Besides the busyness from work, my sister and her family have been visiting the Northwest for the last month and we spent 4th of July weekend visiting with them (and my parents) in Seattle and had them staying with us here in Corvallis last weekend. It has been really good to catch up with all of them as I hadn't seen them since last summer and Mike had never met my niece, who was born last summer.
On the 4th of July we all went to my cousin's place on Birch Bay in northwest Washington for a picnic with my mom's family. All of my cousins on that side of the family except one were there (together with about 13 kids from the next generation), including cousins from Illinois and Idaho and of course my sister's family from Scotland and us from Oregon. It was amazing that so many of us were in one place as it wasn't particularly planned out, aside from the fact that as many of us as are around usually get together for a picnic on the 4th of July.
We all had a great time except poor Koda, who was petrified by fireworks going off nearby and spent most of the day hiding in a back bedroom (even though he wasn't really supposed to be in the house) or in the car.
The rest of our time in Seattle included having a family portrait taken (always an interesting experience when it involves both kids and a dog) and having brunch at Ivar's Salmon House, one of my favorite restaurants in Seattle, despite the fact that I'm not such a big fan of salmon.
Last weekend we wracked our brains for the best kids destinations to visit in and near Corvallis, and I think we didn't a fairly decent job. On Friday we went to Newport (on the coast) and then to our local neighborhood park.
The bulk of Saturday was spent downtown. At the Farmer's Market, John was in heaven choosing produce and wine for the evening's dinner (thank you John!).
Thomas, in the mean time, was enchanted by running through the fountain.
Beth was eager to join him, but none of the adults wanted to escort her.
We had lunch at my current favorite restaurant, Zia (New Mexican), and then we did a bit of shopping, including at our wonderful toy store, The Toy Factory, which Thomas was torn away from with tears in his eyes.
On Sunday we visited Otter Beach, the outdoor pool/water park at our local aquatic center. Mike and I had only been once before, for the "dog day" they have the last day of the season, and had a hunch it would as good for kids as it was for dogs. The kids seemed to really like it, though the adults were absolutely exhausted and several of us needed naps before going to church Sunday evening (and we were only at the pool a little over an hour).
Exhausted--amazingly, 100%, and completely--would be the word to describe the way Mike and I felt by the time Kristi and John and family left for Seattle on Monday morning. Hats off to you, Kristi and John, and to all you other parents of young children out there--we can't imagine how you do it. In spite of our exhaustion, though, we had a wonderful visit and can't wait for them to come visit again (we're sad it likely won't be for another year). On second thought, though, we probably need about a year to recover.
Here's a parting shot of Mike teaching Thomas how to meditate--Uncle Mike felt Thomas needed a little more quietness and serenity in his life. We hope that Thomas remembers Uncle Mike's instructions on the plane ride back home!
2 comments:
I think that's why babies start out small and immobile, so you can grow into the craziness.
It looks like you're having fun, and I can't wait to see you guys. Hopefully camping with just one kid will seem easier after having to entertain two.
It was great to visit with y'all, and rest assured we'll try to wear you out just as much next year.
I should have remembered to get a copy of your photos before we left :)
We seem to be working towards getting over jet lag.
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