Back from vacation, back to work

Woo-we: 10 days of family fun in Woodinville doesn't get much better. The vacation started out with my dear dad flying in from Seattle just to accompany Charlie, Cole, me, and grand doggy Gloria back home. He even took the reverse route with us...what a guy! His company definitely made 9 hour drive go by easier, if not quicker. Some highlights of our travels included, but are not limited to: visiting with family (mom and dad, Brian, Janene, Lily, Megan, James, Skylar, cousins Rachel, Kristin, Matt and new 2nd cousin Carter) and friends from Ketchum and college (Courtney and son Wyatt, Stephanie and son Malcom, the Porterfields, and the Reeces).

There were no dull moments. We rode a duck boat, which is an amphibious vehicle for those of you who are unfamiliar. The tour guide taught us some new facts about Seattle as we drove around the city. Music and costume were choreographed perfectly to various locales. We also had the excitement of being hit by another "duck" and nearly being mowed over by a sea-plane taking off on Lake Union. The kids were outfitted with quackers (that should have stayed in Woodinville) thanks to the grandparents. All in all, I would highly recommend the excursion. We also picked up a new driving game, called the Starbucks "cha-ching". Whenever we pass a Starbucks, the kids and I feel obligated to yell out "Cha-ching", which the guide had the whole "duck" doing (referring to the money behind the business). In addition to the "duck" fun, we traveled to Deception Pass, rode a ferry, walked the Burke-Gillman Trail, went to the Woodland Park Zoo, The Imagine Museum, visited a couple local parks, swam with Grandpa and also with Grammie over at Lily's house, walked around Greenlake, watched "Top Gun" at the outdoor theater at the Redhook Brewery, and listened to live music at St. Edward's park. One of my favorites was touring wineries in Woodinville the girls. We hit 3 wineries (Chateau St. Michelle, Columbia Crest, and Januik/Novelty Hill), tasted some delicious wine, learned about how to taste like a pro, and toured the wine-making facility. Golfing with dad and James was also fun. I golfed one of my better games, scoring less than "double par".

I'm sure I forgot a major event, but the visiting with family was the best. Oh, yes: Skylar's 1st birthday. We made him loaded macaroni and cheese, grape glazed chicken, fruit salad, a lemon-blueberry monster cake, and huckleberry ice cream. He ate more than the other big kids and posed beautifully for pictures.

We look forward to having Ann and Doug over on Wednesday for Doug's 70th birthday, and then Megan, Emily, James, and Skylar out in 2 weeks.

Thanks mom, dad, and family for the great trip. Love you guys.