Andreas

 I have a great fortune to know two fantastic Andreas. One is my college roommate and the other my lovely sister. Just two weeks ago we visited both. They are some of the most amazing people I know and it was just what we needed to get away from life and being with people we love! Here are some pictures of those adventures.

 

 

The Sunday before Labor day we headed down to Danbury Connecticut. We met up with my roommate Andrea and her daughter Amelia for a picnic at the park. It was a beautiful evening and the kids had a fantastic time together. Once we finished our picnic we all went back to "sleep."

 

Having Lucy and Sam in the same bed was interesting. We ended up with each child in a bed with us, just to fall asleep, and then we moved them back together. Sam sleeps without moving too much, but Lucy does gymnastics during the night. It was a miracle that they woke up slightly rested. 

 

The next day we went to a small beach off of a reservoir of Lake candlewood. It was busy, and it smelled of delicious Mexican food. We stayed for a few hours, up until the kids got tired and fussy.

Right before we left we snapped a few photos of the bunch. It was just like any other photo shoot with kids --- all over the place.

I am so glad I was able to meet up with this lovely lady! She is one of the most amazing and hard working people that I know. Now we just have to see each other more than once every two years.

The coming Wednesday we made our trek to Washington to visit our other fantastic Andrea! The flight was pretty uneventful with the expectation of the first 15 minutes on our first flight. First a older lady was sitting in one of our seats and we had to try to politely ask her to move. Then once we got Sam situated we noticed he didn't have much leg room (he was strapped in his car seat!). Because of this he was kicking the seat in front of him and the man sitting in front of him was not pleased. We tried to keep Sam from kicking and the man from lashing out, but there wasn't much we could do. In the end, Sam got the picture and the flight was fine.

When we got to Andrea's we went to a soccer practice that evening to really tire our kids out. They went to bed at their "normal" bedtime and Sam woke at 5:30 am. Lucy actually slept later.

The next day we went to Point Defiance. They had an aquarium and zoo. I was super impressed. There were places to touch creatures and lots of tigers. And it was low key because it was during the week. We had a great time.

This is a funny picture. Just seconds before there was a bird on this stick, but it finished and flew away right before the picture. I think Andrea has a picture of a bird on Lucy's head.

Then we checked out the beach of the Sound while we were in that area. It was fun -- a beautiful view of the Mountain, lots of rocks and climbing places and creatures.

Isn't this the cutest pictures ever?!

The next day we went on a small hike to the sound. The kids did well, and the Sound was fun to visit again. I think this might have been were Andrea told us there is a shipwreck you can see as the tide goes down. Cool huh?!

After this hike we went to eat at Duke's chowder house. The seafood was amazing!!

More fun creatures -- crabs and starfish.

And then on Saturday because Liam was home from school we made the trek to the Mountain -- Mount Rainier. It was BEAUTIFUL! Apparently they do experience some changing of colors, but it only happens with the shrubbery. We walked along the mountain and enjoyed the beautiful weather and beautiful colors.

Here Jimmy and Sam are looking at the marmot.

This was still on the way to Paradise lodge, but it gives you a preview of what happened on the way back.

On our way back to the cars I had Liam, Lucy and Lincoln (on my back), Andrea had Landon on her shoulders and Jimmy was in charge of Sam. It was rough on the tired kids and at one point Jimmy and Sam ended up far behind us. And then Andrea and I passed the turn-off and we went further than necessary. Let's just say there was a little bit of dragging and motivational speaking. But finally we realized our blunder and turned around meeting up with Jimmy and Sam who actually took the correct turn.

The kids were superstars considering all the walking. It was a worthwhile visit!

Saturday night Jimmy left and Andrea and I were left with 5 crazy monkeys. Sunday was energetic, and we did some major gymnastics trying to keep the kids in one pew. Sam was needing a nap and actually fell asleep in nursery. I collected him and he transferred to the car to Andrea's house and to a bed. Then he slept for 3 hours. Apparently he was lacking on sleep.

That night the kids decided that they would swap places in their rooms and stayed up way too late. We ended up sitting at the top of the stairs to stop them from playing all night.

On Monday Andrea wanted to take us to the Children's museum in Olympia, but when we got there is was closed for the week (maintenance!). So we went to a near by park and then to Trader Joe's for some lunch.

Later that day we went with the boys to their soccer practice and then went home, put the kids to bed and then watched Mom's Night Out.

The next day, our last day (boo hoo!) we tried to clean a little. Then we left the kids with a friend of Andrea's and went out to lunch just the two sisters. Let me tell you, I could eat Indian food all day long and this places was delicious. Plus it was extra enjoyable because I could eat it slowly and calmly. And I just love spending time with my sister. She is just that cool.

We got back, and tried to snap some pictures of most of the cousins. Another portrayal of real life.

And we left later that evening. It was a sad thing to leave our family. I will admit there was a lot of noise and a lot of craziness, but everyone had a great time. And...my kids are sleeping in now. I took an overnight flight with two kids and  car seat, and even though I looked ridiculous and little ragged, my biggest gift was the kids went to bed early and woke up late the next day. So all in all another great trip!

What a trip -- and what fantastic company!