Seattle

The "gum wall." Don't worry, we didn't touch it.

Pike's Market.

Lia, Laura and their new friend.
Josh and Austin gathering wood for the fire pit.


Our good friends Vince and Susan were in Washington a few weeks ago visiting family and asked us if we wanted to meet them in Seattle for the day. Nate had never been to Seattle, it had been years since I was there and we are always up for seeing friends, so we went. It was a little bit of a drive, but well worth the trip. We had fish and chips, went to Pike's Market, saw the locks and had a barbecue at Vince's brother's house. We all had a great time, especially Josh. He was so excited to see his friend Austin. They are so cute together. Lia and Laura were excited to have a friend too when we went back to the house, Vince has a niece a little younger than Lia. Their house was beautiful and they were so nice to have us. Thanks Vince and Susan!

Crabbing

A few Saturdays ago we drove to the coast, rented a boat and some crab pots and went crabbing. We actually caught quite a few crabs, but unfortunately they were all too small or females, so we had to throw them back. We still had a lot of fun though! Lia and Laura were great helpers pulling the pots in and throwing them back out again. They were more brave than I was... the huge dead fish head in the bottom of the pot that was used as bait grossed me out just a little. So I didn't do a lot of throwing or bringing back in. I had to keep my arms wrapped pretty tightly around Josh and Megan anyway--they were a little nervous about the boat. If we ever go again, I'll get a better picture of the crabs themselves.... sorry Nate.

Ramona Quimby and Rock Climbing

We are big Ramona Quimby fans at our house, so when we found Klickitat Street and statues of Ramona Quimby and Henry Huggins we had to take pictures!








The parks in Portland have amazing summer programs, all for free. The kids have painted, done crafts and had a few free lunches, all provided by their parks and recreation. Last week they had a rock wall. We picked a good day and time, only a few other people were there so the kids got to climb over and over again. They loved it!

Portland Zoo... again

This time when we went to the zoo we had some company. As much fun as I am, the kids have a lot more fun with other kids. We went with some friends from the ward. The kids were all so cute and had a great time! Nate met us there after work and the kids showed him everything he'd missed. It was a great day!

Berry Picking

There are several "you pick" farms around here and we got invited to go with a family in our ward. The girls were so excited the night before, you would have thought we were going to Disneyland or something. It was a beautiful day and we got plenty of Marionberries. Plenty were eaten along the way too!


















The kids voted to make a pie with the berries and we froze the rest. If I had a good way to get them home we'd go again and bring some back with us.