But Wait, There's More

Not only did we get to spend whole chunks of time with Sharon and the kidlets and go off exploring on our own, but we also got to go to several really nice places as a 'family unit'.

First there is a local park in Seabek (about 15 minutes from the house). It is part of the Hood Canal watershed. It is spectacular. Right across the water is a small mountain range (guess it is part of the Olympics). Bex was so taken with looking at the scenery and following what Conrad was doing (throwing rocks) that she let Grandpa hold her for more than 15 minutes (a world recod for someone other than Sharon).

Also got to see some local wildlife. Okay, not so wild, but really big!

This was where Conrad threw rocks and he and Grandpa played catch and Bex walked in the grass. A pleasant afternoon was had by all.

The next afternoon we trundled off to another local park known for the ducks that are usually around looking for food. Unfortunately there were no ducks, but there was a playground that Conrad made good use of and of course other photo ops.


One morning, we took off on our own to visit Poulsbo - a Scandanavian town about 10 miles north of Silverdale.
As with all towns in that neck of the woods, it sits right on some body of water, and has a nice walking path right along the waterfront.
Mike had been there before for Justin's wetting down ceremony - so most details were a bit hazy. Mom had also been there before but had not had time to visit ALL the shops on Main street. She made up for that oversight this trip. Mike, of course found a Scandanavian bakery and bought too many tasty treats.

On our last full day, we went to the Kitsap County Fair - yes a real live local fair complete with blue ribbon baked goods, all variety of animals (from dogs to cows to sheep to llamas). There was also a petting zoo where Conrad got to touch some baby animals (Bex was not allowed in). Bex was a bit overwhelmed by all the people and animals, but she was really good the whole time we were there. And here is Conrad with his favorite part of the fair: Yes, at the National Guard area they let him sit in the Hummer - he was in heaven.

It was yet another enjoyable day in our too short visit (check with Sharon as to whether it was too short or not).

How Beatiful and How Much Fun

While out visiting Clan Anderson, we took one day away from the family (it wasn't easy tearing ourselves away) and motored off to Olympic National Park. We headed for the road to Hurricane Ridge. To the South is the Olympic range. The 4 pictures below, when layed out in sequence is the actual panorama from the parking lot.

We then climbed a small hill to the overlook from which the Strait of Juan de Fuca can be seen. On the northern side of the Strait is Canada, hence if you look carefully you can make out the red boundary line in the water. There was a path to a much much higher overlook, but with apologies to Cora and CW we woozied out. And just because it was mid August, winter is never far away. Yes, the white stuff is snow!! Just below the overlook.

We then headed to Crescent Lake. A nine mile long glacier fed mountain lake. Very lovely.
And in keeping with all this loveliness, behold our native guide (looking very lovely): Of course if there is a mountain lake, then there will be a waterfall; if there is a waterfall we will hike to it (it is a rule in the Malinak guide to sight seeing). This hike was about 3/4 of a mile each way. It starts out fairly level through a rain forest, complete with at least one very large tree.


We then crossed 2 slightly swaying footbridges (wide enough for one). Sorry no pictures - too busy hanging on. Then for the last 1/4 mile you climb up a narrow dirt path with occasional steps until you get to the viewing location.
That did us in, so we returned to Chez Anderson where our grandchildren completed the task of exhausting us.

On The Road Again

Once more we hied our bodies across the country to spend time with clan Anderson, and have a wonderful time being exhausted by Conrad and Bex.

Actually the flights were easy and on-time so we arrived when scheduled which unfortunately screwed up Conrad's nap time - but he persevered.

The bulk of our time was spent thoroughly enjoying the kids (oh, and their Mom too). A sample of photos and videos follow (some videos are too dark - we are still learning how to use the camera as a cam corder). Starting with the eldest:

Conrad teaching grandpa the correct method of using Play Dough:

Conrad playing with the balloon - usually with grammy and grandpa - it took two of us to keep up.

On the beach, throwing rocks and enjoying his lollipop.

Playing catch with Grandpa (note the athleticism and grace of the old man).

Walking on his hands (with a little help).
Having fun with bubbles (not sure who had more fun).

And now for the less active, but no less adorable Bex: First a group of her grasping and eating skills - seems to have an affinity for plastic.


Prefers plastic even when real food is available.
Bex showing that she does not intend to be immobile too long.

Look Ma, one hand!!

Bouncing on Grandpa - what a large soft landing place. At first she wasn't sure about the whole thing.


And now for the action shots:

Complete with Handy Manny in the background.

Bex and Her Balloon:

Watch the Bouncing Bex:

A Bubbly Boy:

And two parting shots. Ladies first: Looking Lovely
And a boy and his Rugelach (destined to be one of Grandpa's favorites)