We're Back!

This trip to Portland and Washington was so much fun! We did several things we haven't done before, fun things that we have, and we got to play with baby!
The road trip out was easy, unadventurous, and a nice way to start the trip off. When we got to Tolman and Audreys, Chris and Eve came over with Severin, and we tried on the hat I bought him. I don't think he liked it too much.

So kissable!

Sunday after church, we all headed out to the coast. It was too cold to get very wet, but the kids still had lots of fun running around, collecting shells, and playing in the water, while the grown-ups mostly sat and talked.

When we went to breakfast Monday morning at a place called Fat Alberts, this sign was out front; the theme for our trip!

Monday we headed up to Poulsbo, WA, to visit cousins! We had a bbq on the beach and watched the sun go down, while the kids just ran and ran, played on the swings, collected more shells, and ate lots of smores.

Tuesday morning we took the ferry into Seattle. The kids were so excited to ride the boat, and thoroughly enjoyed their public transportation experience!

They've never even been on a bus, other than for school, and they rode the ferry, the monorail, a taxi, a bus and a train.

I ate my very first clam chowder! Kimmie was quite disgusted with me.

We walked up to Pike's Place for the market, tried lots of different treats and watched the fish guys throw some fish around.


Then we walked to the mall to catch the monorail to the Space Needle, where the kids played at the children's museum, rode the ferris wheel with Grandma, and then we all squeezed into a taxi to go to dinner.

After yummy spaghetti, we took a bus back to the ferry, went back across, left the kids with Blake, and Melisa, Mom and I went to see Mamma Mia! It was a late night, but much better than going back to the house and putting the kids to bed! Thanks Blake!!!

Saturday, Mom and the kids, Audrey, and I drove up to Tacoma to see a dance festival that Melisa helped organize and run. It involved 2300 kids and 11 stakes, and it was amazing! She was so stressed about this, and after seeing what she was going through trying to make sure she had all the paperwork, I will never again be neglectful or late in turning in permission slips for things! It was a learning experience for me.

Sunday we went to Severin's blessing, which was great, and had a party afterwards. It was a long week, and so nice to be able to just relax for a while and eat lots of yummy food. It was such a fun trip, and it was so great to be able to go with Mom. She was hilarious, and so much fun.