The Northern Cascades

The weekend of Sam turning 17 months old was made up of a trip to the Northern Cascades to do some hiking and relaxing. Of course, with a youngin' running around and always wanting to play, relaxing was not in the cards. We stayed at the North Cascades Lodge B&B in Mazama, surprisingly the only ones there that weekend given the great weather and awesome location. But we found out there were hosting a full house all week long and they didn't want a busy weekend. Other potential lodgers were glad they weren't there, since they would've been awakened each night at 3am to the sounds of crying baby. We hope to head back in the winter when there is 10' of snow on the ground.

Sam worked hard to gain control of his window on the ride North.

At the Northwest Cascades Lodge, Sam plays with the rocks while Mom and Dad prep for the day's hike.

View of Goat Wall from the Lodge.

Sam explores the property.

Sam and Dad pose on Slate Peak.

A family portait at 7450'.

The valley below was carved out by ice.

At exactly 17 Months old, Sam conquers Slate Peak. Sam is at 7491.5'.

One of the spectacular views from the peak. Mountains all around. Mt. Baker is the snow-covered one about 3/4 to the right...and we could see Canada.

Sam needed some sustenance after getting back to the car.

Sam really wanted to explore on his own.

The wildflowers were in bloom on the trail.

What's neater? The wildflowers or Sam and Dad? Or Slate Peak and its tower in the distance?

Mom takes the most pride in this photo of an Indian Paintbrush.

whuh?

On the way back to the car, Sam acquires a stick to attack Dad with.

Sam sits on a saddle and points out a motorcycle in Winthrop.

Outstanding In The Field

Sam's parents called Kim to come watch their sweet boy on July 20. Their purpose? To attend a highly-unique and limited dinner in Carnation. Outstanding In the Field is its name, a traveling feast is its game. They bring in a local renowned chef to put together a 5-course dinner with locally available ingredients. In our case, it was Matt Dillon, not the actor, but a guy who knows how to make things taste good. Yes, it was an incredible meal.

Mom gets a photo with Jim Denevan, founder of OITF.

Mom and Dad having a great time.

Corrie and Matt pose with Mom & Dad.

A view from the other end of the table.

A Fifth Tooth Deserves a JUMBO POST

Last week you got to see the highlights of Sam's stay with his grandparents. This time around we'll take a look at Mom and Dad's weekend w/o their boy, a visit from Mom's friends, the last day of Kim (Sam's nanny), and a fun weekend with Dad's new camera (woo!) at Summer Fest in West Seattle.

But of course the big story is the 5th tooth - a bottom center one! - that poked through a few days ago. We're not sure if it's that tooth (or the 39 others that have yet to show themselves) that is waking Sam up in the middle of the night, but whatever it is, Mom and Dad have kindly requested they either all show up or just go away so that everyone can sleep soundly. And yes, we do understand that if they go away that would not help in the long run. Thanks for the advice.

BODEGA BAY AND THE WINE COUNTRY

Though chilly, Mom and Dad enjoyed the beach at Bodega Bay.

Matt and Corrie were happy to be there as well.

We got to see one sunset while there, so here it is!

Matt grills up the steaks and fish. Super yummy.

Mom and Corrie enjoy wine tasting.

Desert at The Farmhouse restaurant looked good, no?

What timing! As the sun goes down, it cast a lovely hue on the church.

Mom's friends Chris and Alison get ready for dinner with Sam.

KIM'S LAST DAY... :(

Sam practices flying with Kim on her last nanny day.
(Sam's sunflowers, left, are growing taller every day!)

As Kim prepared to go, she posed for one last photo with the Sam man.

THE FIRST PHOTOS WITH DAD'S NEW CAMERA

Sam navigates the couch. And yes, there is an easier way down.

Sam and Mom are lookin' good.

What up dawg?!
(Dad's note: does it have to be a Cubs hat? Seriously?)

BREAKFAST WITH ALISON AND CHRIS

Sam indicates that he wants to see more diggers. So turn around, dude!

It was not easy to get Sam to more-or-less face the camera.

Chris and Sam check out a cool boat that used to be owned by John Wayne.

Mom does her best to hold Sam back as he wants to get a closer look at all the boats.

When a float plane lands, Sam can't hold back his excitement.

WEST SEATTLE'S SUMMER FEST
(these pics were taken the same day dad started using the camera, hence the same shirt as above)

After Mom's shift at the West Seattle Food Bank booth, Sam munched on a straw.

After successfully tossing two balls into the houses to win a prize, Sam was satisfied with himself.

An ambulance! COOL! Sam had to get a pic with it.

While waiting for the pizza to come out of the oven, Sam enjoyed some Lego time.

Sam's Excellent Adventure

Watching the digger with Grandpa.

Sam prepares to enter San Jose's wet t-shirt contest.

Enjoying a waterfall in the pool.

Grandpa and Sam share a snack

Making new friends at Deb's 4th of July party.

First ride on a hammock. "Save me Grandpa!"

Matt and Sam chill in the play structure while Matt's Grandma Deb keeps watch.

Sam and his Grandparents had a great 4th!

Tyler stopped by to visit and play.

Apparently Sam is now like 5 years old.

Sam and Tyler sit with their grandmas.

Grandpa Alan and Sam get some relaxing in.