We divided up our trip into two visits this year because of our cruise to Alaska that fell right in the middle. It was so much fun because it made the vacation last that much longer! We arrived in town and quickly set about to all of the usual summertime traditions we enjoy so much when we are visiting Steilacoom/Seattle. Best part of the visit is always hands-down, getting to spend time with Grammy and Papa and all the cousins, aunts and uncles. So grateful that we get the chance to all be together every summer. It is something I hope my kids will always remember! Highlights of our trip this year included the following:
Strawberry picking with the cousins!
A special movie night at Jen and Dave's house where we introduced the Stevens' girls to Diary of a Wimpy Kid movies! Yeeeeeeeessssssss. We love these movies! I helped myself to Dave's massage chair and had a nice relaxing evening:)
Evelyn did a make-over on Katie, much to Jamie's dismay! Super cute though and super fun for Ev to practice on her cousin. My kids were obsessed with cinnamon toothpicks that Papa had bought once while we were all together. Papa decided to attempt to make cinnamon sticks for the boys! It was super fun and the boys were thrilled.
Many afternoons hanging out at the park or at Jess and Mike's or Dave and Jen's-- they are neighbors and each have a super fun backyard so it's easy to pass the hours in their backyards!
Lots of crafting and baking with Grammy. She always has some fun thing up her sleeve. The kids loved making strawberry pie from the berries we had picked.
Loved our camping night at Nisqually. This is probably my favorite tradition. I love playing games in the woods and telling ghost stories and singing songs. We always force Uncle Mike to come up with a good story and he never lets us down. It's a real hoot. We eat yummy food and smores and get super dirty and smokey- but it's all in good fun and totally brings back millions of memories of my youth camping at nisqually!
We enjoyed a few fun walks down to Salters Point Beach to hunt for crabs and watch the trains whirl by. We hiked the Falls in Lacy and enjoyed a picnic lunch in the shade.
Explored a new ninja course-- Boom Shaka--- it was super fun and especially since the kids are really into America's Top Ninja Warrior. Loved it!
Of course there was McDebbie's farm where everyone is sure to catch a fish! Nothing like the fish we caught in Alaska, but still lots of fun to see animals and feed the goats, chickens, horses and llamas.
Papa taught us how to make gyoza -- again, my favorite meal from my youth! The kids loved this home-made delicious gyoza. So glad Papa took the time to teach them:)
We had a last canoeing in Uncle Jason's new canoes at American Lake! So funny that everyone assumed Grant was probably too little to go out too far on his own. People worried he'd get stuck and not be strong enough to row in. Everyone was forgetting that we were talking about Grant here. The kid tore off and paddled miles away and back before we could blink an eye! Super funny and impressive. If there's one thing Grant has, it's upper body strength-ha!!!
Before our cruise, we explored Pike's Place market! SOOOOOO crowded but so yummy! and Fun!
