Summer day trip to Eberg

Some dear friends own a family farm in Ellensburg.  It had been far too long since we have gotten together with them.  Despite being super busy (her with their business of goat milk skin car products,  us with all our coffee and Hannah's therapy stuff ) we both agreed we needed to carve out some time for a visit.    

Ellensburg is just about a three hour drive.   Guess what?  When we arrived we were greeted by three brand new baby goats.  Born just before we arrived.  Oh, they are just so cute.  

Ellie found a friend, or rather he found her.  Bub loved Ellie.

I only took these photos, but the kids had fun swimming in the pool and visiting with each other too.  For lunch, we had a delicious zucchini salad loaded with fresh veggies (all farm fresh, of course) with focaccia bread. (gluten free, but you would never know it!)
Every time we visit, the day always passes much too quickly.  There is just so much to catch up on (and we never do!)

We all wished we could have stayed longer, but we are hopeful for one more visit before Hannah's fall quarter begins.  (and our life will get even a little crazier!)

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If you are looking for all natural skin care products give them a look-see  AndersonFamilyFarm1979.com

Summer day trip - Kingston beach

It's said that summer doesn't start here in Washington until July 5th.  I actually heard a weather expert explain why this is true.  Suffice it to say, that when the weather warms up and the sun does shine I get a little antsy to enjoy the beach.  

We have a favorite beach for several reasons: no crowds, lots of good beachcombing, and a fun ferry ride.

We asked a friend to join us too.

A coffee stand just a few feet from the ferry exit beckoned me, and I couldn't refuse.

Wild sweet peas were so fragrant and with the smell of the salt air it was almost intoxicating.

My new found hobby... look for shadows to photograph.

Like a million little diamonds.  The sea is so beautiful.

A sure sign of summer...sandy toes.

Souveniers

Until next summer, Kingston Beach.  With loving affection.

- Carol

Summer day trip - Snohomish river

Most people think it only rains in Washington.  We certainly get a lot of that, but we do have glorious summers.  This summer we experienced some super hot weather for weeks at a time.  To get some relief, one day we hit the river with some friends.   

My friend is sweet to bring life jackets for the kids.  The kids have had swimming lessons, but are not good swimmers due to lack of opportunity to practice, but they practiced what they remembered. 😀
"Mama, LOOK!".   "Mama, watch meee!"

I think due to the extended heat the water level was low. (which makes it not so scary for me - scary because I only have two eyes to keep watch on five kids.)

Sadly, I forgot to get pictures of all the kids together.  I thought of that after we left.  

Life Lately

I have had this post in my drafts for a while.  Trouble with our internet meant slow loading photos so I'd write a little here and there.  Then I realized that I had a lot of photos so I considered making separate posts for each, but this honestly isn't the season for blogging for me so bear with the extra long post, okay?

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When my dad and brother were here we took them to Narrative.  It's our favorite coffee house.
We love to take our company there.  We feel like it lets them into our lives.  That may sound weird, but with specialty coffee such a big part of our lives - and a coffee house that's so enjoyable to be at, it's just a perfect thing to do. Sort of like "When in Rome...."

They really enjoyed the relaxed vibe there.  Narrative always have some sort of great music playing (at just the right volume too.)  While sitting on a comfy couch, I decided to take some pictures of what I had in view.

Ellie brought her sketch book and her new MP3 player.

a Converse convention

I don't remember the drink that Roger tried.  It was a cold drink that had "sea glass" in the name.  How could you go wrong with that? 😉  Dad tried his first pour-over. 👌

Hannah took this shot and I put it in black and white.  It's my favorite!

It rained so much for the week they were here.  Life has been pretty crazy lately.  We still have only one car making life more complicated and requiring more of me.  Hannah is still recovering so we have good days and bad days and tired days and crabby days (and that goes for everyone.) I am thankful that family is willing to do "whatever".  They didn't come with expectations other than spending time together.

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Father's Day

A day to let our very special man know how much we love him and appreciate all that he does for us.  He bears so many burdens and responsibilities on our behalf, but he does it with with joy and love, and we are so thankful for him.  Also - he's fun and an inspiration.

Age is only a state of mind.

Twice around the lake is a 5K.  From the start, Mary took the easy way.  Easy for HER.

How I adore this man.

That day was beautiful and sunny and nearly 80 degrees.  Not even all the way around the lake and they took cover in the shade.  These Washingtonians melt when it gets above 73 degrees!

Sarah is back living in Washington and she was able to join us too.

Abbie was practicing for an upcoming race.

learning to foot brake.

She got it!

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A nature walk in the park with friends - (Lord's Hill Regional Park)

It had been a long while since we had last gotten together.  My children always look forward to seeing them.  And I enjoy any opportunity to take my camera along.  😊

This particular park has so many trails, but with some little legs in the crowd we decided to keep the "hike" short (about 2 miles.)

This outing was just what we needed in the midst of still trying finish up some school and every spare moment working on the coffee roastery.  (which is really coming along nicely and also why I don't have time to blog!) 

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All the gravity sports

We found a little known-little traveled road by our home.  The pavement isn't smooth, but it's a safe place to practice.  Daniel has been building a gravity bike with Eric in hopes to go down Maryhill next year with it.

We have two trips planned to Maryhill later this summer.  One is a sanctioned race and the other is a free ride.  The free rides are put on by a group of people that we've built a bit of "community" with.  They were quick to let us know they heard of Hannah's accident and wished her quick healing.   They supported us by purchasing a lot of  "That Skate Fairy" vinyl stickers.

Have you seen The Greatest Showman?  I feel like skaters are sort of like the "curiosities" in the movie.   They are tatted and rough on the outside, but they each have a story.  A great many people have prejudices against skaters.  They are thought of punks or rebels - some are, some aren't.
They all need a chance to see the love of Christ.   They need a chance to hear of Christ and what He has accomplished for them.

So we go.  We build relationships.  We pray we are salt and light.

I will end this post here and continue soon.  (soon is a relative term, right?)
- Carol