We enjoyed an awesome week hosting our friends from Tennessee. We met Amy and Ryan when Amy and I were RDs at WWU back in '04-'05. We only worked together one year but have stayed in touch (particularly Ryan and Jeremy who will talk to each other probably at least once a month). Ryan had a conference in our neck of the woods so the whole family came out a week before and we got to enjoy a fun filled week of outings and adventures. Jaydon and Lucy are similar ages to their younger to Collins and Alyn and Katy Jane (their oldest) was great at playing and taking care of Kate. It was pretty amazing how quickly our kiddos built up a solid friendship and we made it through the week with no fighting that I can remember.
Some at home play time
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| The boys would read each other stories each night before bed |
Visiting our WWU roots! Introducing the kids to the Red Square Fountain
Taking pics on the Old Main lawn (the Korstanges were better jumpers than the Smoldons for this photo op)
Taking the ferry out to Orcas Island
We made it up to the Mt. Constitution look out with barely enough time to run out get a few pics and drive back down the mt. before it was closed by the ranger. Gorgeous views and at some point I will need to actually get the pics Jeremy took because they are way better than mine.
We went on a fairly strenuous hike up Turtle Mt (I think was the name) but it had a great view and the kids did pretty well.
On our way home from Orcas we swung by Deception Pass and enjoyed some amazing views.
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| Walking the bridge is a little scary |
Heading down to the beach at the pass
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| Jeremy and Katy Jane collected these little guys from the beach |
The next day we went to Ebey State Park on Whidbey Island
More hiking and beach time...seriously gorgeous!
Our last night together all the kids enjoyed story time together
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| And of course it wouldn't be a complete vacation without a game of Settlers thrown in. |
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| All of the junior ranger booklets the Smoldon kids did during the week (the Korstange kids had a few extras too)! |
It was a pretty idyllic week (minus the plumbing problems at our house). We are certainly planning to not wait 13 years to get together again.
