Friday, July 18, 2014

Summertime = Roadtrip!!!


Chris had a two-week summer break between classes, so we decided it was the perfect time to make a road trip to Washington to visit his family.  I was onboard because the two times I have been to Washington have been during the winter and I was looking forward to seeing some sunshine.  Also, who doesn't love a 15-hour road trip with a toddler?!?!  We loaded up the car till we had room for nothing else and we were on our way.

Our first overnight stop in the exciting town of Weed, CA

Keeping Abe busy with plenty of activities, books, snacks  and movies meant our backseat was packed

Being silly with his Mr. Potato Head

Chris grew up in Port Townsend, Washington, but his brother and his wife live in the Seattle area.  We spent a few days with Barbara and Michael before going to Port Townsend.

With Uncle Michael and Aunt Barbara at the Woodland Park Zoo

Of course we had to take Abe to Pike's Place Market...
... to see the flying fish!
I was thrilled to see that a famous glass-blowing artist, Chihuly, has an exhibit in Seattle.  We were hesitant to take Abe to a glass exhibit, but we decided to give it a try--he did great!  Granted, we went through a little faster since we had a wild two-year old with us, but we still enjoyed it.


Pointing out all the different colors in the ceiling glass exhibit

Chris loves this picture with the glass and the Space Needle hovering overhead
On Sunday morning, after visiting Mars Hill Church, we boarded the ferry that took us to Port Townsend.  Abe loved driving our car onto the ferry and getting out and walking around while it took us across.
Abe is blowing in the wind
Our first morning in Port Townsend we headed out to the tide pools and beach.  It was a beautiful morning and we had fun exploring with Grandma!
Every boy needs a stick!

Touching the crab that Papa found

Playing with Grandma in the sand

He was worn out!

Playing games with Grandma.  They loved being silly together!
The weather was so beautiful while we were in Washington--we were able to spend lots of time outside.  One day while we were at a park, an ice cream truck pulled up.  Of course, I was thrilled!  It was Abe's first ice cream truck and we let him pick whatever he wanted.  Chris laughed that of course he picked the most expensive one on the board.  He loved it and would have eaten the whole thing if we let him.


So many choices..


About an hour from Port Townsend there was a Safari Park where the animals would come up to your car and you could feed them.  It was a blast!  Abe enjoyed it until the animals got too big and he wanted his window up, but he still liked seeing the animals stick their heads in by his Papa.  He was laughing hysterically!

Feeding the zebra

After this one, he asked for his window to go up. :)

The HUGE buffalo sticking his head in the window to get some bread
We were also able to spend lots of time with our friends, Nicole and Ryan.  They also have a two-year old, Luke, who Abe loved to play with.  Nicole holds an extra special place in our hearts because she introduced Chris to Christ while they were in high school.  We love it when we get to see them!

Luke and Abe playing in the bunkers with their flashlights

Climbing the ladder at the bunkers. This kid is an excellent climber!

Examining their findings at the tide pools. :)
Nicole and Ryan took us to one of Luke's favorite places to eat... a restaurant on a landing strip.  The boys were in heaven!  While we were waiting for our food, the dads took their sons to see the airplanes and helicopters and then while we ate we could watch them take off and land.


The guys visiting the planes and helicopters while we waited for our food.  




We had such a fun time on our road trip and it was wonderful to see our family and friends.  And we must say, Abe did great in the car for the 15 hours there and back--we were blessed.  We hope you are having a great summer, too!