On January 1, I took the kids to Carkeek Park to (a) enjoy the clear weather and (b) provide a quiet house for Eric to take a nap. The kids and I bundled up, made a pit stop at Dick's for some burgers, and then headed down to the beach. It was cold, but absolutely stunning. I figured we'd probably have the beach to ourselves; I couldn't have been more wrong. The place was packed! Apparently, we Seattleites have no fear of cold and refuse to pass up a blue-skied day.
Upon arriving at the beach, the kids began meeting their hole-making quota. Annika and Conor began digging their own holes, but Conor quickly determined working on a co-owned hole was much more fun and Annika was amiable to the idea. Eventually, their focus turned from digging holes to throwing rocks. (Gratefully, they had enough real estate that they weren't risking their or anyone else's safety ... aim and our children haven't become friends yet.) Being the horrible mother that I am, I eventually made the kids pause in their efforts and had them eat their burgers. (Note that I scarfed mine down as soon as we arrived ... cold burgers just isn't appealing in the least... our kids have no such beliefs.)
We were treated to having a train run along the tracks while we were there. By "treated", I mean Annika and I thought it was cool.... Conor covered his ears and decided the entire event was completely unnecessary and probably a bit cruel.
Eventually, we made it up to the playground so Annika could spend some time on the swings. Conor was much more interested in returning to the beach, so this was a good lesson in how to compromise. (Personally, I'm with Conor and would rather spend our time on the beach taking in the view!) Annika has become quite the skilled pumper on the swings and can achieve rather impressive heights under her own power. She still likes for us to pull her feet for some extra oomph, though (who wouldn't??).
All-in-all, it was a wonderful way to start off the new year and enjoy the gorgeous scenery we have around these parts. Can't wait to go back. :)
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| Dig, dig, dig |
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| So many treasures to be found on the beach |
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| Annika taking in the view |
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I took this for my brother (Drew)
so he could recall all of the goodness that is Seattle |
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| Nom, nom, nom |
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| Not sure if she's dancing or throwing rocks... |
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| Mmmm.... cold burgers |
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| Choo choo choo choo |
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| Annika showing her new-found ability to pump on her own |
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