Whidbey Island

 

Mom, Sam, Max and Dad at the beach during low tide

Another post, so soon! This past weekend we took some vacation days and had a family trip to Whidbey Island (specifically the Sunlight Beach area). This trip also included Grandma, Baba, Uncle Nick, Aunt Sarah, and Charlie. We made several trips to the beach to explore and to let Sam and Max play in the sand, and we also visited the Meerkerk Gardens and saw some magnificent rhododendron blooms. Here are some photos from the trip and, as usual, a few captions and anecdotes.

Baba reads a book to Max early in the morning

The boys didn't sleep the best on this trip, and got up a bit earlier than usual. This particular morning the boys got up around 6am, and it happened to be raining heavily at the time. It was really pleasant hanging out with Sam, Max and Baba, drinking coffee while listening to the sound of the rain hit the roof.

Sam likes his rain suit

These suits did remarkably well at keeping the boys clean at the beach. Their hands and feet were dirty, but they were easy to wipe off.

A kite surfer making a big jump

There were fairly steady winds at the beach, which I assume makes ideal conditions for kite surfing. It must be cold, though!

Sam examines a sand dollar

Baba and Sam look around for more goodies

Sam gets a kiss from Mom

Max makes a silly face with Baba

Let the record reflect ^

Max really liked picking up the drift wood

Max said the sand tasted robust, with earthy undertones

Aunt Sarah throws a stick for Charlie

Uncle Nick also throwing a stick for Charlie

Aunt Sarah and Max stroll along the beach

Max is in cuddle heaven on Grandma's lap, while petting Charlie

Entrance to Meerkerk Gardens

The latest family photo with Mom, Max, Sam and Dad

There were blooms everywhere

The scenery was nice

Max examines a flower

During last week's stroll at the arboretum Max wanted to be carried a lot. At these gardens Max did a lot of running... at first. After about twenty minutes Max wanted to only be carried again and refused to walk. When we tried setting him down he would lift his legs so his feet wouldn't touch the ground.

Grandma, Max, Baba and Sam

Max finds some flowers in the grass

Max helps walk Charlie

Aunt Sarah gives Sam a big hug

Uncle Nick, Aunt Sarah and Charlie

Aunt Sarah, Mom and Max have a laugh

Baba, Grandma, Mom, Uncle Nick, Max, Aunt Sarah, Dad, Sam, and Charlie

Behold, the entire family.

Sam enjoyed the shoulder ride

Max and Sam look like big boys on the bench

They certainly aren't babies anymore. It's still a little hard to get used to, not having babies anymore. They grow up so quickly!

Uncle Nick gets some birthday cupcakes

Aside from just a relaxing vacation, the trip was a celebration of Uncle Nick's thirty-whatever-th birthday, and a treat from Grandma to the family. Thanks Grandma, and congrats to Nick!