The best day

Yesterday was the best day, we went salmon fishing on Uncle Jack's the boat in the Puget Sound. He invited us to go with him so we headed for Edgewood as soon as Joe got off work at 8pm on Wednesday, as the boat was leaving from Everett at 5 on Thursday morning. It was a long night with a super early morning, I only got two hours of sleep but it was totally worth it!

We caught four salmon and lost three. Joe and I aren't very good fisher people, we need more practice. It was so exciting to reel one in though! I used to love fishing with John when I was growing up, yesterday made me remember why.

Auntie Susie and Dylan babysat Liam and he had a blast.

Jack bbq'd salmon for dinner and it was delicious. I didn't used to like salmon but realize know I've been missing out. Yum!

Little driver

Liam is obsessed with anything that has a motor, so it's no surprise that he loves driving his truck.  He is a natural!  First day behind the wheel he was going up on the sidewalk (and staying on it) and even attempting burnouts.  Best garage sale buy ever!

We've been busy this week with swimming lessons.  I was apprehensive about it but decided to get brave and go for it.  I just never know how he's going to do with some things.  Fortunately, he is like a little fish in the water and is loving it.  We got home on the first day and he said, "I'm so tired."  I have never heard him say that before, even when he's exhausted.  I've found the new secret to wearing him out!  I have to get in with him since he's not 3 but I've enjoyed it.  The only thing he doesn't like is floating on his back but the teacher said that's the case with most kids his age.

Off to get a cup of coffee before my little man wakes up.  Hope everyone is having a good week!

Loving summer

A day short of two months since I last blogged.  Wow!  Our trip to California seems like it was years ago.  Summer is here and we've been enjoying every minute of it.  Berry picking, swimming, staying up way later than normal (Liam, that is), vacationing.....I never want it to end.

Our latest vacation took us to Orcas Island for the week.  Joanna described the San Juans the best when she said they are "magical."  We went with Joe's side of the family, there were 13 adults and three kids. Dylan took his friend Maya and Liam absolutely adored her.  The highlight of the trip for Liam was driving Uncle Jack's boat and throwing rocks into the water or the "pond" as he called it.  He also enjoyed going on a canoe ride and also did a hike with us, running most of the trail.  And also Maya.  He told my parents she is his girlfriend. :)

We were off the grid for the most part.  No TV, minimal cell service and painfully slow Internet.  It was wonderful.  Total relaxation.  My favorite parts about the trip were boating, discovering a new love for kayaking, the hikes and our many, many games of Farkle.  Oh, and the food.  We all took turns making meals, dinner time was one of the highlights.  Everyone eating together, sitting by the fire.  I want to go back!  I also loved the mornings.  I would get up before Liam and Joe and go for a walk on the beach.  So peaceful and gorgeous.  Then I'd go back to the house and Gil and Uncle Lennie would be up so we'd sit on the porch, have coffee and visit before everyone else got up.  Oh, and I can't forget the deer.  Every night five or six deer would come right up to the house and hang out. We even got to feed them pears out of the tree.  It was amazing.

On the way home we caught the early ferry back to Anacortes then met Uncle Jack and the three of us (me, Joe and Liam) rode in the boat with him back to the marina in Everett.  That was another highlight.  I love being on the water!

Lots of great memories were made this trip, I am so lucky that Joe has such a fun and loving family.  Everyone is so good to Liam and he loves everyone so much.  He is going to have the greatest memories someday. 

When it was time to say goodbye to everyone, my heart literally hurt.  I wanted to cry just like Liam.  It's hard to go from being surrounded by people 24/7 to just Liam and I (Joe has been working 12 hour days). 

Time to start planning next years trip.  Lake Coeur d'Alene.  Can't wait!