Parental Get-A-Way: The Activities

Some people go on vacation to do nothing.  As it turns out, I married a woman who, when we get back from vacation, we need a vacation to rest from all the cool stuff we just did.  This most recent escape was more of the same.  One day we visited 4 wine cellars, another was dedicated to hiking the pacific coast, all of which was all bookended by farmers markets and a trip into the Olympic mountains.  We don't do stuff half way.  Above, the obligatory couples self portrite during a Cape Flattery sunset: slightly more difficult when you forget your tripod. 

Shi Shi Beach and Point of Arches

I won't bore you with details, but Shi Shi Beach and Point of Arches has been described by one of the guide books we researches as, "the most diverse and beautiful hikes on the west coast of the United States."  Need I say more?  

Cape Flattery

Since we were a mere 5 miles away, we had to conclude the day with a hike out to the most northwest point on the continental US for an immaculate sunset.   

Hurricane Ridge

I've been up to Hurricane Ridge before, but only when the clouds let me see as far as my arm could reach.  This weekend would be different - 360 degree views!!!

Parental Get-A-Way: Luxury Accommodations

Sometimes you just have to get away... from your kids.  When Sarah's parents said they would be visiting for 2 weeks we jumped at the opportunity of free 24 hour babysitting.  As it turns out, it was more like 24 x 4.  

We chose a B&B on the Straight of Juan de Fuca between Port Angeles and Sequim.   As you can see from the photos, the grounds were immaculate, also, the three course breakfasts were delicious, the rooms cozy (read just large enough) and relaxing, the 5 o'clock local wine & cheese plates elegant, all topped off with an evening night caps also from local producers.  It was just what we needed.  

Whenever Sarah and I are looking for places of adventure, we often invoke the "Cialis Tub Rule."  I realize this might require a bit of explaining since we aren't exactly the target market for their flagship product.  If you have ever seen a Cialis commercial, they always end with a couple sitting in two claw foot bathtubs overlooking a picturesque beach, or mountain meadow, etc. (google image search if you don't trust me)  Thus, the "rule" simply infers locations/activites which afford us spectacular views that make you want to hold hands and just enjoy your presence in a beautiful location.  The B&B's adirondack chair lookout easily fit the bill for the "Rule."

The local grocery store had an outdoor bulletin board.  Free goat anyone?

Hate - Love Relationship

One minute they are putting each other in headlocks, the next Grace is reading Samuel a book before bedtime.  It's started already, the sibling hate-love relationship.

Backyard Remodel: Earth Movement

It seems like every time Sarah and I start a large project on the house, we are racing the clock to finish before another one of our children is born.  Not so this year, we are only racing the weather.  Grace and Sam have been mesmerized at the large machinery that's been earth moving in our back yard for the past week.  I have to admit, I'm impressed with the progress.  

The "Before" shots.  

In progress:

Now for some rock walls...

We All S---- for Ice Cream

sign, not scream.

Grandparents Hesseltine took the kids and I out to dinner at the RAM when Sarah was working the other evening.  The kid meals came with a scoop of ice cream.  Sam loved the vanilla and can clearly be seen signing "more" as I serve him spoon after spoon after...

Violet is Turning Violet!

When a record-breaking gum chewer named Violet Beauregard disregarded the advise of Mr Wonka, she ended up turning into a giant blueberry.  Grace loves strawberries so much, and she eats so many, I often hear Sarah say Grace will turn into one.  Last night I made Grace finish her one slice of pizza before she could have any strawberries.  She deferred the berried until just before bedtime routine.  The conversation then went something like this:

Grace: Daddy, I want my strawberries now.  (long pause) Please.

Me: Ok.  I got a buch of them at the store today.  You can have as many as you want.  Unlimited strawberries.

Grace:  Daddy, I'm going to eat all of that box, and then all of that box, and then you will have to go to the store and get more.  

Me: Sure thing Grace.  Sure thing.

It Takes a Playa'

I took Sam to the Children's Museum this morning and...

Sam: Hey there.  My name is Sam.  Oh, you like talking on the phone?  

Me too.  Can I get your digits?

Unsuspecting Dame: You're funny, and cute.  Don't hurt my heart.

Sam: Let's make out.

Unsuspecting Dame: Yes, lets. 

Sam: Hey, look at these shiny round things with light coming through!

Unsuspecting Dame: Oh, my heart.

Sam: Hay Dad, that phone thing really worked.

Any babes checking me out?

Sam takes the Spoon

Since nobody uses baby books anymore, this blog fulfills that function.  If you ask me when Grace started using utensils I would reply simply, "I don't know.  Let me check the blog."  It is with that in mind that the other morning I photoed sammy eating yogurt with a spoon.  Apparently Sarah saw him eating with a utensil about a week ago at daycare.  Amazing what you miss when you pay someone else to raise your children.  Enjoy.

Daddies Do It Different

Every couple of weeks or so, Sarah or I (usually Sarah) get about 20 new books from the library.  This week she brought home one that has made both of us laugh, Daddies do it Different, by Alan Sitomer.  I think the author has been peeping in our windows the past few months.  I won't spoil the end for you, but I will say he forgot to mention one thing in the story - photo editing.  

In the age of digital photography and cell phone cameras, taking a photo costs nothing.  The price comes when you have to comb through those hundreds of shutter cycles and pick "the best ones," because really, nobody needs 30 photos of Sam feeding a goat.  For us, trying to parse the pack of photos down to just a peck is like trying to have both sides of a coin show at the same time.  Even before the editing starts, simply selecting the photos to keep can be a source of great contention.  See example below:  

Photos of Grace's new haircut, the photo Sarah ultimately posted on FB:

The photos I rescued from the trash bin after Sarah went to bed:

There are literally hundreds examples of this type of photo dumping/recovery - on both sides. 

This Tuesday when I brought Grace home from swimming class, Sarah tried to show me how to style Grace's hair so it has that cute curl-under at the bottom.  The whole time I was trying to listen, but in my head I kept hearing this voice, "Daddies do it different!"

Moments with Mommy

I cherish the rare weekends I have when it's only the kids and I and Scott works. Although, I'm not gonna lie, a part of me dreads them as I know I will reach my wits end at some point each day. I have learned that getting out of the house and doing something is what keeps us all sane and fully enjoying each others company. Usually the most frustrating part is getting everything in order just to get out the door and on our way.
Yesterday, as already documented was a trip to the museum, today we braved the wind and heavy rain and went to the zoo. Well worth it.

The kids got to see divers in the shark tank. It was pretty cool as they kept waving at the kids. There is a new program starting this summer that lets anyone dive with the sharks, for nice price tag of course!

We rode the carousel twice. It was the closest dry spot after the walk from the parking lot. Samuel looked a bit unsure the entire time he rode but it was obvious he loved it once I had to peel his death grip from the bar and neutralize the tantrum that ensued as we walked off the ride.

We grabbed some lunch and headed home for synchronized nap time. Perfect.