Mt Rainier Scenic Railway

Izzy, Grandma, Grandpa, and I took a road trip a few weeks ago up to Mt. Rainier to take a ride on the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railway since Izzy is obsessed with public transportation. It was an old fashioned steam train! Here are a few photos and a video from our trip:

The Mt. Rainier sign at the neighborhood store near the train depot.

While we waited for our train to arrive, we visited the historic Lutheran church on the property. Izzy and Grandpa even got a chance to ring the church bell! The train!!

Following our ride, we drove up to the Mt. Rainier look-out. Unfortunately it was foggy near the top so we couldn't really see the mountain, but Izzy got some ice cream before we headed home!!

It was a special day of memories! Thanks Mom & Dad for arranging it for us!

Twins

Hi-Yu Parade

It's a tradition - we head over to West Seattle every summer for the Hi-Yu Parade. Izzy and I went with my Mom and sister Heather this year. It was a lot of fun.


Of course, Grandma had the wading pool ready for Izzy when we got back!

Forest Park

Izzy had a dentist appointment last Friday, so I decided to take the day off from work so that we could do something fun together. We met-up with Jil, Avery, and Landen at Forest Park in Everett. We'd never been there before, but we will certainly be back! It's a great park with a huge play area, picnic areas, and best of all ... a splash park! It was a little cooler than would have been ideal for the water, but it didn't matter - the kids had a blast. And ... Pasha and his mom Alecia were coincidentally there as well - a great surprise!

Landen, Izzy, and Pasha on the airplane toy at the playground

The Weils - Landen, Jil, and Avery

All ready to get wet!

Pasha and Izzy check out the falling water - trying to decide if they're brave enough to run through it ... nope!!

Feeding The Ducks

I promised Izzy that we would feed the ducks last weekend after we fed Kristi's cats, but unfortunately there were none to be found. So, Monday after work we headed down Kristi's way and we found a flock of ducks, geese, and even ducklings! Kristi's fiance Mike joined us as well - it we pretty fun!

Shadow

Izzy and I fed Kristi's cats last weekend - and amazingly enough Shadow came out from under the bed while we were there. She even played a little bit with Izzy! This is quite an accomplishment - normally Shadow and Rocky are terrified of Izzy! Afterwards we headed to the park for a little while...

Playdate with Pasha

Pasha, Dima, and Alecia came over for a play date the day after the West Seattle Street Fair. We purchased two of the bubble guns so that both of them could play together. They didn't last long before the both stopped working, but it was fun for a bit! A bit later they played with play dough while Dima took a little rest on the floor. We had lunch together and then everyone headed off for an afternoon nap. It was a fun morning!

Ice Cream

West Seattle Street Fair

The West Seattle Street Fair was a couple weekends ago. Heather, Izzy, and I headed up to the Junction for a while - and right when we arrived there was a booth selling bubble makers. I got Izzy one and she walked around the entire fair blowing bubbles. She ran it until all of the bubbles were gone!

Next we went to the kids area so that Izzy could jump in the inflatables. And in order to get home we took a bus - which of course was a thrill for Izzy - she LOVES the buses!!

Once we were back to my parent's house, Izzy played in the kiddie pool and ran her bubble maker until the batteries ran out! She had a great day!

Zoo

Since July 5th was a holiday, Gerald, Izzy, and I went to the zoo to see the new Meerkat exhibit. Izzy has seen advertisements all over town and she reminded me almost every day that she wanted to go to the zoo. The Meerkats didn't hold her attention very long - but clearly the marketing campaign did the trick to get us there! We had a great day - of course the penguins are always a favorite - and since it was a chilly day, the animals were all out and the siamangs were especially vocal!

Komodo Dragon:

July 4th

On 4th of July Izzy and I headed up to Marysville to hang out with the Weil family and their friends. Gerald was home sick so it was just the two of us. Izzy was terrified of the fireworks, so it was a bit of an emotional day for her, but we still had fun!

West Seattle Garden Tour

(Izzy with Grandma & Grandpa in their garden last year - Sept 2009)


My parents were featured in this year's West Seattle Garden Tour. They've slaved the spring and summer away getting ready - and their yard looks beautiful. Check out the blog listing that tells you more about their garden here: http://www.westseattlegardentour.com/his-hers-garden.html Also, check out the blog posting about their special day: www.westseattleblog.com/2010/07/west-seattle-garden-tour-2010-welcome-to-our-jungle