Adventures in Port Angeles

Last week we headed for the beach for a little R & R. Just kidding, not a whole lot of relaxing around here, but we did have a rockin' week! The Woods family drove over from Idaho and we discovered the magnificence of Freshwater Bay, just outside of Port Angeles. Ed caught his first big daddy salmon, Eben swam nakie in the Elwah River, and Anika was happy as a clam with the three Woods girls. I enjoyed some long, scenic walks along the roads and trails less traveled and a dip in the icy salt-water. As for Obi, what's not to love about lots of water, five kids to play with (and drop tidbits from each meal), and lots of open space? :) It was a good time for all, and we're already looking forward to exploring the Olympics more.

Even Obi had to stop what he was doing to check out Ed's catch. Yum, way to bring home the dinner, Dad!


When we walked along the rocky shoreline of Freshwater Bay, we eventually reached the mouth of the Elwah River. The seagulls gathered there, and the water was interesting to watch--a tug-of-war between the salt and fresh waters. Anika, Reece, and Olivia were undaunted by the chilly water and waded up to their tummies over the slippery riverbed to reach this rocky landing. Anika was exuberant once she got there, exclaiming, "Oh, it's a TROPICAL ISLAND!" She hasn't traveled much...:)

With the help of Brandon and Ed, the kids build a "house," and spent hours playing different versions of family life on the beach. Mother/father/baby, mother & father die, kids are left to fend for themselves. Mother and no father b/c none of the girls are willing to be the man at the moment, etc.

Eben and his new buddy, Emery. This picture wasn't posed, just captured a sweet little snuggle between the two. When he wasn't snuggling, Eben spent a good deal of the trip perfecting his rock throwing and standing under the stereo, shakin' it to the music.

Olympic Game Farm Pics

Besides beautiful weather and scenery, nearby Sequim offers a rather bizarre but fascinating drive-thru farm. We unbuckled the kids, plopped them on our laps, and drove them through to get a close-up look at everything from Zebras to Ek, and Rhinos. We bought two loaves of bread at the gate, and the kids did their best to aim and toss. Below, Eben is checking out a Tibetan Yak.

If you have never smelled Bison breath...be thankful. A few didn't want to get their noggins out of our Subaru, much to Anika's horror and Eben's delight. Below is a Kodiak Bear, a surprisingly docile guy. Probably too much bread. The trip ended with a visit to the gift shop, where I discovered one can purchase, among other odds and ends, "Olympic Game Farm Body Mist." Can't imagine that one is a big seller. :)

Just a few more pics of fishing, the view from our beach bungalow, and our sweet pup.

A big week...

The last 7 days have been full of changes for Anika. I guess every day is, but these ones were pretty significant to me and made me realize my little girl is...still little, but capable of so much!

The big 3:

1)Anika learned how to "pump" her legs on a swing. I had to laugh; she sure didn't learn from all the times I tried to explain/demonstrate at the park! Nope, this is how she explained it: "I was watching Bubby and I was like, 'Oh, that's how you do it.' So I was doing it like him and going a little bit higher and a little bit higher." I think I'll miss pushing her (and her begging for an "underdoggie"), but it's fun to watch her go as high as she pleases!

2) Anika learned to ride a bike-sans training wheels! She took off, second try, and rode all the way down the tennis courts. The only skill she's still working on (and my mantra while I was teaching her) is ,"Focus only on the pedals and steering!" That's kinda hard, though, when there are so many interesting people to watch and when one has to keep checking to make sure Mom is NOT holding onto the seat still. :) Anyway, she's great.

3) Kans completed her first 100-piece puzzle. Oh yes, a girl after Grammy Sally's own heart! She picked a Ben 10 Alien Force puzzle (no, she has no idea who that is), and chose that over breakfast this morning.

A proud moment after completing her masterpiece. :)