Mountains Out

We made the mistake and headed to University of Washington on a game day. Big mistake. Despite the parking troubles, it was a really fun day with the Salmons. The weather was perfect, we were outside literally all day, got to see that beautiful campus and got to see the meaning of the phrase "Mountains out." That's what people say when you can see Mt. Rainer. I'll tell you what. I don't know how you ever get used to that mountain. It is breath taking. A little daunting, but just stunning.

Ethan and Dallin tried to find tickets at the tailgates, and while they were gone, the girls and I walked around campus. We didn't make it too far because their legs started acting small, but it was really pretty regardless. I can't wait to go back some day and check out the cherry blossoms and the water system that they have.

This library is literally like Hogwarts. Oh and all I said was smile so...

Ethan felt terrible leaving us and this was after he ran up an incredible steep hill to find us. We were fine but it was so fun to have him with us.

It s a hard picture to capture to show its true magnitude, but Mountains Out.

Saying Goodbye

We have known my parents were going on a mission for about 2 years now. Naturally, when we move to Washington they move to Japan about 2 weeks later. Life right?!
Our second weekend in Issy we made a road trip to say our official goodbye to my parents before they set of on their own adventure. The Petersen's were out of town so it was just us which gave us some quality time. We played lots of games, went to the pumpkin patch, ate delicious caramel and apples, and spent lots of time following Poppa and Grandma around. They did such a great job on their farewell talks and were such a great example of faith and testimony. They both have rock hard testimonies and I'm glad Kelsey will have some memories of them going on their mission.

 It was raining while we were up on Greenbluff but I guess we must get used to that.

Kelsey didn't mind, but little miss anal over here HATED all the mud. She REFUSED to touch the pumpkins becasue her hands got messy after. I actually can't wait to see her when she is older to see how much of a neat freak she will be.

We didn't let her nap so that we could go get pumpkins so the question on the way home was to eat or sleep. She found a great compromise.

The girls literally followed my parents around everywhere. It was a bit excessive but I didn't stop them. They were just getting in their 2 years fill. My dad was so cute with Madison, but he just couldn't keep his eyes open during the stories. Darn stories, putting people to sleep.

And my mom was a champion and got on the floor to play with Kelsey. I know its harder for her knees but she did it. Thats love if I've ever seen it.

That final goodbye was a little rough. I am so excited for my parents and honestly, I haven't lived close to them for years now so whats the difference between Japan and Spokane? but actually accepting that they were going to leave for 2 years was harder to swallow. 2 years is a super long time. I mean, Kelsey will be going into 1st grade when they get back! Thats crazy!! I was sad, but I'm so excited for them. They are so awesome!

First Hike

One of our first weekends here we were anxious to get outside and hike around. We stumbled upon this trail about 3 minutes from our house that was very short but incredibly rewarding!  I feel like that explains it all.
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Puddle Jumpers

Jackets and boots are pretty much a must around here. You need to be able to get wet. Its not that its always raining but it does rain everyday and you don't want to be stuck. The girls have loved this new found freedom of being able to run and jump in puddles. Not gonna lie, the novelty is sort of wearing off as they see puddles everywhere we go all day er'day, but its still fun every now and then to run through a puddle.

Madison worked her tail off to make a splash. Her hard work finally paid off in a whole 1/2 inch of jump. It was adorable. She has never been more proud!

Snoqualmie Falls

Since we have gotten the opportunity to move around a lot we have seen a lot of things just by default. We always joke that we are too cheap to vacation so we just move. Whenever we move somewhere I make a big list of all the things we want to see.  We can't be constant tourist so in the midst of living life, we "travel" around and see new things. Right now we have designated Friday as our adventure day. I know it will change with time and weather and everything else, but Friday is working right now.

About 20 minutes from our house is a Seattle must see: Snowqualime Falls. Its a huge waterfall tucked into the mountains surrounded by trails and hikes. I've been when I was in high school, but I actually have no memory of it. I don't know if it was raging when we saw it or small but doesn't matter. It was beautiful!

I didn't realize that there was a hike down to the lower part of the falls. Its not that crazy but I was definitely wearing boots and everyone else was wearing hiking shoes and tights. The girls were troopers. They hiked down and then back up the whole 1 mile. A mile is not a lot. I know that, but going straight up for a mile on 4 year old legs is pretty impressive. Not one time did she ask me to hold her and not one time did she complain. It was a big deal. And by the way. The bottom part of the falls is a must!

None of these photos have edits. Its just that stunning!

Kelsey LOVES worms. I mean LOVES worms. She wanted to stop and touch every slug we saw and every time we came to new moss, she was like "Its moss! A worm probably lives here!" I love this about her. She is not afraid to get messy or touch slimy things. She was so excited about the snails that she found, she even stopped people to show them. Luckily everyone was really nice because lets be honest, most adults would let a snail crawl up their arm. I certainly wouldn't.

For having little adventurers, we sure have been able to see some beautiful things. Issaquah is so awesome for having amazing sights very close.