Seattle, Washington

From McCall we drove to Seattle, Washington where we stayed with some old friends, the Hanleys, who live in the quaint Magnolia neighborhood.  We had intended a 3.5 day coastal backpacking trip when we arrived but the Hanley's had a conflict at the last minute so we spent some time exploring the city and doing an easy, one-night camping trip.

First, Pike's Place Market with cute Mia Hanley in tow...

On over to the City Center...

This little kid restaurant was just a sample of the amazing food court near the Space Needle.  Every place was fresh, organic and amazingly delicious-looking (not your typical food court!)  It is so easy to want to eat well in Seattle!

We spent some time in the Gates Foundation Visitor's Center which was super cool.  The girls discovered the electronic guest book and made sure everyone new they were there.

There were all sorts of hands-on exhibits that encouraged you to find out the unique ways you can contribute to the good of the world.

Our overnight camp-out was at the church-owned Ensign Ranch.  We enjoyed the huge slip-n-slide while waiting for the Hanley's to arrive.

When they arrived we played around in the river...

Time to prep the fire for our new favorite summertime meal, tinfoil dinners

Our two families had our own little island with two teepees on it.  This was ours.

We went to church in a little mining town and did a little exploring afterward.

Back to the campsite and setting up a little fishing spot under the bridge to the island.

 Back in Magnolia we went to Discovery Park on our last afternoon.

They took us to a secret trail down to the water.  It was an adventure!

Dave and Geoff on a super soft sandy decent.

This is back UP the sandy hill, although the kids had to have several run-downs before going up for good.

On to the San Juan Islands!

McCall, Idaho

Mid-July we spent almost a week in McCall with Geoff's sister Ingrid and her family in their home there.  McCall is one of my new favorite places, one because we are always there with the great Wells family, and also because of the relaxed pace of this little lake town.  We rode our bikes or made special trips to Ice Cream Alley almost every day, visited little islands, tubed and water-skied, and went on a beautiful hike and bike ride.  Best of all, Geoff offered to take over all cooking during our 2+ week trip (with McCall as the first stop).  In my opinion that earns him a nomination for the best husband award!  It allowed me to stop, something I don't do very often!

Ice Cream Alley

Ingrid & Lucie

Tennie, Mitchell and TK wanted a wild, wild ride every time

Trent was the patient, skillful teacher and boat driver for the new skiers

Adele driving the boat in at the end of the day

Tennie and our old dog Kipper (now the Wells and named "Trooper")

 

 

 

Stopping to pick huckleberries

Look at Ceci go!

Tennie got up briefly a few times but I only have this picture.  She showed incredible persistence!

  
Thanks for the great time Wells family!