July 4th

What a great July 4th we had! The weather was unusually great, especially for this part of the country. It was in the mid 80's and sunny. We decided to forego our usual visit to the local parade and go hiking the Cascades instead. We were at about the 4000 foot level, where we hiked through patches of snow and beautiful cascading waterfalls. The views were breathtaking, as was the hike (a lot of huffing a puffing on our part). Mark went much farther and higher than we did, since we were maxed out, so he got some of the best pictures, but here is one of mine. If I can get some of Mark's I'll add them later.

Another Week with the Kids

We are now enjoying another week-end with the kids - grandkids and our own kids. The weather has been perfect! Last week-end everyone was here for Father's Day. We were all 7 gathered together and now the kids are here again. Drew and Sarah are gone during the day, so we get some extra time with the grandchildren. Since Mark is here, too, and he always likes an adventure, we've been hiking, and boating, as well as, attending an African Children's Choir performance. Here are some pictures. Of our week-end.......oh, yeah, it is also our 33rd anniversary today!!

Father's Day

The hot dry spell we had is over. Rain and cool temps have returned.
Also returning is Mark who flew in a couple of days ago and Drew who arrives with his family later today. We're all 7 here for Father's Day. Hopefully the weather improves so we can get out for our favorite family activity - mountain hiking.
We'll try to get some pictures to post after the week-end.

Hot and Dry

Hot and dry are not words we generally use to describe our weather here in the Seattle area in early June, but that is how it is right now. We haven't had any rain in 2 weeks (this may be a record) and the temps got up in the 90's the past two days. These temps did break the record for today.
We're enjoying it while it lasts. How long will that be?? Don't know, but we'll keep you posted.

Paradise Valley Pix

We managed to get back to our new favorite hiking spot and even remembered to bring the camera. Here are a few photographs of the trails and views - look closely to see the snow covered Cascade Mountains on the territorial shot - it was very obvious 'in person' but didn't show up very well on the photograph.
There are several miles of hiking trails here in a 660 acre area. If you are local - try it out. It's definitely worth it.

Updates

There is not too much to tell. The house is still being shown, but there are no offers - yet. Mark finishes up the academic year shortly and will be home the first week of June.
We had two of our best spring days this past week-end, so we got out for some more hiking. It seems to be one of our favorite activities as the weather continues to improve.
Our property is looking so beautiful now - the rhodies and azaleas are in full bloom as are the apple and pear trees. Our first iris is also about to bloom. Although, we did lose several plants to the unusually cold winter, most are thriving. The decades old rose bushes I thought were lost, are slowing recovering.

Paradise Valley Hike

Just to take a break from our usual routine, we went on a hike in the Paradise Valley Conservation Area yesterday. It is a new hiking area Mark discovered for us just 5 minutes from our house. What a delightful time we had. There are numerous well-marked trails. Some are just for hikers and others are open to horses and bicycles. It is nature at it finest. Some of the vegetation is tagged with its name for those who want to learn a little while hiking.

As soon as we got there, we realized we should have brought the camera. I'm sure we'll go back soon and will be sure to take pictures for posting here.

Hiking is something our family our always enjoyed doing. We go way back to when we would put our baby (Drew) in a back pack and hike to Wallace Falls. We don't back pack anyone any more, but still enjoy the hikes.

Thanks for this new find, Mark.