Our summer

It occured to me that I since I was very neglectful this summer in keeping up with our blog that maybe I ought to share what Addie and I were up to all summer long... We had a very busy and fun-filled summer up here in Washington and I have a few hundred (literally) pictures that go along with our summer. But quite frankly it is going to take me a long time to get them organized and sent out. One day soon, that will be the project that I take on!

My parents purchased a home over at Lake Chelan, WA - which is in central Washington! It is gorgeous lake, the water is so clear you it seems like you can see the bottom. It is in wine country so is surrounded by vineyards, which used to be apple orchards. There is a cute little town there too. We made three trips over there this summer. The first one was a work trip. I jokingly called it "Stewart Work Camp" because we worked our tails off around that house. The next time we went we took three of my mom's neices and nephews. That was a fun trip because I don't get to spend much time with those kids. They had a blast playing in the lake, going to the waterslides, riding bikes around town, playing put-put golf, and playing with Addison. The last trip we made was a short one. Over on Friday back on Sunday, but it was probably the most fun of all the trips. My dad's family had the annual family reunion over there! And all I can say is that bunch is a crazy, wild, fun crowd!

Prior to the third trip to Chelan we took a little road trip. We drove up part of the Olympic Peninsula to Paulsbo - a very cute little town that is styled after a Eurpoean village! So many cute little shops and restaraunts! We didn't spend much time there, just enough to walk around and see it. Just enough to know that I would love to go back and spend more time there! From there, we hopped back in the car and drove further up the Peninsula to Port Townsend. Again, we walked around the town - again, very cute and I would love to spend more time there. (Let's be honest, we didn't see as much as the Peninsula as I would have liked, so we will be going back at some point. It is so beautitul!) From Port Townsend, we took the ferry across the Puget Sound to Whidby Island - again, awesome - and a Navy town! We crossed Deception Pass - which might be one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen and I stood above it! I can't imagine what it looks like from water level!

The next day we drove across the North Cascades Highway! And if I had a dollar for everytime I said it was spectacular, I would be a millionaire! Words cannot express how truly amazing the scenery is, and looking at my pictures, they don't do it the justice it deserves either! One thing I can say is if you have never been to the state of Washington - you are missing out! If you are planning a trip out here, the North Cascades Highway is a MUST on your itininary!

My best friend and her husband were also here for two weeks. They had been traveling and camping across the country from Virginia and I am pretty sure that by the time they got to Washington they were pretty tired of the whole process! Barb has been here several times before, but Chris had never been to the West Coast - and I am pretty sure like most, he would gladly become a convert! Barb and I took him to Cannon Beach, OR one day and to Portland another. I think they both fell in love with Portland and I can safely say that I can invision them living there one day. I always thought Barb would be a good fit there anyway!

In early August we took Addie to the Cowlitz County Fair to see all the animals! She loved the horses and learned how to "cock-a-doodle-do!" She got to hold rabbits - thanks, Barb Rider - and "moo" at the cows. And of course, even though we tried to keep her from seeing the rides, she did! Sadly though, she was too little for any of them. This of course did NOT go over well and we had to leave the fair.

This little break down of hers lead to our next little outing. The following week we took her down to Seaside, OR to ride the caraosoul. We made an unexpected stop in Astoria, OR to see the sealions - which she LOVED. But while watching the sealions, the little trolley that goes along the water front went by. And of course, we HAD to ride the "coco." I think she really liked it from the temper tantrum she threw when it was time to get off. If she had her way, we would still be riding it! We than drove over to Seaside and rode the caraosoul. The plan was to also go to the kite store to get her a kite to fly, but she was too tired for that. So she settled for some candy and the candy store and a nap.

She has loved being outside in the backyard at Mimi and Papa's. Mom gathered up some little riding toys for her which she loves to have Papa push her around the yard in. They put up a swing for her and again, she loves that! She wasn't too interested in the pool. But really, I have just loved that she has been able to spend so much time outside - even though the weather hasn't been too terribly great!

Now, after reading this blog, I hope you will forgive me for being so neglectful. We have had a great summer and I am so thankful we were given this opportunity to do so many fun things with Addison!