We Love Weekends - Part Two (The Zoo!)

Funny how the grown ups have one idea of how the day should go, but the kids usually have a totally different one. All you have to do is ask. (Which means that sometimes you might get an answer you: a) weren't expecting, b) didn't really want to hear.

Well, the past two weekends -- the past two Sundays, as a matter of fact -- we started out the day by asking the girls, "What do you feel up for today?" Last weekend we were thinking "waterfalls!" but the girls were thinking "playground!" and even suggested a trip to Lake Padden. So, we took their lead and it was great.

This weekend, we did what we had planned on Saturday, so we let the kids suggest again for Sunday. And, you guessed it: they chose the Zoo! One of our favorite destinations. And, we were due for a visit. The last time Stefan took the girls, there was snow on the ground.

Not today! I think this is the giraffe saying "Thank you for the sun!"

On our last few visits we've opted to skip the train ride in favor of renting the bikes. But today -- a perfect day for a trip around the park in the choo-choo. (You can't learn that the crane is the oldest living species, or that hippos kill more people in Africa than lions or tigers combined, if you're on a bike -- worth every penny).

No matter how many times we see the same animals, the kids are still so excited. I love that.

Oddly enough, but totally in character, today Jenica wanted to pose with only the "fake" animals. So, we have pictures of her with each. I refuse to put them all here. However, she was more than happy to smile for these shots. So here's one:

While we were expecting the "Sunday crowd" we are somewhat blessed with not being very religious. We avoid the crowds by not being at church with everyone else. We had the place practically to ourselves. Awesome.

Kerry and I did battle over the annual wearing of the hat. She won about 30% of the time.

The hippos had the right idea. They were totally submerged up to their eyeballs. They're not visible here, but we could see the sneaky duo. Sly ones, they are.

Most animals were content to have us watch them. Although this one couldn't seem to make out what all the fuss was about.

"Kerry the camel has one hump..."

And of course, the kids seem to know: a good destination is not a 4-star destination without a playground. Ahhhh, playtime.

We'll be back!

We Love Weekends - Part One

How does she do it??? We are constantly amazed by Jenica's incredible stamina and good- natured approach, given the present state of her heart and subsequent physical limitations. We are very lucky to have an "Energizer Bunny" in our midst. (Now, if only some of that would rub off on her parents).

Given that Jenica and Kerry wanted "more adventures!" we headed to Lake Samish Park on Saturday to take in some gorgeous weather and scenery. Jenica, naturally, led the charge. (Thanks to friends Melinda and Michelle for the recommendation -- a real gem of a place and it only took us four years to find it!).

We started out by walking/hiking up to what was supposed to be "The Eagle Overlook" -- and must have been one... about 40 years before.

But, there were just hints of the lake and lots of very nice trees. So, down again we went!

Then we headed to the lake for a picnic lunch and some wading.

Well, shortly after lunch, Jenica fell in. I guess that's more than wading for her. Ahhh... refreshing. (She would not let me take her picture, needless to say).

What a spot! What a day! Ahhhhhh.... Bellingham in the summer. What beats it?

Wow! Weekend! We love ya!

Work Out in the Woods

This time of the year, if the weather is good, it's nearly impossible to stay inside. Does it look "partly sunny"? Let's GO! Now that the girls' legs are just a bit longer, we'll hopefully see lots of this type of scenery this summer.

Ready...


Set... Go!
Kerry rode for a bit... but then decided she too could handle some walking.

With a little help from big sister.

This was no trail for sissies. I wish we had brought hiking poles.

Toward the end, Jenica started to complain of being "just too tired" and we decided it would be best to turn around. We were probably about 15 minutes from the top. No, wait. That's "ordinary folk" hiking time. With J and K, it would have been another 45 minutes. We were satisfied with what we had accomplished -- more than I imagined possible. I think all told, Jenica walked about two miles. Certainly can't complain about that. She was up for a little bit of riding, as long as Daddy's back could take it.

We made it!

Here's to many more.

Birthday Ballet

Since Kerry's arrival on the scene, we've done some thinking about how we wanted to celebrate the girl's birthdays. Because the dates are so close, and for the moment, they are close enough in age to like the same things, we've done "combined" birthday celebrations with friends. (It also helps that Kerry doesn't really have her own "friends" yet...). We've done picnics, horseback riding, and then this year we decided to try taking some friends to the ballet.

As you can see, we decided to get just a little gussied up. :) Funny, but this particular event brought back memories of my sister and I having to dress up for different events as kids. I don't remember smiling all that much. (Patent leathers too tight, maybe). Anyway, the girls were very excited and naturally, it was another gorgeous day.

All in all we took six friends and their moms to "Aladdin" in Mount Vernon.

It was pretty difficult to get everyone's attention... they were all keyed up at this point. However, once the ballet began, they settled down and I think really enjoyed themselves. The last 15 minutes were the most difficult for everyone, but luckily the ballet ended with lots of dancers and action on stage. When it was all over, we even received a compliment from a nice older woman sitting behind us who mentioned she thought all the kids did "wonderfully" and were "very well behaved." (Yea!)

And of course, we couldn't just leave it at that. Jenica had specifically asked "when were (her)friends going to sing Happy Birthday" to her? So we went out for ice cream after the show, for some refreshments and a bit of singing.

Lovely.

Well, it was a good day. Makes me wonder: what are we going to do NEXT year?

:)

Birthday Girl the Second

May is full of celebrations for us -- our second birthday bash was held on May 16th in honor of Kerry May's third year (even though Miss Kerry wasn't born until the 17th, we had other plans for that day to be featured in a later blog post).

It was a beautiful day... and weekend, for that matter. In May, you just never know, but so far, all our May birthdays have been delightful. (Looks like she is contemplating all the new responsibilities that come with being three -- like using the potty on a regular basis).

Waiting for birthday dinner...

Ready for cake!

Happy to be 3!

Big sister, can't help but be "helpful." (above and below)

Presents galore. (Thank you everyone!!)

And when I look back, it takes my breath away. My memory is so vague...

But it was just yesterday.... I swear....


...my little Swiss Banker.

XOXOX

Mother's Day: Tramping in the Woods

I have to admit: things must be getting easier. This was the first Mother's Day that I actually wanted to spend with my family. The last three or so Mother's Days I've gotten in the car and driven away -- alone -- with no plans to return any time soon. I felt I just had to get OUT and get a break. So, this year, I think everyone (most especially Stefan) was quite surprised when I declared that I would be gracing them with my presence this Mother's Day. :) And, not only that, I wanted to go for hike.

And, as it turns out, it was a great day. We managed TWO hikes and got to see first hand the damage from last Fall's storm season; the Nooksack River had to have been raging through some of these woods to create the mess left behind. In this way, we are continually reminded of Nature's power. It's something else...

Here they are: getting ready. And... then, they're off...

Here's just an idea of the destruction -- this used to be a road:

I think Kerry might be saying, "look out for the big hole!"

But, it's still pretty. This is (was) a road to Diversion Dam -- Bellingham's water supply. The place is pretty well destroyed.

But, there was some interesting wildlife -- lots of birds, an eagle, a lizard, and this friendly toad.

Then, we were off for Racehorse Falls.

Above: This was a trail at one time.

Such a great day. Here's to getting back in the woods!