We got to go up to Seattle this weekend. Eden and I flew all by ourselves on Thursday morning and Chad followed on Friday night. My dad just retired so he has a lot more time off. It’s fun to think of him having so much free time and being able to use it however he wants. One of his first projects is a handcrafted rocking chair for Eden. It was a pleasant change to have him pick me up from the airport. We went to Ivar’s for lunch and some how it felt just like the times we would go out together on his days off when I was younger.

Jeff turned 30 on Thursday and we all went out for Indian food. Lauren made an amazing pistachio cheesecake to celebrate. It was low key but it was nice to be together.

Dad and I went for a walk in the park earlier in the day. We had to drag Eden away from the little bridge where Dad showed her how to throw rocks in the creek. She couldn’t get enough of it. Dad found a turtle in the middle of the road on our way back. We put it in a little kiddie pool but by the next day it (and a catfish Daniel and his friends had caught) had been snatched! Poor creatures probably were taken by raccoons which is not a favorable way to go.

We ended up doing a trip up Stevens Pass on Saturday. We did more driving than “doing” but the weather was amazing and I got a few nice long motorcycle rides as passenger with my Dad and Daniel. Going on those trips makes me think about getting a motorcycle license myself.

We played some family Bocce ball on Sunday before the weather turned back to rain. I enjoyed showing off Eden’s new skills and words. Everyone else enjoyed teaching new things. She sounds so cute when she tries to say Lauren’s name and Daniel is so pleased that he taught her where her chin is.