TIME WITH THE GRANDS ;’-)

Sarah and Jeremy and the Smoldon Grands were here for at least a short visit. For them is was a whirlwind of a vacation!! They traveled for just about two weeks around Washington to visit both sets of family and several friends. We were happy to have them here for two of their days! 

A couple of weeks before, Bill had taken me for my first experience of the Kraken Ice Arena and I knew right away that this had to be an outing for these Grands who are such big fans.

Kraken is the Seattle Ice Hockey team, and this arena is their practice venue. It was such fun watching the Grands skate all around, and to see how much each one improved their skating skills just about every minute they skated.

Jaydon hit the ice running, and he improved from there.

Lucie was next, and though she was upright from her first attempts, she too got even better as she skated.

The most obvious advancement in skating skill was evident with Kate.

First hugging the wall with mom as a back up for not falling they made their way around the entire rink…

Tentatively Kate took her first glides without holding onto anything/body…

She found that falling wasn’t so bad — especially if mom was nearby…

And THEN…

They each and all had a grand time on the ice and can now say they have skated at the Karken Ice Arena ;’-).

We had lunch upstairs at the pub where there is an area set off for underage folk.

The family went off for visiting others the following couple of days, but we got them back for a day of more fun. First, in the morning, the girls joined me for my morning yoga practice.

I am always so happy to have them do yoga with me ;’-).

Susan had the idea to bike up to the Ropes Course and what a hit that was. We began with a miniature golf game with no idea who had the highest or lowest score. Just the way I like it.

After golf the Grands and Sarah headed over for their instructions about climbing the course.

They listen intently and seriously…

Kate takes an extra precaution to practice clipping in with mom nearby…

They had a blast!

Kate climbed the stairway learning to hold the line, clip in and out, but that would be it for her climbing. She did get to do the lower zip line —- four times!

Lucy had told us she had a fear of heights so I was not convinced that she would like this idea. She ended up doing the entire course four times. 

And had no trepidation of zip lining along the three sides of the course. They all did the zip lining which seemed to be a true highlight of finishing the climbing ;’-).

Jaydon confidently made his way around the course several times as well.

And there was their mama keeping up with them…

What fun it was to watch them from their first intimidating steps to gain more and more courage and skill each step of the way.

After all that work we needed refreshments and food so we hopped back on our bikes and headed for Dairy Queen

Piles up our bikes on the patio, masked up and went in to order our outdoor lunch and treats.

All too soon the day was done and the next morning was time to say our goodbyes as the headed back to their home in Elk Grove, California. Until next time Grands, we will be ready for more adventures. Now it was time to gear up and pack up for an adventure with the “other Grands” Etienne and Andre who live only a ferry ride away ;’-). There is a story to that but it will be included in the next blog about the adventure.