Nana & Poppy visit Seattle

In mid-August, Glen's parents (aka Nana & Poppy) came out to Seattle to visit us for a few weeks! We were so thankful they made the long trek from Australia to see us. Although Claudia doesn't remember Nana's last visit to Seattle when she was a baby, she knows her well from Skype, so she gave her a big hug when she first saw her. And then she got down to business and asked Nana for the "big boots" she had promised. Claudia not only got boots, but a whole suitcase full of clothes and shoes!

We hung around Seattle for a few days and did some touristy activities like the aquarium, Pike Place Market, and Glen took David to his first baseball game. Claudia introduced her grandparents to the "Boo Game" which never gets old (in her mind), so we pretended to be scared a lot. Then we went east to Alta Lake (which Claudia calls the Big House) and enjoyed relaxing and catching up. After that, Glen & I went back to work while Claudia stayed with her grandparents during the day and enjoyed being spoiled with toys, treats, and lots of love.

Now that everyone was reacquainted, we decided to go on a big adventure together... another country... Canada! We're lucky to have family friends who have a vacation house on the Olympic Peninsula, so were stayed there for a long weekend and did a day trip to Victoria, BC via the Port Angeles ferry. Claudia loved running around the ferry saying hi to other kids and we even saw a gray whale. The Coyners were wonderful hosts and took Glen and my dad crabbing and us girls beach combing. Lyn paid them back for their hospitality by smuggling a Cuban cigar back from Canada for Tom. My parents joined us and we all went to the Olympic Game Park in Sequim, which was really neat. You get to drive around this reserve of retired Disney film animals and throw bread at them, so they come right up to your car.

We were all sad to say goodbye, but happy to have spent some quality time together. Time moves quickly these days, so fast forward one year, and we will all be together again. Love you.

Claudia getting ready to go to the airport to pick them up. She was so excited that she forgot a few items of clothing.

A classic pose from Kerry Park showing the Space Needle in the background.


Having a BBQ dinner at the Lake Chelan Winery.


Hanging out on the deck at Alta eating a blue candy.

Running around the gardens of the Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC.

Family photo in front of the fountain.

Taking a break from shopping around the streets of Victoria.

On the Olympic Peninsula, hanging out on the rocky beach. Claudia loved throwing rocks in the water and trying to splash Nana.

Claudia & I kayaking. You can faintly see Mt. Rainer in the background.

On the deck at Tom & Penny's house.


Claudia petting a sheep at the Olympic Game Farm.

David's Pooh Bear, who needs a photo in every country he visits, although (for the record), this is his 2nd trip to America. :-)


In our old stomping ground (Wallingford, Seattle) checking out the boats on Lake Union.