Friday Harbor Round House

This year we had a little time between Christmas and New Years so we decided to hightail it out of town.  Matt and I sat on the couch for a few nights trying to figure out where we should go.  After checking the "kid filter" on VBRO our choices were narrowed down quite a bit.  Then out of those choice finding a place without stairs or a lot of chotchkies really really narrowed it down.  I kept coming back to this one 'round' house on Friday Harbor.  It was a bit pricey but I thought, what the heck!  Well it turned out to be the most perfect heavenly house ever!!!!  I fell in love not only with the house but with the property as well.  A girl could retire there - and when I say 'a girl' I mean THIS GIRL!

Yes the house was perfectly round!  It had be remodeled a few years ago so the inside was very modern but simple.  AND best part there was nothing for the girls to get into trouble with.  Oh they ran around and around, built forts, played in the hot tub - did I mention there was a hot tub with this view and outdoor speakers so we could rock out the bay while swimming and soaking!

The property had stairs right down to a rocky beach.  When the tide was out we could explore the sea life in the rocks.  Dylan loved collecting drift wood and building beach shelters and Asa loved sticking her fingers in the water.

I kept waiting for a rainy day for us to hunker down in the house and watch a movie or do art but nope it was beautiful our whole trip!  A little 'burr' to quote Asa at times but the sun was out the entire time.

 The girls LOVED the hot tub - morning, noon, and night!  Asa and Dylan were able to practice their swimming skills!

 There were beautiful Madrona trees through out the property which just lit up when the sun hit them!  Oh and the sunrises and sets were amazing!  Luckily we got to watch them everyday as the weather was spectacular!

 Here's Asa all bundled up as we're heading out to explore the island.

 Here's a hot tubing adventure right after breakfast!  There was an island airport just down the road from the property so we were able to watch the planes come in and head out.  Asa loved it!

 Exploring the sea life on the rocks below the property.  Here's a sneak peak of a photo session with the girls.

 The only bummer about going out to the islands is the ferry lines!  You have to get there a long time before the boat is scheduled to leave but here we are making the best of it.  The only part you don't see is me crying as we had to leave the beautiful round house!  It was a great relaxing trip for sure!

Noodles In The Park

The other night we had a beautiful picnic at Lowman Beach for Auntie Bean's birthday.  We hadn't even found a spot to settle down at when Dylan had already met a new friend, Luke.  Dylan was torn between eating and playing with Luke, who happened to be 3 as well.  Dylan tried to invite Luke to eat with us (that's my girl) but he wasn't hungry - just wanted to play.  So she decided to do both and the same time.  The kiddo's played chase and kick ball for a few, then D would run to the blanket and suck down some noodles then jump up and run after Luke some more.  At one point D came running over to us as Luke was standing by himself crying his eye out.  We asked Dylan what happened and she said "Oh, I left him.".  And then we heard Luke say really loud to his mom - "She left me!".  Breaking hearts already at such a young age.  But soon all was forgotten and the chase was back on.  Luke then started tackling Dylan and took her down a little abruptly.  D wasn't hurt but the look on her face was one of shock (see, she's usually the one taking the boys down) so we all laughed it off and I yelled "steam roller!" which changed everything!  The kiddos had a blast and Matt and I got to spend some time with Auntie Beans.  Later we all went home to a delicious chocolate cake that D and her sitter, Olivia picked out - it even said "Happy Birthday Auntie Beans".

Happy Birthday Auntie Beans, we love you!!!!!

Hello Summer

Hellllloooooo Summer!!!!!  Nothing better than summertime in Seattle.  Here's Dylan with 'stripey dress' (her all time favorite dress) at Alki Beach.

My Little Sack of Potatoes

A Wintery Day At Alki

One of our new sitters, Olivia, took Dylan on an adventure to Alki. Here's a cute little picture they sent me at work.

Lincoln Park

A Beautiful Fall Day At Alki

Lincoln Park With Auntie Beans

Auntie Beans, Auntie Beans, Auntie Beans is in town! Oh boy how exciting, that and a whole beach full of rocks (another one of Dylan's favorite things) - it was quite the afternoon! Auntie Beans sure was patient as Dylan showed her every rock on that darn beach. Finally D got distracted when Beans pulled out her cell phone, thank goodness or we'd still be on that beach!

A Visit With Great Auntie Doris

Well let the fun times begin! Or maybe I should say let the laughs begin!! A few weeks ago we were very honored by a visit from my aunt Doris - d's great auntie D. Doris (as I never really did call her aunt) is only 8 years older and was always more like a big sister to me than an aunt. When I was growing up she'd come out every summer. We had a lot of fun together and I always looked forward to her visits. So now that my cousins are both away at college, Doris decided to come out from Philly for her Spring break and get some lil d time. We only had her for a very short week and boy did it pass by quickly! She and Dylan had the best time together, they played and played and played some more. Doris bought Dylan a play ice cream set which lil d hasn't stopped carrying around - now everyone that walks in the house gets an ice cream cone (a true McBride at heart). It was really great having you out Doris ~ please come back anytime!!!!! We love you!!!!!

A beautiful day out in the garden.

Dylan loved feeding Doris.

Pike Place Market - Dylan LOVES people watching. She waved and greeted everyone that walked by.

A girls lunch at Etta's.

Dylan's favorite - playing in the garden.

And watering plants.

AND her new ice cream set. Cones for everyone!

A visit from Nan (Anne).

No time to stop and eat - so busy, busy, busy.... eat and run.

Everywhere we go Dylan makes friends. One day we met Matt at his office and all walked to Fremont for lunch. Doris had never had Thai so we headed over to Jai Thai - within 3 minutes Dylan had all the ladies from the kitchen singing, laughing, and playing with her. In about 4 she had several other staff members gathered around. Very comical. And this isn't the first time this has happened.

For Auntie Doris's last night we went down to La Rustica, our favorite Italian restaurant down on Beach drive. While waiting for our table we went across the street to a little beach for a few last photo opts. Oh and by the way my aunt really is that short - just kidding!

Me and my girl.

Oh what we will do for a good laugh.