Sunny Seattle Moments

We just returned from a 10-day road trip to the Pacific Northwest.

And yes, it was basically sunny for our entire trip, including the days spent in Seattle AND the rainforests on the Olympic Peninsula.

We were beginning to laugh at the fact that we might never see rain in Seattle until our last day there. It was overcast that day, with a couple of brief, light showers...but that was it.

On top of the Space Needle

The trip was so fun.  We stayed with some great people from Tyler's side of the family who really helped to make our trip a success. They showed us around Seattle, helped us navigate the area, and shared some wonderful meals with us--including the best salmon we've ever tasted!

I know that traveling posts can get really long and boring...so I'll stop here and share only a few more pictures. If that peaks your interest enough to want to see more, then you can click here to view our album of the trip.

Seattle at night

One of the rainforests we visited along the Olympic Peninsula.

Ruby Beach, also on the Olympic Peninsula

Snoqualmie Falls

The troll that got Tyler under a bridge.

Making Summer Moments

There are just some things that make summer feel like summer...

...long evenings

What better way to enjoy a great summer night than driving around in your father-in-law's convertible? :)

...campfires

...hiking in the mountains

...a good BBQ

...water

Our fearless nephew loves jumping in the pool.

...fireworks

...vacations

...and some time to sit back and relax.

 So far, this summer is so good.

 I think the only thing we are missing is homemade ice cream. 

That moment is sure to come soon...

Finger Food Moments

We went with Tyler's family to try an  Ethiopian restaurant downtown called the Blue Nile. 

You can read a review of the restaurant here.

Our review is that it was awesome. 

The fun of Ethiopian-styled dining is that you eat with your fingers, using a crepe-like bread  called injera to scoop up the food. Although there are different seating options, we sat around the platters of food served in tall baskets (pictured above) with small tables to the sides. The food itself had such a variety of delicious flavors-- some dishes were spiced with curry while others were just plain unique in taste.

It was a great adventure!

We are definitely planning to go back.

(Let us know if you want to come! :) )

Capitol Camping Moments

Last week, we went camping at Capitol Reef National Park with my dad's side of the family. This part of Southern Utah has a lot to offer campers.

We went on some fun hikes.

This is one of the overlooks at the top of Cohab Canyon. Beautiful!

We also "hiked" and played in some small rivers- a great way to keep cool in the heat.

 

We saw beautiful wildlife and scenery.

  The bright moon and red rocks made for a great opportunity to try out some night photography.

Can you find the big and little dipper? :)

And, as always, we enjoyed spending time with family. There were over 20 of us at the campsite, including 3 dogs and 3 two-year-olds running around in the dirt. We were always entertained. 

Our nephew's classic stance of disappointment. We call it his "Charlie Brown" moment.

Grandpa and his dog, Harley

My family in front of Dad's rented motorhome. The rest of us had tents spread out around 5 different sites.

It was a great trip!