Kubota Gardens!

Today we discovered the most absolute hidden gem in Seattle, Kubota Gardens. It is a Japanese style garden and every child's exploring dream. The garden was not only one of the most beautiful locations, it was filled with hidden paths, lavish hiking trails, and secret bridges around every corner. The kids were filled with wonder and excitement as they were able to jump rocks across creeks and cross stone bridges over small rushing creeks. I have to say I was filled with wonder myself and am hoping to spend many days there this summer fulfilling my childhood dreams as well. It is definitely a magical place.

Here are a few pictures I took to try to share the fun and beauty of our family outing.

Josiah and Dad running through the fields

Isabel and Dad hiding under a Japanese Maple Tree.

Isabel exploring one of the many waterfalls

Jason and Josiah jumping across the rocks

Breathtaking Beauty

Josiah's pure joy

These trees can't compete with this beauty

Josiah's off to find that bridge

Isabel and Josiah carefully finding their way

Captain Ibby

We got a great surprise on the last leg of our flight as we headed back home to Seattle. We were waiting in line when the flight attendant asked if Isabel would like to meet the Captains. They were so nice and even let her wear the hat. They asked if Josiah wanted to come in, but we knew better. They would have been out of a job and a 2 year old would have been flying the plane.

The graduate

We had a good reason for visiting and a great reason for celebrating, Ryan my little brother graduated high school! We had a huge group of 30 people cheering him on, our main goal, being the loudest group there! I think we did a good job of making the boy feel proud. Great job Ryan!

Ryan's own cheering squad

The proud mama

It was great to have the family together

My little brother is not so little anymore

Let's Hit the Beach

The best part about visiting Florida, going to the beach! When you live in Florida, the beach can be annoying, but when you are visiting (and you have a rental car and don't have to clean up the sand!) the beach is a blast. The kids especially loved searching for seashells. Josiah loved being able to run free and Isabel loved being buried in the sand. At first, they both hated going in the water. Josiah was so scared of going in the water, he ran away and hid on his towel. But after the second day, they were both loving getting their feet wet. We love the beach!

Josiah hiding in his towel

Watching the waves

Isabel being buried in the sand, in her mermaid pose

Josiah running from the waves

A romantic sunset

Fun with Grandma and Grandpa

Well we got to spend a wonderful 10 days in warm, and sometimes sunny Florida. The best part was hanging out with Grandma Kathi and Grandpa Tom. They sure know how to spoil, walking into their house was like Christmas, presents everywhere! And the rest of the time, like a big party. The kids enjoyed beaches, ATV riding, going to Chuck E Cheese, swimming, and eating lots and lots of sweets. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa, we love you!

Best Friends

I feel so blessed that Isabel's closest friends happen to be my closest girlfriend's children. You never know if children are going to click. Just because the moms are friends, doesn't mean the kids will be. But in our case, it just works. I thought this was a very cute moment. While we were hiking they just stared holding hands and walking.

A Great Day for Hiking

Today is officially our first day of really nice weather. To enjoy it, we decided to meet up with some friends to do some hiking. It was great, with all of the glaciers melting, the rivers and creeks were pretty full and we got to see a few nice waterfalls. Josiah LOVED splashing around in the creeks and I'm pretty sure he could have stayed all day. The kids found a slug to observe and also enjoyed rock climbing and playing in the mud. It should be a great summer!

Watching the current move the sticks

Seeing them come out the other side

Observing the slugs on the path

One can never look too fabulous for hiking

Our Little Ballerina

We signed Isabel up for ballet lessons at the community center last month. They lasted for 5 weeks, and for Isabel that was 5 weeks too long. She was so excited for her last class, I think she almost threw herself a party. My theory is that she doesn't like being told what to do. I guess our little ballerina will be turning in her tutu.

A Little Sun Please

Well, you know that old wives' tale that Seattle is the rainiest, dreariest place to live. This year it has been proving to be true. But I think we have finally turned a corner. We are getting out to enjoy a little sun a much needed warm weather. Maybe we won't have to break out those Vitamin D supplements after all.

Isabel loves out Dandelion filled yard (much more than we do)

Josiah plans to spend many hours this summer blowing bubbles

A Little Culture If You Please

So one thing I love about Seattle is that all of the museums are FREE the first Thursday of every month. I have never been able to take advantage of this, but after today I plan to much more in the future. We started off the morning by taking the bus into downtown to visit the Seattle Art Museum (SAM). Once there we had a rocky start after I had to pry the kids away from the Dynastic Chinese statues, and Isabel touched an ancient stained glass window and I got yelled at for being a negligent mother. But once we found the kids area, we had a ball. Isabel dressed herself in Roman soldier gear and togas. Josiah enjoyed building with various artsy blocks. We finished by designing car shaped head gear giving a nod to the museums exhibit of recycled cars hanging from the ceiling. Isabel's favorite piece of art was the paint splattered toilet. She is hoping to remodel ours to make going to the bathroom a more exciting experience.

Later that night the family took a trip to the Museum of Flight. It's full of old a new planes, housed at the old Boeing factory. Isabel loves the real size front section of an old TWA plane. While Josiah loves being able to run free in a place that he thinks is too cool for kids to be allowed. He also loves pretending to be a fighter pilot.

I won't get TOO close to those statues

It's my size mom, can I ride it?

Can I fly this one too?

Throwing around our parachute jumpers