Tuesday August 12th

We all took off (minus Loren) for downtown Seattle. We took the Monorail from the Seattle Center down to Westlake Center We didn't do the Space Needle. Twenty smackaroo for a ride to the top, a little viewing and back down. For the eight of us that would be $200.00. That's four pair of shoes for me.



We then walked to Pike's Place Market. Lacy is behind Carsten and Robert is behind the camera.



The market was rather unbelievable for this North Dakota girl. A few years back I was at a workshop and we had a motivational segment on the Flying Fish. "If you love what you do, the rest falls into place - even selling fish." It has become semifamous over the years, the Flying Fish concept. Check out the flip video.



There were stands with bouquets for 5 and 7 bucks, vegetables and of course, fish.






I have decided to post this unfinished (the day) as I am struggling to get back to the computer. Garden stuff to be taken care of, work, and the everyday nightmares. Stay tuned.

Taking Care of the Mess

My handy dandy little Flip video was well used on the trip. Here is a little clip of Lainey eating. She is very tidy and prefers her tongue to a sleeve. I love the kisses I got during her supper.

Seattle Nights

Each night we'd arrived back at Nic and Robert's for good food, good drink and good talk. Loren and Deanna came over to join in the merriment. It was our first time meeting Loren. He and Deanna live in Everett.



Of course there were silly antics by all. Lacy had fun with Lainey's toy box supply



Crab for Supper







Carsten putting a necklace on Lainey, the Queen of the beads.



Grandpa feeding Lainey.




I'm sure you want to see the facial work up close.



Deanna is really ittsy, it is only an illusion that I look as big as a '56 Buick.

Monday August 11th

This was the day we headed for Deception Pass. Only after we had stopped at the Outlet Mall in, I think, Everett.

Deception Pass is a strait that flows between Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Island. It was as beautiful day to kick off the site seeing. After tromping around on the bridge we went down to the beach, looked for sea glass, stood in the icy water and commented on the beauty.





I am trying hard to put a link in for Deception Pass but I can't quite pull it off.
I have resurrected the Blogging for Dummies book. Still no luck.



This will have to be the explanation of Deception Pass, no Wikipedia just yet. Double click on the photo to read.





Time for a group shot.



Searching the shores for Sea Glass. I found one little bitty one. Nic found blue glass.





Cold Water!!







A little girl with a big life yet to live. Quiet moment in time.



Grandma and Grandpa.



Time to head back to the car and think about supper. Stay tuned for the evening of the 11th. I have to go to bed, work tomorrow.




P.S. Nic and her co-pilot (the one with the sippy cup) were great tour guides.

Vacation Time

Just when I thought we already have had enough adventure in our lives along comes the Seattle excursion. On Saturday, August 9th at 9:45 a.m. we left the peaceful Mouse River valley of unassuming North Dakota for a bucket of west coast family fun.

It took two days to go 1395 miles, with an overnight in Missoula, Montana. It almost didn't happen in Missoula, as there didn't seem to be any rooms at the inn. Finally, about 11:00 pm we scored at the Marriott. It was way too lovely for the likes of us.

After a good breakfast at Cracker Barrel we were on the road again. Coeur d'alene. Spokane, the Columbia River all with my camera clicking away.

We rolled into Lynnwood about 4:45 Pacific time, only after Ron and I had a ferocious screaming match to get to Nic and Robert's House. Their address is on a winding, curving road that even mapquest almost said, "tough shit you're on your own." When we hit their driveway the air was blue, the kids were speechless and I was right - I got us there!!

Lainey was sleeping so we had to wait for the hands on moment. It was worth it. She didn't think too much of us at first, but after awhile she must have thought we were keepers. Shrek head gear will do it every time.










Ron and his girls.



If I break this into bite size pieces, you just may get the trip relived before the year is out. Stay tuned...

Get With It!!

If I tell myself to "get with it" maybe things will get done with a little more expediance. I have to get the home movie/slide show version of the Seattle trip on the blog, the kids return to school today and now it's garden time. Too much to do and too little time. Bear with me and stay tuned.