12 Days - Day 3: Washington for 48 Hours

This is a phone post, or at least all the photos are uploaded from my phone. Better than nothing, right? 

In September, I took a quick trip up to Seattle to celebrate my mom and step-dad's 20th wedding anniversary. My sister, Ashley, recently moved back home to Washington and hosted a party for them. 

My step-brother and his family was there, as well as two of my sisters and their families. It was such a wonderful time. The only thing I wish is that my family could have flown up with me. Flights are just too expensive to fly somewhere for a weekend with a family of four.

I loved having some silly time with my nutty sisters. Living so far apart gets really old sometimes.

Ashley is renting a house on the water. It's more like an old cabin. I loved it. The fire pit on a wonderful night was perfect. 

Happy Anniversary to these two! 

Man, I love this city. I swear everyone complains about the Pacific Northwest rain but it's always sunny when I go visit. It's as if Mother Nature is trying to taunt me. 

Already the End of July!

It's hard to believe that my last post was of the kids' first and last day of school pictures. Now it's only 2.5 weeks until school starts again. The summer vacation has definitely flown by.

Wait. It's not July anymore? I actually wrote this post over two weeks ago and never got my photos together to finish it. Now we are well into August and the kids start school THIS WEEK! Only four days left of summer vacation. Seriously, where has the time gone? 

Now back to the regularly schedule post. 

We have not had our usual busy summer vacation. Well, it has been busy but with regular stuff: I am working part time as an accountant, Josh had water polo twice a week and both kids are preparing for their Taekwondo black belt test.

We did have two major family events in July, so prepare yourself for a lot of pictures to get this blog current.

First, Walt's dad was out for the long Fourth of July weekend and Walt's brother and family came over to hang out three days in a row. I really enjoyed having so much family in the house, just hanging out and visiting with each other; I think everyone enjoyed it.

Second, we went to Patrick's Point State Park for a Tandy family reunion. My maternal grandfather was a Tandy so my mom, her three siblings and one of her cousins plus some of their children and grandchildren were there. Follow? All-in-all there was about 50 people there including blood family, spouses, partners, and friends.

Our family camped for five nights in the park along with my sister, Shelly, and her family. All other families came in and went out at different times, some camping and some staying in a local motel. Our group event, on a Friday evening, was in the park and that was time we had set aside to all be together at once. The rest of the time was split between camping, beaches, and redwoods with whoever was willing to join us. I had such a great time that I didn't want to leave and would have been happy with two more nights there.

 

Rounding Out April

Obviously I'm still having the love-hate relationship with this blog. I am still slowly posting but it is so sporadic and for that I apologize. 

I already posted about two events that happened in April: a Taekwondo tournament and our trip to Carpinteria. Believe it or not, other things happened too! 


First of all, I cannot believe I have not yet posted the April Fool's Day food that I made for the kids. Originally I didn't think I would continue the tradition, mainly because I was so busy with work and life, but I could not quit this fun holiday just yet. 

The kids knew it was coming this year. I offered them juice when they got home from school and  right then they figured I was up to something. 

"Juice" was actually Jell-o that was cooled with a straw inside.

"Fried Egg" Sundae is pudding, marshmallow cream and ice cream.

I also checked another item off my Life List: #89 Bet on a Live Horse Race. My youngest sister, Ashley, was in the Bay Area for work. My schedule was crazy busy that week so we decided to meet up Sunday afternoon at Golden Gate Fields to watch some horse races. I had so much fun! 

It was Dollar Day that day so parking, admission, beer, hot dogs, etc. were all just $1. I decided I was willing to lose $20 on bets but ultimately ended up winning most of the bets I placed. I think I walked away $4 ahead. 

My first bet!

It's a winner!

Me and Ashley

The last post-worthy event was a 5K race that the kids and I ran to support the local school district: Race for the Stars. It was a cold, cloudy, drizzly morning and we were feeling lazy but we braved the run anyway. 

Josh ran the full 3.1 miles without stopping to walk and finished at about 29 minutes. Carley's leg was bothering her and it was painful to run so she and I walked the majority of the race and finshed at 50 minutes. 

As usual, we hung out at the post-race expo for a little while before heading home. There was a bike raffle, which we knew nothing of, and in the background I hear Carley's name being called. Apparently all of the children racers were entered into the raffle. Sure enough, Carley won a bike! It is a little big for her but she is outgrowing her small one so the timing couldn't have been better. 

Pre-race

Josh at the finish line.

Sweaty hugs

Feeling proud

Carley's new bike

Wait. There is one more thing to post about, Easter! Our Easter was pretty simple. We dyed a dozen eggs, the kids got simple and small baskets, and the family went to Sarah's house for an Easter potluck meal. 

And that wraps up April.