Annual Fishing Trip

 We have been so blessed to particpate in the CAST for Kids Foundation annual fishing event for kiddos with special needs. This is something we look forward to you every year pulling out our own fishing poles and tackle boxes (given to the kids their first year of fishing) and I keep my promise for an early morning donut run only on fish'in days.  

We were matched up with Cap'n Paul and his bass boat this year. 

Isaac made the first catch!

Mila loves to catch a fish...but not to be anywhere near it! 

Look at that pretty blue gil!

Speeding around Lake Washington. 

Receiving their fishing plaques. Isaac reported he caught 200 fish!  Mila grabbed the mic and boldly corrected her brother's "fish story"  "No Isaac. We caught TEN"  🤣🤣

Thank you Cap'n Paul and CAST for Kids for another great day on the lake!

Summer Adventures 2023

Summer looked different this year. Our move from Sweet Street in early June and subsequent check-in at Hotel Gramma derailed our typical summer road trip plans while we waited for the provision of our new house.  We took advantage of a plethura of day trips around the Puget Sound and a smattering of hotel staycations: 

FORT FLAGLER. Less than 2 hours from our home on Morrowstone Island, protected our nation through both WWs and the Korean War. This is a hidden gem in the PNW that I wish we had known about sooner!

WOODLAND PARK ZOO. Isaac and I haven't been in years and this was the first trip for Mila!

VENARDOS CIRCUS. This is an animal-free Broadyway style circus that comes to town every year. It's our second year and I bet we'll go again next year--so much fun!

We really liked the foot juggler!

LONG BEACH, WA.  A spontaneous overnight to the SW Washington Coast.  The World's Longest Beach is here and is also listed as a certified WA State Hwy. All rules of the road are supposed to be followed, but we took liberty with any potential road rule that prevented chasing down a flock of seaguls at 30mph!  (I've not added the video that includes my maniacal laugh!)

The day Google tried to kill us!

Beach sunsets are the best sunsets <3 

Exploring the Discovery Trail:

Not sure how it got started but arcade games at the beach are a thing in our family.  Mila discovered driving and enjoyed it FAR more than her virtual 154mph WHILE ON FIRE driving should allow! 🤯

And Isaac bested the strongarm!

I nerded out when we discovered the Lewis & Clark tree, engraved by Captain Lewis to commerate the end of their search for the Pacific Ocean. 

Clark documented the marking of this tree in his journal, saying:

“…I proceeded on the Sandy Coast 4 miles, and marked my name on a Small pine, the Day of the month & Year…”

My kids were not impressed... 🤪

BOWLING & PARKS & WALKS AND BASEBALL GAMES:

DOWN SYNDROME SUMMER DANCE:

Going dancing has quickly become one of our favorite activities for all three of us. It's one of the few (only?) social activities that I do not need to interpret, assist, guide, translate or arrange accomodation  for my kids. I can literally sit back and let them dance their brains out.  They are with friends just like them and probably more importantly a line of wallflower adults that know exactly how to engage my kids while I do the same with theirs.  It's a refreshing fun filled evening for us all followed by a very good night's sleep!

ANDERSON ISLAND FERRY: