Our Recent Whidbey Weekend

 Last weekend, we celebrated Eric's mom's birthday WITH HER! (Thanks, COVID vaccines!!) 

We got up bright and early Saturday morning (much to Annika's chagrin) and headed north to the ferry terminal. Lo and behold - the ferry dock moved and there was a new terminal. What the what???? Obviously, it has been quite some time since we've been to Whidbey! (Side note - the new terminal is beautiful. Lots of lumber and a lovely incorporation of Native American artwork.)

We didn't make the original ferry we aimed for, but there are worse things in the world. Fortunately, the ferries run every 30 minutes and we easily got on the next one.

Soon after arriving, Eric's dad and Conor headed out to play golf and soak up a bit of sun together. They played 5 holes and came back with a few great stories about their time on the course together. Apparently Conor's first ball on the 1st tee went rogue. As did the second ball... however it followed the first rogue ball's path, so there was consistency there! A few tees later, from what we were told Conor hit a couple of nice shots that were worthy of praise and mentioning to the rest of us back at the house. (Way to go, Conor!)

Annika is one who enjoys organizing and seeing the results of those efforts. While we were on Whidbey, she decided it was time to clean Bestemor's birdbath. She grabbed a scrub brush and bucket full of water and went to work. By time she was done, she was exhausted and the bird bath looked almost new again. (Nicely done, Annika!)

Often, we celebrate extended family birthdays in the general timeframe of the birthday, but not necessarily ON the actual birthday. Fortunately for us, the stars (and days of the week) aligned, so we were able to celebrate Karen's birthday on her actual birthday. Win! Jack made amazing lamb chops on the grill for dinner. I mean A-MAZ-ING. I could have eaten twice as many as I did ... if I wasn't being kind and sharing with everyone else. For dessert, we made a strawberry/rhubarb crisp. Nom nom nom.

We gave Karen two photo-themed gifts for her birthday. The first is a digital frame that we can add photos to from afar. It's kind of perfect for a family that is scattered all over the country, if you ask me! We also gave Karen a canvas print of our recent "in the box photography" project. (She had asked for an updated family photo, so I took the idea and ran with it.)

Bestemor looking at her gift

Her gift!

Speaking of running, Finn decided to take a jaunt through the forest when a door was accidentally left open. That dog can RUN when he wants to. Of course, he thought it was all fun and games. The rest of us were in a panic that he'd get lost or hurt. Fortunately, we were able to wrangle him with the help of some bribery (aka dog treats). Unfortunately, our path to getting him back on a leash went straight through stinging nettles (SURPRISE!). Side note: Stinging nettles are no joke!

On Sunday, Jack took both of the kids fishing (1 at a time) on Lone Lake. It is a catch-and-release lake, so no fish came home, but there were definitely lots of nibbles on their hooks. Jack and Conor headed out first (so Annika could sleep in) and were on the water shortly after 7 AM. Karen and I took Annika to the lake around 9:00 for her turn on the lake with Bestefar and to retrieve Conor. Lone Lake is truly gorgeous! 

Conor and Bestefar on Lone Lake

Annika and Besefar on Lone Lake

In addition to birthday celebration fun, fishing, and golfing, we also played a new card games and even learned a new one called Rook. Talk about a fun weekend!!

A special thanks to Eric's parents for hosting us. Being able to spend time together again is truly wonderful. We can't wait to see you again (hopefully) soon!.

Annika's 1st vaccine dose

 Earlier this week, the powers that be gave the green light for kids (12-15 years old) to get the Pfizer vaccine. WOO HOO!!! (Naturally, we'd have preferred that 11-year-olds were included in that group so we could get both kids vaccinated now, but no one asked us ... rude!)

Annika got an appointment for 7:45 this morning at the UW vaccination clinic. (Honestly, we have never seen a kid so excited to get a shot EVER!) She didn't love having to wake up earlier than normal to make it to her appointment, but that's a small price to pay if you ask us.

It goes without saying that prior to getting her injection, Annika was a bit nervous. She was a real trooper, but still... it's a shot, people!

The Shoreline firefighters at the vaccination clinic were top notch. They explained things to her in a very respectful, age-appropriate way. 

Before we knew it, the injection was done and she was ready for her post-vaccine 15-minute wait. After giving her the shot, the firefighters asked how she was doing. She said, "I'm fine. That was rather anti-climactic." (ha!)

In three weeks, we'll be back for her second dose. Woo hoo!

Brave girl

Officially on the road to returning to "normal" life

In honor of her big day, I (of course) made a t-shirt for her!

Annika's Virtual Feis

Last month, Annika participated in her first virtual feis. She worked really hard to prepare for it and was thrilled to be back in competitive dance mode after a year of none. 

Because this was a virtual feis, her dances needed to be recorded and submitted to the feis' website by the deadline. Fortunately, she was able to work with one of the dance studio instructors to dance in the studio, which meant she was in a space that met the minimum requirement for the feis and the instructor was able to make some last-minute suggestions before she filmed Annika's dances. Win all around!!

She did amazingly well at this feis! She placed in ever single event she participated in... FIVE! The judges were great at complimenting her dances and offering suggestions on things to work on. Such a great learning opportunity!

She placed 3rd for her reel and treble jig, 2nd for her single jig, and 1st for her slip jig and light jig. 

To say she was over the moon with her results would be an understatement. Prior to this feis, she hadn't placed above 3rd before. Her hard work and constant dancing definitely paid off in this instance!

Great job, sis! We are proud of you and excited for you.

And now, for your viewing pleasure....