Beat the Heat - 5 Beach trip

In late June the northwest had a small heat wave with temperatures around the Puget Sound getting up into the 90's.  We decided to beat the heat with a trip to the coast where temperatures were in the low 70's.  We always wanted to check out La Push, so we packed our bags for a long weekend.  We stayed in Forks, and old recessed timber town recently brought to fame by the Twilight books.  The La Push beaches are just a short drive from Forks.  We ended up spending time at 5 different beaches and the dogs were able to go to 4 of them (all except second beach).  This was probably Javi's first trip to the ocean. We all had a fabulous time on our short trip.  I love the Washington coast!

 Kalaloch Creek and beach.

 Bella Swan's truck from the Twilight movies.  Okay, yes, we did check out some of the movie-related stuff while we were in Forks.

 First Beach at La Push.  

 Carmen with her dried "Kelpy Man" (bull kelp).  The dogs loved this stuff.  We call it "beach leather".

 We had one of those perfect sunny, but not too warm days at Rialto beach.  The ocean felt surprisingly warm for Washington.

 Everyone that reads this blog probably knows that I'm with child, but in case you didn't: surprise!

 Javi with his beach leather Kelpy Man.

 Ahhh...amazing views and sunset at second beach.

Ruby beach.

One last stop at Kalaloch on the way back home.  Thank you Washington Beaches!

Father's Day Weekend

Brandee's Dad came up to Olympia for Father's Day weekend.  It was a pretty mellow yet fun time.  We did a lot of stuff locally and just enjoyed the nice weather.

 Dinner picnic at Boston Harbor.

 Hiking at Burfoot Park.

 Puget Sound waterfront at Burfoot Park.

 Breakfast at Dingey's at the Oly Farmer's Market.

Yummy summer dinner with neighbors Jeff and Merey.

Driveway Marathon Party

The route for the Capital City Marathon and Half Marathon goes right by our house every May.  We've always said that we should host a marathon viewing party.  So this year, we did!  Over a dozen of our neighbors came over and we enjoyed the morning.  We also had as many friends running in the event this year, so it was great to cheer them all on.

 If you look closely, you can see Jeff pretending to flash the camera.

 Runners go by as we enjoy our coffee.

 Eric getting in the athletic mood and sharing donut holes and pumpkin bread with everyone.

 The spread...

We joke that when Javi gets into trouble that his punishment should be suspending him from balloons in the front yard (joking of course).  He's a good sport.