Sammamish Summer Part 4 - Water Fun & Uncle Brent Comes!

Towards the end of our stay, Uncle Brent came to visit for a few days! The kids loved spending time with him. He played games, read books, went tubing, and even helped the kids try waterskiing for the first time. Davey also tried kayaking solo and did great. The kids love being out on the water and the blue mat and wave runner got lots of use. The lake is truly one of our most favorite places!!

Jobe acting as lifeguard from the dock

My chocolate-faced first mate

Uncle Brent has arrived!

Poor Charlie can't go on the boat for even a few minutes without falling asleep

Griffin also got lulled to sleep by the water

First attempt at water skis! Sophie got up briefly but wasn't able to hold on long. It was a good start though and she'll probably be a pro in no time with a bit more practice

I also got a few ski runs in this trip

Fun at the Orca park splash pad

Griffin being a busy 1 year old, getting into everything and following Jobe around everywhere

The kids helped me with this Pixar puzzle

Packing up at the end of the trip is always the worst. So much to gather, clean and fold for 6 people after being here for half a month. It's not a quick process, but so satisfying to have it done. Can't wait until we return next year!

Video: Seattle Summer Fun 2021

Sammamish Summer Part 3 - From the Mountains to the Berry Farm

When all the cousins went home, Anne ended up staying with us for some bonus time with Sophie since we'd be driving through Baker City on our way to Utah the next week. Sophie was thrilled to get extra time with Anne, even though she caught a cold in the middle and we had to do the cabin without her. We did two hikes while up at the cabin, both around a mile, and for the first time Charlie walked the whole way on his own!

The girls helped Grandmari with this Olympic theme table setting

We left Griffin behind with Dave, so it was just two adults and a bunch of kids to pick this year. Seattle's had some hot summer days and the berries were at the end of their season and we had to hunt more to find good ones. At one point Davey told me the best way to fill your basket fast was to steal berries secretly from other people's baskets.

 In the end we managed close to 20 lbs - enough for jam and eating! 

The Asahel Curtis Nature Loop has become a favorite hike. Lots of interesting things to see over a short distance. These trees can grow 300 feet tall and live up to 1000 years!

So many things to climb

The drop down off the log was bigger than it looked. It made me a bit nervous when she started running on the log on the way back.

Walking around Gold Creek

Charlie helping Paco do chores at the cabin while Sophie played in the yard

Sammamish Summer Part 2.5 - Family Pictures

Everyone's (not) favorite part of family gatherings - the group picture! We found yet another angle to use at the house for a backdrop so we didn't have to travel anywhere for photos. Kudos go to Amy for handling the camera and I also contributed with a few headswaps :) We sure love this family of ours!

Currently up to 10 grandkids - 2 girls and 8 boys, with 2 more on the way

And Happy 15th Anniversary to us!!