July 2012: Tide Pooling at Golden Gardens

While we consider ourselves somewhat knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the local mountains, we had never explored the shoreline of Puget Sound. Some friends invited us on a tide pooling expedition at one of Seattle's waterfront parks, and we were amazed at what we had been missing all these years!

A surprise under every rock!

Cara found a crab.

Considering the discoveries of the day.

What do we recognize here?

How did it fit under there?

This heron is also interested in sea creatures.

Heron in flight.

June 2012: Family Day

Our Family Day destination this year was a hike at Ebey's Landing on Whidbey Island. We hadn't done much hiking along the Puget Sound shoreline and didn't really know what to expect. Despite the clouds (and some drizzle) it was incredibly beautiful. A ferry ride to and from added to the fun of the day, and we topped it off with dumplings at Din Tai Fung. Heaven!

Our hike started along the top of the bluff, with an impressive drop off down to the water below.

That was once a big tree!

Frequent breaks are key to hiking happiness.

Walking along the shore at the bottom of the bluff.

Still need breaks!

Kelp roots are pretty fun.

Walking along logs is a nice change from those cobblestones on the beach.

Almost the end.

Our family.

May 2012: Baker River hike

The weather forecast for Mother's Day was for sunshine and warm temperatures. And we were ready to put on our hiking shoes and hit the trails. Baker River Trail was our destination, a most level 2.5 mile trail thru old growth forest ending on the cobbled shores of Sulphide Creek. Early flowers were appearing and the sun shone as promised.

There were lots of streams to cross along the trail, and Cara is getting to be a pro.

She is lots of fun to hike with.

Rest stops with a comfortable seat help.

The stop next to Sulphide Creek gave an opportunity to explore a large log...

eat lunch...

and 'fish' for goodies from the creek bed.

Cara collected a beautiful assortment of 'fish'.

The trees never cease to amaze us.

Last rest stop on our way out, above the river.

April 2012: Bike riding

Winter's around here aren't so good for recreational bike riding, so we pretty much abandoned learning to ride a big girl bike over the winter months. When the days got longer and drier, it turned out there wasn't much left to learn! After a few assisted starts, Cara was on her way!

It took some concentration initially.

But going faster than Mom could run wasn't hard.

This is FUN!

April 2012: Easter

Mom spent Easter with her parents, helping move Grandpa into a skilled nursing facility. But (from Cara's perspective) the important part of Easter still came, which was the egg hunt. And, like last year, she got a chance to go to the neighborhood egg hunt as well and meet the Easter bunny there.

Ready to find those eggs!

That's a tricky spot.

What's inside?

Basket is full!

It's the Easter bunny!

March 2012: Cherry blossoms

The annual cherry blossom visit to the UW Quad was a little more challenging this year. Dad had another busy travel season, and the weather just didn't cooperate. But we're a northwest family, and rain doesn't mean you can't appreciate cherry blossoms!

Beautiful blossoms.

Not such a great day to climb trees.

Okay dad, I'm wet!

Feb 2012: Skiing

Cara took up skiing lessons again, and what a difference a year makes! She progressed rapidly, moving from her tentative forays down green trails to her first black diamond run. Meeting up with a friend from school after class definitely helped, and the two girls would often spur each other on.

Following coach Chris.

The kid parade.

Starting to ski the trees

Keeping form.

Sarah in the lead.

Concentrate on those turns.

Bombing down the hill!

Jan 2012: The Dancer

Cara got this mask at a friend's birthday party, and loved it. The mask inspired some dressing up and dancing.

Such elegance!

The mysterious dancer.

The dance is complete.

Dec 2011: Christmas

It just gets more fun every year...

Santa did remember to come this year!

Anything more in the bottom of the stocking?

What's this?

Checking out what Grandpa got.

She's beautiful!

Looking over the new book.

Ms. A remembers her girl needs a princess dose every year!

Belle plays the xylophone.

Looking at presents with Mom.