65 Degree Summer Days :)

We’ve been really enjoying comparing the weather here to the weather in Fresno. We had one day here that nearly killed the natives because it got up to 85. Most days have been in the mid- to high-60s or low-70s. We LOVE it!! We even have to run the heat for a little while when we first get up in the morning because it’s actually too cold – in June!

We’ve also enjoyed couple of Libby’s big developmental milestones. She has finally started crawling forward and legitimately says three words (“mama,” “bye-bye,” and “up” plus sort of “a-boo” for “peek-a-boo”).

What we have not enjoyed is Auntie Evangeline’s leaving us. We had a lot of fun with her here, and it was nice just having an extra adult around all the time to help out. I see why people hire nannies.

On her last afternoon here, we took her and the kids to Alki Beach, where she and the kids found rocks to throw into the water. Then we got ice cream to drown our sorrows and reluctantly headed back to the car and to the airport to say goodbye.

The next day, the kids and Cocoa and I ventured out on our own and discovered Lincoln Park in West Seattle, about 15 minutes from our house. It’s several hundred acres of walking trails and forests and play equipment and it backs right up to the ferry terminal. Somewhere in the park is also a heated saltwater pool that overlooks the Sound. On this particular occasion we just found a little swing set and the ferry. The kids refuse to look at me when I’m taking pictures of them, so here’s a series of their backs.

At the risk of sounding a little redundant, we found yet another gem of a park really close to our house (about a five minute drive) and right on the water. It’s called Seahurst Park, but the kids think it’s “Seahorse” so we go with that. It is pristine and foresty and quiet and peaceful. We went yesterday and again today, so there are pictures from two visits. I think we’ll be regular visitors here.

I was telling a friend here how much we love all the green around us and just being able to be outside, and he just didn’t get it. I guess if you haven’t lived in a desert wasteland with unhealthy air quality most days of the year, you really can’t appreciate taking deep breaths without hesitation.