First Comes Love...

Another memorable year at Alderbook is in the books!

This year was one for the books! Long ago, in a far away, kidless land, we spent Fourth of July holidays at The Clayton's apartment on Dexter watching fireworks on Lake Union.  Much has changed since then - the most significant being a missed sense of festivity on the 4th. But this year we finally felt back in the spirit with a delightful weekend of neighborhood celebrations, and a trip to Alderbrook for the Thunder on the Canal firework show! The idea to head to Alderbook was on a whim, just weeks before the holiday weekend, so the fact that we scored a room was impressive. We had such a blast (and we've already booked for next year!) The resort usually celebrates on the 3rd (as was the case this year) and the day is chalked full of fun: activities for the kids on the cottage lawn, a band, food and drinks galore, and an amazing firework show to cap the night off right. We lucked out with a room that faced the water, so the boys were able to sleep while Kevin,...

Kevin left work early last Friday and we headed to Alderbrook.  Friday morning was Abigail's first day of school , so it was a day full of excitement. We talked about riding the ferry all morning and after picking Miss Abigail up from school, we headed straight to town for a ferry ride to Bremerton.  Abigail and George loved sitting in the far back of the car with me while we waited for the ferry, and once we boarded Abigail got a kick out of running on the deck with the wind blowing wildly around her.   With all energy exerted, the kids slept soundly on the car ride to Union and everyone was refreshed and ready to go once we arrived at Alderbrook. (an expectation went as planned- success!) We spent the afternoon walking to the waterfront and out on the dock (the tide was low and they were harvesting oysters), then spent the evening at a fresh oyster and whiskey tasting, and swimming in the pool....

I'm totally exhausted coming into the new year, but feeling very blessed and thankful. Maybe I'm finally coming down from a five month high.  Whatever it is, it feels right and I'm excited for the year ahead. Late last week, Kevin decided we needed to get away for New Years weekend. So here we were Friday morning, browsing online for cabins.  Around 10am he found a great place on the Hood Canal, and by 2pm we were packed and ready to get out of Dodge. Spending the weekend with family was perfectly relaxing; a great way to reflect on the blessings of 2011 and ponder the year ahead with great anticipation. Highlights from the weekend include gathering oysters from the beach, kayaking, a hike in the Olympics, lots of good food, fireworks, hot tub happy hours, and best of all: family. Abigail was up with the sun Saturday morning, ready to go out with a bang. She didn't however make it to midnight  ;) Papa getting ready to head out to sea! ...