Awesome time on the West Coast this summer. Spent the first weekend with Marit and Bob in Ferndale, but commuted up to Abbotsford to spend time with Great Grandma and the rest of the Westtstein clan. A bit of stress due to the fact that we didn't bring correct paperwork to take the girls across Canadian border. Resolving it involved Elisa coming to our house late at night, digging through dirt with her iPhone light to find the hideaway key, as it wasn't where it was supposed to be, rifling through our important papers and emailing us copies of their birth certificates. In the end, they gave us a rough time at the border, but did let us through. Won't make that mistake again!
Following week on Orcas Island to celebrate Dad's 70th with Mom & Dad, Greg and Christy and gang. We were sad that Paul and Sheena couldn't make it. Spectacular view of the islands and Mt. Baker from our rental house on Fox Cove Ct near the (defunct, or at least mid-renovation) Bartwood Lodge. Hiked Mt. Constitution, shopped the shops, met local artists, went whale watching and hit the jackpot (guides said was one of the best outings they had in 10 days' time--and they do the run twice a day), kayaked to the nature reserve two days running and spotted tons of seals, eagles, every kind of amazing bird, even a porpoise on one day! Spectacular! Could have stayed there forever!
Picked up by Bob in his boat and traveled across the Sound to Sequim for Storms family reunion to celebrate Bob's 75th. Really fun times with great food, Storms family olympics, music and dancing, boat outings and more. Cute cabins right on the bay, nice location for a big family get-together. Main cabin was perfect for hosting the group as a whole for meals, activities, etc. Had fun sharing our little cabin with Brian and Tina and the kids.
Second week we spent back with Marit and Bob in Ferndale. We took the girls up on their first ever backpacking trip and they did so great! We hiked along Baker Lake to Anderson Point--the perfect first hike carrying packs. 2 miles in, then a nice day hike the next day and then hike out. Marit and Bob came up and hiked in with us. The girls really enjoyed it and I think we'll be able to convince them to do it again!!
The remaining days we just relaxed and hung out at the house, enjoying the comforts of home, and lots of good food and company. Spent a lot of my "down" time nursing my obsession for yurts. Jonathan helped with computer troubles and edited his essay, and the girls played, played, played. They really enjoyed spending time with the two cats.
