Summer Summary

It's a little tough to think about summer wrapping up with the fall equinox still a few weeks away and this week's forecast including sunshine and 80 degrees; however, Labor Day is the unofficial end to summer, so it's time to share some highlights from the season. 

What a summer it was! We kicked it off with an Oregon roadtrip, had our house painted, celebrated Madeleine's first birthday (day of and with friends), hosted two grandmas and a great aunt, adjusted to the mother of the house going back to work, visited friends and family in Ohio (and dogs), enjoyed the best summer weather most Seattleites can remember, and wrapped it up with an exceptional weekend on the Olympic peninsula. 

Here's a look at some of the simple moments from the summer that haven't otherwise made it onto the blog: 

Madeleine loved the grass this summer.

There was a lot of "helping" happening at our house.

Look who caught a glimpse of his admirer!

Banana cake with lemon frosting, just like
Daddy's Nana used to make for him. 

A moment of glee - captured!

We enjoyed a bit of Mt. Rainier with our visitors.

Madeleine loved her friend's playhouse.

Madeleine did a lot of eating out and left quite a
few messes...and large tips to compensate.

Madeleine and Mum took many walks.
Brown Bear came along for some of them.

Master of the sippy cup!

We took our first family hike.

Madeleine had her first bouncy house experience.
She loved it!

We all survived a few fits. 

The water table was a big hit. 

Madeleine already likes sun bathing. Ugh. 

We all survived a few sick days. 

Madeleine shared her slide with friends.

Mum's shoes don't quite fit...yet.

Madeleine started and ended most days by reading.

She continued to be our quality control expert.

Madeleine met as many dogs as possible, including sweet Sadie.

We said goodbye to Madeleine's first babysitter, who just
moved to Pittsburgh. We'll all miss CJ! 

Madeleine was happy to inherit her Mum's earbuds.

Look who learned to walk! 

Look who's working on using silverware!

We are so blessed. What a summer! What were the special everyday moments of your summer?

Labor Day at Lake Crescent

We spent the long holiday weekend on the Olympic Peninsula with friends. We spent most of the time at Lake Crescent Lodge with a little exploration of Hurricane Ridge. The weekend included Madeleine's first ferry ride, some light hiking, picnics and romps in the lawn, swimming in the clear and cool lake (including jumping off the dock for three of the adults), Madeleine's first kayak adventure, adult time hanging out after the kids went to bed, and lots of great memory-making.

Here are some photo highlights:

How was your Labor Day weekend?

Babymoon: Part 1

After consider several alternatives, George and I decided that we'd spend our last vacation as a childless couple exploring the Pacific Northwest. So, I devised a plan that would allow us to explore the coasts of Oregon and Washington in the week that we'd set aside for the vacation.

The babymoon started on a Thursday afternoon. We left Kirkland and missioned down I-5, only really hitting traffic south of Portland. We eventually cut west, driving through the beautiful, mossy, remote Siuslaw National Forest. Our destination was a little, comfortable retreat called Ocean Haven, located on the coast in Yachats, Oregon. It would be our headquarters for two nights. We arrived at Ocean Haven just in time to see the last light of day fade over the Pacific.

On Friday, we woke to the ocean at our doorstep and set out for Newport, Oregon to check out the Oregon Coast Aquarium. I'll be honest: I was a little disappointed in the aquarium after having heard that it was nearly as good as Monterey Bay. However, there was still plenty of cuteness to go around and enough underwater goodness to make me really miss diving.

Puffin

Shark

Otter

Otters

While we were driving to and from Newport, we stopped at several coastal viewpoints to get a better look at the rugged Oregon coast.

We explored the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area and did a bit of light hiking (read: as long and challenging of walks as my bladder and my clumsy feet would allow) to check out Devil's Churn and the Giant Spruce.

Entering Devil's Churn (at low tide)

Devil's Churn (at low tide)

Giant (500 year old) Sitka Spruce

The spruce started out on a nurse log, so you can now see through from one side to the other. 

Before rounding out our day with truly remarkable, incredibly fresh seafood at Luna Sea Fish House, we drove up to the Cape Perpetua lookout to catch the view from Oregon's highest coastal lookout. Remarkable, indeed...and these photos don't even begin to do it justice.

From Cape Perpetua, looking south

From Cape Perpetua, looking south

From Cape Perpetua, looking south (Devil's Churn in the bottom right corner)

No crazy hair here. Cape Perpetua, looking north

Proof that we were there...

On Saturday morning, we left Ocean Haven and headed for a detour: Eyrie Vineyards in McMinnville. We can't step foot in Oregon without visiting our favorite winery and chatting with Jacques. Even if I can only have a swallow or two, I loved every morsel of the 2001 Pinot Noir and 1989 Pinot Gris he was pouring.

Stay tuned for the rest of the babymoon recap, including our return to the Oregon coast and adventures on the Olympic Peninsula...

Part 2
Part 3