hiked Sugar Loaf Trail in Anacortes.  It was an easy find with the directions we had.  The only strange part of the hike, was that we started at the top, hiked down, and then had to walk back up.

We somehow misunderstood the directions and instead of parking in the lot (where you can take multiple leads and trails), we took a turn and followed the road to the 'main entrance'.  The positive is that we got to see the view TWICE!! Which was BEAUTIFUL.  I highly recommend this hike, and was the perfect length for us (2.5 miles round trip).

Trailhead

Panoramic View from the top

View Again

At the TOP from the Beginning